History

Around the last of the 1800s, three men with a determination to provide a place of worship within this community was the inspiration for organizing Flat Rock Church. These men, the late Will Ruffin, McGuthrie Thompson, and Will Jones were instrumental in getting the church organized and served as the first Steward Board. Flat Rock Church started out in a little, old log house under the leadership of Rev. Thomas. Around 1910, Rev. Bumpass and Rev. Cord served as Pastors.

We were told of the flames of glory burning in the hearts of worshipers and the eagerness of the children was evident as they sat in the trees and listened to their elders make professions of faith. The little, old log house that served as the first church and community school was met with an untimely destruction by fire.

Our first A.M.E. minister, Reverend Julius T. Tate, organized our next church.

As preparations were made to build this church, our elders—the late Sterling Ruffin, Tom Holman and others hauled lumber by horse and wagon from as far as Mebane for the building effort. As the church grew and prospered, Rev. Tate added other members to the Steward Board—the late Sterling Ruffin, Richard Thompson, Charlie Thompson, and Albert Long.

Rev. Tate began the long line of A.M.E. Pastors that were sent to provide spiritual leadership and guidance for our congregation. Others that followed include: Rev. Madkin, Rev. T.L. Chrismond, Rev. Thomas, Rev. Bailey, Rev. Worthy, Rev. Fairley, and Rev. Foster.

Rev. Christmas was an inspirational leader and was sent to serve the church a second time and retired while serving here. Today, some of the old furniture that was purchased while he pastored, remains in the Pastor’s Study.

Around 1930, Flat Rock enjoyed the leadership of other ministers—Rev. Crutchfield, Rev. Gatho, Rev. White, Rev. Lucas, and Rev. Bridges. Under the leadership of Rev. Bridges, a new church was built by Thompson Contractors (Henry Thompson, Roy Thompson, and Otha Thompson – much of their work still stands in this community and the surrounding area) and the cornerstone was laid in 1952.

In 1953, along came Rev. Decker followed by Rev. Spencer, Rev. Davis, and Rev. Greene. Rev. Greene led this church for 13 years. Under his leadership, the church took on the present look—the Choir Stand, Choir Room, Pastor’s Study, and partial bricking of the brick. He organized a Junior Choir and an Usher Board.

In 1970, Rev. Preston Weaver was sent to lead the church. And 1980 ushered in still another change of leadership—that of Rev. H.S. Williams. He served us for three years, preaching the word of God and rekindling the love of Jesus in our hearts. Under his leadership, a Junior Steward Board and Junior Usher Board were organized. Our facilities were also updated with central heating and air-conditioning, a sound system and a new water system.

The ministry of Rev. Williams was a joint one, as his wife—the Rev. Mrs. Lula Williams, was often used by God to minister unto us. She was a source of inspiration for all of us.

Rev. W.J. Stewart became our leader in 1983. It seemed that just as we were settling in with one new minister, the Conference saw fit to send yet another. The church rolled on. In 1986, we were blessed with the leadership of Rev. C.W. Parker. Under his leadership, Flat Rock Church was refloored, new carpet was installed, and a new piano was purchased. We thank God for his leadership and the wisdom of his years.

In 1988, Rev. E.C. McLellan was sent to lead Flat Rock. Under his leadership, the church pews were covered. In early December, he suffered a stroke and was unable to continue his work here. We were fortunate to receive Rev. Milton Battle as acting Pastor. He was young, enthusiastic and an inspirational leader. His ministry to the children was special and uplifting. You could see the sparkle in their eyes and the joy in their hearts as they were invited to come forward for their own special altar call and moment with God.

Following Rev. Battle, our leader became Rev. Paul Rigsbee. He was youthful, dynamic and charismatic. Under his leadership, we added the 3^rd Sunday to our worship schedule. We reached other goals—the Fellowship Hall was built and dedicated, the Gospel Choir was reorganized, the Male Chorus was organized, and a new sound system was installed. The new hymnals and choir chairs were also purchased during this time. And the church debt on the Fellowship Hall was retired. Under his gentle leadership, we were not able to rest on past achievement—he pushed us to higher goals.

In 1994, Rev. James Womack answered the call to come and lead the flock at Flat Rock. He had a bold vision and challenged us to venture out and try new ideas.

In 1995, we were blessed to have the leadership of Rev. Kelvin Royster. His arrival ushered in new changes. Under Rev. Royster’s leadership, we remodeled the bathrooms, added an extension to the altar, and also, added a storage room and small meeting room. We also added the 1^st and 5^th Sundays to our worship schedule, as well as, Bible Study on Wednesdays. Rev. Royster was a strong advocate for training our young people to work in the church. He reminded us that our young people are not the church of tomorrow; instead they are the church of today. This is demonstrated on 1^st Sundays, as the youth are in charge of the service. To increase our spiritual growth and Christian training, he added a workshop, “Sowing Seeds for the Harvest”, which provided training for both the youth and the adults. His wife, Sis. Barbara Royster was a strong force in encouraging the youth at Flat Rock to soar to new heights and meet new challenges. Her teachings during Youth Mini-Church were very resourceful and memorable for both old and young alike. Rev. Royster and his family continue to be an inspiration to us.

In 2005, the Bishop appointed Rev. Casimir Brown as our Pastor. His weekly Bible Study class was empowering and had us eager to learn more. His wife, Sis. Gwendolyn Brown was very motivating and enjoyed working with the youth.

Rev. Chalice Overy, a dynamic, spirit-filled, young minister served us briefly until our present Pastor, Rev. Dr. Linda Kerr Norflett, was assigned in October 2005 to lead us. We are very fortunate to have Rev. Norflett as our first female Pastor. Her dedication and warmth radiate through her sermons, as well as, through her commitment to the Prison Ministry, Drama Ministry, and Dance Ministry.

The history at Flat Rock A.M.E. Church is a long and rich one. One of which we are very proud! While we have had a long succession of leaders, we have learned something from each one—individually and collectively. They are responsible for what we have become today.

To God be the glory, for the great things He has done!