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On November 12, 1866, James and Elizabeth Tyson of Baltimore County deeded property at Elkridge Landing to the African Methodist Episcopal Church in consideration of the sum of $1.00. Thus, it became Providence AME Church. Years later in 1893, the church erected the present edifice and the church was re-named Gaines Chapel AME Church in recognition of Bishop Wesley John Gaines, Presiding Prelate of the Second Episcopal District from 1892 – 1896.
In its formative years, Gaines Chapel was on a circuit with St. Stephens AME, Elkridge, Maryland and Mt. Pisgah AME Church, Columbia, (formerly, Jonestown) Maryland. This Circuit was part of the Baltimore Conference, Hagerstown District until 1951, when under the leadership of the Presiding Bishop Lawrence H. Hemingway, the Circuit transferred from the Baltimore Conference to the newly formed Washington Conference, and placed on the Capitol District.
Gaines Chapel is a congregation steeped in the riches of family and community. In the early years, the founding families contributed significantly to its growth and endurance. And even still, descendants of our founding fathers, James Fields, James Waters, James Crumble, Walter Cager, Benjamin Payne, William Payne and Moses Richardson are present within our faith community.
At the turn of the century, Gaines continued to evolve as a part of the Elkridge community. In the early 1900’s, there were Mid-Week Services with singing and praying bands; Children’s Day was observed on the second Sunday in May as the children dressed up and formed a parade that travelled throughout the community. Camp meetings and lawn fetes highlighted the summer months. Under the guidance of Superintendent James Waters, Gaines Chapel was traditionally recognized for its large Sunday School classes in the mornings and Sunday evening services were reserved for the Allen Christian Endeavor League.
Over the next few decades, Gaines Chapel experienced many changes in the leadership and membership, in the community and in the construction of the edifice. By 1950, when Rev. Charles Mack was pastor, many families had left the community and membership dropped considerably. Under his leadership, a revitalization of the church began, a “Men in Action” group formed, a Senior Choir organized, and a Junior and Senior Usher Board instituted. The church re-shingled its building; they installed new lights and windows and built the choir loft.
In 1959, Rev. Thomas N. Hawkins became the pastor of Gaines Chapel. Under his leadership, they had the dining hall constructed at the rear of the church. In 1967, when Rev. William J. Dunlap became the appointed pastor, he had the new carpet and pews installed in the sanctuary and bathrooms added inside the church. Under his leadership, in 1971, they re-dedicated the church and laid the new cornerstone.
Rev. Gilbert Morgan served as pastor from 1975 through 1983, at that time additional renovations included new lights, an upgraded interior structure, and a sound system. However, a major change occurred two years into his tenure, when in 1977 Gaines Chapel became an individual charge, no longer a part of the Circuit.
In 1983, the new pastor was Rev. H. Lorraine Harvey. She faithfully served the congregation for 29 years, until she retired from the active pastorate in April 2012. Under her leadership, major reconstruction took place. Gaines Chapel installed a central air conditioning system, an upgraded sound system, an alarm system, new carpet and flooring. They purchased new chairs for the sanctuary, an organ, and a new piano, and upgraded the dining hall. During her pastorate, she established the Male Choir and the local Lay Organization.
On April 28, 2012, Bishop Adam Jefferson Richardson, Presiding Prelate of the Second District appointed the Reverend Karen A. Myers to the charge. Under her leadership, there is a re-vitalization of the church. Using 2 Peter 3:18, as our mandate, Gaines Chapel endeavors to be “Grounded in God’s Word, Growing In His Grace, and Committed to Bringing Him Glory!”
Our goal is spiritual transformation through God’s word, demonstration of his grace in our lives and manifestation of His Spirit in ministry. Presently, we have an enhanced emphasis on spiritual discipline, Christian Education, and a commitment to Kingdom building as we live to exalt and glorify our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
To this end, in a few short months, she implemented and/or revamped such essentials as Vacation Bible School, Sunday School, and Pastor’s Bible Study. We work diligently to ensure that we have a digital presence to reach not just Elkridge but also our expanding global community, as we reach in and stretch out to share the transformative Word of God in worship, witness and a willingness to serve.
Major renovations in her first 3 years include: renovated restrooms, new lighting for the sanctuary, electrical upgrade, refreshing the exterior and interior with paint and updated administrative tools. New ministries include: A.N.C.H.O.R.E.D. Ministries to Men and Women, Health Ministry, Intercessory Prayer Ministry, Prayer and Visitation, Evangelism and Outreach.
Rev. Myers is married to Rev. Aaron D. Myers, Sr., who also serves with her at Gaines Chapel AMEC. They have three adult children, Aaron, Jr. (AJ), Ava and Adam.
Much of the early history of the church was unrecorded, but collected from some of the longtime members. We are in debt to all who contributed to our history, whose names we are not able to reflect individually.
On November 12, 1866, James and Elizabeth Tyson of Baltimore County deeded property at Elkridge Landing to the African Methodist Episcopal Church in consideration of the sum of $1.00. Thus, it became Providence AME Church. Years later in 1893, the church erected the present edifice and the church was re-named Gaines Chapel AME Church in recognition of Bishop Wesley John Gaines, Presiding Prelate of the Second Episcopal District from 1892 – 1896.
In its formative years, Gaines Chapel was on a circuit with St. Stephens AME, Elkridge, Maryland and Mt. Pisgah AME Church, Columbia, (formerly, Jonestown) Maryland. This Circuit was part of the Baltimore Conference, Hagerstown District until 1951, when under the leadership of the Presiding Bishop Lawrence H. Hemingway, the Circuit transferred from the Baltimore Conference to the newly formed Washington Conference, and placed on the Capitol District.
Gaines Chapel is a congregation steeped in the riches of family and community. In the early years, the founding families contributed significantly to its growth and endurance. And even still, descendants of our founding fathers, James Fields, James Waters, James Crumble, Walter Cager, Benjamin Payne, William Payne and Moses Richardson are present within our faith community.
At the turn of the century, Gaines continued to evolve as a part of the Elkridge community. In the early 1900’s, there were Mid-Week Services with singing and praying bands; Children’s Day was observed on the second Sunday in May as the children dressed up and formed a parade that travelled throughout the community.
Camp meetings and lawn fetes highlighted the summer months. Under the guidance of Superintendent James Waters, Gaines Chapel was traditionally recognized for its large Sunday School classes in the mornings and Sunday evening services were reserved for the Allen Christian Endeavor League.
Over the next few decades, Gaines Chapel experienced many changes in the leadership and membership, in the community and in the construction of the edifice. By 1950, when Rev. Charles Mack was pastor, many families had left the community and membership dropped considerably. Under his leadership, a revitalization of the church began, a “Men in Action” group formed, a Senior Choir organized, and a Junior and Senior Usher Board instituted. The church re-shingled its building; they installed new lights and windows and built the choir loft.
In 1959, Rev. Thomas N. Hawkins became the pastor of Gaines Chapel. Under his leadership, they had the dining hall constructed at the rear of the church. In 1967, when Rev. William J. Dunlap became the appointed pastor, he had the new carpet and pews installed in the sanctuary and bathrooms added inside the church. Under his leadership, in 1971, they re-dedicated the church and laid the new cornerstone
Rev. Gilbert Morgan served as pastor from 1975 through 1983, at that time additional renovations included new lights, an upgraded interior structure, and a sound system. However, a major change occurred two years into his tenure, when in 1977 Gaines Chapel became an individual charge, no longer a part of the Circuit.
In 1983, the new pastor was Rev. H. Lorraine Harvey. She faithfully served the congregation for 29 years, until she retired from the active pastorate in April 2012. Under her leadership, major reconstruction took place. Gaines Chapel installed a central air conditioning system, an upgraded sound system, an alarm system, new carpet and flooring. They purchased new chairs for the sanctuary, an organ, and a new piano, and upgraded the dining hall. During her pastorate, she established the Male Choir and the local Lay Organization.
On April 28, 2012, Bishop Adam Jefferson Richardson, Presiding Prelate of the Second District appointed the Reverend Karen A. Myers to the charge. Under her leadership, there is a re-vitalization of the church. Using 2 Peter 3:18, as our mandate, Gaines Chapel endeavors to be “Grounded in God’s Word, Growing In His Grace, and Committed to Bringing Him Glory!”
Our goal is spiritual transformation through God’s word, demonstration of his grace in our lives and manifestation of His Spirit in ministry. Presently, we have an enhanced emphasis on spiritual discipline, Christian Education, and a commitment to Kingdom building as we live to exalt and glorify our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
To this end, in a few short months, she implemented and/or revamped such essentials as Vacation Bible School, Sunday School, and Pastor’s Bible Study. We work diligently to ensure that we have a digital presence to reach not just Elkridge but also our expanding global community, as we reach in and stretch out to share the transformative Word of God in worship, witness and a willingness to serve.
Major renovations in her first 3 years include: renovated restrooms, new lighting for the sanctuary, electrical upgrade, refreshing the exterior and interior with paint and updated administrative tools. New ministries include: A.N.C.H.O.R.E.D. Ministries to Men and Women, Health Ministry, Intercessory Prayer Ministry, Prayer and Visitation, Evangelism and Outreach.
Rev. Myers is married to Rev. Aaron D. Myers, Sr., who also serves with her at Gaines Chapel AMEC. They have three adult children, Aaron, Jr. (AJ), Ava and Adam.
Much of the early history of the church was unrecorded, but collected from some of the longtime members. We are in debt to all who contributed to our history, whose names we are not able to reflect individually.
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