Tuesday, October 3, 1996

Chapin Times

Capers Chapel celebrates Homecoming

The date and personnel of the organization of Capers Chapel Church cannot now be ascertained, as there are no records to show, and none of the older people can remember. It undoubtedly dates back to the eighteen forties or even thirties. The earliest date of the church was given by Brother Luther Sommer who said his father moved into the community in 1851 and at that time attended the church, which has now become Capers Chapel United Methodist Church The name of the church is also uncertain. Some think It could have been named for Capers Lever, one Of its members, and was one of the first to be buried in the cemetery, June 11, 1874 The name could have been given for Bishop William Capers who became Bishop in 1846 and died in 1855, and who ably defended the South in the division of the church over slavery Also, the church is likely to have received Its name from Samuel Wragg Capers, a half-brother of Bishop Capers and who was appointed Presiding Elder of the Columbia District in 1850 He served for four years. He seemed to have been more directly connected with the church and probably had an interest in its organization The first church IS said to have been built on land furnished by Adam Stoudemire.  According to State of S.C. Lexington District U.P. 33-35 Adam Stoudemire gave 2.1 acres of land to Methodist Episcopal Church South. This indenture was made on the third of August in the year or our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty four. The building stood in an east to west direction and in a 90 degree angle to the current sanctuary. It was built alongside a wagon road that led to Peak, S.C. It was a frame building with weather-boarding put on upright or vertically, with a large chimney at one end, seats of slab-board, and board shutters over the windows. This building stood until 1885 when the old building was removed and a new building erected on the site. The lumber was sawed and furnished by Belton Lever who lived and operated a saw-mill in the community,. About this time additional land was purchased from Benjamin Barrett for twenty four dollars and fifty cents. The land was surveyed and a plat made by G.A. Derrick, surveyor, on April 1, 1886, consisting of one acre, more or less. On January 25, 1890, a deed was given by Benjamin Barrett to the Methodist Episcopal Church South and recorded at the courthouse in Lexington, S.C. On January 29, 1915, J.C. Wessinger surveyed and combined the two plants into one, making it three and seven tenth acres (3.7) and furnished plat for same. The church built on this 3.7 acres had two front doors, no back door, a front porch and steps the length of the porch, a storage room on each end of the porch. Inside there were two aisles, short pews on each side and longer pews in the middle. The men sat on one side of the church and the women and children on the other side. A wood burning stove was used for heat. Light bulbs replaced the hanging kerosene lamps when REA electricity came through in the late thirties. The chancel area was small, with a small table used for the Communion Sacraments. There was a pulpit, two flow stands, and an air-pump organ. Behind the pulpit there was a piece furniture called a Fainting Bench. Two chairs were added later. In the back of the pulpit area were four windows covered with shades to filter the sunlight. In the very late forties the first Women's Society of Christian Service was organized by Mrs. Erin Gunter, wife of Rev. Quincey Gunter who was the minister at that time. In the spring of 1954 a major renovation was undertaken. The minister was Rev. A.E. Becknell. The renovation was done by Mr. Will Koon, Architect, his son Albert Ray Koon, and other helpers. The roof was recovered, and the front was closed in, making space for two Sunday school rooms. The outside of the building was brick veneered. In the interior, celetex was put on the ceiling, sheet rock on the walls, the chancel area was made larger, and new furniture was made for the pulpit area. A pine flooring was put down so the boards would go four different ways. The floor was cleaned, varnished, and waxed by church members. Only the pulpit area, around the chancel and down the middle aisle was carpeted. Mr. Koon and his son made the pulpit furniture and the chancel rail. The furniture included three chairs, pulpit, two flower stands, sacrament table and baptismal font. Stained art glass windows were installed, and pews were remodeled. This extensive renovation was supported by generous donations from members, former members, friends, and relatives of people who are buried in Capers Chapel cemetery. The donations were given in Honor of; in Memory of; or Free-Will.  Also at this time, space gas heaters were installed. Later an electric Hammond organ was purchased. The alter brass was given by the Women's Society of Christian Service in the early sixties. Rev. T.E. Derrick, who became the minister June 1954-56, was instrumental in doing some research on the history of Capers Chapel Church, and also in making the plans for laying the corner stone in 1954. Several items were placed in this capsule, including a brief history that was done by Rev. Derrick. In October 1973, a Cooling and heating system was installed by Gardenwood Cooling and Heating Co. In March 1974, twenty-four new pews were installed by Drexel furniture Co. in Hickory, N.C. These Pews were also given in Honor of; in Memory of loved ones, or by members. the old pews were sold to the highest bidder. The church had been without water all these years, so in 1985 a well was drilled. In the summer of 1988 a fellowship hall and bathrooms were added by Mr. Felix Livingston and helpers. A cooling and heating system was installed. Rev. Sheila Rogers was the minister when this addition was made. In March 19P75, some disaster came. The celetex fell, scarring the pews. Mr. Felix Livingston put up new ceiling tile. Members cleaned the pews to look as good as new, and the carpet was replaced at this time. Capers Chapel members are indeed greatful for the generous donations that helped make this beautiful little country church. Homecoming is October 13th at 11:00. Rev. Mary Jane Walden Heapes, a former minister, will deliver the sermon. A picnic lunch will follow. Friends, relatives and visitors are invited to attend. The current minister is Rev. Keith Sweat. Regular worship services hour is 9:30, Sunday school at 10:30. We welcome visitors to come worship with us any Sunday.