Church History | Jones Memorial Afric

Jones Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church was organized in 1889 by the Rev. E. White. After much shifting from place to place, the Church was finally located near the Union Station on Main Street, where a house of worship was erected by Rev. C. T. Hinton in 1891. The property on Main Street was subsequently lost and the members were scattered. The few remaining members worshipped in halls and private homes until they finally relocated on the corner of Sumter and Blossom Streets. In 1904, a lot with a two-room house was purchased and the partition between the rooms was removed. The small house served as the beginning of the present church and congregation. Under the pastorate of Reverend L. C. Chamblain, Zion was planted in Columbia, SC.

In 1906, under the pastorage of Rev. James W. Eichelberger, Sr., a small brick chapel was erected, and the congregation began to grow steadily. This was the first time, since the Main Street property was lost, that they had something resembling a church where they could worship.

In 1933 the first brick church was destroyed by fire. Under the leadership pf Rev. H.C. Young, the hardworking sacrificing members were able to see work begin on a new church. A new building was erected. Celebration and laying of the cornerstone were held July 1st through the 20th, 1935.

Under the leadership of Rev. Ward, the church was damaged by fire, caused by an overheated furnace. The church was restored to its original state and on August 23, 1959, the church was re-dedicated to God, as well as memorialized to a sainted bishop, the late Bishop Singleton T. Jones. Hence, the name of Jones Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church was changed to Jones Memorial African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church.

The property on Sumter and Blossom Street was sought by the University of South Carolina for expansion of their main campus. The officers refused to accept the price offered for the property. In 1963, the Board of Trustees was informed by their attorney, that the church building was condemned under the auspices of the city’s urban renewal plan in order to force the move. The matter was finally settled in court with the church being awarded a more acceptable amount for its property. In 1964 the church was demolished. Property for a new church was purchased on the corner of Barhamville Road and Louisa Streets. The Board of Trustees proceeded with plans to build a new church. Meantime, the City of Columbia’s Housing Authority permitted the church to use the Community Center at Saxon Homes as a place of worship until the church was completed.

Rev. G. D. Mc Ivy was the pastor.

Rev. L. J. Dockery was assigned as the next pastor of Jones Memorial. Under his leadership the present edifice was erected. The first service was held in the new edifice on April 10, 1966. The cornerstone laying service was held June 12, 1966. On July 17, 1966 the new edifice was dedicated. Five additional lots were purchased for expansion and developing of ministries. Also, a parsonage was purchased at 109 Morningside Drive.

Many ministers have served as pastors of the church, each contributing in some manner and some outstanding accomplishments have been made under some leaderships. Some ministers who have served the early church are Reverends E.J. Smith, T. H. Phillips, S.R. Gataray, W.M. White, R. B. Williams, J. S. Barnes, J. F. Adams, J. L. Harrington, D. P. Edwards, A. L. Williams, H. Waddell, Chamblain, J. C. McClellan, J. C. Lewis, R. Hatwood, R. A. Carroll, E. A. Lomas, J. H. Thompson, C. Hunter, W. B. Gibbs, E. A. Lomax, J. H. Thompson, C. Hunter, S. J. Henry, W. W. Bowden. Ministers who have served at the present location are: Reverends G.W. Walker, Sr., G. Sanders, C. C. Tyson,

J. W. Smith, V. N. Meekins, R .E. Christian, Sr.,

J. R. Williams, Sr. and T .J. Jones. Much was accomplished under their leadership.

In November 2019, Rev. Thelma Gordon was appointed by Bishop Mildred B. Hines to serve as pastor of the Jones Memorial AMEZ Church. She is the first female minister of the church in the 130 years of existence. A very spiritual, dedicated leader was graciously welcomed by the congregation. In the short time she has been here, her leadership has already aided the church growth spiritually and in other ways. Jones Memorial is the first church of the Palmetto Conference of the South Atlantic Episcopal District.