In the late 1800’s a small frame church house was built about three miles east of Stanton, Tennessee in Haywood County. It was established under the name of Antioch Colored Methodist Episcopal Church. Rev. Tom Tyus was the first pastor and he served for several years. Bishop Elias Cottrell was the presiding bishop at that time.
In 1907 a storm destroyed the church, and a few of the dedicated members saw fit to rebuild another church, this time it was a small brick building. For six years they worshipped and served well. In 1913, during the month of March a tornado came and completely demolished this edifice, at this time Rev. Harris was pastor. Again the members were without a church and place to worship. Shortly after this loss, in 1916, Mr. Willis Douglass, a white land owner, became aware of their loss and gave land and deeded it to the trustees of the church. The church members with God’s help decided to rebuild and name the church after the generous person, so they called it Douglass Chapel Colored Methodist Episcopal Church. This church was built across the road from where the others were destroyed.
During these years of struggle, to secure a place to worship, this historical account of our church cannot be completed without paying tribute to those pioneers who served faithfully as stewards and trustees during their lifetime. The members were as follows; Lewis Jameison, Ruffin Perry, Abe Walker, Landers Howell, Mann Prewitt, Andrew Bowles, Jim Dancy, Watt Dancy, Matthew Taylor, Richard Rives, Charlie Bowles, Sr. and pastoring the church was Rev. Rogers. He was dedicated Christian man who worked hard to save souls and praise the Lord.
Sometime during 1920, Rev. James Boyland came to serve as pastor and leader; he served for eight years. Rev. Qualls came to lead the group in 1928 and remained until his death in 1935. Rev. A.W. Springfield came to us in early 1936 and spent one year; also, Rev. McFerrin was there one year in 1937. The year of 1938, Rev. E.W. Selby was sent to us by the conference. He worked very hard and our attendance grew. We worked hard under his leadership; we gave many programs and the spirit was very high. As a result many souls were saved, and our membership grew. Rev. Selby served many years.
Rev. Robert P. Hudson came to pastor us in 1946 and remained with us until 1951; then Rev. King came and served only one year. In 1953 Rev. Dunnigan became our pastor and served several years. During this time, Bishop Hamlet was our presiding bishop. In 1955, history repeats itself, and Rev. James Boyland returned to pastor us again; we worked hard under his pastoral leadership for eight years. We had a beautiful fellowship, and many members were added to the church. Bishop B. J. Smith was our bishop during Rev. Boyland’s years here. Other pastors who served us were Rev. King, Rev. Trotter, and Rev. Dunigan.
We continued to grow in the name of the Lord, and the Conference sent us a God fearing and dedicated pastor, Rev. F. T. Sanders. Blessed with his great leadership and togetherness, in 1966, we tore down the old frame building and built a new brick church building in which we now worship. In the next years, Rev. V.L. Smith came to us for two years. After Rev. Sanders, Rev. Dan Adams came from 1971-1978. Rev. C. A. Lucas pastored one year, and Rev. Upshaw and Rev. Bobby Cole pastored one year each. Rev. J. Madison Exum was our presiding bishop at that time.
In 1975, the Lord blessed us to secure new pews, pulpit, chairs and carpet for our floors to make our church more comfortable to worship. In 1981, the Conference and the Good Lord saw fit to send us Rev. Percy Lee, Jr., who pastored us from 1981-1997. Under his leadership we built a new fellowship hall which is named “The Amanda Bowles Walker Fellowship Hall”, and a new front entrance. Brother John Bond served as chairman of the Steward Board, and Brother James Peeples served as chairman of the Trustee Board. We are especially proud of the fact that we have members who are dedicated and faithful to the work of the Lord and the church. Many of these are descendents of the pioneers and founders of this church.
We were blessed in 1997 to receive as our pastor, Rev. Rick Rouse, who we learned to love and respect. On May 16, 1999, we had a service of dedication consisting of a mortgage burning and the laying of a cornerstone. Also, under the leadership of Pastor Rick Rouse, we were able to pave the parking lot. At that time, Brother John Bond continued to serve as the chairman of the Steward Board, and Brother James Peeples still held the position of chairman of the Trustee Board. Bishop William H. Graves was the presiding bishop during this time.
In 2003, the conference sent Rev. Willie Jr. Grandberry who pastored us until 2005. Under his leadership, a bus ministry was started. We worked hard and grew spiritually. In 2005 we received our current pastor, Rev. James E. Humphreys as Under Shepherd. Under his leadership, we have purchased some land to persecute a vision that the Lord has given him. We trust that he will be with us for many years. In May 2010, Bishop L. L. Reddick III became our presiding bishop.
Submitted in parts by: Ms. Mayme Bowles Dotson and Mrs. Anna Mae Dancy Lewis
10 Mar 2011