About Us

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In 1905, under the leadership of Rev. Rufus Stout, a small group of people came together to form a new Church. This Church would be called Cottrell Chapel and would be dedicated to, and by the Honorable Bishop Elias Cottrell; who worked tirelessly for the early Christian Methodist Episcopal (C.M.E.) Church in the Arkansas West District. 

In 1913, the Church was completely destroyed by a tornado. For two years the membership worshiped in a tent on Daisy Street in the summer and in the Odd Fellow Hall in the winter. In 1917, the Church basement was rebuilt and services were held there until 1923 when the Rev. W.M. Hernton and the members rebuilt the sanctuary.  

They remained there until 1957 when under the leadership of Rev. L.C. Keys and devoted members purchased the building at 698 East Grand Avenue from the Grand Avenue Baptist Church. The first service was held on August 18, 1957 at 10:00 am, Rev N. Charles Thomas was the first minister of the new Cottrell Chapel C.M.E. Church. Throughout the many years of it's existence many great names have served the pastorate of this great Church.