Our purpose is to inspire people, enliven communities, and confront injustice. We celebrate diversity and welcome everyone, exactly as they are.
We are a community of faith and fellowship; bound together in the love of God guided by the teachings and example of Jesus Christ united in worship.
Hanks Chapel Church values the diversity within our congregation and community by recognizing every individual’s inherent worth and dignity, as we are all created in the image of God. We believe God’s love is universal and calls us to embrace all members of society regardless of race, age, gender, sexual orientation, physical or mental capabilities, economic standing, marital status, or faith background. We acknowledge and honor all forms of loving and committed relationships.
Hank’s Chapel United Church of Christ was established by John Hanks in 1835. Having been around for 170 years, Hank’s Chapel is one of the oldest churches of its denomination. Originally known as a Christian Church, Hanks Chapel transitioned to Congressional Christian in 1935 and later became part of the United Church of Christ in 1957. Many Hank’s Chapel Church members can trace their roots back to its founding members.
Throughout its history, Hanks Chapel has served as a welcoming sanctuary for families and the community, promoting active roles for women and youth. The church recognizes the importance of participation by all its members to support spiritual growth, biblical knowledge, and genuine compassion for all within the family of God.
Welcome to Hanks Chapel! I’m so glad you’re here. I’m pastor Gary Leath and want to welcome you to our church. We’re a community that loves Jesus, loves each other, and loves you. We’re a place where everyone can worship God in their own way, regardless of their background or how they choose to express themselves. This is the most important thing: we can unite as one body of Christ and celebrate how God has worked in our lives. We’re also a place where you can grow closer to God through worship, prayer, fellowship, and service projects”.
PROFILE:
Dorothy of the Wizard of Oz, Perry Como, and John Henry Wayne have one thing in common: they all use punctuation, saying, “There is no place like home.” Like theirs, Reverend Leath’s life has been punctuated by significant moments (Genesis 12:1). Yet, despite the call to leave his home and family in Burlington, North Carolina, he has remained dedicated to his community. Reverend Leath’s selfless commitment to his role as the Senior Pastor at Hank’s Chapel United Church of Christ while away from his hometown is a testament to his devotion and love for his community, inspiring us all.
Reverend Leath, a 1986 Walter M. Williams High School graduate, embarked on a transformative journey far from his hometown of Burlington. His pursuit of a bachelor’s degree from North Carolina Central University, which he completed in 1992 with a degree in Political Science, was just the beginning. For the next 14 years, he dedicated himself to a career at Glen Raven Mills, rising to the supervisor position. However, this was not the pinnacle of his journey. In a testament to his faith and dedication, Reverend Leath made the courageous decision to leave his hometown, which was not easy but was driven by his deep commitment to his faith and his desire to serve his community more profoundly.
2003 was a blessed and memorable year for Reverend Leath. That fall, he accepted the call upon his life to enter the ministry of Jesus Christ, a decision that would shape the rest of his life. Accepting his call into ministry led Reverend Leath to preach his initial sermon under the leadership of his pastor, Reverend Dr. Douglas Wooten, in March 2004 at his home church, Clinton Memorial United Church of Christ. His ministry has since touched the lives of many, bringing comfort, hope, and spiritual guidance to the community.
In August 2006, Reverend Leath followed the call and relocated to Lancaster, Pennsylvania, to become a hearer and a doer of the Word. He studied at Lancaster Theological Seminary, diligently following the instruction in 2 Timothy 2:15, to show himself approved as one who would not be ashamed to present the Word of God. Reverend Leath’s unwavering commitment to his studies was evident as he graduated with honors on May 16, 2009, a testament to his dedication to learning and growing in his faith. This commitment to his faith and community is a shining example for all of us, inspiring us never to stop seeking knowledge and growth in our own faith.
Pastors Hanks Chapel Church
We are a community of faith that seeks to respond to the Gospel of Jesus Christ in word and deed. The UCC was founded in 1957 as the union of several different Christian traditions: from the beginning of our history, we were a church that affirmed the ideal that Christians did not always have to agree to live together in communion. Our motto, “that they may all be one,” is Jesus’ prayer for the unity of the church. The UCC is one of the most diverse Christian denominations in the United States.
