Services, led by circuit riders, began
in 1889 near Cypress Bayou (east of the current location). The church
was named after its first recorded pastor, Rev. Cleotis McDonald.
After the railroad was built through
Keithville, the population increased and services were held more regularly
… on the third Sunday of each month. A lot was bought from Mr. Keith
for $1 in 1906. Since it was too small for both a church and a social
club, he sold the church additional land for $25.
The first church building was constructed
in 1907. The church received Rev. W.L. Dyas as pastor after Rev.
McDonald’s death. McDonald Chapel was the district headquarters of
the African Methodist Episcopal Church in 1923. A parsonage was built
for Rev. Dyas.
When the United Methodist Church
was formed in 1968, the church voted to join that body. Rev. Oscar
Player was pastor at that time.
In November 1989, the present church
building was consecrated under the leadership of Rev. Jarrell Morgan.
It was dedicated in March 1990. |
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