Holsey Chapel C.M.E. Church
"A Beacon of Hope for the Community"

The first church was built on North Church Street.  The site for this church was not adequate, and in 1924 two lots were purchased and a personage was built.  In 1926, the old church was torn down and a new structure was erected at the East Oconee Street site.  This accomplishment was done under the leadership of Rev. J. H. Jefferson.  As time passed, the membership grew and there was a need for an educational facility. 

During the 1960’s, the first unit of the educational building was constructed and the parsonage was remodeled and brick veneered.  This was accomplished under the leadership of the late Rev. B. M. Mayfield, the late Rev. S. L. McGill, and Rev. M. C. Pettigrew was the Presiding Elder.  In 1981 additional rooms were added to the educational building and a parking lot was donated to the church.  The educational building has served as an Outreach Center for many clubs, business groups, summer enrichment programs, annual Vacation Bible School, weekly Bible study, and many other community activities.  The Bible teaches that "some plant seeds, and some water, but God causes the increase."  This is plainly demonstrated in the history of Holsey Chapel C.M.E. Church.  Tragedy struck the church on the night of August 8, 1997.  Fire gutted the church building leaving the church without a church home.  Charles C. Hall, Owner and Operator of Hall's Funeral Home, generously offered the accommodations of his new funeral chapel.  Because of his stewardship and generosity, Holsey Chapel was able to continue its scheduled program of worship while searching for a new permanent home.

Rev. E. Love Harris was appointed pastor in June 1996 and continued to serve during the search period.  On alternating Sundays, Rev. Harris conducted worship service at Holsey Chapel and Broaches Chapel, Ocilla.  Holsey Chapel, which met each first and third Sunday, was planning on becoming a station church, that is holding service every Sunday.  June 10, 1998 will long be remembered as the day members officially acquired a new church home, located at 515 East Suwanee Street.  Rev. Harris officially retired from the active ministry in June 1998 at the Annual Conference.  Holsey Chapel was without a pastor for six months, and Rev. Carlton Mahone was appointed pastor by Bishop Othal H. Lakey.  Rev. Mahone reported to Holsey Chapel on the third Sunday in December 1998.  Holsey Chapel continued to grow and expand under the dynamic leadership of Rev. Mahone.  The 2006 South Georgia Regional Annual Conference convened at Holsey Chapel and Rev. Dr. Leroy E. Dumas, Jr. was assigned as pastor in charge.  The 2008 Quadrennial Annual Conference brought additional change as Rev. Dr. Marvin J. Howard, Sr. was assigned pastor.  He is a distinguished administrator with innovative leadership.  Today, our Worship Center encompasses an entire city block with ample worship facilities, meeting rooms, and parsonage.