Old McKendree Chapel, taken by Jennie Moore
Hidden on a wooded back road in Jackson, Missouri, sits a religious relic that played a major role in American Methodist history. Not only is McKendree Chapel the oldest standing Protestant church west of the Mississippi, but it is older than the state of Missouri itself. Constructed in 1819 by local carpenters and class members, the chapel was home to an early area congregation, founded in 1809. Before the chapel was built, services and revivals were held by the group on the same site. This two acre plot was owned by the Williams family, who would later donate the land for the chapel's construction. This site was chosen because of its poplar, oak, and maple tree groves, in addition to it's proximity to a natural spring, and being located on a high point. The chapel's name is derived from well known preacher William McKendree, who visited the site one year before construction began, in 1818. McKendree was the first native born Methodist bishop in America, and spent his life navigating the country to speak the word to thousands. He is often referred to as the "Father of Western Methodism".
These days, Old McKendree Chapel once again sees the love and life it was built for. On the fourth September of every year, an event called Old McKendree Day is held at the chapel. All are welcomed to this event, as well as many others throughout the year. The McKendree Chapel Memorial Association has even more plans for the historic grounds. The future for the property is most certainly bright. For more information on upcoming events, information, visiting hours, and how you can contribute to the association's plans, visit their website. https://oldmckendree.org/
Old McKendree Chapel, taken by Jennie Moore
At the time of its construction, McKendree Chapel was a primitive log structure. Designed by architect Charnal Glasscock, the chapel showcases features uncommon for the era, such as windows with sashes, plank flooring, and a shingled roof. In the rear of the building, a sizable stone fireplace provides heating in the winter months. As early as the 1850s, weatherboard siding was added to the chapel, providing an extra layer of protection to the logs and mortar. Also on the property sits the Williams family cabin, and a cemetery.
Inside Old McKendree Chapel, taken by Jennie Moore
The church congregation grew and flourished over the decades after its founding, serving many local families every week. In the 1830s, the chapel even became a schoolhouse. This trend was steady, until strain fell upon the church shortly before the Civil War. In 1844, the Methodist Episcopal Church split into a northern and a southern branch. McKendree Chapel's pastor, Nelson Henry, was a northern sympathizer, and kept his church associated with the northern Methodist branch. However, the Jackson area was of a very southern demographic, and this impacted McKendree's health as a church. From the time of the split, attendance dwindled, and the church's integrity weakened. By 1890, regular services along with schooling ended, and the congregation had disbanded.
Old McKendree Chapel, taken by Jennie Moore
Over the years after the chapel's closure, it began to fall into disrepair. Though the community recognized its significance, and decided to take action. In 1926, Reverend William Stewart was named pastor at New McKendree United Methodist Church in Jackson. Stewart immediately took the reigns, and began renovations on the chapel. The initial restoration was completed in 1933, and without the guidance and enthusiasm of Reverend Stewart, McKendree Chapel may have been lost. On October 15th, 1933, the northern and southern branch of the Methodist Episcopal Church came together to host a rededication service at Old McKendree Chapel, with over 2,000 people in attendance. Also in 1933, the McKendree Chapel Memorial Association was founded to protect the chapel, cemetery, cabin, and grounds.
Reverend William Stewart
Improvements continued over the decades, thanks to the association. In 1958, a steel canopy was added over the chapel to provide further protection. Then in 1977, the weatherboard siding was removed from the chapel to expose the original logs. 9 years after that, the Williams family cabin was reconstructed on the property. After these changes, the Old McKendree Chapel was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1987. In recent years, the original stones in the adjacent cemetery have been restored. Also recently (2022), another round of renovations are being done on the chapel and grounds. Such as a new steel canopy, improvements on the Williams cabin, and a fresh lawn.
Old McKendree Chapel Stone, taken by Jennie Moore
