Thornes Chapel Missionary Baptist Church was founded in the early 1900s.  The structure was built on land that was donated by Mr. Henry Thorne and was located in the area that is commonly known as “Thorne Town” in Rocky Mount, NC.  Rev. Bozzie Thorne of Edgecombe County and brother of the land donor, was the first pastor.  Rev. Henderson D. Whitaker of Whitakers, NC was the second pastor.  Rev. Richard L. Battle of Roanoke Rapids, NC was the third and recent pastor of the church.  He was the pastor for 54 years, commencing in August 2023.  

 

Some of the earlier officers of the church were: Deacons: Frank Battle, Turner Battle, Henry Thorne, Frank Wright, William “Cap” Jenkins, and Julius Harrison.  Deaconesses (or Mothers) were: Alenna Battle, Hattie Bullock, and Mrs. Julius Harrison.  As the church grew, other deacons and deaconesses were ordained.  Some of those were Jesse Knight, William Thorne, James Whitaker, Bessie Parker, Emma Sheridan and Beatrice Jenkins.  As the church grew in membership, more deacons and deaconesses were installed.

 

The first known Secretary for the church was Mrs. Mabel Hart.  She held this position for many years until her death.  Others who have served as Secretary are Mrs. Lelia Epps, Miss Lori Giles and Mrs. Joann Thomas.  Mrs. Melvia Batts served as Assistant Secretary.  Mrs. Annie Cooper served as Financial Secretary for many years. 

 

Over the years, the church has had many musicians.  Some of those were Mr. Jesse Hedgepeth, Rev. George Williams, Mrs. Annie Shields and Mrs. Bessie Ford.  

 

We are proud to say that our church has produced several outstanding Ministers to include: the late Rev. Johnnie O. Thorne, Dr. Thomas L. Walker, Rev. Milton Batts and Rev. Daniel Battle.  

 

Our church was blessed and we continue to grow.  In 1979, we moved to 800 Planters Street in Rocky Mount, NC.  We were there until May 24, 1998.  The last members to join at that location were Mr. Lawrence Armstrong, Miss Andrea Hunter and Miss Keisha Horton.  Andrea and Keisha were the last two members to be baptized at that site.  

 

On June 5, 1998, we held our groundbreaking ceremony at 1624 Windsor Drive.  This is the site of our current church.  The church was built by Cecil Boddie, contractor.  The first service held at the new edifice was April 18, 1999 at 11am.

In March 2007 we held a groundbreaking ceremony for our Family Life Center.  The ribbon cutting and opening ceremonies for this building were held on May 24, 2008. 

Through the years the church has continued to grow.  There are currently 16 Deacons, 19 Deaconesses, 9 Trustees, 3 Secretaries, 2 Church Administrators and a number of different ministries.