our history
History of Ezell Chapel Christian Methodist Episcopal Church
In 1911 Rev. J. W. Ezell, one of the pioneers of the Dallas-Fort Worth Conference (formerly the West Texas Annual Conference), envisioned a hand of worship in East Dallas, then known as Fair Park addition. Finally, he settled on McKenzie Street and established what was then called Fair Park Mission. Sunday school and many of the earlier worship services were held in the house of the late Mr. and Mrs. Lee McKenzie. Despite many obstacles during this period, his vision became a reality. Great tribute and prayers of gratitude are expressed to the memory of Rev. J. W. Ezell, who labored tirelessly to give us the first organization, and created a tabernacle in which to worship. His work started a perpetual monument that will ever be a credit to his memory. Rev. Ezell served from 1911-1914.
During Ezell Chapel’s existence, there have been approximately 28 ministers who have served as pastors. Some of them are mentioned in this history because of the profound effect which they had upon the growth of Ezell Chapel.
Rev. M. Johnson arrived on the scene with a vision, and in two years, 1919-1921, was instrumental in spearheading the move to our first church. Rev. R. C. Curtis served five successful and eventful years, 1924-1929. During his term a new church was built and, in 1929, the name of the church was changed from Fair Park Mission to Ezell Chapel C. M. E. Church. Rev. Curtis is credited with laying the first cornerstone. Rev. M. S. James served from 1960-1968; during his pastorate, we moved to our current location, 1442 E. Overton Road. Rev. J. C. Darden pastored from 1969-1974. In 1975 Rev. Rozell Gray became our pastor and served until 1978. Rev. C. N. Reed pastored from 1979-1980. Rev. J. R. Alexander served from 1981-1982. From 1982-1983 Rev. Rozell Gray returned to pastor Ezell. Rev. W. T. Morgan served faithfully for six months (1983-1984) before succumbing to a fatal illness. Rev. I. Wicks served in the interim, 1984-1985. In 1985, Rev. Lee O. Gellington was appointed to serve Ezell. Rev. Gellington served from August 1985 until April 10, 1989 when he was transferred to the Fifth Episcopal District-Alabama Conference. Presiding Elder Robert L. Jackson stepped down from the District to serve as pastor of Ezell from 1989-1990.
Rev. Stanley M. Berliner, Jr. served Ezell from June 1990 to December 28, 1997. Under his leadership a van was purchased to transport members to worship services and other church activities. Bible Study was begun again during Rev. Berliner’s pastorate and many members began to grow spiritually.
On January 4, 1998, Rev. A. Roy Smith was assigned to shepherd the flock at Ezell. Rev. Smith, a calm and unpretentious servant, has revived the “art of Stewardship by Faith” among the members.
In August 2001, Bishop Marshall Gilmore appointed Ezell Chapel an Associate Minister in the person of Rev. Bennie Jean Sirls Siegh. Rev. Siegh came to Ezell Chapel filled with a spiritual energy that exhibits her love of God. She became a member of the Chancel Choir and presented new ideas to the Women’s Missionary Society. Rev. Smith has stated that “Rev. Siegh has been an asset to Ezell”.
Under the visionary leadership of Rev. Smith, Ezell made several improvements and enhancements to the church property. In 2003, the sanctuary was beautified with ornate hanging lamps to provide more light during worship services. After a suggestion by Sis. Jackie Hamilton, a large wooden cross was placed on the wall in the choir loft. Bro. Harry Jones’ vision was carried out with the paving of the parking in the rear of the church. The furniture for the hallway leading to the Pastor’s office was given in memory of Sis. Esther Evans’ husband, Harper Evans, Sr. A grand piano was given to the church in memory of Sis. Emma Sue Applewhite by Deehan and Virginia Wyman and the sisters of Sis. Applewhite. A picture of “Jesus the Shepherd” was given by Sis. Jackie Hamilton in memory of her mother, Sis. Annie Belle Yerger. In the spring of 2008, Ezell Chapel was blessed with a new church sign donated by one of the longtime and dedicated members, Sis. Margaret Phillips.
During the Dallas-Fort Worth Regional Conference in June, 2008, Ezell was assigned another Associate Minister in the personage of Rev. Joe Amerson. Rev. Amerson brought a new view of the Christian walk and expressed it with his personal testimony as well as his sermons.
In April 2009 Ezell welcomed Sis. Jacquelyn (Welch) Smith as our First Lady. She is truly a helpmate to our pastor and her kind spirit and beautiful smile has enhanced Ezell. She works diligently in every area of the church.
The year of 2016 saw a few changes take place at Ezell. After eight years of service to Ezell Chapel, Rev. Joe Amerson, Associate Minister, retired due to health problems. Rev. Pshyara Thompson was appointed as Associate Minister during the 2016 Annual Conference. Rev. Thompson not only assists with the worship service, but also adds her beautiful voice to the choir as well. Also, her husband, John, assists with teaching the Sunday school class when needed.
During the 2019 Dallas-Fort Worth/Northwest Annual Conference in Lubbock, Texas, Ezell Chapel was assigned a new Associate Minister, Rev. Brenda Smith. Rev. Brenda has brought a new form of “vibrant” worship to Ezell Chapel. Her warm smile and exciting personality is very contagious. In addition to Rev. Brenda, her husband, Bro. MacArthur and her mother, Sis.. Jennie, have added their “spiritual” energy to our Ezell Chapel family!
Ezell continues to prosper spiritually and financially with revitalization through spiritual restoration from a very active Bible Study group. Rev. Smith challenges the group with deep, thought provoking questions which brings about very enlightening discussions. Rev. Smith encourages a “closer and deeper spiritual walk” with the Lord in our lives by encouraging us to exercise our faith daily.