Reverend George Hinnant started Cherry Chapel Missionary Church around 1913. The church was originally named Batts Chapel.   

The first church was located on Jimmy Cox’s farm in Wilson County outside of Elm City.  Mr. Cox gave Rev. Hinnant and his small congregation permission to use one of the buildings on his farm.  Services were held every third Sunday in each month. During some of the services, outsiders congregated outside the building causing conflicts and confusion until Mr. Cox, the owner, threatened to close the church. However, the church remained opened.

Reverend Hinnant was not living in Elm City or in the Town Creek area during the time that he started or pastored the church.  He would come into Elm City every third Friday to conduct the monthly conference meeting.

Reverend George Hinnant remained faithful to Cherry Chapel as well as to the other three churches he pastored until his illness. During Rev. Hinnant’s illness, his son, Rev. Roy Hinnant conducted the services until his father’s death. He continued for approximately six months until a new pastor was appointed.

Reverend Preston Dickens became the pastor of Cherry Chapel Missionary Baptist Church in 1925. The services were changed to every second Sunday of the month. It was rumored that Mr. Cox was going to padlock the church.  Deacon Johnny Weaver became dissatisfied that the house of God, their place of worship, could be closed at any time.  Pastor Dickens reminded the congregation of about twenty members that they didn’t have a church, only permission to use the building and now was the time to get a permanent location.

The Financial Committee, comprised of Mother Clara Dawes, James Coleman, Ed Virgil, and Deacon Johnny Weaver met and decided to purchase some land.  They asked Mr. Jimmy Cox, the owner, if he would sell them the building and the land where they were meeting. However, due to legal problems, he was unable to sell that particular piece of property but offered them another piece of property. The committee purchased an acre of land and an old school building for the church.  Langley Road became the new location for the church.

The members came together in unity and prayer and financed the remodeling of the building. Rev. Preston Dickens pastored approximately ten to fifteen years with assistance by Rev. T.H. Rand. The Usher Board was organized in May 1939 under the leadership of Sister Bloomer Langston during Rev. Dickens’ tenure.

After Rev. Preston Dickens’ death, Rev. T.H. Rand became the new pastor of Cherry Chapel Missionary Baptist Church. The Senior Choir was organized under the leadership of Brother Bennie Randolph. The church grew in membership. The Cherrylites Gospel Chorus was organized in 1964 by Mother Hattie Pitt and added to the church calendar along with the Junior Choir.

Several ministers were ordained during Rev. Rand’s ministry. They were Rev. George “Pete” Cooper, Rev. Willie Barnes, Rev. Tyson “Tiny” Hinton, Rev. Cecil Farmer, Rev. Aaron Farmer, Rev. Cecil Thompson, Rev. Curtis Bethea, Rev. George Jones, and Rev. David D. Williams.  Rev. Rand served faithfully for approximately forty-three years until his death. 

Reverend T.H. Rand was succeeded by Rev. Willie Barnes who served for approximately three and a half years.

Reverend James W. Hunter became the next new pastor of Cherry Chapel Missionary Baptist Church.  He served until September 1986. Rev. Paul Davis was ordained during Rev. Hunter’s ministry. Deacon Excell Finch, Deacon Robert McCray, Jr., and Deacon Willie Davis were ordained as deacons under Rev. Hunter.

Cherry Chapel Missionary Baptist Church was without a pastor from September 1986 to December 1987. As the deacons and members continue to seek God’s guidance for a pastor, guest ministers from various churches preached the gospel.

Reverend William E. Holloway, Sr. became the new pastor of Cherry Chapel in December 1987. Installation services were held on April 24, 1988. Under his leadership, a Junior Usher Board was formed and Bible Study was instituted. The Pastoral Sunday was changed from second Sunday to second and fourth Sundays of each month in 1988.  As the church services increased, the congregation grew in membership and spirit. Many other church groups and activities took an upward turn as well. The Youth Department continued having their annual Christmas Program and summer picnics.

The first recognition service for the Senior Citizens of the church was held on January 19, 1991. Four deacons were installed during the Pastor Holloway’s tenure. Deacon Vernel Virgil and Deacon Lennon Reid were appointed by Pastor Hunter but installed by Pastor Holloway. Deacon Ed Atkinson and Deacon Cecil Harris were appointed and installed by Pastor Holloway.  Rev. Holloway remained faithful until he resigned from the church. The church began to pray and seek God’s guidance for a new pastor.  

In February 1996, the church elected Rev. Bronchie Hart as the new pastor. The church grew in numbers, accepting members at an alarming rate. The participation in Sunday School and Bible Study soared. Because of the spiritual move of God and the desire of the people to know the will of God, Bible Study was increased to every Tuesday night of each month.

Cherry Chapel began to grow spiritually, physically and financially. The Mass Choir (combined choirs) was added to the list of other musical groups of the church--Senior Choir, Junior Choir, Cherrylites and the Male Chorus.

The Trustee Board was increased to six members as Brothers Donnie Ellis, Clarence Robinson, and Larry Parker became Trustees. Sisters Mary Ann Davis, Margaret Batts and Janice Hunter were added to the Deaconess Board which was initially called the Mother’s Board.  The Church By-Laws that were ratified.

Due to the rate of growth, the size, and age of the church, Pastor Hart was led to construct a new church. This new edifice would allow for growth and better service of the Word of God to the members and the surrounding communities. As the church continued to grow, plans were made to remodel or rebuild another Sanctuary.  A Building Committee was formed that included the Pastor, the Deacons, the Trustees, and membership representatives.  The Health Department would require additional land to allow for the building of another Sanctuary at the present location. Another location was sought after. This brought on objection from a few Deacons and some members. Deacon Ed Atkinson was asked to step off the surrounding area so the owner could donate it to the church. Deacon Atkinson refused forcing the church to look for another location. Some members and some Deacons objected and blocked a possibly purchase of any property.

The Church purchased 5.74 acres of land from Mr. Joseph Lamm on Highway 301 South in Elm City, NC.  Two hundred thirty thousand dollars was borrowed from Wachovia Bank using the property newly acquired and the property on Langley Road as collateral.  A five thousand square foot sanctuary built by Commercial Builders was erected.  Landscaping was done by Hill and Son Construction Co.

The first service in the new sanctuary was held in the Spring of 2001. The families that opposed the move did not transition with the church.

The dedication service for the new church was held on May 5, 2001. Brother Jerry Howington became the first male baptized in the new church on that day. Sister Carrie Harris was baptized on June 16, 2001 becoming the first female baptized in the new edifice.

The Church By-Laws were revisited and modified for clearer understanding and approved by the church.

Membership continued to grow under the leadership of Pastor Hart. A third Sunday eight o’clock service was added. Bible Study grew to over 60 plus participants.

Brother Daniel (Danny) Ellis, who had preached his Initial Sermon in the old church was ordained in the new church. Sister Wanda Lyons joined and preached her Initial Sermon becoming the first female Minister at Cherry Chapel.  Rev. Leonard Suggs and Rev. Ricky Strickland also joined and was added to the pastoral team.

Deaconess Mary Ann Davis, Brother Timothy Doward, Sister Sharon Mercer, Sister Mildred Mercer, Sister Gail Taylor, Brother Joaquin Rivera, Sister Carolyn Alston, Sister Earlean Davis, Sister Mary Joyner, Brother Alton Hinton, Sister Donna Ellis, Sister Maggie Carter and Sister Marquarite Lucas were added to the Trustee Board at different times and not in chronological order.

Brother Alton Hinton, Brother Alton Virgil, Brother (Deacon) Bobby Thompson and Brother Antonio Joyner, Sr. were added to the Deacon Board. Sister (Deaconess) Carolyn Thompson and First Lady Susie Hart were added to the Deaconess Board. This was also done at different times and not in chronological order.

A Bus and Van Ministry was added. Both vehicles were contributed by Sister Mattie Barnes and her son.

Just like there is not always total harmony in our homes, disarray and confusion will find their way into the House of God. Once again, Cherry Chapel found chaos entering its doors. Over a period of time several Deacons and Trustees refused to cooperate with the Pastor and would oppose most decisions made by the Pastor and the church. The group began to have separate meetings in the Community Center in Elm City, N.C. This group took full control of all of the transactions of the church. There was a time when the mortgage was not paid, and the water was cut off.  The property on Langley Road was sold and they refused to inform the church of how much it was sold for and where the money went. This group also would go to the homes of certain members and talk against the church and the Pastor. This Meeting Group decided to terminate the Pastor, sent a check for $5000 that got destroyed in the mail, and took out a warrant for Pastor Hart if he came on the church’s property. The members of Cherry Chapel were notified and in an official meeting voted out the existing Deacons and Trustees.

The Meeting Group filed a motion with the courts against the church and the church filed a motion in court against them. The Court Order of the State of North Carolina, Wilson County list the plaintiffs as Cherry Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, Pastor Bronchie Hart; Trustees Carolyn Alston, Maggie Carter, Earlean Davis, Mildred Mercer, Sharon Mercer, and Joaquin Rivera; Deacons Alton Virgil and Alton Hinton; Church Officers- Church Secretary Dorothy Armstrong; Assistant Secretary Susie Hart; and Church Clerk Fontella Strickland Hart. The defendants were listed as Robert McCray, Jr., Willie T. Davis, Donnie Ellis, William Davis, Mary Ann Davis, Larry Parker and Timothy Doward.  After a series of meetings and court sessions, the court ordered by votes of 91 yes to 49 no for Rev. Bronchie Hart to remain and be the Pastor of Cherry Chapel Missionary Baptist Church and its Chief Administrator.

Although the plaintiffs won their case, the church was ordered to pay attorney fees for both sides. This court order was filed December 7, 2005 in Wilson County. Most of the defendants left the church.

Pastor Hart asked the church to work with him so the Church Business could be restored.  Members began to leave the Fellowship and some would not be supportive.  Some members stop participating in the Services. The Male Chorus dispersed. The remaining members formed the Cherrylites, The Senior Choir and the Junior Choir joined into the Mass Choir. Even though the membership was dwindling, the Spirit of the Almighty was still in the building and the hearts of the dedicated  members.

Pastor Hart and First Lady Deaconess Susie Hart met with Wachovia Bank and re-negotiated the interest rate. A lower rate was approved and Pastor Hart asked the church to continue the payment.  In February 2012, the church mortgage was paid off.

In October of 2010, the first lady, Deaconess Susie Hart passed. Pastor Hart felt that interest in the church was being taken away because of so much concern about his private life. Pastor Hart married Dr. Brenda Pollin on May 10, 2014. The two of them worked to refocus the church on the Ministry with Preaching, Teaching, and Witnessing. Pastor Hart still felt that Cherry Chapel would not focus on the Ministry but on him.  During the quarterly conference in June 2015, Pastor Hart submitted his resignation to take effect the last day of February 2016.

In 2015, the water pipes burst and damaged the church extensively. The church was repaired and painted. A shelter was erected and the parking lot was painted and sealed.

In September 2015, a Pastor Search Committee was formed. The committee was comprised of Deacon Bobby Thompson, Deaconess Carolyn Thompson, Trustee Gail Taylor, Trustee Mary Joyner, Church Secretary Linda Logan, Sister Maggie Carter, Deacon Robert McCray, Jr., and Church Clerk Patricia Lancaster.  

Pastor Bronchie Hart preached his final sermon on February 28, 2016 exactly twenty years of pastoring there.  Cherry Chapel members gave Pastor & Dr. Hart a parting dinner at Gardner’s in Rocky Mount.

The Deacons asked Rev. Jimmy Bynum, whom with his family, had joined Cherry Chapel in July 2014 to minister to Cherry Chapel on second and fourth Sundays until a new pastor was elected. The third Sunday rotation of in-service ministers would continue as before.

A special call meeting was held on August 6, 2016. The Pastor Search Committee informed the church of the candidate they recommended to fulfill the vacant pastoral position. Cherry Chapel Missionary Baptist Church members voted and elected Rev. Jimmy Bynum as the new pastor of the church.  Rev. Bynum accepted the position and on October 30, 2016 was officially installed as the new Pastor of Cherry Chapel Missionary Baptist Church of Elm City.

Pastor Bynum stated that his vision for Cherry Chapel is Love. He wants to reclaim what was lost by reaching out and bringing old members back. His plans include education, leadership and spiritual growth. He is also directed to the Youth Ministry so that the church will be kept from extinction.

Already under Pastor Bynum’s leadership, his plans for education, leadership and spiritual growth have taken off with a bang! Several workshops have been conducted led by members of the church (Christian Education, Usher, Trustee, and Youth).

Minister Gwendolyn Mix preached her initial service and was licensed in January 2017. Sis. Carolyn Alston preached her Initial Sermon on January 23, 2018. She was given the opportunity to try again but declined the offer and left the church.

Pastor Bynum and the officers of the church met on January 28, 2017 to revise/ amend the church by-laws of 2004. They were approved and adopted March 4, 2017 at the quarterly conference. A day session of Bible Study started on Tuesday, September 26, 2017 at noon giving members the option to attend daytime or evening.

The Transportation Ministry has been revived with the purchase of a new van. The Trustees can conduct church business such as picking up supplies and delivering donations to individuals and organizations. The van also allows more members to support the pastor when he has engagements at other churches.

In June 2019, Pastor Bynum implemented his plans for the Youth of Cherry Chapel. He and First Lady Bynum started a Scholarship Fund for the Youth of Cherry Chapel. Certain criteria has to be met to be eligible to receive the scholarship. Anyone that wants to contribute can. Flyers were distributed in the surrounding area inviting the youth from the surrounding areas and counties to its first Youth Day Explosion Extravaganza. Those in attendance were treated to food, games, and fellowship!  Adult Speakers from the Wilson County Sheriff, Police, and Fire Departments were around to share information about their jobs. Personnel from North Carolina Central University, the Military, and members of the church also enlightened the youth on opportunities they could take in preparation for their future. On Sunday, the visiting youth minister had and gave a fantastic message to everyone present. Pastor Bynum also designated the third Sunday in each month as Youth Day at Cherry Chapel giving them the opportunity to be more involved in the service that day.  

The Corona Pandemic struck in 2020 and changed the nation's daily routine for many of us. Nevertheless, Cherry Chapel under the leadership of Pastor Jimmy R. Bynum never missed a beat. His innovative skills allowed the members to continue as normal with   safety first being a top priority!!!  Facebook sermons were made available during our regular Sunday services timeframe. Those members and friends without Facebook could call in by using the teleconference information given to them. Wednesday at noon those interested could join in by phone using the teleconference information as well for prayer. Using teleconference also gave the members and friends the opportunity to have our regular quarterly communion services. Teleconference also enabled those that desired the opportunity to participate in the Watch Meeting Service to welcome in the New Year.

No, the journey was not easy. It wasn’t meant to be. But here we stand—109 years later with just as much determination, perseverance, prayers, and love as we move into this year and beyond.