THE RENOVATION OF CHATFIELD BAPTIST CHURCH

Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourself. Philippians 2:3

Donations are needed to complete the remodeling of our place of worship at Chatfield Baptist Church in Chatfield, Texas. We humbly ask that anybody wishing to contribute to a worthwhile cause do so through our Go Fund Me page. God bless everyone who reads this message and feel free to spread the word. We sincerely appreciate any contributions you may make, since every little bit helps us get closer to our goal.

THE HISTORY OF CHATFIELD BAPTIST CHURCH

Reportedly the owner of one hundred slaves and 1280 acres of land, Robert Hodge settled in this area in 1849. Hodge allowed his slaves to organize two churches -- a Baptist church and an African Methodist Episcopal Church. They shared a building known as the Colored Community Church of Chatfield with the Rev. Z. T. Pardee as pastor. By 1858 the Baptist congregation formed by Hodge's slaves was part of the Chatfield Baptist Church. In that year the Chatfield Baptist Church joined the Richland Baptist Association. During this time, white pastors preached to both white and black congregations, one in the morning and one in the evening. After emancipation many freed slaves remained in the area. They became both sharecroppers and landowners. One distinguished local family was that of Allen R. Griggs (1850-1922), a Baptist minister dedicated to the education of black Texans. His son, Sutton Elbert Griggs (1872-1933), was born in Chatfield. A minister who was heavily involved in Texas Baptist life, Sutton E. Griggs became a noted African American writer. The Navarro Baptist Association was formed in 1887 and the Chatfield Baptist Church transferred its membership to the new organization. The town of Chatfield reached its peak in the 1890s with a population of 500. The Chatfield Baptist Church congregation continues to uphold the traditions of its founders through worship and service to the community.