Spaulding was founded in 1905 on the other side of NC Highway #211 from what would later become known as Taylortown. It began as the local school. It would later be moved across the highway to the present site but still retain its role as both school and church. This building was destroyed by fire, as were the two buildings which would be built to take its place. The current structure was erected by A.L. Boykins Building Contractors, a black owned firm from Sanford, NC. It was completed in 1933.
Over the years several improvements have been made. These changes include the addition of stained glass windows and the pews were cushioned with padding. New auditorium type seating was installed in the choir stand, a lighted cross was installed in the choir loft and new carpet was installed. In 1991 a complete remodeling was done. This included the addition of a spacious annex that added a new pastor�s study, a large fellowship hall, class rooms and additional restrooms. Land was cleared for additional parking and a handicapped ramp was constructed
In the beginning there was no assigned pastor and services were conducted whenever a preacher came to the area. In 1910, Reverend Andrew W. Spaulding, a young graduate of Livingstone College at Salisbury, NC, accepted the position as pastor. Rev. Spaulding, the first pastor, served for many years. Spaulding Chapel is named in his honor. During this time, the Board of Trustees was established with Joe Gilbert, Demus Taylor, Henry Thompson, Ed Harrington and Sam Crutchfield being among the first members.
In 1913 the trustees purchased the land where the church is now located. The purchase price was $20.00. The land was purchased from Robert L. Taylor and his wife, Clara B. Taylor. It was deeded to the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church on the 18th day of February in 1913. The deed stipulated that it would remain in effect so long as the property served as a place of worship of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church in America. Its use was subject to the provisions of the discipline, usage and ministerial appointments of the Zion Church as was, from time to time, authorized and declared by the General Conference and by the Annual Conference within the bounds of which the church premises are situated.
Spaulding Chapel is part of the Sanford District of the Central North Carolina Conference of the Eastern North Carolina Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church. It has enjoyed a rich history of church and community involvement. One of the former pastors, Rev. Dr. Rickey R. Frazier, is the current Presiding Elder of the Sanford District. Several of her pastors have gone on to become great leaders in our church. The current pastor is Rev. Charles E. Allen, who was appointed in 2011.
The person most credited with leading the movement which led to the incorporation of Taylortown as a municipality, Mrs. Geneva McRae was a member of Spaulding Chapel as was the first mayor and several persons who have served on the Town Council. Spaulding has also had among its members many who have and continue to be leaders in our Church. Mrs. Esther McNeil, current Sanford District WHOEM President is a member, and also Ms. LaFaye Ellerbe, the Sanford District Director of Varick Christian Endeavor. Spaulding has also been the spring board for several ministers with two of the current pastors on the Sanford District, Revs. Carolyn Radcliff of Macedonia and Rev. Charles McKnight of New Zion, coming from membership at Spaulding.
Spaulding has recently initiated new programs and ministries. The first Spaulding Chapel Invitational golf tournament was held at Southern Pines Golf Club in November of 2012. Sponsored by the Trustee Board and led by Bro. Terry Davis, this continues to be a very successful effort. The Moore County Back Pack program is a major recipient of funds from this effort.
2012 also saw the beginning of the celebration of Founders� Day. This event led by Doris Lee, Connie Raye, Carolyn Jamison and LaFaye Ellerbe is a celebration of our beginnings. For many years Spaulding has been a site for the MANA Lunch Program and Spaulding has recently become the sight for an after school feeding program for children age 6 thru 16.
Pastor Allen and the members of Spaulding Chapel extend an open invitation to you to come and visit with us. We understand that to whom much is given, much is expected. We are thankful to our Lord for all that the Lord continues to do for us and we understand that the Lord expects much in service from us. We ask your continued prayers, support and best wishes as we seek to do God�s will.
Yours in Christ,
Charles E. Allen, Pastor