Honoring 105 years of faithful service
Trenton - Jones County Historical Society Board member Dan Ryan(left) presents an historic marker plaque to the Reverend Dr. W.S. Nicholson, Sr. and Mother Audry Ervin, Chairman of the Trustee Board, of King’s Chapel Free Will Baptist Church as part of the 105th Founders’ Day Celebration held on Sunday, September 15, 2024.
HONORING 105 YEARS OF FAITHFUL SERVICE
TRENTON – The Jones County Historical Society presented a plaque honoring King’s Chapel Free Will Baptist Church as part of its 105th Founders’ Day Celebration, Sunday September 15, 2024.
The King’s Chapel church family came together so they could “Remember our Roots, celebrating our Past and Present, Looking Forward to our Future!” The sermon was appropriately delivered by Elder George Ward, currently of St. Paul Freewill Baptist Church, who grew up in Trenton as a member of King’s Chapel. His sermon focused on the role King’s Chapel has played in his life, providing him with a strong foundation, and the vital role that the church played in shaping so many in the community.
A full day of events, services and fellowship, was held at the church, with Reverend Dr. W.S. Nicholson, Sr., the 12th pastor of the church, and First Lady Brenda Nicholson, bringing the congregation together to remember their founding under the guidance of Reverand John King in 1919. In 1988 Reverend Nicholson assumed the position of pastor and was officially installed in 1989.
Under Nicholson’s leadership King’s Chapel replaced its old sanctuary with a new building to service the community
The last Sunday service at the original King’s Chapel Church was held on December 6, 1998, and the new sanctuary was dedicated on December 20, 1998.
King’s Chapel, like Trenton and most of Jones County, has been damaged over the years from floods associated with Hurricane’s Floyd and Florence. Today is stands, refurbished and still serving the Haiti Community in Trenton, along with all of Jones County.
King’s Chapel, located at 127 Haiti Street, Trenton, holds services the 1st and 3rd Sunday at 11AM.
For information about the Jones County Historical Society’s historic marker project you are encourage to email: jonesco.historicalsociety@gmail.com
The original King's Chapel Free Will Baptist Church opened its doors in the Haiti Community of Trenton in 1919. The church's original core families included the Ward, Carr, McDaniel, Kornegay, Toudle, Brown, Mumford, Cox, and Perry families. The church was named for Reverend John King who provided guidance to initial formation of the church and severed as its first pastor.
The last service was held at the original church on Dec. 6, 1998.
The new King's Free Will Baptist Church sanctuary was constructed adjacent to the original church. The new church was dedicated on Dec. 20, 1998, with its doors opened for regular service on January 2, 1999. Reverend Dr. W.S. Nicholson provided the vision to build the new church to meet the needs of the growing congregation. The stain glass windows of the original church were re-purposed into a beautiful backdrop cross that stands behind the pulpit today. King's Chapel proudly stands ready to serve the Haiti Community for the next 105 years.