Brashier's Chapel History
Brashier's Chapel was named for the early pioneer Hiram Brashier, who began a church in his home in the 1860's. His home was located close to the present day New Brashier's Chapel Church and cemetery. It was first a Methodist Church (North). Around 1870 or 1872, a Methodist Episcopal (ME) Church (South) was organized in a log house about a half mile west of the current cemetery. In 1889, the Reverend Joe Williams, Pastor of Summit circuit, transferred the membership to Arab. Eight years later, in 1897, the Reverend J. C. Kunkapillar, Pastor of the Warrenton circuit, reorganized Brashier's Chapel at Hill's schoolhouse. Hill's schoolhouse was located approximately a half mile west of the present church site. Many of Hiram Brashier's descendants are still members of Old Brashier's Chapel today.
Mr.and Mrs. Martin L. Leak deeded two acres of land to the church, where the present building now stands. The first building was build in 1899. The building committee was composed of James M. Thomason, Martin L. Leak, and E. T. Pesnell. The first remodeling was accomplished in 1946, when new doors, brick siding, etc., were installed.
The next major renovation occurred during the term of the Reverend Handley J. Hardy, in 1960. On Sunday, May 29 of that year, the present building was dedicated. The building committee consisted of Namaan Pool, Jim Coker, Lionell Leak, and M. H. (Bonzie) Leak (Chairman). Henry Deerman was chairman of the Official Board. Other Official Board members were E. R. Allen, James Pool, Namaan Pool, Jim Coker, Mrs. Jim Coker, Mrs. Jerry Leak, Hershall Shelton, Merlin Hunt, M. V. Hunt, Lionell Hunt, and Thomas J. Leak.
In 1975, it had become apparent that the church needed additional space, primarily for Sunday School classes and a place for fellowship meetings. A building effort was started at the urging of the Pastor, Reverend Edward T. Fuell. A major Sunday School/Fellowship Hall addition was dedicated on Sunday, January 25, 1976. Haskell E. Hunt was Chairman on the Building Committee. The majority of the labor was furnished by members of the congregation.
In June of 1994, Edgar "Junior" Plunkett was appointed pastor of Old Brashier's Chapel, after Reverend Edward T. Fuell retired his position of church pastor. In 1998, the pavillion, located across the street from the church, was reconstructed for additional space for the youth. In the summer of 2001, members of the church added on an additional room for more space for the youth.
For the current 2002 conference year, the following are members of the Official Board: Junior Plunkett, Nicky James, Tim Warrington, Larry Hunt, Mickey Hunt, Mabel Hornsby, Julia Casey, Kristy Thomas, and Lynn James.