NOLAN-DIVIDE METHODIST CHURCH and CEMETERY

In 1904 a one room church was built on land given by J.T. Slater and called Slater's Chapel.
Originally from Missouri, the Slaters moved from Tarrant County to Nolan in 1901.  Three 
years later, Slater remarked to his wife Mattie, "we must have a Methodist Church out here."
They gave their home site for the building and an adjoining corral surrounded with poles cut
from cedar breaks on the Divide where son Estell was buried in 1903 for a community burial
ground.  Additional land was give as needed - a tradition continued through two generations 
and still existing with their daughter, Mrs. Ussery.

The Chapel was built by Mr. Grimes, builder of the new Slater home across the pasture.  Rev.
A.E. Turney of Hylton was the first pastor.

In July 1904, 25 members joined the congregation, some from the Old Dora group.  They were:
Henreitta McCoy, Jasper McCoy, Mr. & Mrs. Lee Moore, Martha Moore, Georgia Moore, Mr. & Mrs.
Tom Grimsley, Tina Grimsley, Maud Grimsley, Mrs. Ronnie Moore, Alice Moore, Willie Sanders,
Gillie Sanders, Mr. & Mrs. Hardgrove, Maude Jenkins, Mr. & Mrs. J.T. Slater, Mr. & Mrs. 
F.B. Slater, Mr. & Mrs. E.J. Slater and Cassie Roland.

Other pastors coming once a month were:  J.A. Siceloff, R.A. Langston, J.T. Trice, L.M.
Moody, J.M. Slatten, C.C. Wright, G.H. Gattis, C.A. Ducan, J.W. Watson, M.W. Hudson, J.W.
Brown, R.S. Watkins, R.O. Bailey, J.R. Bright, F.O. Garner, I.E. Biggs, J.B. Hibbert,
O.D. McDonald, H.B. Standlee, R.H. Albright and S.A. Sifford.

J.T. Slatter was Sunday School superintendent many years.  He walked the quarter-mile
early Sunday mornings, swept, dusted and built fire in the wood-burning stove.  In addition
to keeping a neat roll, he added a line about weather conditions that day.  Other officers
were assistand supt. G.W. Hawkins; sec., C.B. Sanders; treasurer, Miss Willie Sanders. 
Teachers were:  J.W. Martin, Mrs. Eason, Mrs. F.B. (Margie) Slater, Mrs. J.T. Slater.

In 1939 Slater's Chapel was torn down and moved to the present location in Nolan.  Chapel
pulpit and pews were moved there and remain today.  The name was changed to Nolan
Methodist Church.  J.H. Wheeler was the first pastor.  Others were: David W. Binkley, L.A.
Reavis, G.W. McClain, Earl G. Harper, Rufus Kitchens, L.W. Tucker, Alvin Smith, Albert Mason,
Jim Tomlinson, Luther J. Helm, Noah Armpriester, Leon Hale, Bill Hayner, Charles Byers,
Cecil Guthrie, Ronnie Newton, Ernest McGaughey, George Price and David Young.

First 100 Years Nolan County Texas