Chapel Hill Missionary Baptist Church Marks 155 Years of Faith and Community

Special to The Bolton News

Chapel Hill Missionary Baptist Church, located at 5137 North Chapel Hill Road in Bolton, Mississippi, will celebrate its 155th anniversary on Sunday, October 26, 2025, at 11:00 AM. The celebration will take place under the leadership of Reverend Darryl Smothers, who has faithfully guided the church for the past 18 years.

The history of Chapel Hill Missionary Baptist Church is one of faith, perseverance, and community. In 1870, the church’s founding ancestors envisioned a sacred place for worship. Although the land was originally owned by the State of Mississippi, they successfully acquired it and built a church atop a hill, naming the location Chapel Hill. Upon the completion of the building, Reverend Joe Van led the congregation, setting the foundation for what would become a longstanding spiritual home.

Over the years, the church has faced challenges and celebrated growth. In 1901, the church was rebuilt, and after a snowstorm destroyed the building in 1918, it was rebuilt again. In 1957, under new leadership, another reconstruction took place. Significant improvements followed in 1965, including brick veneering and the laying of a cornerstone. By 1970, the church had air conditioning, carpeting, drapery, and upholstered pews, and the Chapel Hill Gospel Choir was formed. Expansion continued with the construction of a new structure to the south of the church in 1977, and additional updates such as new carpeting and ceiling fans were added in 1987.

The early 2000s marked a period of renewed ministry development. In 2004, Chapel Hill introduced a Wednesday Noonday Prayer Service and Women’s Fellowship, began developing a church manual, purchased robes for the youth choir, formed a Men’s Fellowship Choir, and entered the first phase of building a new sanctuary. Reverend Darryl Smothers was elected to lead the church in August 2007. In October 2017, the church began remodeling the interior, including upholstering pews, followed by asphalt paving of the parking lot and installation of a steeple with a cross in 2018.

Like many churches, Chapel Hill faced disruptions during the 2020–2021 pandemic, operating at limited capacity and relying on conference call services for Bible study and worship. In March 2022, the church reopened at full capacity, continuing to function as a spiritual center for the community. Despite its long history of resilience and growth, the congregation recognizes that there is still much work to be done.

The 155th anniversary of Chapel Hill Missionary Baptist Church is not only a celebration of its rich history but also a testament to the enduring faith and dedication of its members, past and present, as they look forward to the future.