The first church was located in Burnstown, during the late 1800’s. It was called Antioch Church. The church was started by William Thompson, Edd Barton, Britt Goodloe and Burel Malone.
They also served as the first steward board between the years of 1888-1900; the name was changed to Rutland Chapel C.M.E. Church. Mr. Rutland donated the present property, where this building is now located.
Reverend Jones served as Rutland’s first minister. The other minister’s that served was Reverend Jenkins, Reverend Sheron, Reverend O.C. Watts, Reverend Crawford, Reverend Poller and Reverend King.
The old building that sat on the top of the hill was constructed in the year 1944. Reverend R. A. Brooks started the construction and Reverend Doss completed the building in the years 1945-1946.
Pastors that served Rutland Chapel down through the years were: Reverend R.A. Brooks, Reverend J.A. Doss, Reverend C.W. Mason, Reverend Lennear, Reverend R.A. Stewart, Reverend Ike Rivers, Reverend Roy White, Reverend Golston, Reverend Hartgrove, Reverend Holmes, Reverend Fryson, Reverend Horn, Reverend J.L. Hays, Reverend C.A. Dale, Reverend Doris Baker, Reverend O.C. Jones, Reverend Ophelia Davis, Reverend Mary Marshall, Reverend Carrie Douglas, Reverend Annie Elliott, Reverend Tina Swan-Branch, and our current pastor Reverend Mary Marshall. Reverend Estes Thompson, Vaniece Perkins, and Reverend Johnny Marshall served as associated ministers at Rutland Chapel.
Rutland was blessed to have a long time local preacher, Reverend James McKinley. Reverend McKinley also served as Sunday School Superintendent for many years. He taught the children to love Sunday school and how to give.
The Building we worship in today was started under the leadership of Reverend C.A. Dale, Reverend O.C. Jones, Reverend Doris Baker, and Reverend Ophelia Davis also labored during its construction. On the first Sunday in November 1984, under the leadership of Reverend Ophelia, we moved into this building. We haven’t stop once we were worshipping in our new building, improvements are continuously being made.
The history of our church was complied with the help of some of Rutland’s oldest members: Sister Louvenia Grubbs (deceased), Brother Thomas Long, Sr. (deceased), Sister Melissa Long-Mason (deceased), and Sister Bernice Daniels (deceased).
Rutland Chapel Church located in the Lane Spring Community continues to be a beacon for those who love their God and their church. We love Rutland Chapel Church may it forever be a peaceful place to worship our Lord.
Rutland Chapel CME Church 