Lewisville in Denton County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Lane Chapel C.M.E. Church

Photographed by J Frye

1. Lane Chapel C.M.E. Church Marker

Inscription. Anthony Hembry and six charter members, all former slaves, organized Lewisville Colored Methodist Episcopal (C.M.E.) Church in 1882. Lewisville had the largest African American population in Denton County and this church, called Lane Chapel after 1902 for Bishop Isaac Lane, was a significant social center. Other C.M.E. churches formed with the encouragement of this congregation. As rural Americans migrated to larger cities in the 1920s-1940s, the black population of Lewisville diminished and church membership dwindled. The church survived the late 20th century through donations and funds from other C.M.E. churches and the devotion of Lane Chapel members. A strong ministry in the 1990s led to a revival for Lane Chapel, and by the beginning of the 21st century membership had increased.

Erected 2000 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 12323.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Religion & Religious Structures • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Christian Methodist Episcopal (CME) Church series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1882.

Location. 33° 2.49′ N, 96° 59.528′ W. Marker is in Lewisville, Texas, in Denton County

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. It is on Hembry Street just south of East Purnell Street, on the right when traveling south. The marker stands near the church entrance. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 615 Hembry St, Lewisville TX 75057, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Prairies & Lakes Region

and in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metropolitan Area.

Globally, it is in North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the Republic of Texas,

and one of the Confederate States of America.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: The Milliken House (approx. 0.6 miles away); Smith Cemetery (approx. 0.9 miles away); The Peters Colony (approx. 1.8 miles away); Lewisville Prehistoric Site (approx. 1.9 miles away); Old Hall Cemetery (approx. 2.3 miles away); McCurley Cemetery (approx. 2.6 miles away); McCombs Cemetery (approx. 2.8 miles away); Texas International Pop Festival (approx. 2.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lewisville.

Additional commentary.
1. About the CME Denomination
The CME, a historically Black denomination in the Methodist tradition, began its life as the Colored Methodist Episcopal Church. However, since then its name has changed to the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, keeping the same abbreviation (CME).

— Submitted October 20, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.

Photographed by J Frye

2. Lane Chapel C.M.E. Church Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on October 20, 2021. It was originally submitted on October 19, 2021, by J Frye of Fort Worth, Texas. This page has been viewed 604 times since then and 33 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 19, 2021, by J Frye of Fort Worth, Texas. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.