Alto, Cherokee County
Although Methodist worship services may have been held in this area before 1860, the first written records of this congregation date from that year, with the Rev. J. A. Srugs as the earliest known pastor. The church has been informally called "Blackjack" throughout its history, probably for the grove of blackjack trees that once stood on this property. The name Lynch's (later Lynches) Chapel was adopted in honor of the Rev. Samuel Lynch, who was serving as pastor at the time of his death. Early leaders in the church were Alexander Black and his son, John, who also served as the first teacher for Hendrick School. School classes for many years were held in the Lynches Chapel sanctuary, built near this site in the 1870s. Preaching services were held once a month, with annual summer revival meetings. The cemetery associated with Lynches Chapel Methodist Church began in 1885. Pioneer family names reflected on the tombstones include Landrum, Wallace, Schochler and Moffett. One unusual grave is that of an Indian girl, who died while her family was in the area. Over the years, Lynches Chapel United Methodist Church and cemetery have been important elements in this rural farming community.