HISTORY BOOK The Union Chapel United Methodist Church is located on County Road 130 approximately 3.2 miles South of Congress Parkway. The church was organized in 1864 with the first building built of logs, crude in style in 1865. The second building built in 1909, dedicated in 1910. It was free of debt valued at $1,000 in Athens District of Holston Conference. The third building, a modern Educational Building adjacent to the church sanctuary built in 1973 and dedicated at the Annual Homecoming May 26, 1974. The cost with furnishings was near $19,000. Volunteer labor and materials helped reduce the cost considerably with no indebtedness at completion. A bronze plaque inscription was submitted by Anna Thomas, wife of Rev. Donald E. Thomas, pastor, "Dedicated To The Advancement of Christian Education to the Glory of God 1974". The plaque was presented by Lewis Layman, Frank Jr. and Edith Hutsell with former pastors, Bishop L. Scott Allen (black), Tom Reed, pastor, Jim Hankins, D. S. of Cleveland District leading the dedication. The building has classrooms, kitchen, utility, restrooms, and library (Memorial Room). Framed life-size portraits of Andrew and Mary Earheart Hutsell, donors of the land, were unveiled by Willie Helen Roberts Selden, a granddaughter, and W. R. Selden, a great-grandson in 1936. A large portrait of James Howard Jarvis was donated by John Powell, a long-time friend, at a special memorial service May 26, 1946. The unveiling of the portrait was by his son, James Howard Jarvis II. These pictures were re-dedicated in 1976, moving them to the Memorial Room in the new building. Jaunita, Wife of Albert Jarvis, who followed in his footsteps, donated a large portrait of her husband in 1977. In 1854 Andrew Hutsell bought a 580-acre farm near Spring Creek and from it donated 2-1/4 acres for the church and cemetery. Andrew was deeply interested in ministers having circuits. As a trustee and member of Keith Church in 1842, and a delegate to Holston Conference; he informed the Church Extension Society of his contribution. The question was asked, "What shall be the name of the church?" Andrew replied "Union Chapel". John E. Moore and George W. Coleman, early ministers, influenced Andrew's decision on establishing a local church. The land was not actually transferred to the Methodist Church until January 1909. Erasmus Taylor Hutsell, his son, deeded the land honoring the exclusion, which had appeared in his father's will. The Francis M. and Sarepta C. Underwood farm, adjacent to the church, was a resting-place for the circuit riders traveling from Spring Creek, Horton's and Cedar Spring Campground meetings. The Spring was known to everyone as a beautiful place to get a drink of fresh water, water their horses, and rest. It is the source of water pumped for the church today. "Hard times" was a cry in the land in 1887, and members were influenced to establish family altars. David Marcellas (Morris) Hutsell, nephew of Andrew, was an inspiration to the church, community and families in leadership, prayer worship, and Sunday School. The first organ was obtained 1910-1915. The first pews were made of wide pine board in 1864-1909 and the second pews were made of narrow pine board. The present pews are from Andrew Chapel Church. Memories of the past are the wood stove, kerosene lamps, out-side toilets, handmade pews, wood floor and pump organ. Today we see the change to cushion pews, carpet, electric organ and lights, piano, central H/A, flags, communion table, flower stands, baptismal bowl, new hymnals, paraments, banners, historical case, and stain-glass windows. The first stain-glass windows were designed, made by hand and installed in the foyer by Dean A. Hutsell, DVM in memory of his father, Frank Hutsell, Jr. (Buster) in 1988. Other windows were installed in 1995 and dedicated "TO THE GLORY OF GOD" in 1996. A Memorial/Honor plaque listing the donor is underneath each window. The exterior walls are siding over the original drop sided weatherboard. There are concrete steps and a ramp for the elderly, picnic table, water fountain, paved sidewalks, parking lot, and a sign of the church and cemetery. In 1936-37 Holiway Hutsell organized the Hutsell Reunion. It was an annual occurrence on the second Sunday in August, and ceased in the early fifties. The first known wedding in the chapel was Frank Hutsell Jr. and Edith Clio Layman July 10, 1949 by Rev. Cabel Trent. Up until the 1940's, one pastor served twelve or more churches. Due to boundary change in 1957 in the Athens Parish, the last two churches sharing the parsonage were Union Chapel and Cedar Spring. The parsonage was sold due to college students being appointed. Today, Tom Mullins is part-time pastor. In 1985, "Up With Puppets" directed by Sandy Layman, Wife of Richard Layman, and team was Jane Layman, Karen, Herbert and John Dake. Rev. Allen Shupe, seminary student, writes in the church history of 1986, "As we gaze into the misty past, a past clouded by the hands of time-we find it difficult to imagine the persons and place once-and-now called Union Chapel. Our best efforts to reconstruct the earliest days may leave us wanting, but we cannot embark upon such a journey and not be awe-struck by the tremendous level of commitment that gave birth to Union Chapel. The one clear message that shines forth from the past is that the faith which made of the log building a holy and sacred place is passed from generation to generation as eternal as the heavens." Rev. Paul Smith, TWC student writes, "God must surely have
a very special place in His heart for churches such as Union Chapel. For
it is at such churches that so many ministers learn and have experience
that benefit them and their work throughout their ministry."
Joane Wilson community historian, in "Fondest Memories" writes "The people of Union Chapel has had a part in molding my life." Rev. William H. Horner, District Superintendent writes, "The
Union Chapel Church has had a long and spiritually enriching history. The
spiritual benefits to the many people who have crossed the threshold of
this church are, I'm sure, far beyond that which any of us know. I see
a church that is proud of a very impressive past, but also focused on the
future in its present ministry. May God give you an increase in your labors
and may all who come here receive the blessings of God."
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| TAKEN FROM "THE HISTORY AND MEMORIES OF
UNION CHAPEL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 1864 - 1986" MANY THANKS TO EDITH HUTSELL FOR HER GREAT LOVE OF FAMILY AND HISTORY.
SHE HAS SPENT COUNTLESS HOURS WORKING ON THE HISTORY OF UNION CHAPEL. WITHOUT
HER EFFORT, A LOT OF THIS HISTORY COULD HAVE BEEN LOST.
UNION CHAPEL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH SUNDAY SCHOOL REPORTS April 24, 1904 Union Chapel Sunday School met at the usual
hour, was opened by Supt. H. M. Hutsell, Prayer by D. M. Hutsell
1905 NO RECORD May 6, 1906 Mr. J. W. Hutsell, Supt. Of Union Chapel opened
Sunday School by singing No. 129, followed by prayer led by D. M. Hutsell
January 6, 1907 Supt. Mr. J. W. Hutsell opened Sunday School
at Union Chapel by singing No. 33, followed by prayer led by
1909 NO RECORD 1910 Sunday School met and re-organized at Union Chapel on
The classes were then formed for the study of the lesson. School adjourned by reading the closing exercises. Officers and teachers 4
April 23, 1911 Sunday School met at 10 o'clock and was opened by Superintendent B. P. Ward. Class report: Class A taught by B. P. Ward (teacher absent), Class B & C united and taught by E. T. Hutsell Teachers and officers 3
1912 Superintendent H. M. Hutsell
1913 Superintendent H. M. Hutsell
1914 Superintendent Lucious Peck
1915 Superintendent H. M. Hutsell
December 19, 1915 Amount Raised for Christmas Tree -- $10.75 April 18, 1915 Delegates elected to County Sunday School Convention
at Etowah 5th and 6th May as follows:
Report: Average attendance 28
SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS MEMBERS 1915 - 1916 CLASS A Horace M. Hutsell Teacher
CLASS B L. H. Peck Teacher Dennis Cate
CLASS C Mary Hutsell Teacher John Moore
1916 Superintendent J. R. Warren
December 10, 1916 Members of Sunday School gave a pie supper last evening for the benefit of treating the children. A sum of $4.90 was realized. 1917 Superintendent J. R. Warren
The Sunday School gave an ice cream supper last
evening
February 24, 1918 Sunday School met at the usual hour by Supt. C.
B.
Class A -- Mr. H. M. Hutsell
Class B -- Lena Mae King
Class C -- Miss Mary Hutsell
Total Present - 29, Total Collections - $.14 1919 NO RECORD May 20, 1920 Superintendent J. R. Warren
1920 NO RECORD 1922 Superintendent Glenn Lippse
1923 Superintendent Glenn Lippse
SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS MEMBERS - 1923 D. M. Hutsell H. M. Hutsell Taylor Brummitt
1924 Superintendent Jesse Orton
SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS MEMBERS - 1924 Jesse Orton D. M. Hutsell Horace Hutsell
1925 Superintendent Will Green
SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS MEMBERS - 1925 Jess Orton Ernie Hennessee Robert Hutsell
1926 Superintendent Jesse Orton
1927 Superintendent Jesse Orton
Officers & Teachers 5
1928 Superintendent Mr. Smith
Sunday School met at 2:30 o'clock 1929 Superintendent Mr. Smith
Sunday School met at 9:30 o'clock Dec. 8, 1929 Officers & Teachers 5
Total Present 27
1930 NO RECORD - NO SUNDAY SCHOOL 1931 NO RECORD - NO SUNDAY SCHOOL 1932 Supt. H. M. Hutsell 1933 Sunday School met and elected Horace M. Hutsell -
1934 NO RECORD 1935 May 5, 1935 Union Chapel Sunday School met for the
Superintendent Mr. W. S. Collingworth
May 12, 1935 Sunday School met in afternoon - prayer by Tom Jolly 1936 Superintendent Mr. W. S. Collingworth
May 9, 1937 Superintendent Mrs. J. G. Layman
1938 Superintendent Mr. Collingsworth
Dec. 8, 1940 Teachers Present 4
1941 Superintendent Rev. Homer Mincey
1942 Superintendent Rev. Homer Mincey
1943 Superintendent Mr. Will Green
1944 Superintendent Mrs. Faye Hutsell
1945 Superintendent Mrs. Faye Hutsell
1946 Superintendent Mrs. Frank Hutsell
April 28, 1946 Teachers Present 5
1947 Superintendent Mr. Rasie Cate
1948 Superintendent Mr. Rasie Cate
1949 Superintendent Mr. Rasie Cate
1950 Superintendent Mrs. Tom Cate
1951 Superintendent Mrs. Tom Cate
1952 Superintendent Mr. Rasie Cate
1953 Superintendent Mr. Rasie Cate
February 28, 1954 Last written report by Secretary
(1953-54) Expenses: Literature, light bill (monthly) $1.35, Christmas Treats, Carpet $36.35 1954-1959 Superintendent Mr. Rasie Cate
1960-62 Superintendent Mrs. J. G. Layman
1963-64 Superintendent Mrs. J. G. Layman
1965-67 Superintendent Frances Hutsell
1968-71 Superintendent Lewis Layman
1972-73 Superintendent Lewis Layman
1974-75 Superintendent Lewis Layman
SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS ROLL 1967-73 Mr. & Mrs. Luther Lewis Edna Hutsell Kathy Layman
1967-78 Superintendent Frances Hutsell
1979-81 Superintendent June Cate
1982-84 Superintendent Hazel Dake
1985-86 Superintendent Hazel Dake
March 2, 1986 Church & Sunday School Attendance 21
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| YEAR | PASTOR | ||
| (S) - STUDENT | |||
| 1843 | |||
| 1844 | PLAN OF SEPARATION | ||
| 1845 - 1862 | |||
| 1863 | CARROLL LONG - DAVID SULLINS | ||
| 1864 | CHURCH EXTENSION ORGANIZED | ||
| 1865 | CONFERENCE RE-ORGANIZED | ||
| 1866-1869 | GEORGE W. COLEMAN | ||
| 1870 | J. S. PETTY | ||
| 1871 | J. N. MOORE | ||
| 1872-1873 | J. A. HYDEN | ||
| 1874-1876 | J. N. STAMPER | ||
| 1877-1879 | GEORGE W. COLEMAN | ||
| 1880 | TO BE SUPPLIED | ||
| 1881 | DISTRICT CAMP GROUNDS | ||
| 1882 | J. A. BAKER | ||
| 1883 | G. M. STONE | ||
| 1884-1886 | R. S. SAMPSON | ||
| 1887 | T. H. RUSSELL | ||
| 1888 | J. N. KENDALL | ||
| 1889-1891 | T. R. WEST | ||
| 1892-1894 | J. F. PERRY | ||
| 1895-1896 | HAZEN OAKS | ||
| 1897-1902 | M. C. BRUNER | ||
| 1903-04 | W. S. GRANT | ||
| 1905-06 | J. W. CALDWELL | ||
| 1907-08 | S. P. ANGEL | ||
| 1909-10 | J. W. WARREN | ||
| 1911-12 | A. B. DENNIS | ||
| 1913 | E. M. PIPPIN | ||
| 1914-16 | L. B. CLARK | ||
| 1917-18 | N. K. ROWE | ||
| 1919-20 | W. H. COFFEE | ||
| 1921 | M. B. CASS | ||
| 1922-23 | J. F. CALDWELL | ||
| 1924 | J. F. GILES | ||
| 1925-27 | ALBERT C. KETRON | ||
| 1928-29 | ENOS WAGNER | ||
| 1930 | ALBERT C. KETRON | ||
| 1931 | GEORGE S. BALES | ||
| 1932-33 | M. L. SIVILS | ||
| 1934 | C. M. TURNER (S) | ||
| 1935 | C. M. TURNER | ||
| 1936 | LOUIE LEWIS | ||
| 1937 | NEWTON DICKENS | ||
| 1938-39 | PAUL SMITH | ||
| 1940 | EUGENE MARTIN (S) | ||
| 1941 | D. T. JONES (S) | ||
| 1942-43 | PAUL D. QUIRK (S) | ||
| 1944 | ARTHUR HALL | ||
| 1945-46 | FRANK B. WYATT | ||
| 1947-48 | CABEL W. TRENT (S) | ||
| 1949-50 | CHARLES K. WARD (S) | ||
| 1951-52 | F. MAX ALLISON (S) | ||
| 1953-56 | H. D. HELTON | ||
| 1957-58 | EDGAR KING (S) | ||
| 1959 | CARROL SISK (S) | ||
| 1960 | DON CARTER | ||
| 1961-63 | CYRUS CALLAHAN (S) | ||
| 1964 | NORMAL MENDALL (S) | ||
| 1965-66 | HAROLD K. BALES (S) | ||
| 1967-68 | JOE L. MARINE | ||
| 1969 | EDWARD WYERS (S) | ||
| 1970 | RONALD O. ALLEN (S) | ||
| 1971 | RAY WILKERSON (S) | ||
| 1972-73 | DONALD E. THOMAS (S) | ||
| 1974-76 | THOMAS M. REED (S) | ||
| 1977 | REUBEN HIATT (S) | ||
| 1978-79 | MIKE JACKSON (S) | ||
| 1980 | BEN SMITH (S) | ||
| 1981 | CURTIS TUCKER (S) | ||
| 1982-83 | SCOTT GOUGE (S) | ||
| 1985-86 | ALLEN D. SHUPE (S) |
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