Wasn’t it in 1895 that it all began? Right here before you stands Jacobs Chapel United Methodist Church. This isn’t just any church. It’s the second oldest African-American UMC church in San Antonio a testament to unwavering faith.
Imagine a small group meeting in Mrs Eliza Napier Thomas’s home. That humble gathering two blocks east of this very spot was the seed of Jacobs Chapel. It started as the East End Mission. It wasn’t always grand. It even began in a deserted saloon before Reverend J T Jacobs led the building of its first church in 1904. The name changed to Jacobs Chapel in 1911 honoring the reverend.
This church saw many changes. Rev J W Weakly oversaw the building of a third church in the 1920s. Later Rev Lucky E Muse led the construction of the beautiful building you see today in 1948. The dedication and hard work of these pastors and their congregations shaped Jacobs Chapel into what it is today.
But Jacobs Chapel is more than just bricks and mortar. It’s the place where Bishop Ernest T Dixon Jr served. He was the first African-American Bishop in the Texas Conference of the United Methodist Church. A true pioneer he championed education civil rights and improved race relations. His legacy continues to inspire.
In 2004 Rev Johnny R Toy’s leadership brought significant progress. The church was recognized as a 5-star church. Remarkably a renovation loan was paid off twelve years early in 2013 a testament to the community’s devotion. Recent pastors like Rev Matthew A Edison and now Rev Robert E Glenn Jr have continued this legacy. They’ve embraced technology and community outreach. Initiatives like Project Feed 5000 show a commitment to serving the community.
Today Jacobs Chapel stands tall. It’s a symbol of resilience faith and community. It’s more than a place of worship. It’s a living history a story written in faith hope and love. It’s a place where you can feel the weight of history and the warmth of community. Feel the enduring spirit of Jacobs Chapel United Methodist Church.