Celebrate Inkster's history with "Inkster-Opoly"

Smith Chapel AME Church invites you to join us in a fundraising project that will celebrate Inkster's history in a fun and novel way. "Inkster-Opoly" is a reimagining of the traditional game of Monopoly with a hometown twist. The game will be a walk down memory lane for Inkster natives, and offer an opportunity to advertise the businesses and organizations that keep our community going.

Why are we doing this? Because we love Inkster, of course! We also love Smith Chapel!! We want to preserve the legacy of our City, and our church, which has been part of the Inkster community for almost 100 years.

Founded in 1924, Smith Chapel was the first black church in Inkster (then the "Village of Inkster"). By 1936 the congregation had outgrown the first church building, and a new building was built at the corner of Beech and Walnut Streets, where it still stands today. Smith Chapel housed Inkster's first daycare center for children, and the Wayne County Health Clinic. Many "Inkster-ites" fondly remember having their primary care doctor and dental visits at the health clinic.

More recently we have had programs that included participation by local government entities, such as the Wayne County Sheriff's Office, and City Council representatives, and our church has been an election poll site for many years. We have partnered with other non-profit organizations including Toys for Tots, Zaman International, Focus Hope, Operation Refuge, Unity In the Community, and the Inkster Ministerial Alliance. We have held a Wednesday service and hot lunch/food pantry program, a Reading Buddy tutoring program, school supply giveaways, and given college scholarships. Last year our Easter event hosted over 100 children from the community. This is just a sample of the many projects and programs that Smith Chapel has sponsored or partnered with other organizations to provide.

As we approach our 100th Anniversary, Smith Chapel has started a capital fundraising campaign to preserve our structure and ensure that Smith Chapel's legacy continues for generations to come.

We invite you to partner with us for "Inkster-Opoly," a fundraiser to benefit Smith Chapel. The game will highlight the history of Inkster, and the businesses and organizations that help make Inkster special. We foresee "Inkster-Opoly" being in hundreds of homes throughout Inkster and beyond, and being played and cherished by all.

If you would like additional information, please contact them at Smith Chapel AME Church

3505 Walnut Street

Inkster, MI 48111

or http://www.smithchapelamechurch.org or call

313-561-2837