Founded in a log cabin in 1844 Webb Chapel Baptist Church boasts a rich history. This wasn’t always a Baptist church though. It began as a Methodist society. Col Isaac B Webb and his wife Mary were ardent Methodists. They formed a society with just five members. Their home served as the first meeting place.
A year later Rev Sam Shook arrived as a missionary. He helped organize the group into a formal Methodist society. The first church building a log cabin was built in 1846. They named it Webb Chapel. This humble structure was the heart of the community for many years.
The congregation grew. They moved to larger spaces twice before erecting the current building in 1955. Interestingly the wood from a previous church nicknamed the Little White Church was reused in the sanctuary ceiling. This connection to the past is a tangible reminder of the church’s enduring legacy.
The church wasn’t just a place of worship. It was a cornerstone for the community. Lifelong member Sammie Jo Perry shared that it was more than a building. It was home. She was baptized there married there and served in many leadership roles. Her son Joe confirmed this. The church was family.
Sadly Webb Chapel UMC closed its doors in 2021. Dwindling resources and the impact of the pandemic led to this difficult decision. But the legacy of Webb Chapel UMC endures. It stood for over 177 years a testament to faith resilience and community. Rev Debra Hobbs Mason noted the church’s steadfast faith through war depression and other challenges. The closing service was a poignant celebration. It marked the end of an era but also celebrated the countless lives touched by this community of faith.