"Gather the people, sanctify the congregation, assemble the Elders, gather the children…the roots of Richardson Chapel Church of God in Christ date back to the year of 1917, a total of 85 years, when Elder Willie Richardson and Mother Clarisa Richardson began to gather the people and tell them of Holiness. The spirit of the Lord continued to move in their hearts and minds to tell the good news of Jesus' saving grace. The harvest was truly ripe…there was not a "Church of God in Christ" in Scotlandville where holiness could be taught, and God could be worshipped, according to Psalms 100 "Make a joyful noise unto the Lord…"and Psalms 150 "Praise Him with the sound of the timbrel and dance…"

Mother Clarisa Richardson visited in the homes and talked and read the bible to the housewives. If they had their daily chores to do, such as washing, ironing, cooking, etc., she would gladly help the ladies in order to have more time to talk and to read to them. As the people came together and listened to the teachings of the Lord, they began to pray. "Show me thy ways, O Lord, teach me they paths."
The group of saints held services at several homes and different places in Scotlandville. They even worshipped in a "Brush Harbor." As the group increased, they rented a Hall in Scotlandville Community to have service. The Lord continued to richly bless. Souls were coming unto the Lord, and there was a great need to build a house of worship.

Haggai 1:7-8 reads, "Thus said the Lord of hosts; Consider your ways. Go up to the mountains and bring wood, and build the house, and I will be glorified, said the Lord." Considering the ways of the Lord, the group decided to build a house believing that the Lord would take pleasure in it. They worked for a building, selling butter and eggs to collect monies for a church. Elder Winbush of New Orleans, La. served as pastor. Elder West Feltus and Elder John Feltus also served as pastor. The years that these great men served is not known. However, as the women continued to work hard, collecting money, one lot was purchased. In the year 1929, a building was erected. Elder James Edwards of Amite, Louisiana was blessed to be the builder of the church. It was called the "Church of God in Christ". For five (5) years, the group of saints worshipped, toiled and rejoiced in this church under the pastorage of Elder James Edwards.

During his pastorage, the membership increased to include: Sister Rena Cornelius, Sister Irene Jordan, Sister Florence Johnson, Brother and Sister Wilbert Jones, Sr. Sister Etha Jordan, Sister Clara Jordon, Sister Mamie Bolden, Sister Camelia Williams and Sister Emma Cornelius.
Elder James Stampley, Sr., Baton Rouge, Louisiana received the appointment from Overseer Lazard to pastor at Scotlandville. He remained for one year. During his pastorage, Brother Wallace Batiste, Brother Elmo Cornelius and Brother William Williams joined. Later, these great men of God were called to preach the word.

Elder William Holmes, New Orleans, Louisiana, pastored for next two and one half years. Elder John Davis of Lake Charles, Louisiana, pastored for two or three years. Sister Corine Robinson-Humbles and Sister LeAsther Hughes accepted holiness during this time.

Elder E. C. Pounds, Elder Willie Graves and Elder E. D.Robinson also served as pastors. During the pastorage of Elder D. A. Morgan, Minister and Sister Frank James and Sister Lela Robertson joined the church.

In the year of 1939, Elder Willie K. Gordon, Sr., received the appointment.

History reveals to us some of the officers who kept "the church moving on", under the leadership of Bishop Willie K. Gordon, Sr., Deacon Ulysses Richardson. Deacon Wilbert Brown, Father Lafayette Brown and Sister Elnora Richardson. Sister Mamie Bolden, Sister Camelia Williams, Sister Clara Wheelock and Sister Elmira Wheelock served as secretaries. Mother Clarisa Richardson, Mother Mary Lee, Mother Rena Cornelius served on the Mother's Board.

Brother and Sister J. S. Cornelius and Sister Gertrude Pidgeon joined under the leadership of Elder Willie K. Gordon, Sr. Brother J. S. Cornelius was also called into ministry.
The church founders, Elder Willie Richardson served as a faithful assistant pastor, and Mother Clarisa Richardson served as a consecrated church mother, until the Lord said, thy faithful servants, well done. Mother Richardson was called home to be with the Lord on September 22, 1958, and Elder Willie Richardson went home to be with the Lord on February 26, 1961. After his death, a cornerstone laying was held, and the church washeld, and the church was renamed: "The Richardson Chapel Church of God in Christ," in honor of our beloved founders.

Elder Willie K. Gordon, Sr., seemed to have been the Lord's choice for Scottlandville. Upon his arrival, he found a small-framed building on a lot 30 x 120, which was in need of repairs. He set about immediately to so what was necessary to renovate the building. New windows were put in and new siding was put on. He also purchased another lot, the same sized, with his own money to expand the building.
Several revivals were conducted, and the Lord blessed the membership to increase. Only God could have enabled Pastor Willie K. Gordon, Sr. to serve as he did.

In the year 1949, another renovation was completed, this time a new top, brick wall and a new inside was added. An incident comes to mind during this renovation. Discovering a tilt in the church's structure, Pastor Gordon brought his 15year old teenage son, C. H. and began the tedious task of restoring the structure to a workable position. Little was it known that thirty years later, this little lad would become the Co-Pastor of Richardson Chapel. The Lord continued blessing. The membership had out grown the facility. In 1970, two classrooms, an office, the pastor's study were added, the choir area was extended and new flooring and carpet was placed down the isle, in the pulpit and choir area. New pews were also purchased, and a cafeteria building was added.
Realizing the membership and attendance had out grown the present facility, and with continual inspiration from God to lead Richardson Chapel to higher heights; even after being 75 years old, 55 years in the ministry, having built 10 churches, Bishop W. K. Gordon "had a dream" to build a new edifice at Scottlandville. His dream was to be fulfilled by that same son who helped secure a tilt during the renovation in 1949.
In 1978, Elder Charles Henry Milton Mason Gordon has served 5 years as Co-pastor, was appointed Pastor of Richardson Chapel Church of God in Christ. The dream began to be fulfilled under his dedicated leadership, many hours of prayer and labor, under the guidance and inspiration of Bishop Gordon, the construction of new edifice was started on May 6, 1985. As always, and being concerned about what is best for his congregation, and knowing of the vast skills and abilities of the church brothers in the church, Pastor Charles Gordon served as General Contractor. The brothers worked untiringly on the building. This effort resulted in quite a savings financially for the church.

The sisters wanted to have a part in this also. Under the coordination of Missionary Margaret Holmes, the sisters prepared food and served the brothers while they worked.
Sister Emma C. Johnson played an outstanding role in the Food Service Department of the old church. Under her directions, the cafeteria was well equipped and operated. Holiday dinners were served to the Youth Department; special meals were planned and served. Sister Johnson was called home to be with the Lord on November 13, 1983. Not wanting her good work and dedication to be forgotten, Pastor Charles H. Gordon named the Fellowship Hall the "Emma C. Johnson Fellowship Hall" in her memory.

ON May 18, 1986, the dedication service for the new edifice was held. "The dream fulfilled." Brother Willie Holmes joined during this Dedicatory Service.

In the middle of the 1980's, we had more great ministries who inspired the way and opened up the Foundation for us. The Lord called these ministries into His vineyard. Roosevelt Harrell, Jerome Smith, Aldophus White, Milton Bryant, Edward Higginbotham, Leonard Powell and Walter Walters. Some have become pastors, or remained as Local Elders.
The Lord continued to enlighten, empower and bless the church. "When praises go up, His blessings will come down." Pastor Charles H. Gordon developed a Pastor's Proposal in the year 1994.

FAMILIES WORKING TOGETHER TO REACH AN ULTIMATE GOAL," The goal was to make Richardson Chapel a debt free church. On April 18, 1995, the parking lot was paved, and the church sign was added in the front of the church. That same year, on April 29, 1995, the mortgage burning celebration was held. "The goal was achieved…. a dream transformed into reality."

A BOUNTIFUL BLESSING OF CHURCH IMPROVEMENT

• May 30, 1996, new carpet was added.
• June 3, 1996, the pulpit wall was painted, borders were placed around the top of the wall and railings were installed around the pulpit.
• March 1998, new equipment was added to the kitchen area.
• April 1999, the telephone answering service was installed.
• February 2000, the Church Library was added - "The Alma Richardson-Gordon Memorial Media Center".
• March 2000, the Tape Ministry was upgraded.

Richardson Chapel has stood as a sentinel pointing men and women, boys and girls to the Heavenly Way. Being concerning about both the natural and spiritual need of others, Pastor Gordon saw a need for transportation, to transport church members, Southern University College students, and anyone without transportation, who wanted to come and worship the Lord…in the year of 1997, a church van was purchased.
In the midst of world turmoil, the face of strife and war, and at times when world ideals are crumbling, this church is holding high, the banner of Christ who said, "Upon this rock, I will build my church, and the gates of Hell shall not prevail against it."
We have come this far by faith, leaning on the Lord. Let us continue to do more and better work for Kingdom Building……

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