History of Jalapa ChapelThe building that now houses the congregation of Jalapa Chapel was built in 1891 and dedicated as Jalapa Methodist Episcopal Church that fall. Some of the prominent family names listed at the dedication were: York, Bechtel, Brown, Neff, Julian, Nichols, Dooley, Blackman, White, Guerin, Spears, Dibble, Bloomer, Lawson, Scott, Minnick, Gilbreth, Roberts, McIlwain, Hendricks, Conner, Snyder, Veach, Painter, Stevens, Dawson, Sherman, Renbarger, Winger, and Coffman.
The first wedding in the new church building took place in 1892 with two funerals being held that year as well. In the early 1940's, a full basement was hand dug beneath the church and in 1948, a parsonage was built a couple of blocks away. A fire in the church in 1954 required redecoration, refinishing, and the installation of a new furnance, making it necessary to hold services at a nearby school for a month while repairs were made. In the early 1970's, updating and redecorating of the interior of the building, now Jalapa United Methodist Church, took place and the original pews and pulpit were replaced by those currently in the church. While it is unknown what was done with the pews, the old pulpit remains a prized feature of the building in a now restored condition. The building remained virtually unchanged from that time until the fall/winter/spring of 2006/2007 when maintenance repairs, minor renovations, and redecoration were provided by the purchasers of the building. With the exception of the basement, the church building is unchanged from it original size. Pink and green stained glass windows, early church style features, and careful outdoor maintenance and landscaping continue to make this building one of quaint and simple beauty for the use and glory of God. |
Jalapa Methodist Episcopal Church, 1891
 Jalapa United Methodist Church, circa 1960's 
Jalapa Chapel to Date
Interior of Jalapa Chapel Sanctuary
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