Franklin Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church
Our Journey Through Faith
Established in 1876, Franklin Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church has carried the light of Christ for nearly 150 years. From McKay Street to South Caledonia Road, each generation has helped write a story of worship, service, and resilience in Laurinburg, North Carolina.
Timeline • 1876 to Today
1876
Our Beginning
“We honor our past by continuing the work.”
From 1876 until today, every pastor, member, and friend has helped write the story of Franklin Chapel. By God’s grace, we will keep building, serving, and believing together.
From 1876 until today, every pastor, member, and friend has helped write the story of Franklin Chapel. By God’s grace, we will keep building, serving, and believing together.
In 1876, a faithful group of believers organized what would become
Franklin Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church in Laurinburg, NC, forming a spiritual home for worship,
fellowship, and community.
By 1881, Bishop Martin Robert Franklin led the construction of a new church
building on McKay Street. The congregation later honored him by giving the church his name, becoming
Franklin Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church.
In 1912, under Rev. E. B. Robinson, Franklin Chapel moved to its present location at
1103 South Caledonia Road. When a storm demolished the building, Bright Hopewell Baptist Church
opened its doors to welcome the congregation until a new structure could be built.
From 1915–1963, Franklin Chapel grew into one of the most influential congregations in the
Central North Carolina Conference. A new sanctuary was erected, and in 1963, Rev. T. H. Murphy
led the construction of a beautiful $100,000 sanctuary that served as a symbol of faith and
sacrifice.
In 1987, Rev. M. H. Williams, Sr. spearheaded the construction of a large educational building
with classrooms, offices, restrooms, and a fellowship hall—later named in his honor. The sanctuary interior was
remodeled with an expanded pulpit, choir loft, safer stairwell, and improved accessibility.
Between 1995–1999, under Rev. K. M. Brooks and Rev. Dr. Otis T. McMillian, the church campus
was modernized with a parsonage, landscaping, paved parking, upgraded sound, padded pews, improved HVAC,
a church van, the “Blow the Trumpet in Zion” telecast, and the Ida Bell McRae Memorial Library.
From 2005–2015, Rev. Paul G. Murphy and Rev. Ray P. Owens, Sr. continued strengthening
discipleship and facilities, keeping Franklin Chapel focused on making disciples for Christ and serving the
wider community.
In 2022, Rev. James A. Hayes was appointed pastor. Under his leadership, Franklin Chapel
embraced digital ministry through livestream worship, in-screen sanctuary monitors, and a fully functioning
Media Ministry reaching hearts both near and far.
During the 2025–2026 Conference Year, Rev. John T. Morrison Jr. was appointed
pastor at the Central North Carolina Conference of the Eastern North Carolina District by Presiding Bishop
W. Darin Moore. With First Lady Renee Morrison serving faithfully beside him,
Franklin Chapel enters a new season of vision, unity, and Spirit-led leadership.
Today, nearly 150 years after its founding, Franklin Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church remains a place
of worship, hope, and service—rooted in its rich history while pressing forward into God’s future.