Lane Chapel C.M.E. Church

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, became 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, Lewisville's black population 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, and by the beginning of the 21st century membership had increased.

Lewisville, Texas · United States