Photo from Facebook and GoFundMe.

A historical marker was unveiled today at Smith Chapel Church, commemorating the contributions of the church and the One Room Colored School for Colored Children, marking a significant moment in the community's history.

The ceremony, held at 413 Eva Mae Jones Road on Sunday, attracted a diverse crowd of community members, descendants of former students and teachers, and local officials. The event celebrated the church, which was founded in 1924 and named after its first pastor, Reverend Billy Smith, who dedicated 22 years to serving the community.

The historical marker recognizes the church's humble beginnings, which started in the home of Mr. Moltin and Mrs. Gartha Carr before transitioning to an abandoned train boxcar gifted by Casey Railroad. The first permanent building was constructed by Reverend Smith and community families, who transformed the church into a hub for worship and community activities.

Adjacent to the church, Lenoir County established a One Room Colored School in the mid-1930s, which provided education for grades 1-8. The school's first teacher, Ms. Lucy Bell Davis, was joined by Mrs. Zella Mae Patterson-King in 1940. After desegregation, the school closed, and its students transitioned to Lenoir County Public Schools.

The event was made possible through a community-driven GoFundMe campaign aimed at purchasing and installing the marker. Contributions exceeding the goal will support Smith Chapel Church Ministries. Attendees were invited to join in the celebration and reflect on the importance of preserving local history.