Metropolitan Baptist Church was organized in 1915 due to a separation of several members of First Baptist Church, Harrison Street. Its original home was an Old Bush Building. The church later relocated to Lee Avenue, then known as Cedar Street. The church remained there and began to grow under the leadership of Rev. Eli Tarte who served faithfully until his death in 1947. Rev. J.L. Keiser was called to be the second pastor and faithfully served until God called him home in 1954. Rev. David A. Goodwyn was then called to pastor Metropolitan Baptist Church. During his tenure, the need for a larger and better facility arose, and the church moved from Cedar Street to a temporary location on St. Matthew Street until the present site was ready for worship. Membership expanded and the need for additional ministries arose.

In 1977 the church conducted its first mortgage burning ceremony with a parade which began at the Bank of Virginia on Franklin and Adam Street to our current location at 1021 Halifax Street. The Mortgage burning ceremony was conducted by Rev. Melvin D. Cutler, then Pastor of Mount Olivet Baptist Church, Petersburg, Virginia. Pastor Goodwyn completed his mission and went home to be with his Master. He was the third pastor of this flock.

Lady Chanel is a native of Petersburg, Virginia. She is the daughter of the late Lawrence Epps and Rosa Epps. Lady Chanel was educated in the Petersburg school system and furthered her education with a Bachelor of Science Degree from Hampton University and a Master of Business Administration from Virginia Commonwealth University.

Lady Chanel currently serves as Assistant Comptroller for the Virginia State Corporation Commission. She is also a member of the Petersburg Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Lady Chanel has been a member of Metropolitan Baptist Church for most of her life and served in numerous and diverse capacities. Lady Chanel is a humble, encouraging, motivating First Lady who serves with grace and excellence. She has a God persona and a heavenly smile that will brighten any room or any day. Lady Chanel is a huge supporter of the ALS Association (Lou Gehrig’s Disease) and has raised over  $350K in support of this effort.

Lady Chanel loves family, and especially her two daughters, Angel and Deja. She is an awesome representation of faith, strength, courage, commitment and Christ.