ABOUT BOYNTON CHAPEL

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The Boynton Methodist Episcopal church was organized in 1880 in the home of Mr. and Mrs. William Burr. There were eight founding members present at this historical meeting (see acknowledgements). After meeting for several months, presiding Bishop Erastus O. Haven, appointed Rev. Peter Bush as the first pastor. Construction of a church building began on the corner of Paige and Dallas, which was given the address of 2811 Dallas. The first name given to the church was Dallas Street Methodist Episcopal Church. During the next 55 years, the church was under the leadership of several Pastors. (see acknowledgements). In 1936 Pastor Felix Wade Logan was named Senior Pastor. The church was re-named to Boynton Chapel United Methodist Church, Boynton Chapel – The Church of Cordial Welcome. Under the leadership of Pastor Logan, property was acquired on Scott St. near Jefferson.

Membership increased during Pastor Logan’s eleven-year tenure. In 1947 Rev. Andrew J. Newton became Senior Pastor and served until 1951 during which time the church completed payment of the Scott St. property. In 1952 Rev. JH Callier served until his death in 1954. As the demographic of the area was changing with the times, Pastor Callier’s vision of relocating the church was set in motion.  

In 1954, Rev. Homer D. Pace was appointed Senior Pastor. He quickly began to formulate plans for a new church. Boy Scout Troop #484 was also formed during this time. The church sold the properties on Scott St and began construction on the present location of Boynton Chapel United Methodist Church, on the north east corner of Milby and Tuam. (2812 Milby). The church was completed and dedicated on January 5, 1958. Pastor Pace remained the pastor until 1962. From 1962 to 1981 the church saw growth and a thriving ministry. Rev. Robert E. McGee was appointed Pastor in 1981. This was a time of spiritual renewal and vision casting. Under Pastor McGee’s leadership the church celebrated the 106 th and 107 th Church Anniversaries. The church school was revitalized, prayer and bible study groups were organized, the choir flourished and ministries such as the Women’s and Men’s ministry made a mark with special celebrations and occasions. The church underwent a much-needed renovation without ever missing a Sunday

worship! Pastor McGee served until 1987.

In 1988, Rev. JB Black was appointed Pastor. He continued to build the ministry through Christian education and the commemoration of the Pace Hall. As a tribute to former Pastors, portraits were displayed as a part of their fervent pastoral leadership and Boynton Chapel UMC’s rich history. Pastor Black served until 1993. In 1994, Rev. Frances EW Guidry was appointed Senior Pastor, she was Boynton Chapel’s first female pastor. She served for two years. In 1997, Rev. Wanda Bess was appointed as Pastor. Under Pastor Bess’ leadership Boynton Chapel formulated a vision, mission and purpose that

moved toward spiritual growth and community development. Rev. Bess served until 2005. In 2005, Rev. Kendall Graham was appointed Senior Pastor. Rev. Graham continued the vision of community involvement by expanding the food bank to help feed the community. Mission trips to Jamaica further expanded the reach of Boynton’s involvement and vision of ministry.

Rev. Graham soon left Boynton and Rev. Howard Turnley was appointed. He served the church and community as Senior Pastor until retiring.   Rev. Linda Davis was appointed Senior and is currently  Pastor of Boynton Chapel UMC. Rev. Davis continues the vision and mission of the church by being evangelistic and

missional in expanding the ministry to encompass the needs of the community while focusing on the growth and development of the congregation. 

Boynton Chapel has over 140 years of rich history, ministry and a presence in the community that embraces God’s vision of the great commission and kingdom building. 

Boynton Chapel’s vision and mission is to empower the family, strengthen the church and transform the community for the glory of God! Boynton Chapel continues a tradition of deeply rooted and rich history as the vision and mission of the ministry builds for the future and continues to expand God’s kingdom!

Acknowledgements:

Founding Members:

Mesdames California, Burr Williams, Syfria Rogers, Viola Bush and Don Williams

Linda Davis  is a native of St. Louis, Missouri. She has over twenty-five years of experience in Labor and Employment Law. After years of experience in the corporate field and several years serving as an Associate Pastor, Rev. Linda Davis was called to serve as a Senior Pastor. She is currently the Senior Pastor of Boynton Chapel United Methodist Church in Houston, Texas that has a rich history dating back to 1880. Pastor Davis previously served as Pastor at First United Methodist Church, College Station Texas; Campus Pastor at Covenant Glen United Methodist Church in Rosharon, Texas and as an Associate Pastor at Blueridge United Methodist Church in Houston, Texas. Rev. Davis received her Bachelor of Business Management degree and a Master of Business Administration degree from LeTourneau University in Texas. She holds a Master of Divinity degree from Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist University.

As a woman of vision, Rev. Davis is revered for her leadership, integrity, and compassion. She places a strong emphasis on evangelism and missions, along with congregational growth and development. She has a great passion and commitment for helping the community and social justice issues. Rev. Davis previously served on the Board of Trustees for Family Promise of Bryan-College Station, Fort Bend Family Promise, and Texas Southern University Wesley Foundation. She served as Treasurer for the Brazos Valley Pastor’s Alliance Coalition. She currently serves as the Chairperson for the Faith in Action Workgroup of the Emancipation Economic Development Council and a member of the Steering Committee of the Northern Third Ward Implementation Project.   

Rev. Davis has received numerous honors and awards for the outstanding service to the church and the community such as Special Mission Recognition from the Women’s Division, General Board of Global Ministries of the United Methodist Church. Her ministerial gift has drawn young and old to witness the anointing of a servant totally sold out for the Kingdom of God. She

is happily married to Ronald L. Davis and the mother of one son.