Reedy Chapel has the distinction of being the first African Methodist Episcopal church in Texas. Started as a place of worship for black slaves Reedy Chapel continues to be a place where all are welcome to express their love for Almighty God. Reedy’s history began in 1848. Throughout this time she has endured fire and hurricanes but still stands.

In 1866 following the close of the Civil War the church was organized as an A.M.E. Church. The first church building was destroyed by the great fire of 1885. The 1900 storm also caused severe damage to the structure. Reedy Chapel stands today in all her beauty and majesty as a symbol of liberation, longevity and faithfulness in God. The church is a popular stop for tourist. It also continues to host a Juneteenth celebration that is attended by the community. In 2000 the Rev. Brenda Payne was assigned as Reedy’s first female pastor. Many improvements were made during her leadership. In November 2006 Reedy embarked on another historic moment. Bishop Gregory G.M. Ingram appointed the Revs. Reginald and Salatheia Honors as the first co-pastor leadership team. For more information about Reedy please visit our archives room.

Pastors of Reedy Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church

1. M.M. Clark 1866-67

2. Houston Reedy 1867-68

3. John Reed 1868-71

4. Richard Haywood 1871-72

5. W.R. Carson 1872-73

6. R.E. Hammitt 1873-78

7. Hammon Bates 1878-79

8. J.H. Armstrong 1879-82

9. J.E. Edwards 1882-85

10. J.F.P. Bradley 1885-89

11. L.H. Reynolds 1889-94

12. Green Taylor 1894-96

13. M.D. Moody 1896-1900

14. W.R. Beamer 1900-1903

15. H.L. Trapp 1903-1906

16. G.W. Hamilton 1906-1910

17. J.H.L. Rhone 1910-1913

18.  J.R.L. Lee 1913-1917

19. J.E. Edwards 1917-1920

20. J.W. McDade 1920-1921

21. H.A. Young 1921-24

22. J.B. Butler 1924-1928

23. B.J. Jackson 1928-1929

24. W.S. Johnson 1929-1930

25. W.A. Carr 1930-1933

26. P.E. Womack 1933-1934

27. Fred Williams 1934-1935

28. H.F. Cooper 1935-1936

29. G.E. Brown 1936-1939

30. R.C. Walker 1939-1949

31. E.F. Barker 1949-1953

32.C.F. Jackson 1953-1954

33. L.C. Young 1954-1956

34. C.B. Bryant 1956-12958

*35. A.I. Henley 1958-1971

36. S.L. Green 1971-1975

37. M.E. Rice 1975-1979

**38. Robert Louis Jeffries 1979-1997

39. Arthur Ferguson, Jr. 1997-2000

***40. Brenda Bedford Payne 2000-2006

****41. Reginald and Salatheia Honors 2006-present

* Rev. Henley worked diligently over the years to get Reedy acknowledged as an historical site. The marker was placed on the church after his appointment to a new charge. His daughter, Mrs. Alva E. Courtney still attends Reedy Chapel.

** Rev. Jefferies was the longest serving pastor.

*** Rev. Payne was the first female to serve as pastor of Reedy. The church sanctuary underwent major imporvements under her tenure.

**** Rev. Reginald and Rev. Salatheia Honors were both appointed to Reedy by Bishop Gregory G.M. Ingram.  Both are intinerant elders in the A.M.E. Church. They served the church during Hurricane Ike. The congregation was out of its sanctuary for more than 300 days.