DOUGLAS CHAPEL CONDENSED HISTORY

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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.

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DOUGLAS CHAPEL MBC
Past, Present, & Future

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1st Douglas Chapel Building Douglas Chapel (Cook Street) Douglas Chapel (969 Smackover Hwy) 1st service in current building (969 Smackover Hwy)