History of Fair Chapel Methodist
1940
Used by Permission of the Rusk County Historical Commission
Submitted by : Gloria B. Mayfield
Coordinator: Dolores I. Bishop
Fair Chapel Methodist Church is the legal descendant of a pioneer East Texas Methodist Church, Marvin Chapel, which was originally located a little over a mile south of the present site of the church.
For many years before oil was struck in East Texas, the Marvin Chapel congregation had been disbanded. At the time of the oil strike the building had been torn down for several years and the church lot had been fenced in by adjoining property owners.
Under the leadership of Dr. L.B. Elrod, Presiding Elder of the Marshall District, a congregation was organized in August 1932. The congregation consisted of 32 members. Rev. I.O. Dent, pastor of Overton and Arp, had supervision of the work. Rev. Gordon Alexander was appointed as supply pastor.
The congregation was organized under a tent, which was used as a meeting place until a vacant store building could be secured.
Legal proceedings to recover possession of the Old Marvin Chapel ******* the courts. The church was named Marvin Chapel, as the legal successor of the original church by the name.
Much credit for the launching of this new enterprise is due to the tireless efforts of Brother Alexander. He secured from Mr. Walter Fair and wife a donation of the lot on which the present building stands; and the name of the church was changed to “Fair Chapel Methodist Episcopal Church, South.” The coming of unification has brought about the change to the present name. “Fair Chapel Methodist Church.”
By October 1932, the old building was begun. At the same time work was started on the old parsonage, which now stands south of the church building and is known as “The Scout Hut.”
On November 6th, 1932, at Navasota, Bishop H.A. Boaz reappointed Rev. Gordon Alexander to Marvin Chapel, as the appointment was then listed.
Brother Alexander continued his work of organization and promotion of the church. During the year od 1932-33 he organized an Epworth League and completed the organization of the Sunday School and the Missionary Society begun before Conference. The first Sunday School Superintendent was C.E. Martin. Mrs. Ross Caroll was the first president of the Missionary Society. C.E. Martin was the first chairman of the Board of Stewards.
The pastor served full time during the year 1932-33. On November 5th, 1933, Rev. F.A. Fisher was appointed the pastor of Arp and Fair Chapel, serving each half time. Under his ministry the church continued to grow.
On November 5th, 1934, Rev. D.D. McGaughey was appointed as supply pastor for Fair and Henry’s Chapel. He served the church for two years on a half time basis. During this time the church successfully concluded its fight to recover the old Marvin Chapel lot and sold its interest in the property, thus making possible the present splendid plant.
On November 8th, 1936, Brother McGaughey was appointed on full time basis to Fair Chapel. He began work on raising funds for the new building; and by the month of March, 1937, work had begun on the present building. Through Brother McGaughey’s efforts many firms and individuals in the oil fields made many and generous contributions to the cost of the building.
The building was occupied in the Fall of 1987, with but $1800 debt, which amounts in its entirety was for church furniture.
On November 7th, 1937, Rev. M.J. Bigger was appointed to serve the church. He was followed by Rev. B.W. Waltman in the month of March 1938.
Under Brother Waltman’s leadership the church began a period of rapid growth in membership. The splendid and comfortable new parsonage now standing by the church building was erected and paid for during the pastorate of Brother Waltman. The parsonage was furnished with many new items of furnishings by the Woman’s Missionary Society.
On November 6th, 1938, the present pastor, Rev. E.L. Unger, was appointed to the charge.
Fair Chapel has enjoyed a steady growth during the past two years. From March 1938 to November 1938, there was 12 percent net increase in membership. From that time to the present, we have received 105 members, having a net increase of 36 percent in membership. The total membership has increased from 198 to 270 since November 1938. Forty-six members have been received during the present Conference year.
This church was located on Highway 64 in Wright City, Texas, just inside Rusk County.
After the demise of the oil field and the membership declined the church building was moved to Carthage to be used by another Methodist Church. By: Norma Stanley