HISTORY OF WATKINS CHAPEL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

Watkins Chapel United Methodist Church is located on the Old Witt Road in the Witt Community, five miles south of Morristown, Tennessee. It is affiliated with the Morristown District, Holston Conference, of the United Methodist Church.

The church was organized in 1878. The land for the church was given by C. L. Gregory and family, residents of the community. The old Union School building stood on the land but was not being used. Church services were held in the building. The church was named for the first pastor, Reverend Watkins. The first trustees were C. L. Gregory, J. C. Munson, A. R. Edgars, and J. H. Smith.

In 1879 a new white frame church building was built. The membership at that time grew to approximately 70 members.

In July, 1918, the Johnson City Conference, now Holston Conference, held the Annual Conference meeting at Watkins Chapel. This was a highlight in the history of the church.

The church building burned, and most of the records were lost in 1943. Services were moved to Witt School building. A fund-raising drive was begun, and a new brick building was completed in 1946. In addition to the sanctuary used for worship, the present building has classrooms, bathrooms, dining room/fellowship hall, and a well-furnished kitchen.

Watkins Chapel has had a long and rich history of worship and service in the Witt Community and beyond. Its hilltop location has made it a geographical landmark. In addition, the historical stability and presence of the congregation of worshipers has been a strong influence in the area.