“Concerned about boys playing marbles?” That is where the story of Davids Chapel Missionary Baptist Church begins. The church’s roots trace back to 1924. A small group of Christians in the Ceiling Hills Community worried about young boys playing marbles on the Lord’s Day. This concern sparked a neighborhood meeting.
Under the guidance of Rev. Ben Wroe and Rev. Connie Alexander, the church was founded. It started with 28 members. The church was originally named Davis Chapel. This honored the Horace Davis family. The Davis family farm hosted the church’s organization.
Initially, the congregation gathered in a blacksmith shop. This humble beginning marked the start of their journey. In 1925, Rev. L.M. Marshall became the first official pastor.
In 1926, Davids Chapel relocated to Austin. The church moved from the Ceiling Hills Community. The new location was at 14th St. and Chestnut Ave. At this time, the church’s name changed to David Chapel.
In 1937, Rev. S. L. Davis succeeded Rev. L.M. Marshall. He led the church in spiritual and financial growth. The church purchased property at 12th St. and Chestnut Ave.
In 1940, Rev. E. G. Gibbs became the pastor of David Chapel. The congregation paid off the mortgage. They tore down the old tabernacle on July 4, 1940. Construction of a new stucco structure began.
Rev. W. I. Rector followed in 1948. He served for a short time. He established the Week Day Church.
In 1950, Rev. E. H. Marshall served briefly. Rev. J. L. Dawson then became the pastor. Under his leadership, the church grew quickly. The congregation needed a larger space. They purchased a site at 19th St. and Chestnut Ave. The street is now Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd.
The planning and construction of the new David Chapel building was provided by African-Americans. John S. Chase, the first African-American architecture graduate from the University of Texas at Austin, designed the church. Oliver B. Street, a Black contractor, built it. The St. John Regular Baptist Association, a group of Central Texas Black churches, financed the project. White banks would not provide funding.
In January 1959, Rev. Dawson led the congregation into the new building. He later relocated outside of Austin in 1963.
In 1964, Rev. James E. Obey, Sr. became pastor. He served until his death in 1992. Under his leadership, the church accomplished many things. This included adding air-conditioning and constructing a new parsonage.
In 1997, Rev. Beverly Sonnier became the first female staff minister. In 1999, David Chapel licensed Rev. Beryl Southall as its first female ministerial daughter to preach. In 2009, Rev. Dr. Bernadine S. Davis became the first female ministerial daughter ordained by David Chapel.
David Chapel expanded its staff. It added positions such as Minister of Adult Discipleship and Minister of Worship.
In 1997, David Chapel began revitalizing the Chestnut neighborhood. In 2006, David Chapel became a founding member of Texas Congregations United for Empowerment, Inc.
In 2009, David Chapel purchased land on Springdale Rd. They also bought property on Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. The goal was to relocate and build new facilities.
David Chapel stands as a testament to faith, resilience, and community. Its story echoes the struggles and triumphs of its members. It remains a beacon of hope in Austin.