Watson Chapel

The Paris African Methodist Episcopal Church

On February 4, 1864 a band of Christians organized under the leadership of Rev. H. B. Hancock to form a church, to be known as the African Methodist Episcopal Church.

Meetings were held at the old Hucksters Hall, now the Second Baptist Hall, with the members of the Christian and Baptist congregations sharing different worship hours on Sundays until their churches were built. On week days it served as a school house.

On July 26, 1880 land was rented from Dr. David Moss where, under Rev. J. P. Watson, the corner stone was laid and the present church built on the site. The church derived its name, Watson Chapel, from Rev. Watson. On April 24, 1883, the land was bought from J. C. Fox, the founder of Paris, and given the seal of approval from President Andrew Jackson, where the present parsonage and church are located.

Trustees were Ralph Fawkes, Albert Wells, Wm. Allen, Frank Brown, George Vivian, and Andrew Watson. The building was partially destroyed by lightning on October 4, 1909, but was rebuilt August 27, 1912.

In addition to the trustees, other charter members were:

Other families through the years have been; Evans, Shropshire, Lasley, West, Campbell, Beechum, Barnes, Butler, Bolden, Fugates, Carter, Curtright, Thompson, Batsell, Galbraith, Edwards, Scott, Smith, Adkison

Mrs. George (Ursula) Summers has the oldest membership in the church and is active in all affairs of the church. She is a descendent of Elizabeth King (granddaughter) and Albert Wells (niece) both charter members.

The church has produced three local pastors, Rev. L. B. Troy, of the A.M.E. Church of Macon; Rev. D. P. King, C.M.C. of Columbia; Rev. W. W. Kelly, C.M.E., Sedalia, also three licensed Missionaires, Sisters Rosa Summers, Stella Soil and Ursula Summers, who also served as district president of the Allen Christian Endeavor League for 24 years.

Ministers of the church were:

Reverends: