Just think—a church established in 1895 in a home on San Antonio’s East Side now stands to be 130 years strong as the second oldest African-American United Methodist Church in the city and the conference. In addition, the proud home of Bishop Ernest T. Dixon, the first Black Bishop in the South-Central Jurisdiction, is now a designated Texas Historical Commission site!

Today, we stand at such a crossroads—honoring the ancient paths walked by the saints before us and celebrating the good way that continues through us today.

Congratulations to Jacobs Chapel United Methodist Church on receiving recognition from the Texas Historical Commission! Special thanks to our historian sponsor, Dr. Doris K. Williams for answering the call. Thank you to Mr. Gary Houston of the Bexar County Commission for coming out for the official unveiling. God is pleased with us!

Jeremiah 6:16 (NIV):

"This is what the Lord says: ‘Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.’”

Written by Dr. Pam Ray
Chairperson, SPRC, Jacobs Chapel UMC
Chairperson, Higher Education & Campus Ministry Board, Rio Texas Conference UMC
Lead, Developing Leaders Vision Team, Uniting Table, Rio Texas Conference UMC
Parliamentarian, Black Methodist for Church Renewal, South Central Jurisdiction

The Texas Historical Commission Marker reads:

JACOBS CHAPEL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

In 1895, East San Antonio resident Eliza Napier began to evangelize her neighborhood. The residents of East San Antonio, mostly African Americans, were facing increasing hostilities in white-led houses of worship and other organizations. Napier encouraged residents to form independent religious and social fellowship groups to foster support within the Black community. She began a church, called “The East End Mission,” in her home at the corner of Hedges and South Gevers Streets. When the number of attendees rose so that Napier’s house could not contain them, she petitioned the Methodist elders to open a church. Under the leadership of the Reverend J.T. Jacobs, the first church was built. Following the Rev. Jacobs’ death in 1911, the name of the church was changed to Jacobs Chapel Methodist Church.

In 1925 and 1948, new buildings were constructed. In 1943, Ernest T. Dixon, who was serving as Sunday School Superintendent at Jacobs Chapel, received his first preaching license. In July 1972, he became the first African American elected to the office of Bishop in the South-Central Jurisdiction of the United Methodist Church. During the tenure of the Reverend E. Joseph Tanner, a new parsonage was purchased and food ministry outreach started. Further expansions have since been undertaken. The church enjoyed a strong music ministry and active children’s and youth ministries. Jacobs Chapel also began special senior ministries.

From humble beginnings as the vision of just a few, Jacobs Chapel grew with the tireless hands of many generations. It has been a focal point for the Black community on the East Side of San Antonio for decades.

MARKER IS PROPERTY OF THE STATE OF TEXAS
(2022)