ChapNaz now.
On Sunday, October 12, ChapNaz Church celebrated 75 years of serving the Vicksburg community. It all began with a two-week revival and 14 inspired Indian Lake residents and Nazarenes who officially organized the church on October 15, 1950, at the Morse Schoolhouse.
Pastors Brian and Ashley Robbins, the church’s first Co-Lead Pastoral Team, welcomed church members and the community to reflect on the past 75 years of the James B. Chapman Memorial Church of the Nazarene—and to embrace its future.
The service included historical accounts of charter member Louise Chapman, widow of Church of the Nazarene General Superintendent James B. Chapman. She once said the chapel would be “a church home for Nazarenes who have permanent residences nearby, for summer vacationers, and for the many unchurched people who live in the neighborhood.”
Mrs. Chapman envisioned the church as a fitting memorial for Dr. Chapman, who passed away at age 62 at his Indian Lake cottage on July 30, 1947. Dr. Chapman began preaching at age 15, played a key role in founding the Church of the Nazarene at Pilot Point, Texas, in 1908, served as editor of the denomination’s official publication Herald of Holiness, and authored numerous books.
Land at 29th Street and U Avenue in Vicksburg was purchased for $300 on June 22, 1951. Ground was broken on April 20, 1952, and the foundation was built entirely through donated labor. Later, a factory-built church arrived by truck and was placed on the foundation in a single day. The opening service was held on August 31, 1952.
Since then, both the church community and its buildings have grown. During the celebration, the foyer was filled with photo albums, memorabilia, and official records for everyone to enjoy and reminisce.
Beckie Ensfield shared that her grandparents, Chester and Merlen Janacek, were among the founding members of the church and their family continues to attend ChapNaz. Beckie reflected on her own experiences growing up in the church:
“Looking through the history, I can see answered prayers as the church grew. ChapNaz is like being part of a big family. My mother passed away when I was 12, and the women in the church rallied around my family to help fill that void. When I had triplets, the ‘grandma brigade’ stepped up to help.”
Pastor Wes Bittenbender, who oversees the Encore Program for seniors, began attending ChapNaz at the age of seven and shared fond memories of Mrs. Chapman and the ministry through the years.
Pastor Brian added, “We encourage people to grow as individuals, in their faith in Christ, and in their relationships with others. That’s what drives our desire to serve the community. We run the free Community Clothes Closet, support Generous Hands, South County community projects, mentor students through Kids Hope at Indian Lake, staff the concession stands on opening day of Vicksburg Little League, and serve in other local outreach efforts.”
Throughout the day, the building was alive with laughter and stories. The common theme was clear: Everyone felt like family, welcomed, loved, and at home at ChapNaz.
