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In 1895, east San Antonio resident Eliza Napier began to evangelize her neighborhood. The residents of east San Antonio, mostly African Americans, were facing increasing hostilities in white-led houses of worship and other organizations. Napier encouraged residents to form independent religious and social fellowship groups to foster support within the Black community. She began a church, called “The East End Mission,” in her home at the corner of Hedges and South Gevers Streets. When the number of attendees rose so that Napier’s house could not contain them, she petitioned the Methodist elders to open a church. Under the leadership of the Reverend J.T. Jacobs, the first church was built. Following the Rev. Jacobs’ death in 1911, the name of the church was changed to Jacobs Chapel Methodist Church.
In 1925 and 1948, new buildings were constructed. In 1943, Ernest T. Dixon, who was serving as Sunday school superintendent at Jacobs Chapel, received his first preaching license. In July 1972, he became the first African American elected to the Office of Bishop in the south-central jurisdiction of the United Methodist Church. During the tenure of the Reverend E. Joseph Tanner, a new parsonage was purchased and food ministry outreach started. Further expansions have since been undertaken. The church enjoyed a strong music ministry and active children’s and youth ministries. Jacobs Chapel also began special senior ministries.
From humble beginnings as the vision of just a few, Jacobs Chapel grew with the tireless hands of many generations. It has been a focal point for the black community on the east side of San Antonio for decades.
(2022)
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