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14 <br /> An article published in the Durham Morning Herald 21 in 1977 (Photos 7-8) captures the <br /> spirit of the church, a simple structure kept clean and warm by a small, close-knit <br /> congregation. In the reporter's interview with Josephine Russell (1913-1996), the <br /> granddaughter of founder John Wesley Thompson, Russell testifies to the congregation's <br /> commitment to maintaining the chapel despite the small membership. "We're gonna try <br /> to keep it open as long as we can," she says, "It's a family church. We have a good time. <br /> I feel just as good walking into Harvey's Chapel as l would walking into a big church <br /> with carpet on the floor." Russell explains that only two members of the congregation are <br /> unrelated, and describes how the "old faithful" members of the church show up week <br /> after week to sing and pray together, some arriving early on Sunday morning to start a <br /> fire in the woodstove. <br /> In the 1980s, church services were increased to twice a month, and the congregation <br /> undertook renovations on the chapel, with members providing most the labor. The <br /> congregation continues hosting services in the chapel to this day. In this "family church," <br /> most of the members are descendants of the original founders. Despite the obstacles they <br /> have faced,Harvey's Chapel remains an active and cherished worship community. <br /> Highlighting the experiences of a rural African-American community in the early 20th <br /> century, this historic site is a significant element of Orange County's cultural heritage. <br /> 21 Freeland, Sherry S. "Spirit Large in Doll-House Size Church." Durham Morning <br /> Herald. December 12, 1977. <br /> 8 <br />