East Side in San Antonio in Bexar County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Jacobs Chapel United Methodist Church

Photographed by James Hulse, January 21, 2026

1. Jacobs Chapel United Methodist Church Marker

Inscription. In 1895, east San Antonio resident Eliza Napier began to evangelize her neighborhood. The residents of east San Antonio, mostly African Americans, were facing increasing hostilities in white-led houses of worship and other organizations. Napier encouraged residents to form independent religious and social fellowship groups to foster support within the black community. She began a church, called "The East End Mission," in her home at the corner of Hedges and South Gevers Streets. When the number of attendees rose so that Napier's house could not contain them, she petitioned the Methodist elders to open a church. Under the leadership of the Reverend J.T. Jacobs, the first church was built. Following the Rev. Jacobs' death in 1911, the name of the church was changed to Jacobs Chapel Methodist Church.

In 1925 and 1948, new buildings were constructed. In 1943, Ernest T. Dixon, who was serving as Sunday school superintendent at Jacobs Chapel, received his first preaching license. In July 1972, he became the first African American elected to the office of Bishop in the South-Central jurisdiction of the United Methodist Church. During the tenure of the Reverend E. Joseph Tanner, a new parsonage was purchased and food ministry outreach started. Further expansions have since been undertaken. The church enjoyed a strong music ministry and active children's and youth ministries. Jacobs Chapel also began special senior ministries.

From humble beginnings as the vision of just a few, Jacobs Chapel grew with the tireless hands of many generations. It has been a focal point for the black community on the east side of San

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

Antonio for decades.

Erected 2022 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 23502.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Religion & Religious Structures. A significant historical month for this entry is July 1972.

Location. 29° 25.029′ N, 98° 27.522′ W. Marker is in San Antonio, Texas, in Bexar County. It is in the East Side. It is at the intersection of Hedges Street and South Polaris, on the right when traveling east on Hedges Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 406 S Polaris, San Antonio TX 78203, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in South Texas.

It is also in the American South.

Globally, it is in North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the Republic of Texas,

and one of the Confederate States of America.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: All Gave Some – Some Gave All (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Historic African American Cemetery (approx. ¼ mile away); Saint Philip's College (approx. 0.3 miles away); Hamilton P. Bee (approx. 0.3 miles away); Adina Emilia de Zavala (approx. 0.4 miles away); John Salmon "Rip" Ford (approx. 0.4 miles away); Col. Edward Miles (approx. 0.4 miles away); Confederate Cemetery (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in San Antonio.

Jacobs Chapel United Methodist Church and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, January 21, 2026

2. Jacobs Chapel United Methodist Church and Marker

Jacobs Chapel United Methodist Church image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, January 21, 2026

3. Jacobs Chapel United Methodist Church

The view of the church from across the street.

Credits. This page was last revised on January 22, 2026. It was originally submitted on January 21, 2026, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 34 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on January 22, 2026, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.