It was a momentous occasion this past November when members of Vernon Chapel A.M.E. Church in Flint celebrated its centennial with a special program held at the church’s Family Life Center. A committee, under the direction of longtime church member Reta Stanley, helped make the celebration a huge success, with a worship service, special guest speakers and a wonderful dinner.
Along with Reverend Douglas Banks, past parishioners joined in the celebration which included a 20-minute video summarizing the church history. “It came together really well,” he shares. “It was so awesome to see the hand of God in the celebration. The people of Flint have faced so many hardships over the years – it was a blessing to me as pastor to see it and to see what God has done.”
According to Rev. Banks, the mission of the A.M.E. church (African Methodist Episcopal) is to minister to the social, spiritual and physical development of all people and to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ in a hurting world. “We are here to heal the hurt of the world and meet the needs of the community around us,” Banks states.
Located on the corner of Dupont and Gracelawn Streets, the Vernon Chapel has a Mission Society that provides clothing to shelters, blankets to group homes and works with young people. There is also an outreach ministry that provides gift cards and food boxes during the holidays. Throughout the year, they work to raise funds to provide for those in need in the community. In addition, the Rose Henry Scholarship was established to help the Chapel’s high school grads attend college.
Rev. Banks notes that Vernon Chapel has many longtime members who have been involved in civil and public service. Those members include former Flint Mayors Woodrow Stanley and Karen Weaver, as well as former Genesee County Commissioners and State Representatives Floyd Clack and Brenda Clack, to name a few.
Vernon Chapel’s 23rd pastor, Rev. Banks has led the congregation for seven years. Born in Detroit, he served in the U.S. Army and was decorated for his service in Operation Desert Storm. His education includes a B.S. in Respiratory Therapy from Siena Heights University, as well as a Masters of Divinity with a concentration in Church History from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary. His wife, the Rev. Tammy Harris-Banks, is first lady and the current pastor of St. Paul A.M.E. Church in Detroit. “I am very proud to be the pastor here,” Banks says. The leadership also includes Associate Ministers Rev. Roosevelt Brown and Rev. Helen Williams.
Reverend Douglas Banks and the Reverend Tammy Harris-Banks
“The church’s rich history of faithful leadership, dedicated ministry and a passionate congregation reminds us of God’s continual blessings and faithfulness as we continue to ‘Stand On The Promises of God’ into our next hundred years.” Reverend Douglas Banks
As the church begins another century, the spiritual journey will continue at Vernon Chapel and they are looking forward to the future. “The church’s rich history of faithful leadership, dedicated ministry and a passionate congregation reminds us of God’s continual blessings and faithfulness as we continue to ‘Stand On The Promises of God’ into our next hundred years,” Rev. Banks states.
Continuing the Legacy
William Cook
Rev. Doug Banks has described parishioner William Cook, 80, as “a gentle spirit and a humble man.” Cook is proud of his family’s legacy at Vernon Chapel A.M.E. Church. He has attended the church his entire life. “My grandfather, William Frank Cook, was one of the founders,” Cook informs. His aunt, Laura Brady was a co-founder. “My father, Woodward Turner Cook, and many other family members were very instrumental in the church, also.”
He continues, “Church is where you learn about God. As a kid, we always went to church and were not only taught about spiritual guidance, but also taught by the church to be a family.” Cook credits the spiritual guidance and family values he learned at church with shaping the man he is now. He gained a strong work ethic from his father who had a farm in Clio. Even at his advanced age, Cook continues to work at his Flint auto shop. “My father worked on the farm starting at 3am milking cows, before he went to work at General Motors. He instilled this in me.”
Cook is the last of his family, but hopes his legacy at Vernon Chapel will endure. Having no children of his own, there are cousins who he hopes will join the parish. “I hope the Cook legacy will continue after I pass,” he shares.
Rev. Helen Williams
Associate Minister, Rev. Helen Williams is a lifetime member at Vernon Chapel, where her mother was a church musician. “I have been worshiping there all my life,” she states. She was excited about the centennial celebration. “It’s a milestone and we are still standing!” she exclaims. “We are still thriving as a church and a church family.”
