AUGUST 24,2025
A Brief History Of
POPE
CHAPEL AME ZION CHURCH
Pope Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church has survived for over 90 year, possible closed to over 100 years. The current stone structure was completed in 1935 after two previous structures had burned down. The current stone or rock structure is one of the most unique buildings in Panola County and surrounding area. Many stop by to take pictures of this unique and usual structure. In this community and surrounding areas this church is known simply as the “ROCK”. The beginning of this church “congregation” began in the 1850’s as a “Bush Harbor” on River Road on as part of the Pope brother’s plantation. The Pope brother donated the land that the currently building sits on today. Some Godfearing slaves known as were brought in by the Pope brothers to help build the railroad that runs through Pope, MS today. The Pope brothers entrusted the land given for the construction of a church to three of their most well-liked slaves, Charles Wesley Shaw, Ben Green and Tony Barefield. Charles Wesley was trained as a carpentry and was responsible for the construction of the first wood church building. After two fires of the wood structure, one of Charles Wesley Sons, was consecrated Bishop in the AME Zion Church and he sent Rev. Cornelius B. Simmons from Tennessee to oversee his vision of a stone or Rock church. Dedicated men brought stones from a gravel pit in eastern Oxford, MS to build the current Rock Church. Through the sands of time, this structure has withstood the test of time and is still standing. Today, we look forward to breaking grounds for a new church that will continue to grow as we continue to win souls for Christ. For on this ROCK, I will build my church.
From the Desk of
Rev Dr. Nehemiah Martin
Dear Cherished Friends,
It fills my heart with joy to extend a warm and loving welcome to each of you as we come together for the Pope Chapel AME Zion 2025 Homecoming Celebration. I am truly grateful for your presence today, as we share in this meaningful occasion.
In this time of reflection, let us embrace the beautiful memories we’ve created, the friendships we celebrate now, and the hopeful dreams we hold for the future of Pope Chapel AME Zion Church. With God as our guiding light, I believe our journey ahead is illed with hope, love, and abundant promise.
As you find your place among our caring community, please remember that my door is always open to you. Whether you seek support or simply wish to share a conversation, I encourage you to reach out to me or any member of our church family. We are here for you, ready to listen and help in any way we can.
As you prepare to return home, I wish you safe travels. May our time together uplift your spirit and fill your heart with peace and comfort. Until we meet again, may God shower His blessings upon you and wrap you in His loving embrace.
With all my heartfelt warmth, Rev. Dr. Nehemiah Martin,
Pastor Presiding Elder of Memphis Pope District
Order of Service
SUNDAY,
AUGUST 21, 2025 │ 11 AM • DR.
NEHEMIAH MARTIN, PASTOR
Theme: Down Through the Years
Theme Scripture: Psalm 137: 1 NKJV-By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down, yea, we wept. When we remembered Zion.
Mrs. LaSherry Irby, Agenda Guide
Intercessory Prayer
Call to Worship……………………………………………………………………………………......Dr. Nehemiah Martin
Opening Selection
Invocation
Musical Selection………………………………………………………………………
Chapel Homecoming Choir
Pulpit
Pope Chapel Homecoming Choir
Scripture And Prayer ……………………………………………………………………………….Rev. Joharrison Rockett
Introduction Of Agenda Guide
Welcome and Occasion
Acceptance
... Annie Richardson
... Clarice Herring Jackson
Robbie Morgan – Johnson Musical Selections
The Church History
Ministry Of Kindness
Musical Selection
A Prophetic Glimpse for the Future
Tithes And Homecoming Offering
Introduction of the Speaker
...Pope Chapel Homecoming Choir
Dr. Cordella Smith
Stewards
Chapel Homecoming Choir
Dr. Nehemiah Martin
Stewards
Rev. Dr. Nehemiah Martin Musical Selections
Preached Word
Invitation To Discipleship
Words of Thanks...
Remarks & Benediction
.Pope Chapel Homecoming Choir
Anita Morgan -Frencher New Hope AME Zion Church, Union, SC
Pulpit
Pope
Dr. Nehemiah Martin *DINNER SERVED FOLLOWING SERVICE IN LESSIE SHAW SMITH FELLOWSHIP HALL METHODS
Reflections
LIVING TESTIMONIES OF FAITH, FAMILY, AND LEGACY
REV. ROBERT SHEGOG
I am seventy-three years old now, and when I look back over my life, I know Pope Chapel AME Zion Church has been one of my greatest blessings. In the 1960s, when chances for Black children were few, Pope Chapel opened its doors and gave us a place to learn and grow. I went to school right inside the church, carrying a book in one hand and a brown bag in the other. Back then, we didn’t have much of a choice about going to church—our parents made us walk back and forth every time the church doors opened. Whether it was Sunday morning, Sunday evening, or a revival during the week, we were there. Those days-built discipline, faith, and a love for the church that has stayed with me all my life.
As I grew older, music became my calling in church. I sang with the first Praise Team, The Pope Ensemble, and we traveled far and wide to share God’s praises. We made many trips to Chicago where we fellowshipped and sang with others, and we were even invited to the Virgin Islands to sing—something that was truly amazing in those days, even though we didn’t make the trip. For more than thirty years, I have also served as president of the Male Chorus Choir, leading men in song and worship. Through good times and hard times, Pope Chapel has always been my anchor. It gave me an education, a family, and a ministry that I am proud of. I truly do love my church, and I thank God for every mile, every song, and every moment spent at Pope Chapel AME Zion Church.
JERRY HENTZ
I am 72 years old now, and when I look back, I can’t help but thank God for Pope Chapel AME Zion Church. I was an active member as a little boy. Back then, we only had service on the 2nd and 4th Sundays, and we didn’t have much of a musician. Mrs. Maddie would come and play, and we would lift our voices in praise. Mrs. Shaw was our principal, and today the downstairs fellowship hall is named in her honor. Some of my favorite memories are from Missionary Sunday, on the 4th Sunday in September. When I was in first grade, we didn’t have a cafeteria, running water, or bathrooms inside. We brought our food from home or bought cookies and milk for a nickel. Every other year, we would travel to Chicago to fellowship with other churches, and those trips brought joy, laughter, and lasting friendships.
Music has been a big part of my life at Pope Chapel. I started directing the choir when I was 16, and I have been doing it ever since. Under Rev. Chandler’s leadership in 1977, we formed the Male Ensemble, which later became the Male Chorus Choir. Eventually, the group became The Pope Ensemble, adding voices like Dean Harvey and Gloria Shegog. I have watched the choir grow, seen it touch hearts, and been blessed to lead men and women in praise for many years.
Now, looking back over all these years, I realize how much Pope Chapel has shaped my life. From the long walks as a boy to the trips to Chicago, the hard work of learning and serving, and the joy of singing God’s praises, this church has been my home, my anchor, and my joy. I am proud to have been part of its history, and I pray it continues to grow, bringing faith, love, and hope to generations yet to come.
ANNIE RICHARDSON
My name is Annie Richardson, and I am 76 years old. For the past six decades, my heart has belonged to Pope Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church. I joined when I was just 16, following in the footsteps of my beloved mother, Roxie Richardson Benson, and my older brother, Carl A. Richardson. Together, we found not only a place of worship, but a spiritual home.
In those early days, Pope Chapel held services only twice a month. Sunday School, then known as VYCE, took place in the evenings. We didn’t have the luxury of easy transportation—many times we walked or caught a ride however we could. But we never missed a chance to be there. Our faith carried us farther than any vehicle ever could.
On Sundays when Pope Chapel didn’t hold service, we worshipped at Nelson Chapel. That’s where my younger sisters and brothers found their spiritual roots, and they’ve remained faithful ever since. Our family’s story is woven into the fabric of these churches— each hymn, each prayer, each step taken toward the altar is a thread in a tapestry of devotion.
I truly love my church. Over the years we have gone through many changes and made improvements. Being part of the A.M.E. Zion Church meant learning the rules and by-laws, which was not always easy, but I traveled throughout Zion seeking a deeper understanding of them. Even with those challenges, Pope Chapel has always been a wonderful place to worship. We have celebrated gospel singing, church picnics, Women’s Day, Missionary Day, Men’s Day, Children’s Day, Youth Day, and many more cherished events that created lasting memories. The trips, the pastors, and the members—past and present—are all part of what makes Pope Chapel so special to me. I pray Pope Chapel continues to grow and remain a beacon in the community and within the A.M.E. Zion Church, always standing as a place where faith, family, and love come together.
MARGARET POPE
Pope Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. From the very beginning, it was where my grandparents, George and Lula Gleaton, began their Christian journey, and where my father, Earnest “Bear” Gleaton, faithfully served as a member, trustee, and Preacher Steward. My mother, Nora Edna Gleaton, joined after marrying my father and worked alongside him in many ways. Growing up, Pope Chapel was more than just a place to worship—it was a center for learning, fellowship, and community. It offered education, held community meetings, hosted conferences, and even helped shape leaders who went on to become teachers, ministers, lawyers, engineers, and more. One of the church’s proudest moments was when Bishop Benjamin Garland Shaw was elected from our congregation.
For me personally, Pope Chapel has shaped my life in countless ways. It was here that I first attended Sunday School, joined prayer meetings, and began learning what it meant to be a part of a church family. I remember walking to church with my parents
for services, Wednesday night activities, and even special events on Saturdays. It was here that I began my academic journey through second grade, guided by teachers like Mrs. M. Hotsfield and Mrs. Lillian Langford, and supported by our principal, Mrs. Lessie Shaw Smith, while my father served as custodian and groundskeeper. Pope Chapel is also where I accepted Christ as my Savior and was baptized by Reverend Robert Wilder, an experience that deepened my faith and shaped my spiritual growth. It was here, too, that I met my husband, James L. Pope, the love of my life and the father of my sons, whose lives I am so proud of and grateful for every day.
Finally, Pope Chapel has taught me lessons that shaped my character—spiritually, professionally, and personally. The guidance I received here has made me a servant for God, giving me a heart to help others and lead them to Christ. It has grounded me in faith, taught me responsibility, and reminded me of the importance of living a life of service and love. Pope Chapel is more than a church to me; it is my home, my foundation, and a constant source of strength. I am forever thankful for every lesson, every friendship, and every memory that this sacred place has given me.
VANCELLIS