OUR MISSION
Growing in love because we care and you count!
We want Shaeffer’s Chapel to be like your second home – one in which you are just as comfortable and happy. At Shaeffer’s Chapel we strive to build God’s Kingdom here on earth, make disciples of all nations, and transform the world through Christ Jesus.
ALL ARE WELCOME!
Shaeffer’s Chapel is a warm, welcoming church in Columbus, MS, that is steeped in tradition but open to praising God with old hymns as well as Praise and Worship music. Hospitality has always been a hallmark of our congregation as we welcome all to worship with us. Our multi-generational membership is committed to outreach in our community, and personal growth through diverse study opportunities. We have a rich history, and continue to create new traditions. We are located just a quick ten minutes from downtown Columbus, MS, off Hwy 45 South. (GPS: 1007 Shaeffer’s Chapel Rd, Columbus, MS 39701). We would love to see you!
OUR HISTORY
Although early records of the church’s history were destroyed in a fire, the church historian, Olin B. Looney, was able to preserve a history for future generations.
According to historical records, earliest worship services were held in a woven brush arbor shaded by the same mammoth oaks that grace our worship site today. The early congregation consisted of a few white settlers (planters), blacks and Indians. No denomination was evident, just worshippers. In 1820, a simple log cabin was the first building of worship. Later, as more settlers came to the area, a larger two story building known as Grange Hall was erected about a quarter mile north of the log building.
As the small community began to grow, plans were made for the erection of the present-day Shaeffer’s Chapel. The land, about two acres, was deeded to the trustees of Shaeffer’s Chapel by Col. John Gilmer. The trustees at that time were Thomas A. Evans, Henry Foote, and W.B. Ferguson. In 1878, the present day Shaeffer’s Chapel was erected.
The man thought to be responsible of this audacious undertaking was a mission preacher, Rev. George Shaeffer. Rumor has it that Rev. Shaeffer held services in the woven brush arbor before buildings were thought of. George Shaeffer was converted in 1831 and entered the preaching ministry in 1835, becoming one of Lowndes County’s first Methodist circuit riding preachers. He never had an “official” appointment to Shaeffer’s Chapel, but he served with such distinction and manner that Shaeffer’s Chapel was named in honor of him. He died January 23, 1886, several years after the completion of Shaeffer’s Chapel.
Since those early years, Shaeffer’s Chapel has seen many changes: a remodel effort began in 1949, with redecorated interior, new concrete steps and butane gas heating by 1951. In 1965, the Educational Building was completed which houses Sunday School rooms, Fellowship Hall, kitchen and restrooms. Today, there is central air and heating, piano and organ, sound system and carpet on the floor. For sure, the present members have modernized this “arbor” church and put in a few conveniences. But all this seems to fade into the background of the towering oaks swaying above the cupola of the church as we people’s lives are celebrated through the memories of baptisms, weddings, christening of their children, the death of loved ones, communion. We forever remain indebted to the vision of Rev George Shaeffer and others who were encouraged to build Shaeffer’s Chapel.
Shaeffer’s Chapel Cemetery
In the fall of 1947, the Shaeffer’s Chapel Cemetery was enlarged by a gift of one-half acres of land deeded to the Trustees of Shaeffer’s Chapel, Church Property and their successors by Van Sandifer. In 1956, a fence was erected around the cemetery. This project was sponsored by the Greenwood Leflore Chapter of the DAR. Earliest markers in the cemetery date back to 1878, along with markers for several charter church members and their families: Ferguson, Foote, Fleming, Miller.