Ozark Chapel
United Methodist Church

Our First One Room Church 1936

The First Church We Built 1944

History

Ozark Chapel United Methodist Church 1936 - 2004

• Early in 1936, Rev. James Prather of Versailles Methodist Church held meetings twice a month at the White Hall School near Purvis, Missouri; services were also held at Buck Creek School.
• On October 27, 1936, the church was organized as the Purvis Class of the Versailles Methodist Church with eleven charter members.
• It became a mission church two years later when Rev. George Winton served every second Sunday of the month, staying three years.
• In October 1941, Rev. W. C. Ragan came and after a revival in September 1943, members decided to build a church on land given by Mr. & Mrs. Bilie Hibdon.
• Dedication services were held July 30, 1944.
• In October 1950 services were first held every Sunday.
• In 1952, funds were raised to add an annex.
• Rev. P. H. Wilbanks, first resident pastor came in October 1953.
• In 1959 a new parsonage was built.
• In the summer of 1974 a contract was let to erect a new church, contracted labor together with hundreds of hours of volunteer labor of church members & friends erected the new church.
• October 27,1974 220 people were present for the first service in the new sanctuary.
• In 1982, the long awaited addition was added to the church.
• In October of 1986 Ozark Chapel UMC celebrated it's fiftieth year with a wonderful service. It was during this time that the property next door was purchased . It has now been paved for a much needed parking area.
• Ozark Chapel UMC has come a long way since its humble beginnings in a little one-room school on Lake Road 5-29 Several of the Charter Members are still active. It was founded by a small group of dedicated Christians and we continually praise the Lord for His wonderous works!