History
In October 1925 the Rev. Wade H. Hamilton called together a group of men and women who expressed an interest in establishing a Methodist Episcopal Church that would serve the black community of Parsons. This group met and organized a church to be named Hamilton Chapel in honr of Rev. Hamilton, the founder and first pastor.
In 1925 land was purchased at 12th and Morgan Streets, and contractor Paul McConnell was hired to construct a building at a cost of $1,050. The cornerstone for the building was laid in October 1925 by members of the Masonic Lodge. Five trustees signed a mortgage to obtain funds for this construction. The mortgage was paid off in 1932.
The church building was moved to its present location. An addition with classroom space and kitchen facilities was added to the original structure during the ministry of Rev. G.W. Harper.
In 1988 under the guidance and leadership of pastor Monty Smith a major building project was undertaken. This was completed in 1990. The new addition added 3,000 square feet of space containing a Fellowship Hall and Sunday School classrooms, kitchen, restrooms, pastor's study, and a library of Black history and culture. The new addition played a very important part in the implementation of church programs.
On April 19, 2000 the church was destroyed by a tornado. Soon after, in 2002, the church was rebuilt.
Additional Information
To learn more, please contact:
Hamilton Chapel UMC
Riley D. Cartwright
1527 Morton
Parsons, KS 67357
Telephone: 620-421-0727