Church History
HISTORY OF THE
LOVE CHAPEL CHURCH OF GOD IN CHRIST
GRAPEVINE, TEXAS
In 1932, an historical event occurred when Elder Ray Roberts, who was a deacon under Bishop F.L. Haynes in Fort Worth, Texas, was commissioned to work out a mission in Grapevine, Texas.
A small church building was erected on land that was known as the “Gin Lot” leased from the Higgins family. As most churches did in those days, a stock tank was used for baptism.
Elder Roberts served as pastor from early 1932 until 1938, when the lease was up the small building was torn down.
Elder D.C. Littlefield was asked to come to Grapevine and re-establish the church. He brought one of his members, Ms. Rosie Edwards, who was an aspiring missionary. She was later appointed district missionary of the Fort Worth District.
In October 1942, with the help of Missionary Edwards, Mrs. Ella Jackson, Ms. Doshie Wright, and several other charter members and supporters, donations were obtained and property was purchased and a second church was built. Elder Littlefield said, “God Destroyed The First Church So That A Second Church Could Be Established.”
Mrs. Ella Jackson and Ms. Doshie Wright were appointed the first trustees. Mrs. Ella Jackson was appointed church mother, a position she served for 44 years until her demise in June 1985. She also served as the Denton District missionary for 22 years until her health forced her to retire. Elder D.C. Littlefield served as pastor from 1942 until 1949.
Elder Gus Battles was appointed as pastor of the Love Chapel Church in 1949. He immediately began working to replace the existing building. Elder Robert L. Redmon Sr. was appointed to the position of assistant pastor. Elder Battles was appointed as superintendent of the Stop Six District in Fort Worth in 1962.
During this time, Elder Robert Redmon Sr. was serving as pastor of the Church of God in Christ in Lewisville. Elder Gus Battles recommended Elder Redmon Sr. as his replacement at Love Chapel where he served faithfully until his death in 1993.
Under the leadership of Elder Robert Redmon Sr., with the support and prayers of the church members and friends, the church was remodeled again. Inside toilets were installed and additional land purchased for a paved parking lot and the sanctuary was handicap accessible.
Elder Redmon’s faithfulness, commitment and dedication to God was demonstrated by his work in the community surrounding the church. He reached out to the community to support the church and provided unity and stability in the area.
His commitment was also expressed in his home as his daughters became faithful workers in the house of God. Willie Redmon Mccrumby and Patricia Redmon Preciphs served as pianists.
His wife, Kathryn Redmon, served as secretary and teacher. She was committed to do whatever her hands found to do. His sons helped with repairs and yard work. His granddaughter, Charlotte (Dimples) McDade became the choir director. His whole family was dedicated to the work of the Lord. Pastor Redmon continued to be faithful and committed to the church even as his health began to fail. Deacon Ray Shelton and his son and namesake, Robert Jr. picked up the torch and continued to carry the work forward while Elder Redmon Sr. mentored and coached from the sidelines.
Elder Robert Redmon Sr. was called home in November, 1993.
Known as the faithful deacon, Deacon Ray Shelton was called home also in 1993.
Deacon Robert Redmon Jr. continued to keep the “prayer wheel” turning until Elder Emuel Glenn Jr. came to carry the torch further.
Elder Emuel Glenn Jr. pastored the Emmanuel COGIC in Roswell, New Mexico. He returned to his native home of Fort Worth, Texas. In July 1994, he was appointed pastor of the Love Chapel Church by Bishop J. Neaul Haynes.
Under his leadership, the membership quickly grew and required that the church be remodeled again. New ministries were established and the Lord continued to add to the church.
The need for a new building required the temporary relocation of the church in July 2001, only 2 blocks away, to 221 North Dooley Street. Pastor Glenn’s vision was for a new multi-purpose complex that would minister to the total man, woman, boy, and girl.
The church moved to a higher spiritual level in Christ Jesus. Seeking to empower the saints with purpose and commitment, “to reach out to reach the world.” Pastor Glenn had a vision for Love Chapel to be mission-minded and God-conscious.
Love Chapel was designated a historical building in 2009. In 2011, the church received an email from Kay Robison from the 1st Presbyterian Church in Grapevine requesting to meet with the members of Love Chapel Church. God had placed it on her heart to help Love Chapel return home.
In June 2013, the Lord called Pastor Glenn home and just like he did when Elder Redmon Sr. died, Elder Robert Redmon Jr. stepped in to keep the church going.
In July 2013, Bishop J. Neaul Haynes installed Elder Robert L. Redmon Jr. as the pastor of Love Chapel.
During that year the church continued to meet with the 1st Presbyterian Church and planned for Love Chapel to be restored.
Finally, in 2014, the city of Grapevine and its historical commission staff picked up the mantel to restore Love Chapel. Thanks to David Klempin, P.K. Mccullen, Sally Andrews and others, after much work Love Chapel was able to return home and held its first service on September 13, 2015. The city of Grapevine continues to work to restore not only our sanctuary but also the two buildings out back that will be used for a fellowship hall and offices and classrooms.
Pastor Redmon and the Love Chapel Church members are grateful for the city and all they have done to help Love Chapel come home.
Pastor Redmon and First Lady Barbara Redmon continued to reach out to Grapevine and the surrounding communities to add more souls to the kingdom of God. Pastor Redmon’s mission was to reach more souls for Christ and to teach people to be ready to hear the Lord say, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant, thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make the ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.”
In March 2019 Pastor Robert Redmon Jr. was called home and he received his heavenly reward. As of March 2019, Bishop J. E. Hornsby pastors Love Chapel Church of God in Christ.
We are proud of the progress that has been made and look forward to an even brighter future.
TO GOD BE THE GLORY!