New Jerusalem AME Church

New Jerusalem AME Church was birthed in 2006 out of the merging of two historic AME churches: Knight Chapel AME Church and Simms Chapel AME Church.

Simms Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church was established in 1890 by the Rev. Wash Simms who came from the White Rock Community of Dallas, Texas. Rev. Simms for whom the church was named was one of the most powerful preachers of his time. The original plot of ground where Simms Chapel stood was donated to this church by Rev. Myers of Carrollton, Texas, which was unique in that the land was donated by a white minister to a black church. It is now the location of Dignity Memorial Funeral Home in Carrollton, Texas.​

The church was later relocated when the State Highway Department purchased part of the land for the highway. After some time, the church decided it was time to build its last edifice. They met for two years in an elementary school and with the help of their building fund, special projects and some financial assistance from the sister churches in the Episcopal District, Simms Chapel was able to build and pay off the church in one year. That edifice still stands to this day.

Simms Chapel AME's last edifice was sold as the church merged with another church, Knight Chapel AME Church.

Knight Chapel AME Church was organized in 1884 on Old Tom Field Road. The property was given to Bro. Gilbert Knight who became one of the trustees of Knight Chapel AME Church. The first property was located in the Elm Thicket area and was sold for the expansion of the Love Field Airport. The church then moved to North Park. In 1906, an edifice was erected and the cornerstone was laid under the pastoral charge of Rev. W.S. Grisby. In 1924, Rev. W.S. Bush led the church to be built on Victoria. Once again, the land had to be sold for the expansion of the community school which is now the K.B. Polk Elementary School. The church then moved to its present location where, New Jerusalem/ Love City now worships, after two lots were purchased.

In September 1987, Knight Chapel celebrated 103 years of growth with a Homecoming Service. It was during this time where the church under the leadership of Rev. Billy C. Wren that plans for the construction of a new building was announced. The construction began in the December of 1987 and completed December 1988. The church edifice was dedicated in March 1989, however, the current Pastor, Rev. B.C. Wren passed away and a memorial service was held for Rev. Wren in 1989. Due to the dedication, courage and strength of Rev. Wren and the members, a new church was built where New Jerusalem now worships.

In 2006, Knight Chapel under the leadership of the late Rev. Gary Johnson that Presiding Elder Wright proposed the merging of Knight Chapel with Simms Chapel as both congregations had needs which the other could provide. The two churches were combined under the name of New Jerusalem AME Church and Rev. Sylvester Patton, II served as its inaugural pastor.