Jones Chapel UMC Celebrates 134 Years this Sunday Written by Mary McDonald 134 years ago, the first members of Jones Chapel United Methodist Church “blazed the trails of worship” for those who came after them. On November 2, 2014 around 11:00 a.m. during morning worship, a historical marker, from the Archives & History Committee of Texas Annual Conference, will be revealed that honors the rich heritage of this Fairfield icon. The marker officially designates Jones Chapel UMC as a Texas Historic Site. At 3:00 p.m., the 117th Homecoming Service will be held with scripture readings, music, and recognition of the homecomers. The church will then honor the memory of those who join in the celebration in their home in glory. The sermon will be brought by Rev. W.C. Anderson of Mt. Zion Baptist Church. Jones Chapel invites everyone to attend one or both services at 360 S. Church Street, Fairfield, Texas. Church History – Selected Highlights, 1880-2014 as written by the Late Wilbur Thirkield Titus, Historian: In 1880, Fairfield Colored Methodist Episcopal Church was organized by ex-slaves and philanthropic Christian whites. This church nestled beneath the shady groves of the east side of the Methodist cemetery which both black and white citizens shared. These founding fathers were characterized by dedication, faithfulness, unselfishness, love, friendliness, and sacrificial and industrious service. The first leaders of the church include the Reverend G.B. Doggett, a white merchant who operated a drug store on the corner of Commerce and Keechi Streets, and the following families who organized and nurtured the first church: Decatur Blain, Jim Harris, Ocie Jones, Sr., W.C. Jones, and many other Joneses, Rileys, McGees, Proctors, Donahues, Gentries, Hatchers, and Johnsons. On December 16, 1892, Decatur and Betty Blain deeded 1/6 acres of land for $30.00 to Ocie and Turner Jones, trustees of the church, and the church moved from the cemetery to the present site. On this new site the church struggled and grew to its present status. In 1897, during the pastorate of Reverend G.B. Doggett, with trustees C. Jones, Levy Riley, Nick Blain, Henry Jones, James Harris, and Jack Jones, Mr. Minus Johnson, was employed to build a new edifice, a replica of the cornerstone is in the present fellowship hall. The church began to support all of the programs of the Methodist Church universal. During the tenure of Reverend A.C. Collins in 1940, the church was rebuilt and officially named Jones Chapel Methodist Episcopal Church. Rain destroyed valuable records that were poorly stored. The Bailey, Carden, Carter, Irving, Morton, Polk, and Turner families were added to the roll of the church. On Sunday, May 24, 1970, during the pastorate of Reverend George Hancock, Superintendent Phylemon Titus advised the members of Hope Well United Methodist Church to merge with Jones Chapel United Methodist Church. The merger consummated. [23 members were added to the roll of Jones Chapel In 1978, during the pastorate of Reverend W.W. Gibson, Tony L. Brackens, Sr. was appointed chairman of a committee that was led in building a new sanctuary and to convert the existing building into a fellowship hall. A building fund account in the amount of $324.00 was established with the First National Bank of Fairfield on September 19, 1978. Reverend J.D. Brown, his wife Doris and daughter LaVerne came to Jones Chapel in 1983. Under his leadership, the church worked with the General Conference, members and friends and completed the project at 1985. Two significant events occurred during the pastorate of Reverend J.C. Nickerson, who followed Reverend Brown as pastor of the Jones Chapel. The first was the Merger of Rhode Island United Methodist Church with Jones Chapel in 1986. The merger brought [nine new members]. The second was the early payment of the building note in 1987 under the leadership of the Finance Committee, chaired by William McIlveen, Sr. From 1991 until 1995, under the leadership of Reverend [Clara] Gilbert, the church prospered spiritually and financially. The membership grew and some of the ministries were expanded. The income was increased therefore the church was able to purchase a copy machine, van, organ, television, VCR, and other equipment and supplies for the youth of the church. 1996-2008 Reverend Darrell Houston, a young single minister served the church well. He married a local girl, Miss Sylvia Gatson on April 10, 1999. Mrs. Houston and their son Darrell (D.J.) assisted him with his work. Reverend Elnora Marie Nunnally and husband Andrew came to the church in June of 2008 from Houston, Texas. She brought to the church much training, expertise and experience in administration and working with groups. Her experience in healthcare administration, church ministries and assignments and her focus on helping people and making disciples of Jesus Christ and her endeavor to bring compassion and healing to people more than qualify her for the position. In 2009, the church approved plans to make additions to the sanctuary, providing a library, pastor’s study and other offices and purchased a new van. A Dedication service of the addition to the sanctuary was held on September 29, 2010. The addition included enlarged bathrooms, Pastor’s office, library/conference room, finance room, secretary office and a kitchenette. In October of 2012 Rev. David L. Daviss, Sr. and wife Elza were assigned to take over the leadership of the congregation. On May 18, 2014 a service of dedication was held for the audio/visual equipment and electric piano. Mr. Titus listed 22 pastors since Reverend Doggett, with the current pastor being Reverend David L. Daviss, Sr. Twenty-one District Superintendents, nine Sunday School Superintendents, twenty- seven Trustees and Stewards, five Charge Lay Leaders, nine Women’s Society of Christian Service/Methodist Women Presidents, six Methodist Men Presidents have served. Mr. Titus listed numerous other Christians who have served Jones Chapel well over the years. Come out and participate in this historic event that honors an important part of the Fairfield’s Christian roots.