Bass Chapel United Methodist Church

Historical Narrative (2025 Revision)

Earlier historical accounts identified 1875 as the founding year of Bass Chapel Church, naming Rev. C. W. Blaylock as its first minister. Ongoing research in conference archives, together with the discovery of an original handwritten archival document found in the former church building, has revealed evidence of organized Methodist Episcopal activity in the Bass Chapel community beginning nearly a decade earlier than previously recorded.

Early Methodist Activity (1866–1876)

The earliest documented origins of Bass Chapel Church trace to class meetings held in the Center Grove Township area of Guilford County as early as November 1866. A handwritten notepad discovered in the former church building located at 5064 Bass Chapel Road provides primary-source documentation of these early gatherings.

An entry dated October 20, 1869, identifies Hardy Pleasant and Branson Kirkpatrick as class leaders, with Milton Bass, Aaron Gorrell, and Lewis Lindsay serving as stewards. The notepad records seven class meetings conducted during 1869. A subsequent entry dated March 7, 1870, notes the collection of funds for the support of Pastor Champlin, a Methodist Episcopal minister. Although conference records indicate that Rev. Champlin’s official appointment to the area did not begin until 1871, this entry strongly suggests that ministerial oversight and organized worship were already established prior to formal conference assignment.

The notepad further identifies Rev. L. B. Gibson as pastor in charge on June 9, 1872, and records Branson Kirkpatrick as a class leader for a meeting held in February 1873. The final church-related entry in the document dates to 1876 and appears to reference financial matters. Additionally, the notepad contains entries recording three births in 1881, 1882, and 1884, indicating its continued use within the church community. The document does not specify the physical locations at which these early meetings were held.

Establishment of the Church Property

While the precise date of Bass Chapel’s organization as an officially recognized Methodist Episcopal congregation remains undetermined, available evidence suggests that construction of the first church structure likely began during Rev. Blaylock’s tenure, between 1877 and 1879. The land upon which the church was established was acquired from Mr. Milton Bass through the efforts of Mr. John McKnight, Mr. James McAdoo, Mr. Preston Rankin, Mr. Calvin Gorrell, Mr. Leven Davis, Mr. Henry Davis, and other committed members of the community.

Although construction of a small church building was initiated on this site, it was never fully completed. To date, the deed transferring the land from Mr. Milton Bass to the church has not been located. Mr. Bass appears repeatedly in early class lists and is identified on at least one occasion as a steward, confirming his significant involvement in the church’s early development.

Growth and Improvements (1900–1949)

Conference records between 1880 and 1892 do not specifically identify ministers serving Bass Chapel. However, the 1900 Conference Minutes state, “A new church has been built at Bass’s and it is nicely painted,” during the pastorate of Rev. R. D. Bethea. Subsequent conference and district records document continued improvement to the property and facilities:

• 1906 – Installation of a well on the church grounds
  
  1908 – District reports note further improvements at Bass’s
  
  

• 1909 – Under Rev. A. W. McMaster, construction of a tower and the purchase and full payment of a large bell
  
  

Under the leadership of Rev. J. A. Laughlin in 1911, Bass Chapel underwent expansion and experienced a significant revival. The church hosted the Epworth League Sunday School Convention from July 14–19, 1914, reflecting its growing prominence within the district.

Expansion and Modernization (1929–1962)

During the pastorate of Rev. J. W. Shuford construction began in 1929 on a modern brick church with cathedral windows. The 1930 Conference Record acknowledged this progress, stating, “A large brick veneered church is far on the way to completion,” and predicting that upon completion it would become “the best country church in the entire Conference.” Membership increased substantially during this period.

In 1941, under Rev. W. T. Lomax, a recreational building, was erected to support church and community activities. Further improvements occurred in 1949 during the pastorate of Rev. Eugene Black, including repairs to the sanctuary, installation of a furnace, enlargement of the choir stand, and acquisition of a new organ.

In 1962, under Rev. Belvin Jessup, an educational wing was constructed, providing classrooms, restrooms, a kitchen, a fellowship hall, and a pastor’s study. Renovations to the sanctuary were also completed at this time.

Relocation and Contemporary History (1996–Present)

A major transition occurred in 1996 during the pastorate of Rev. Larry E. Fitzgerald, with the construction of a new church building. On September 15, 1996, the congregation formally processed from 5064 Bass Chapel Road to 5075 Bass Chapel Road for the 11:00 a.m. worship service in the new sanctuary. During this relocation, the historic notepad documenting the church’s earliest years was discovered in the former building.

In 2011, Rev. Donald E. McCoy was appointed pastor. His tenure was marked by faithful leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic, during which he sustained congregational life through teleconferences, recorded sermons shared via social media, socially distanced outdoor worship services, and the establishment of a digital archive of Sunday messages.

In 2020, Rev. Tamara (Tammy) M. Ingram assumed pastoral leadership. Her ministry was characterized by strong biblical preaching, compassionate pastoral care, and effective leadership during the ongoing challenges of the pandemic. Worship services were conducted in person, outdoors, and through teleconference, Facebook, and YouTube, ensuring continuity of ministry under all circumstances.

In 2025, Bass Chapel Church welcomed Rev. Dr. Kim Troy-Richardson as pastor. She began her ministry with a sermon series entitled “God’s Promises” and now leads the congregation as it continues its mission and ministry in faithfulness to God’s calling.

Below is a list of pastors who served Bass Chapel, along with the years of their service:

1866: None Listed

1867: Hardy Pleasant and Branson Kirkpatrick (class leaders for the October 20 meeting)

1869: (Meeting dates for March 14, May 8, July 4, August 1, September 5, September 20, November 28 - Pastors not listed)

1870 and 1871: Rev. John E. Champlin

1872: L. B. Gibson

1876: Rev. J. Payne

1877: Rev. C. W. Blaylock

1888: L.B. Gibson

1892: Rev. George F. Hill

1894: Rev. S. L. Johnson

1896: Rev. Ben F. Thomas

1900: Rev. R. D. Bethea

1905: Rev. A. W. McMaster

1907: Rev. David C. Skeen

1910: Rev. J. A. Laughlin

1916: Rev. G. W. Byers

1919: Rev. W. B. Zeigler

1924: Rev. P. I. Wells

1926: Rev. P. F. Johnson

1927: Rev. J. W. Shuford

1935: J. B. Meekins

1936: Rev. T. H. Wooten

1937: Rev. M. M. Patrick

1938: Rev. J. H. Ledwell

1939: Rev. T. C. Frazier

1941: Rev. W. T. Lomax

1949: Rev. Eugene Black

1959: Rev. W. E. Tyler

1960: Rev. Liston Sellers Jr.

1962: Rev. Belvin Jessup

1967: Rev. John W. Jones

1974: Rev. William Royster, Rev. David Harkness, Rev. D. J. Hughes

1976: Rev. Cornelius Holland

1982: Rev. Paul Milton

1988: Rev. Peter Addo

1991: Rev. Diane Jones

1992: Rev. Larry E. Fitzgerald

2011: Rev. Donald E. McCoy

2020: Rev. Tamara M. Ingram

2025: Rev. Dr. Kim Troy-Richardson