On the Summit’s Horizon: Turner Chapel Celebrates 176 Years in the Summit City

By: Rev. Christopher W. Riley FWIS Contributing Writer

“In the words of George James, ‘we have a legacy that was stolen’, so it’s hard to see ourselves as chosen, so as a consequence there are areas of our life that still seem frozen. We overcame slavery because we have a built-in sense of bravery,” said Bishop Bill McGill, senior pastor of Imani Baptist Temple in Fort Wayne.

Turner Chapel AME Church, 836 East Jefferson Boulevard culminated the 176th Church Anniversary on Sunday, October 19, 2025, with a Holy Ghost Fire Revival, “A Prophetic Call to the Future” (Psalm 78:4) The revival included Liturgical Dancing, Christian Stepping, Vocal Music featuring various genres of Gospel Music, Historical Presentations and Preaching.

Turner Chapel has the distinction of being the oldest Black Church in Fort Wayne tracing its roots back to 1849 which was 14 years prior to the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863 which freed the slaves. Indiana was considered a “free state” but Blacks could not purchase land. In 1869, Emerine H. Hamilton, the wife of a wealthy Fort Wayne business owner, donated land at Wayne and Francis Streets in the act of consciousness and philanthropy. That same year, AME officers bought the former St. John’s German Reformed Church and moved it to the land donated by Hamilton. Leaders of the church renamed the site Turner Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church in honor of Reverend Henry McNeil Turner, a black chaplain who served during the Civil War and later became a bishop in the AME Church. In 1888, Turner Chapel built a larger facility on the same site making it the first church building erected by an African American congregation in Fort Wayne. In 1963, Turner Chapel moved to its present location at 836 East Jefferson Boulevard.

Turner Chapel is currently led by Rev. Franklin Steans, II who is a native of Anderson, Indiana but now resides in the Summit City along with his wife, Rev. Tonikia Steans, a native of Muncie and their daughter, Icesa who is the youngest of ten. According to the church’s website, Reverend Steans is passionate about nurturing a vibrant, united church family and is devoted to leading us in our spiritual journey. Steans was assigned to pastor Turner Chapel in 2024.

“It was a beautiful night. Wonderful to see everyone from different denominations and cities working together toward a common goal to celebrate what was accomplished in 1849, 176 years ago,” said Rev. Franklin Steans, II.

Retired Presiding Elder Samuel Sumner, Sr. reminded us to know where to go when trouble arises. Sumner served as Pastor of Turner Chapel from 1992-2000. He shared that he was blessed with 8 good years before being moved to Allen Chapel AME Indianapolis.

Rev. Paulette Madison who is the seventh pastor of Gomez Temple AME Church, affectionately known as Pastor P proclaimed that we need to stoke the Holy Ghost Fire and encourage the next generation to do the same. She contrasted the notion of our fore parents would stoke the fire in an old pot-belly stove. Madison also reflected on the legacy of Gomez Temple Founder, Rev. Naomi Phillips who was a part of Turner Chapel when the Indiana Annual Conference gave her permission to start a church in 1958 which was named in honor of Bishop Joseph Gomez who was a staunch supporter of women in ministry. Madison was mentored and worked closely with Phillips until she retired from pastoring in 1984. “The service was spirit-filled. In the vernacular of today’s youth, it was lit.”

“We were able to free ourselves from chains because we have uniquely trained brains. We were able to overcome their hate because we refused to be defined by their ignorant bait. In fact, they may have called us by ugly names, but we refused to be defeated by their ugly games,” said McGill, who was one of the featured preachers, encouraging everyone to thank God for all that he has done! “Tell somebody he is able!”

In October 2019, Turner Chapel AME Church became a locally designated historic district in Fort Wayne. In February 2022, the church became listed on the National Register of Historic Places which occurred under the leadership of former pastor Rev. Kenneth C. Christmon who served Turner between 2012-2024. Christmon is now the pastor of Bethel AME Church in Richmond, which traces its roots back to 1836 and is the oldest, still active Black Church in Indiana.

“Turner Chapel has been a beacon of light in the Fort Wayne community since 1849. Not only have countless individuals “entered its doors to worship,” countless have departed to serve. The hungry have been fed, those in need of clothing have been clothed, the sick have been visited and peace and justice have been benchmarks of the church’s existence. As this 176th Anniversary celebration takes place, we are thankful for the pastors who have served and the parishioners who have worshipped remembering, we are a blessing to be a blessing,” said Rev. Lenore G. Williams, Presiding Elder of the Indiana Conference North District.

Reflections from the members of Turner Chapel AME Church:

“Hallelujah” Wanda Wilkerson

“Uplifting, Spirit-Filled” Linda Durril

“I enjoyed all of the occasions.” Bernice Johnson

“Full with the Holy-Ghost, We had a Wonderful Three Days, Turner Chapel is on fire for the Lord.” Denise Morris

“It was an awesome Christian experience. Those that missed, missed a treat. God was in the house.” Eunice Cato.

To learn more about Turner Chapel AME Church, please visit the website, turnerchapelftwayne.org/