The first record of Pitts Chapel dates to October 13, 1860, when three and three-fourths acres of land were purchased from James Wells for $130 to erect a Methodist Episcopal Church. Built at the Cross Roads in the southern part of Jones County, it became the largest and finest church of that time in the county. It was named for Peyton T. Pitts, Sr., who built it with his own means and remained its main support until his death on July 1, 1885. The original frame building, made of choice material, reflects the skill and workmanship of Owen Bostic, a master carpenter and slave. Several additions were made through the years. In 1864, it was commandeered by the Union Army as an advanced surgical hospital. The first trustees were Peyton T. Pitts, Sr., Thomas J. Stewart, Albert O. Blanks, Washington Kelly, and Giles Griswold.