An article in the August 1990 issue of Castleberry Cousins, compiled by Rev.
T.C. Stockton, pastor
History of Elmira Chapel Cumberland Presbyterian church
First services were held in Old Spring Hill school building in 1891 and
was a branch of Pine Tree Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Rev. Will Allen,
Sr., of Marshall, Texas was serving as paston. Serving in connection with
Rev. Will Allen was his son, Rev. W.B. Allen of Longview, Texas. Monthly
services were held, also revivals until October 18, 1896 at which time a
church was organized at the location where the present church now stands.
The name given to this new church was Elmira Chapel. The name was to
serve as a memorial for Mrs. Elmira Castleberry who was the mother of two of
the original elders. R.W. and J.R Castleberry.
Rev. J.M. Robinson was the first paston after the church was organized.
The first elders were: R.W. Castleberry, J.R. Castleberry and J.A. Callaway.
These brethern served as elders in the Pine Tree C.P. Church prior to the
organization of Elmira Chapel. These men all served well and faithfully
until their deaths.
Other elders serving soon after the church organized were: Ollie
Callaway and Mr. Simpson. Original deacons were D.L. Magrill and Ollie
Callaway, who later became outstanding elders in the church. There wre
approximately forty charter members. Some of the charter members were
transferred from the Pine Tree Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
Present church buildings have been erected since 1931 with oil
payments. Oil having been discovered on the original property.
The church at the present date: Rev. T.C. Stockton, pastor; W.I.
Denson, Earnest Holland, George A. Castleberry, D.L. Magrill, S.C. Rundell,
and R.K. Johnson, elders. Tom Clemmens, deacon. Enrollment in Sunday
School is 200 and church membership is 220.