The property upon which the original building was built on, Wabasso Avenue, is said to have been the result of a grant from the Vance Land Company. An early settler of the Highland Park Community and a member of Lampkins Chapel named Dilsey Smith claimed to have begged the gift of the property from the people for whom she worked at the time.
The Cornerstone from the original church gives the date of the organization of the church as 1896 and named for its first pastor the Reverend William Lampkins. Other pastors serving at that location were: Reverends William Lampkins, Mrs. Buckner, J.R. Alford, Steward, Hayes, Cox, J.H. Hughes, J.R. Middleton, Moses Sutton and H. M. Petrie.
The second building located at 417 East Woodlawn Avenue was built under the pastorate of Reverend H.M. Petrie during his assignment at the Wabasso location. Other pastors were: Reverends O.K. Mathews, G.L. Mattison, C.M. Allen (two appointments), W.J. Gates, M.L. Curry, Porter Wiley, Jesse Hicks, Sr., J.C. Hines, R.C. Burks, Teresa Robinson (Snorton), Carston Shanklin, and Moses Sutton.
Reverend Dr. Moses Sutton was assigned to lead the congregation in 1988. His most important task was that of relocating the church. This relocation was due to the planned expansion of the Louisville International Airport. Following many hours of prayers, discussion, physical and mental energies, the dream was realized, we entered the new facility on February 3, 1991. Led by Bishop Othal H. Lakey, Rev. I.H. Naylor, Sr., Rev. Moses Sutton, First ladies of the church, district, conference; officers, visitors, etc. This was truly a Day of Praising for all in attendance!
Lampkins Chapel is blessed to have had the quality of leadership and training given by Rev. Sutton. His assignment was truly a gift from God. On the 103rd Anniversary and 8th Year Relocation, Rev. Dr. Charles K. Henry, Sr., Presiding Elder, led the dedication service naming the Fellowship Hall. Pastors serving at the present location include: Rev. Moses Sutton, (1991-1998), Rev. Roderick Thompson, (1998-2001), Rev. Ricardo Lindsey, (2001-2004).
In October of 2001, Lampkins Chapel purchased the second parsonage in the history of the church. (The first parsonage, located in Highland Park was also taken in the airport expansion.). On May 14, 2002 the mortgage on the church was paid in full, four years ahead of schedule. The Mortgage Burning Service was held, Sunday, June 9, 2002. This was a dream come true for the Lampkins Chapel Family and we "Give God the Glory".
In July of 2002, Bishop E. Lynn Brown was assigned to the Second Episcopal District. In July of 2004, Rev. Ricardo Lindsey was transferred to the Birmingham Conference. The Reverend Anthony Collier was assigned to Lampkins Chapel CME Church.
Over the years, Lampkins Chapel has realized changes and growth. New ministries include: Cub Scouts, Van Ministry, Sister-to-Sister Ministry, and COME.
In July of 2006, The Reverend K. Solomon Williams was assigned to Lampkins Chapel CME Church. We look forward to exciting times and additional growth under the leadership of our present and beloved pastor, Reverend K. Solomon Williams.
