ABOUT US
VALUES
At Gaskins Chapel, we value community and relationships with one another. We are a loving church making an impact in the lives of the people in our community!
VISION
Engage in the spirited practices of the Free African Society by seeking to serve the needy in our community. It is our duty to be involved in all aspects of life; mind, body, and surrounding.
HISTORY
Gaskins Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church was established in 1871. The church was founded by John Henry and named for John Gaskins who donated the first $5 to erect the building. The first church building was located a quarter of a mile from the current location. The building was erected by the Black Methodist of Savageville in 1879.
In its earliest years, Gaskins Chapel shared its pastor with Bethel A.M.E. Church in Onancock and became the Savageville Circuit. As easily as 1883, the African Methodist Episcopal Churches on the shore were holding large camp meetings at Gaskins Chapel.
The log structure was remodeled into a much larger and more substantial building which was remodeled again in 1913. Sis. Charity Elizabeth Parker, a faithful member at that time, made the first contribution to these improvements.
Rev. L W. Easterling was the pastor when in 1947 the congregation decided to abandon the site and purchase a new lot, on Bayside Road in Savageville. In 1951, the old church building was moved to this site where it became part of a much newer structure. These improvements cost approximately $5,000.00. Since that time the church has been improved and renovated continuously.
Gaskins Chapel's religious and uplifting services began as early as its establishment. Three major events were: Camp Meeting every Second Sunday in August; Annual Revival the fourth Sunday in September, and Annual Mock Conference every spring for one week, with each auxiliary serving nightly.
Today, the original building still stands which is the tallest part of the present structure at the rear of the sanctuary.
The ministers that have served this great church since 1871 are: Rev. Felix Wood, Rev. J.B. Lewis, Rev. John Offer, Rev. Joseph Puckett, Rev. W. W. Wilson, Rev. Joseph B Tynes, Rev. Joseph C. Mackey, Rev. Isaac Ewer, Rev. John E. Cook, Rev. William Beckett. Rev. Williams, Rev. Easterling, Rev. Howington, Rev. Ross, REv. Wilson, Rev. Jones, Rev. Martin, Rev. Laws, Rev. Benjamin, Rev. P. S. Mosley, Rev. Faison, Rev. A.C. Sinclair, Rev. H.L. James, Rev. Rufus Mosley, Rev. Raymond C. Pittman, Rev. Andre P. Jefferson, Sr., Rev. David Holiday, Rev. Dr. Oretha P. Cross, Rev. Brandon O. McAfee, and presently Rev. Justin W. Nick.