Ward Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church has stood in Iola since 1873, and “We’ll be here until there aren’t but four or five of us left,” stated 55-year member Helen Ambler.
That day may be coming.
Ward Chapel has seen its membership decline rapidly the last seven years.
In 2003, the church celebrated its 130th anniversary. At the time, there were about 25 active members. In the past few years, about half a dozen have died, Ambler said.
Ward Chapel now counts 17 members. Average age, 70.
Its pastor, the Rev. Barbara J. Miniefee, comes…
