To better understand the history of our church, it is important to first know something about its location. There were several people living in the area prior to 1849; however, no business had been established, nor had the area been given a name.

On February 2, 1850, Thomas Jones sold a half-acre lot to W.M. Phillips for the sum of $20.00. On this lot, Mr. Phillips built a small store and dwelling. At that time, the area was given its first name — Blackjack, chosen because of the abundance of blackjack oak trees nearby.

Later that same year, in July 1850, Mr. Phillips sold the land for $1,000 to Dr. William Jasper Gambell, a local physician who used the property for both his home and medical office. Dr. Gambell’s mother, Catherine Scoggin, was a third cousin to Tom Scoggin and a fifth cousin to Diane Pearson, both current members of Williams Chapel.

Dr. Gambell served as a doctor in the Civil War and passed away in 1860. After his death, the building once again became a store and continued to serve the community for many years.