In the small community of Tadmor, Texas, a little church known as "Whitely" was born. Among its members were; Deacon Sample Chatman, Sister Henrietta Wiley, Sister Sentier Chatman, Harry Scott, J. T. Wiley, Alton Bryant, Addie Bell Bryant and Sister Lucille Scott. In those days, they sang and praised the Lord. And, while money was very short, they still made it.

As time passed, trouble came to Whitely and, in 1943, Brother Peter Simpson donated land to build a new church, which was named "Simpson Chapel Baptist Church." At the time, Brother Simpson was the oldest member. Brother Sample Chatman brought the wood in his wagon to help build the church. Reverend M. E. Hall was the pastor.

Under the leadership of Pastor Hall, Brother J. T. Wiley and Harry Scott were ordained as deacons. Additional members included Sister Mary Walker, Sister Henrietta Wiley, Sister Rena Simpson, Brother Joe Garrett, Brother William Stewart, Sister Katherine Chatman and Sister Mattie Bell Turner. And although the men were responsible for building the church, the women also played their parts in the upbuilding of the church.

As examples, Sister Scott organized and was president of The First Missionary Society and senior choir. Sister Walker was mission vice-president, Sister Chatman was mission treasurer and Sister Wiley was church secretary.

During the years that followed, pastors included Reverend U. L. Sanders, Reverend H. H. Morrison, Reverend Curtis Hughes, Reverend E. J. Bryant, Reverend E. G. Byrd and Reverend Leonard Wilson.

As more time passed, the old building began to show its age and, in 1965, Reverend J. D. Simmons came to us. Under his leadership, a new building was constructed in 1969. Church officers included; Brother Joe Garrett (deacon), Brother J. T. Wiley (deacon), Brother Elmo Scott (deacon), Brother Sample Chatman (deacon), Brother Harry Scott, Brother Alfred Scott and Sister Charlie M. Foreman (secretary).

Pastor Simmons guided the members through the completion of the church, and later, added air conditioning. He remained seven years, after which, he moved but pledged to assist financially until the church was paid for, which he did.

In 1972, Pastor O. J. Beasley, Jr. became pastor and contributed by helping to add pews, organ and guiding through completion of paying the mortgage.

In March of 1974, Pastor Detroit Woolbright came and guided us through construction of the cafeteria, finished paying old debts (i.e., pews, organ and installing a water cooler). Sister Charlie M. Foreman resigned as church secretary and the church body elected Sister Dorothy Shorter to replace Sister Foreman.

Pastor Detroit Woolbright resigned on August 6, 2001 and passed away in September of 2002.

On September 16, 2001, Reverend Lionel Whitaker came to us. His first sermon was "Peace By Faith" (Hebrews 11:8). On November 18, 2001, Pastor Whitaker accepted leadership of Simpson Chapel, with one condition...that we must have worship services every Sunday, as opposed to only 2 Sundays each month as we had been.

On January 6, 2002, we began having morning worship each Sunday and, on February 17, 2002, Pastor Whitaker was installed as pastor, after which, he organized bible study and personal prayer time each Wednesday evening, which continues to this day.

Simpson Chapel Baptist Church

God has allowed us to move from this old building into this new building.