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About Us
About Us
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Our Pastor
Beebe Chapel Christian Methodist Episcopal (C.M.E.) Church has always been home to me!
At the age of eight, my journey of faith and commitment to God’s calling began when I was baptized at Beebe Chapel, where I am now privileged to serve as pastor. Growing up in the Church, I always felt called to the ministry and to use my gifts to serve as every Christian believer should. From my earliest memories, I was actively involved in various ministries within the congregation such as the Children & Youth Choir, Usher Board, Praise Dance Ministry, Puppet Ministry, and being an occasional speaker for worship services like Mother’s Day and Youth Day.
My commitment to God’s Church became a cornerstone of my life, shaping my decisions and priorities. The more I served, the greater sensing of an undeniable call to the ministry. Thus, I answered the call as a local preacher, local deacon (2021), and local elder (2022) in the C.M.E Church. Answering the call was not a decision I made lightly. As the years unfolded, I graduated from Lane College (Jackson, TN), a C.M.E. collegiate institution with my Bachelor’s Degree, and The University of Louisville (Louisville, KY) with my MBA. Currently, I am obtaining my Masters of Ministry at United Theological Seminary (Dayton, OH).
Under the tutelage of Rev. James Settles, Beebe Chapel became a church where diversity is more than just a buzz word. Still true to this day, we are a body of diverse believers bringing glory to God, boldly proclaiming the Gospel, while bridging generations together. This is a place where you belong, and I know that for a fact.
I am honored to have been appointed as the pastor of this flock since 2020. Hope to see you soon!
Blessings,
Rev. Niya Royal
Who We Are
Mission Statement
- Body of Diverse Believers United in Christ.
- Bringing Glory to God by Serving Him and Others.
- Boldly Proclaiming the Gospel.
- Bridging Generations Together.
- A Place Where You Belong.
Vision Statement
The vision of Beebe Chapel is to be a transforming church for Jesus the Christ within a changing world.
Affirmation of Faith
I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of Heaven and Earth: And in Jesus Christ His only Son, Our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; the third day He rose from the dead, He ascended into heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence He shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen.
beebe chapel c.m.e. church History
Our History
Beebe Chapel C.M.E. Church was organized in 1893 by Rev. Pop Jackson after a split in the local Wesleyan Church. Dedicated by and named after Bishop Joseph A. Beebe, who was the presiding prelate of the area, Beebe Chapel was the first C.M.E. Church in Ohio. While there is no exact reference to verify where services were conducted or where they gathered together, there is indication that there were nineteen charter members: Joseph Settles, Lizzie Settles, Leonidas Ferguson, Harriett Ferguson, Maria Brooks, Lydia Hamilton, James Henderson, Amanda Henderson, William Travis, Amanda Travis, Newton Jackson, Charles Owens, Lizzie Owens, Lucy Gray, Charles Gray, Sam Ewing, Viva Ewing, Julie MacGowan and Thomas MacGowan.
In 1899, the congregation built a wooden structure on stone foundation at 438 Main Street in Ripley, Ohio, which sits along the banks of the Ohio River and is known for its contribution to the Underground Railroad. Beebe Chapel still stands strong on the same lot today. Still often referred to as the Mother Church in Ohio Central Indiana (OCI) Annual Conference of the C.M.E. Church, Beebe continues to serve the Ripley community as one of the most diverse church in the area.