Our History

In the spring of 1969, Reverend Paul Mathison, a Methodist Minister for 36 years, held several discussions with Police Chief D. P. Caldwell, and Sheriff Bill Davis concerning a Chaplain Program within the jails of Pensacola and Escambia County.  As a result of these meetings, the first "Annual Luncheon" was held in the San Carlos Hotel in early May with 20 people present.

The Reverend Paul Mathison

Jamie Gingles offered the C&P Bank as a depositer of all funds.  W. D. (Pinky) Bach was elected President; W. D. Pollack, Vice President; Mrs. Joyce Nobles, Treasurer; and Mrs. L. L. Mabie, Secretary.  Honorable Joe J. Harrell was asked to serve as legal advisor and Chairman of the Organization Committee.  Dr. Al Butler was appointed Publicity Chairman and Frontis Sherill, Chairman of the Committee on Nominations.

Bishop Kenneth Goodson appointed Dr. Mathison as Chaplain of Law Enforcement Ministries, June 1, 1969, and he was appointed to that responsibility for each succeeding year until his health prevented him from fulfilling that role.