Who We Are

We’re a community of imperfect individuals brought together to affirm God’s love for all — not just some. We believe faith is a journey and aim to foster an inclusive community in which to navigate it with worship, exploration, and action.

Over 50 Years of Service

  • 1952

    The Landsdowne Mission is launched under the direction of the Melrose Baptist Church’s Pastor and Minister of Music & Education at the time: Dr. W. B. Denson and Paul W. Glore.

  • 1957

    Marvin L. Obenshain became lay Pastor following his ordination in 1966. He served full time until April, 1974.

  • Nov 1963

    The congregation moved into it’s building on 29th. Street. The building was constructed by the Melrose Church who also assumed responsibility for the loan.

  • 1970

    After experiencing exponential growth, purchasing two lots on 29th street, and erecting a new building over the course of 18 years, Forest Park Church was constituted in 1970 with 94 charter members.

  • May 1974

    Frank W. Feather became the second pastor of then Forest Park Baptist Church.

  • Feb 1981

    Building and sanctuary undergo renovations.

  • Sep 1984

    Built a 76-foot accessible ramp outside the building entrance.

  • 1995

    The congregation celebrates 25 years. There were 107 candles lit surrounding the prayer rail in memory of our members who have gone on to be with the Lord up to this time.

  • Apr 1996

    A unique partnership was established and between Forest Park Church and the Noel C. Taylor Learning Academy, an alternative education component of the Roanoke City Public Schools. We housed programs aimed at obtaining employment skills and job placement for all students as well as completing missing credits.

  • 2011

    Pastor Rayshon Cobbs, then associate pastor, becomes Forest Park’s third lead pastor.

  • Jun 2018

    Pastor James Vega is ordained at Forest Park Church during a special ordination service.

  • Nov 2018

    Pastor James Vega is appointed Associate Pastor

  • April 2020

    The church welcomes Pastor James Vega as Lead Pastor following the retirement of Rev. Rayshon Cobbs.

  • Oct 2022

    The church closes on the sale of the 29th Street building after 52 years and takes ownership of the new location at 1010 Montrose in Southeast Roanoke.

  • Dec 2023

    Forest Park Church votes to rebrand as Park Chapel, paying homage to it’s previous name while embracing a renewed vision of our future.

  • Apr 2023

    Forest Park Church relaunches as Park Chapel

Independent Progressive Baptist

  • Open & Affirming

    We seek to be an expression of God’s Love in the world. We are an inclusive and diverse church; a place of unconditional love that inspires all individuals in our community, regardless of race, culture, age, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, ability, and socio-economic status.

    Partnering with the Holy Spirit and the community, we are committed to fighting and eradicating social ills that oppress God’s children, preventing them from experiencing a fulfilled life. Following the example of our Savior Jesus Christ, we declare ourselves to be an Open and Affirming Church.

  • Justice & Healing

    At Park Chapel, we actively recognize and acknowledge the trauma and injustice that The Church as an organized institution has had on our world, particularly within marginalized communities.

    We center our values around the Christian value that we are created in justice, serve a just God, and are commanded to seek justice wherever there is injustice.

    We offer a safe space for individuals wishing to reconnect with God and a church community after suffering from religious trauma. We create an environment for addressing and connecting to issues facing our community, the nation, and around the world

Where We’re Going

Our Vision

Park Chapel is out to change the face of Christianity, for the better. As we continue to build on our fundamental rejection of fear and hate-mongering, we also look to the teachings of Jesus Christ to set the values that propel us forward. Faith, love, and social justice are our guiding principles in our mission to foster an inclusive community in which more of our siblings can candidly explore their faith journey.

Our Mission

We dare to DO ministry in such a way that reaches and impacts the Roanoke Valley and beyond with the radical claims of the gospel of Jesus Christ through our worship and our witness as we strive to build and model the beloved community of God.

Park Chapel has a long history of living out its call to be a force for racial, social, gender, and economic justice.

Our Values

We dare to BE a church that embraces the divinity and dignity of difference by actively seeking and welcoming all people regardless of race, age, culture, economic circumstance, sexual/gender orientation, physical or mental condition. We dare to be a church that lives to serve others.

What This Means for You

You — yes you — are welcome here.

Wherever you may be in your faith journey, you can count on the embrace of our loving community. No matter who you are today, who you where yesterday, or how many times you’ve been told you don’t belong, we invite you to explore your faith journey at Park Chapel.