BENSON CHAPEL BAPTIST CHURCH

 

Benson Chapel Baptist Church was organized July 9, 1969 with ten charter members.  Worship Service began July 13, in a small house located in south Robeson County with Rev. Ray Hunt serving as pastor.  The first deacons to serve were Brother Wilbert Locklear, Brother Benson Chavis, and Brother Edens Chavis. Charter members included Sister Carrie Bell Chavis, Sister Margie Locklear, Sister Cinderella Sealey, Sister Bessie Mae Chavis, Brother Preston Chavis, Brother James J. Chavis, Brother Sanford Jacobs, Brother Benson Chavis, Brother Wilbert Locklear, and Brother Edens Chavis.

 

The first money to be deposited by the church was $38.47 on July 21, 1969 at Southern National Bank.

 

In 1970 the congregation moved into a new church facility including a sanctuary and educational department.  Rev. Hunt continued to serve as pastor until 1973 when Rev. Douglas Mitchell was called on a part-time basis.  He served one year, followed by Rev. Manford Locklear for one year, and returned to serve the church.  After several years as pastor, Rev. Mitchell resigned and was followed by Rev. Chalmers Kerns who pastored several years in the 1980’s.  Upon his resignation, Rev. Douglas Mitchell again returned to pastor Benson until his retirement in 1999.