About Hope Chapel
Hope Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church is a historic, Christ-centered church family rooted in faith, worship, service, and the hope we have in Christ Jesus.
For more than 150 years, Hope Chapel has served as a place of spiritual strength, perseverance, and community. From its earliest beginnings to its present ministry on Wolf Ridge Road, Hope Chapel continues to honor its legacy while moving forward with faith, love, and purpose.
Anchored by Hope
Hope Chapel is a multigenerational church family committed to worshiping God, making disciples, caring for one another, and serving the community. Our story is one of faith, resilience, and God's continued grace.
As a congregation, we are committed to the present, thankful for the past, and consecrated to the future. We believe Hope Chapel remains called to meet spiritual needs, strengthen families, support community well-being, and share the Good News of Jesus Christ.
Our Mission
Hope Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church is committed to the Great Commission of Jesus Christ:
"Go ye therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age."
Our Vision
“Come Forward with Us, Anchored by Hope in Christ Jesus.”
Our Values
- Faith in Jesus Christ
- Hope through God's promises
- Love for God and neighbor
- Worship rooted in spirit and truth
- Service to members and community
- Discipleship across generations
- Legacy, resilience, and spiritual growth
What We Believe
The Bible
We believe the Bible is the inspired Word of God, written under the guidance of the Holy Spirit and sufficient for salvation and the life of faith. The Old and New Testaments reveal God's eternal truth and His saving work through Jesus Christ.
The Trinity
We believe in God the Father, creator and sustainer of the universe. We believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the eternal Word made flesh for the salvation of humanity. We believe in the Holy Spirit, who empowers believers to live in faith, love, and service.
Salvation
We believe all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, yet God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, so that whoever believes in Him may have everlasting life. Through faith in Christ, we seek to live a new life shaped by prayer, Scripture, obedience, fellowship, and discipleship.
Our Worship
Our worship experience is a vibrant blend of tradition and contemporary expression. We honor the richness of our Zion Methodist heritage through hymns, liturgy, gospel music, prayer, and preaching, while also embracing fresh expressions of worship that speak to every generation.
Worship at Hope Chapel includes traditional hymns, gospel choir music, praise and worship, and the many gifts God has placed within our congregation. Whether you are a longtime member, a returning family member, a first-time guest, young, seasoned, or somewhere in between, we strive to be a church where you can belong and encounter God in a meaningful way.
Our Story
Hope Chapel's story began in 1866, with hope at its foundation and faith carrying the congregation through generations of change, challenge, and victory.
From its early home on Cuba Street to its present campus on Wolf Ridge Road, Hope Chapel has remained a place of worship, perseverance, and spiritual connection. The congregation has endured storms, fires, displacement, rebuilding, and seasons of transition, yet through it all, God's grace and the faith of the church family have carried Hope Chapel forward.
Today, Hope Chapel continues to honor its historic foundation while serving the present age with renewed vision, strengthened ministry, and a commitment to worship, discipleship, outreach, and community care.
We are anchored by hope, built on a foundation of love, with Christ as our cornerstone.
Hope Chapel Timeline
- 1866
Hope Chapel was established.
- Early Years
The church's early home was located at 254 Cuba Street.
- 1900
The church was destroyed by a storm, yet the congregation continued forward in faith.
- 1939
Reverend O.F. Owen was appointed and led the church through a significant season of renewal.
- 1975
Reverend James Taylor began a long and faithful season of pastoral leadership.
- 1986
The historic church was destroyed by fire.
- 1990
Hope Chapel purchased its current campus at 1644 Wolf Ridge Road.
- 2016
Mortgage burning celebrated under the leadership of Reverend Sanders H. Mason III.
- 2020
Ministry continued through virtual connection, online prayer, and electronic giving during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- 2024
Reverend Sheila A. Richardson became Hope Chapel's first female pastor.
Note: Timeline dates and milestone details should be reviewed by the church history team before final publication.
Explore Our History
Our AME Zion Heritage
Hope Chapel is part of The African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, known as "The Freedom Church." The AME Zion Church has a rich history of faith, liberation, discipleship, worship, and service.
As part of this connectional church, Hope Chapel shares in a larger mission to increase love for God, meet the needs of humankind, make disciples, and serve communities through the transforming power of Jesus Christ.
Reverend Dr. Sheila A. Richardson
Reverend Dr. Sheila A. Richardson became the pastor of Hope Chapel AME Zion Church in February 2024, making history as the church's first female pastor. Her leadership reflects a deep commitment to preaching, teaching, discipleship, community outreach, hospitality, and spiritual growth.
Pastor Richardson began her ministry journey at Shaw Temple AME Zion Church in Smyrna, Georgia, where she preached her initial trial sermon on April 6, 2013. Throughout her ministry, she has served in women's ministry, Christian education, leadership development, community care, and young adult engagement.
Before being called to Hope Chapel, Pastor Richardson served in pastoral leadership at Berry's Chapel, where she helped guide growth, digital presence, unity, and community outreach. At Hope Chapel, she has expanded ministry offerings through initiatives such as New Members Class, renewed youth acolyte participation, Greeters Ministry, African Drumming Ministry, church beautification efforts, and the establishment of a Welcome Center.
Pastor Richardson holds a Bachelor of Arts in Religion, a Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership, a Master of Divinity from Fuller Theological Seminary, and a Doctor of Ministry from Duke Divinity School.
Pastor Richardson and her husband, Mr. Kenneth “Ken” Richardson, Sr., were married on November 9, 1991. They are blessed with two children, Shemarra Craft and Kenneth “KJ” Richardson II, and cherished grandchildren: Dallas, Rain, and Queen Bella.
Her ministry is rooted in a desire to build meaningful connections, nurture spiritual growth, and share the Good News of Jesus Christ with the congregation and community.
Mr. Kenneth "Ken" Richardson, Sr.
Mr. Kenneth "Ken" Richardson, Sr. is the husband of Reverend Dr. Sheila A. Richardson. He is a retired Chief Warrant Officer 5 from the United States Army and serves as the ROTC Senior Army Instructor at LeFlore Magnet High School.
Mr. Richardson has served the church through leadership, trustee service, the Lay Council, men's ministry, music, fellowship, and hospitality. He also enjoys cooking and fishing.
He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Biology from Talladega College and a Master of Business Administration. Together, Pastor Richardson and Mr. Richardson share a commitment to faith, family, service, and the continued spiritual growth of the church.
Minister and Staff
Reverend Edwina H. Gray
Minister
Ms. Linda Gibbs
Preacher's Steward
Mr. Jerome Sanders
Trustee Chairman
Ms. Marcelete Stewart
Lead of Leaders
Mrs. Janese Sanders
Christian Education Director
Mrs. Portia Payne
Church Secretary
Our Story Is Still Being Written
Hope Chapel's history is rich, but our story is still being written. Whether you are a longtime member, a returning family member, a new visitor, or someone seeking a church home, there is a place for you at Hope Chapel.