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A
LITTLE ABOUT DOUGLAS CHAPEL
to view pictures, click
here
As record dictates, the Douglas Chapel
Church was established in 1916. At that time a small group began to meet
in the home of Reverend and Sister Douglas, who resided in the Douglas
Addition and owned much property. The leader of the group was Reverend H.C. Cade of Camden, assisted by Reverend Shepherd Reed.
Reverend Jewel
Banks was placed in charge as the first pastor where he served until
1923.
Land was located
in the Douglas Addition and donated by Reverend and Sister Douglas
(Founders) in 1923. Shortly thereafter, a building was erected and named
in their honor, the Douglas Chapel Missionary Baptist Church.
In 1923,
Reverend W.H. Henderson was called to pastor and served five years.
Reverend
Brewster was elected pastor in 1928 and served until 1943. It was under
his leadership that the church was built on the lot in the Douglas
Addition. In 1943, Reverend John Isaac Thomas
was called to pastor, but
refused to serve. Rev W.M. Bryant of Camden was elected pastor and
served until 1948. Again, Reverend J.I. Thomas was called and faithfully
served for 28 years.
In 1956,
Ms.
White, a Caucasian woman, had a building for sale. The building was
purchased in August 1956 at a cost of $18,500 with a monthly note of
$80.00. The building was a shell with a pine straw floor. The building
was paid for within a year of the allotted time. In the mid 70's, the
church had a $24,000 physical face lift. It was transformed from a shell
of a building to a more modern place of worship.
Upon the death of
Rev. J.I. Thomas in 1975, Reverend D.D. Stafford
served as interim
pastor. In 1976, Reverend J. R. Staten was called to pastor. He served
two years.
In March 1979,
our current pastor, Reverend Donnell L. Hegler was called. Under his
leadership, the projects began by Reverend J.I. Thomas and Reverend J.R.
Staten were completed. The church grew physically, spiritually, as well
as financially.
In 1990, the
church saw the need for another face lift. After prayerful examination,
it was deemed unfeasible to remodel the current building. At that point,
the decision was made to build a new church. A five-year plan was
approved. A land search team headed by Deacon Ronald Murphy was set in
search. After months of searching and disappointments, the present
property was purchased. With $169,000 in its building fund, the church
purchased 10 acres of land at a cost of $30,000 cash. Three acres was
cleared and the present building was erected at a cost of $288,000. The
membership held it's first service in the new building on Mother's Day
1996. Sister Emma Cummins, the oldest member of the church, cut the
ribbon to officially open the new building. She was the first member to
enter the new building. Unfortunately, hers was the first funeral.
DOUGLAS CHAPEL MBC
Past, Present, &
Future
Click on picture to view larger sizes
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1st Douglas Chapel Building
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Douglas Chapel (Cook Street)
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Douglas Chapel (969 Smackover Hwy)
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1st service in current building (969 Smackover Hwy)
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