Our Story
Our Beginning 1951 to Present 2025
Walker Chapel AME Church was founded in February of 1951 under the leadership of the late Reverend J. L. N. Bell. The Church was organized at that time under the late Bishop Harrison J. Bryant. Charter members were Mr. R. C. Freeman, Mrs. Alma Ellis, Mrs. Jessie McDowell, Mr. & Mrs. James E. Green, Mr. & Mrs. John Rosebaugh (Magnolia), Mrs. Aretieree Holmes Baliton, Mr. & Mrs. Ernest Hubbard (Erma), Mr. & Mrs. Paul Nunn (Josephine) and Mr. & Mrs. Earl Woodson (Corrine).
For twenty-two months services were held in the Stadium Homes Management Building located at 2525 Hill Street. Later the property on which the church building stands was purchased, and in November of 1952, the first services were held at this location. Rev. Bell served as pastor from 1951 to 1956.
Reverend Lewis Scott became the pastor of Walker after Reverend Bell became ill. Reverend Scott served for only a short period of seven months. The vacancy was then filled by Rev. L. F. Greene until 1957, at which time Reverend J. C. Brooks was assigned as pastor for two years.
In 1959 Rev. Jewel Bryson DeWitty became Walker’s pastor and served for 16 years. With a membership of twenty, the indebtedness of $1,800 was liquidated. Church pews were purchased, and in 1964 the old Y.M.C.A. building was bought and moved to the 800 28th Avenue South site in Seattle, Washington. The membership grew from a total of twenty to one hundred twenty-two by 1972. Reverend DeWitty was promoted to Presiding Elder of the Puget Sound Conference after Presiding Elder L. F. Greene retired.
The Reverend Dr. Anna L. Jones – (August 26, 2017 – Present) On August 26, 2017, at the 126th Session of the Pacific Northwest Annual Conference, The Reverend Dr. Anna L. Jones was appointed as the pastor of Walker Chapel AME Church. From the moment she arrived, she demonstrated her unwavering commitment to serving the Lord, bringing vision, innovation, and dynamic leadership to the congregation.
In her first eight months, Pastor Jones led the officers and members through a remarkable transition—relocating both the church from 800 28th Avenue South, Seattle, Washington, and parsonage, to a new worship space at 2400 East Valley Road, Renton, Washington, and securing a new parsonage in Kent, Washington. This monumental achievement was accomplished swiftly, and today, Walker Chapel stands debt-free.
While overseeing the renovation of the new community building into a house of worship, Pastor Jones remained steadfast in her pastoral duties, providing spiritual guidance and care. She revitalized key ministries, reintroducing weekly Prayer and Bible Study, a Youth Choir, a Praise Dance Team, and Love Feast. She also prioritized visiting the sick and shut-in, ensuring the congregation remained connected and cared for.
During the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Pastor Jones led Walker Chapel in community outreach and public health advocacy. Under her leadership, the church hosted Vaccination Events in April and May 2021, where 300 individuals received their first and second doses of the Pfizer vaccine. Additionally, she successfully secured a $25,000 grant from the Washington State Department of Health, supporting efforts to educate the community on the importance of vaccinations.
Beyond these accomplishments, Pastor Jones has established a thriving Food Ministry for every first and third Friday of the month and the Essential Item Ministry every third Friday at the church, continuing Walker Chapel’s mission of service, compassion, and faith in action. Through her leadership, the church remains a beacon of hope and transformation in the community.
Join Reverend McClira (MC) Jackson for the Men Let's Talk Ministry, a powerful and uplifting gathering held every 3rd Saturday of the month. All men are welcome to come together in faith, fellowship, and honest conversation.
Our Ministerial Staff
