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HISTORY
OF THE
SOUTH GEORGIA
CONFERENCE
UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
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HISTORY
OF
THE SOUTH GEORGIA CONFERENCE
The United Methodist Church
1866-1984
With Historical Sketches of the 713 Active Churches
Marynell S. Waite, Editor
Book Committee:
Ronald L. Culpepper, L. A. Lemons
S. Walter Martin, Lois B. Mays
leb county LIBRARY
Ph. (912) 759-2369
Poet Office Beat 49
OMabot Georgia 31733
Published by
South Georgia Conference Commission on Archives and History
for the Bicentennial of American Methodism 1784-1984
Taylor Publishing Company
Dallas, Texas
1
JOHN WESLEY
At age 36 when he preached in Georgia
Statue by Marshall Dougherty, Macon, Ga.
The Entrance to the Remodeled
Arthur J. Moore Methodist Museum
Epworth-by-the-Sea
St. Simons Island, Georgia
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Part I.
INTRODUCTION
Message from the Bishop.............Bishop Joel D. McDavid......7
To the Reader.......................Editor......................9
Chapter 1.
Georgia Methodism Before 1866.......Marynell S. Waite .........12
Chapter 2.
The South Georgia Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South
1866-1939 ...............William A. Harrell.................19
Chapter 3.
The South Georgia Conference of The Methodist Church
1939-1968 ...............S. Walter Martin...................56
Chapter 4.
The South Georgia Conference of The United Methodist Church
1968-1984 ...............Alvis A. Waite, Jr.................86
Chapter 5.
Blacks in South Georgia Methodism...........Amos O. Holmes..................106
Part II.
THE SOUTH GEORGIA CONFERENCE IN ACTION
Color Section
Part III.
HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF THE LOCAL CHURCHES IN THE SOUTH GEORGIA
CONFERENCE BY DISTRICTS
Map of the Conference Showing the Districts.......................................132
Americus District............................................................... 134
Columbus District ................................................................Ill
Dublin District...................................................................202
Macon District ...................................................................246
Savannah District.................................................................275
Statesboro District...............................................................295
Thomasville District . . .........................................................335
Valdosta District.................................................................369
Waycross District.................................................................403
Alphabetical List of Churches ....................................................440
1983-84 Appointments Beyond the Local Church......................................446
1983-84 Retired Ministers of the South Georgia Conference ........................447
1983-84 Widows of Ministers of the South Georgia Conference.......................448
3
This book is dedicated
to the countless scores of persons
who took the time and care to record
the life and work of their church
so that this volume could be written
by the Commission on Archives and History
of the South Georgia Conference
ARCHIVES AND HISTORY COMMISSION
1980-1984 Queadrennium
Officers
Chairperson: Rev. Ronald L. Culpepper Vice-Chairperson: Rev. Glenn A.
Secretary: Mrs. Charles Zimmerman Martin
President of Historical Society: Mrs. Alvis (Marynell) Waite, Jr. Treasurer: Rev. L. A. Lemons
Secretary of Historical Society: Ms. Ann Maria Domingos
Members of the Commission
Rev. Eugene Allen
Rev. Carlton Anderson
Mrs. Osgood Bateman
Rev. Larry E. Bird
Mrs. Dan Britton
Mrs. Betty Bryde
Dr. George E. Clary, Jr.
Mrs. James F. Forehand
Dr. William A. Harrell
Mr. Walter Harrison
Ms. Ann Henry
Mrs. W. A. Hodges
Rev. Thomas Johnson, Sr.
Miss Elizabeth Lee
Mrs. Lucy B. Lee
Dr. Walter Martin
Mrs. Lois B. Mays
Rev. William A. McClelland
Rev. William E. McTier, Jr.
Rev. Ray Powell
Rev. Robert N. Reeves
Rev. Cawlton Anderson
Rev. J. Hyatt Smith
Rev. Vernard Robertson
Mrs. Hubert Sanders
Rev. Ernest Seckinger
Mrs. Jason Shirah
Rev. J. Hyatt Smith
Rev. Lewis S. Strickland
Dr. David C. Stubbs
Rev. Griffin Thompson
Dr. Homer Wright
Mr. Ray Zoucks
Rev. Carlton Carruth
Message From The Bishop
Books and other publications have been a vital
part of the rich history of American Methodism.
August 17, 1789 The Methodist book concern
was started in St. Georges Church in Philadelphia,
with The Reverend John Dickins as the first Agent
or Superintendent. Since that time an untold
number of books have appeared to tell the story, to
clarify the theology, and to state the polity of
Methodism.
In this tradition, this book is brought to us to tell
the story of Methodism in the southern part of
Georgia, where John and Charles Wesley travelled,
preached, and spread Scriptural holiness. Their
travels represented volume one of this brilliant
story of the Wesleyan Movement here. Many
volumes have followed, some recorded, and others
a part of the oral tradition. All of them tell of struggle and victory, of moments of
discouragement and ultimate success. Such is the story of life and growth of a
culture and a church.
Now we add one more volume, strongly personalized, as it records the story, not
of United Methodism in South Georgia as a whole, but the record of the churches
and charges, people and places, where and when it all happened. These short and
authentic stories will be read for centuries to come with the excitement of the
reader of a historic novel. There is a thrill in every page, for it records the devotion
and faith of many people.
We are indebted to the Historical Society and the Commission on Archives and
History of the South Georgia Conference for the careful preparation of these
records. Names should be listed in expressions of our gratitude, but the task to
gather them is an impossible one. We may say to all who had a part in gathering
these records We thank you! And to all whose hands shall touch this book our ex-
hortation is Take up and read! Our deep appreciation.
June 1,1983
Joel D. McDavid, Resident Bishop
The Atlanta Area
7
The official depository for conference records is located at:
The Arthur Moore Methodist Museum
Epworth-by-the-Sea
St. Simons, Island, Georgia
INSIDE THE NEW VAULT
A look at where local church histories are kept
TO THE READER
This is the first time that our conference has published a book of its history from
1866 to the present along with short sketches of all the active churches in the con-
ference. It has been the work of the South Georgia Commission on Archives and
History for two quadrenniums and is presented as part of the celebration of
American Methodisms two hundredth birthday. This book is not intended as a
detailed study but rather as an effort to give a continuous and chronological ac-
count of the highlights covering the one hundred and seventeen years of the South
Georgia Conference. A number of books, booklets, and articles have been written
that cover the first hundred years and are necessary reading. These will be helpful:
George G. Smith, The History of Methodism in Georgia and Florida, 1785-1865;
George E. Clary, Jr., Our Methodist Heritage in South Georgia and Beginnings of
the South Georgia Conference and the article of James P. Brawley, Beginning and
Historical Transitions of the Georgia Conference, 1867-1972 printed in Historical
Highlights, Vol. 5, No. 2.
The short sketches of the churches are offered as a word-picture of how, when
and where this conference grew. You are invited to read the more detailed accounts
that are filed in the Conference Depository at the Arthur J. Moore Methodist
Museum, Epworth-by-the-Sea, St. Simons Island, Georgia. A number of churches
have very full and complete stories; some have published them as books. These
histories are available for reading and research at the depository. A major achieve-
ment and priceless heritage of this book project is a picture of every active church
in the conference, not only the black and white copy in this book, but a color slide
of each. 713 church pictures, plus a few that have been discontinued during the col-
lecting period of six years, represent a tremendous amount of time, film and travel.
This has been the generous work of one man, Rev. Emory Gilbert, who, as a
member of the commission at the time the project began, agreed to take the pic-
tures. As the son of a former minister in this conference and as a member himself,
this has been a labor of love for his conference and church.
Because hundreds of people have made contributions to this product, the com-
mission is proud to present this book to the Methodists of this conference and to
express sincere appreciation for the help of each of the following: To the whole
commission on Archives and History, the district superintendents, the secretaries
of the district superintendents and others who kept urging churches to send us
their history til all came in; to Mesdames Frances Bateman, Mildred McAfee,
Naomi Hodges, Ann Henry, Lois Mays, Faye Sanders, Lucy Quinn Clary, Dorothy
Johnson, Mary Ann Powell, Melba Belcher, Betty Bryde and Dr. David Stubbs for
reading and processing the church histories; to Rev. Bill Holt, editor of the AD-
VOCATE, Dr. Dan Brewster with Higher Education, Rev. Don Wood of Good
News TV, Joan Schinnick of the museum, and many others in conference activities
and institutions who helped to illustrate through pictures that the conference is ac-
9
tion; to Mr. Riley Land and Mr. John Grantham for special processing help; to the
four writers of the historical section for careful planning and editing of their
material to follow the guidelines and remain faithful to the page limitation; to Mrs.
Betty Miller, the artist who drew sketches and illustrated the publicity; to Mr.
Frank Roebuck, Taylor Publishing representative for his interest; to Mrs. Faye
Smith and Ms. Brenda Harrison of the Council on Ministries Staff for their extra
work on publicity and promotion; to Rev. Tom Barrett for the membership
statistics; to those who have read, advised, and counseled with the editor and
especially to Bishop McDavid for his encouragement.
On a personal note, if it had not been for three people, this book would be un-
finished. Therefore, with deep appreciation and sincere gratitude I wish to express
my thanks to my husband, Rev. Alvis Waite, for his belief in the project and his en-
couragement; to Mrs. Gail Grantham, the Columbus District Office Secretary, for
the endless hours of typing this manuscript required, and my daughter, Dr. Mary
Abbott Waite, who as an editorial consultant and writer by profession saved my
sanity and OUR BOOK.
June 1,1983
Marynell S. Waite
Editor
Reading Room Library The Arthur Moore Methodist Museum Epworth-by-the-Sea, St. Simons Island, Ga. Open daily for
reading and research by public
10
THE HISTORY OF THIS CONFERENCE COMES FROM ITS WRITTEN
RECORDS, PEOPLE AND CHURCHES
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11
Chapter 1
GEORGIA METHODISM
BEFORE
1866
Marynell S. Waite
When American Methodism became an organized church, The Methodist
Episcopal Church, at the Christmas Conference of 1784, Baltimore, Maryland, it
has been forty-seven years since 1736 when Rev. John Wesley had spent a year and
nine months as the religious leader for the new colony of Georgia, which extended
south from Savannah to Frederica on St. Simons Island and north to Purrysburg on
the Savannah river. In later writings, Mr. Wesley referred to the Sunday afternoon
services of humn singing, prayers and expounding of the scriptures held in the par-
sonage in Savannah as the second rise of Methodism. Yet the rise of Methodist
Societies, which were the start of Methodism in America, came 25 years after John
Wesleys return to England and his Aldersgate experience.
In the early 1760s a young Irish lay
preacher-farmer, Robert Strawbridge, began
holding services in his cabin in Maryland and
organizing societies in his area; a carpenter in
New York, Philip Embry, began preaching at
the insistence of his cousin, Barbara Heck,
while a young English regimental soldier,
Captain Thomas Webb, began holding
services in a sail-rigging loft near the great
lakes. By 1769 young English lay preachers,
converts of Mr. Wesleys preaching in
England and Ireland, were answering his call
for volunteers to carry the gospel to the col-
onies. Of these men, Joseph Pilmore was the
first to come all the way down to Savannah,
Georgia, where he visited Bethesda Or-
phanage built by George Whitefield in 1740
after the example of Charles Wesley, who saw
the plight of the orphan children in Savannah
in 1736 and took them into the parsonage to
care for them.
When the American Revolution came, all of
Mr. Wesleys lay preachers returned to
England except Francis Asbury who sided with the American colonies. Despite
12
Rev. Don Adams portrays John Wesley
as Savannah celebrates' Georgias 250th
birthday.
suspicion and threats upon his life, Asbury continued to preach, establish
Methodist Societies and meet with the American lay preachers in conferences.
Even before the Revolution began, John Wesley had become concerned that some
of these unordained lay preachers were daring to baptize and administer the sacra-
ment of the Lords supper, which functions Wesley thought only ordained clergy
should perform. So following the Revolution in 1784, he sent Dr. Thomas co*ke, an
ordained English clergyman, with Mr. Whatcoat and Mr. Vasey, to America to ap-
point Francis Asbury the general superintendent of the American societies. When
Asbury met Dr. co*ke at Barratts Chapel, Dover, Maryland, in mid-December, he
declined to be appointed, saying he would serve only if his fellow preachers, with
whom he had labored during the Revolution, should elect him to this office. Hasti-
ly, the now famous Christmas Conference was called. America had fought and won
its independence; the same spirit surged through this conference. Thus, a new
church for a new nation was established at the Christmas Conference. Although the
new church was organized along the guidelines outlined by John Wesley, the
preachers chose to elect Asbury to be the first general superintendent, or bishop as
they are now called. Ordained a deacon one day, an elder the second, on the third
day Asbury was consecrated a bishop by the laying-on-of-hands by Dr. co*ke,
Philip Otterbein, Thomas Vasey and Richard Whatcoat. At the close of the con-
ference Asbury admonished the preachers of the new church to get out of the cities
and into the countryside to spread the gospel. Then he saddled his horse and rode
out into the country to win souls for Christ and to establish new churches, begin-
ning what was to be a long road. For 45 years he traveled annually six thousand
miles on horseback. It was said that he became the best-known man in America, the
greatest circuit rider, for he traveled more, knew more people, had a better
knowledge of roads and towns than any other person. A letter with just the address
America would reach him, for every postman knew the man who rambled
America would soon pass that way.
Although a preacher was assigned to the settled portion of Georgia at the 1785
Conference, it is doubtful if he ever reached Georgia. But beginning in 1786 there
have been preachers assigned to Georgia first by the Virginia, North and South
Carolina Conference and later by the South Carolina Conference until 1830 when
the Georgia Conference was created.
Up until 1805 all the settled part of Georgia made one district, the Georgia
District. Then, Georgia was divided into two districts: the OCONEE with Ap-
palachee Circuit, Oconee Circuit and St. Marys Circuit and the OGEECHEE with
Ogeechee Circuit, Augusta Circuit, Little River Circuit and Broad River Circuit.
These circuits were scattered over such a wide area that it took a month for the
circuit-rider to make it around to all the preaching places. He preached two and
three times a day, everyday except Monday on which he was supposed to rest. In
between preaching he held class meetings and met with societies. In his saddle-bags
he carried his library as well as Methodist books and tracts for distribution. Should
his collections exceed his salary of $64 for the year, he gave the extra to the con-
ference to be shared with the other preachers who did not get their full salary.
13
The Federal road, opened in
1806 between Augusta and Ft.
Hawkins (Macon), was the main
highway. One writer described
it as full of holes, deeply rutted
and cut-up by transport of cot-
ton, and dangerously slick in
wet weather since it was entire-
ly of clay. Another described
the section between Knoxville
and Talbotton 10 years later as
a tract through the forest with
roots and stumps, even tree
trunks, left in the road by the
highway builders; but even so,
log cabins dotted the road and
clusters of houses, not yet
villages, appeared over every
hill. By 1830 the road reached from Augusta to Columbus, a distance of 247 miles,
which took the mail-stage three full days and part of the fourth to cover.
Between 1805 and 1835 the Federal Government made five treaties with the In-
dians, each time moving them west from river to river until the Chattahoochee was
reached. With each new treaty with the Indians, new settlers, Georgians moving
west as well as people from other states, flocked to claim the new land. In the
forefront was the Methodist circuit-rider adding new preaching places as the com-
munities developed. Here are some towns and the dates they were laid out or
chartered:
Brunswick 1736 Jacksonborough 1799 Jacksonville 1807 Thomasville 1826
Waynesboro 1783 Sandersville 1796 Macon 1822 Columbus 1829
Louisville 1786 Clinton 1807 Perry 1824 Ft. Gaines 1830
St. Marys 1788 Irwinton 1808 Waresboro 1824 Lounesville 1833
With the Treaty of Fort Jackson in 1814, all the land below the present city of
Albany was opened to settlers; by 1826 the Creek Nation has been removed to the
Chattahoochee River. Now the Federal Road extended from Augusta to Ft. Mit-
chell, Alabama, just across the Chattahoochee a short distance below the present
city of Columbus. In 1820, the South Carolina Conference assigned Rev. William
Capers to establish a school for the Indians. Mr. Capers went to Ft. Mitchell to
negotiate an agreement with the Indian Nations for a school in which the Indians
would be taught reading, writing, arithmetic, and a trade. After considerable dif-
ficulty, Asbury Manual Labor School was opened. The 1826 report of the South
Carolina Conference listed the enrollment as 15 Indians, 13 white, and 43 black
students.
Up until 1822, Florida had been closed to Protestantism. As soon as this ban was
lifted Rev. Elijah Sinclair was assigned to St. Marys and Amelia Island on the
eastern side, and Rev. John Slade was sent to the Chattahoochee Mission on the
western side. Chattahoochee Mission along with Early Mission soon reached from
near Macon to Tallahassee, Florida. Both the St. Marys appointment and the
Chattahoochee appointment were in the Oconee District. By 1825 the Tallahassee
14
District of the South Carolina Conference was formed with three circuits: the Chat-
tahoochee Circuit with 403 white and 76 black members, the Early Mission Circuit
with 108 white and 18 black members, and the Tallahassee Circuit with 60 white
and 13 black members.
At the South Carolina Conference in 1830 it was agreed that the work in Georgia
and Florida was so extensive that at the end of that session those preachers as-
signed to appointments in Georgia and Florida would become a new and separate
conference, the Georgia Conference. In 1831 the first annual meeting of the Georgia
Conference convened at Macon in the white clapboard church on the site of the
present Mulberry Street Church. Since only preachers attended the conferences at
this time, each day during the week-long meeting at 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. the
business was set aside and the townspeople welcomed to the preaching services.
Crowds filled the building eager to hear a different preacher at each service,
sometimes even two at one service! In 1831 there were six districts: the Augusta,
Columbus, Athens, Milledgeville, Oconee, and Tallahassee. At this conference Rev.
James O. Andrew emphasized the need for an active Sunday School in every
church; Rev. Lovick Pierce spoke of helping with the education of young preachers
through the Georgia Education Society. Because the missionary interest was con-
cerned with the opening of the new territory in this state, a conference missionary
was appointed to the new territory of Harris County. The ladies of Savannah,
Macon and Columbus had working societies to help raise finances for the con-
ference to provide housing for the preachers. Other concerns included the need for
colleges and a bequest of $1500 to be added to the Fund for Special Relief. This
fund, established by Bishop Asbury at the 1806 conference meeting in Sparta,
Georgia, was used to assist the superannuated or worn-out preachers, as Bishop
Asbury termed them. Most of the preachers died before their 35th birthday or were
physically disabled due to the hardships of the traveling connection.
Georgia Methodism was increasing rapidly. It
had reached the Chattahoochee River and
spread down it into Florida. In 1828, Rev. James
Stockdale had established a church in the newly
laid-out town of Columbus; in 1829, Rev. An-
drew Hammill was assigned as presiding elder of
the new Columbus District. He probably lived in
Talbotton which was described as having a good
brick courthouse, a large inn, many shops and
many neat and tasteful private dwellings. Co-
lumbus, on the other hand, was described as a
boistrous, thriving frontier town where the river
traffic began and bands of Indians roamed the
street. Yet by 1835 the Columbus Methodists
had torn down the small frame church and
erected the first brick church in the conference.
By the mid 1840s Macon was a prosperous
town, a big trading center for cotton. Built on the banks of the Ocmulgee river, it
provided ready access to water transportation. In 1835, Rev. John W. Talley was
assigned as pastor; at a revival assisted by Rev. John Howard and Rev. Elijah
Sinclair one hundred persons were added to the church. A college for women, now
15
Wesleyan, was chartered in 1836. Great excitement centered on the coming of the
new railroad to Macon from Savannah.
WESLEY CHAPEL 100 years later
Although it had an early Methodist
presence, Methodism suffered several set-
backs in its first years in Savannah, but
when Rev. Lewis Myers became the
presiding elder of the Ogeechee District
which included Savannah, he was deter-
mined to see a church building erected. In
1812, he assigned Rev. James Russell to
Savannah, and within a brief time Mr.
Russell began constructing a modest frame
church, named Wesley Chapel. Bishop
Asbury preached in it soon after it was
completed. By 1821 it became necessary to add to the length of the chapel. When
Rev. Ignatius Few became the pastor in 1831 Wesley Chapel was a station church
with a membership of 302 white and 296 black members. At least three preachers
James 0. Andrew, William Capers and George F. Pierce, who would be elected
bishops, served as pastors of this chapel. Again in the 1840s this chapel was too
small and needed to be enlarged. Instead two new churches were built S Andrew
Chapel and Trinity. In 1845, in Oglethorpe Ward, a new building for the Negro
members was erected and named Andrew Chapel. At that time there were six hun-
dred and thirty-seven free Black persons in Savannah and a slave population of
5,686. By 1848 the corner stone for Trinity Church, facing St. Jamess Square
(Telfair), was laid. Designed by John B. Hogg it was of Corinthian architectural
design, built of brick with the exterior cemented to imitate stone. For several years,
Wesley Chapel continued to have services although most of its white members were
in Trinity.
By 1844 the number of circuits and preachers had grown so large that it was dif-
ficult for them to meet for conference. Although the railroad had advanced part of
the way across the state and in some sections north and south, travel took a long
time and was very hard. A preacher might be away a month just to attend con-
ference. At this time, the Georgia Conference extended from the Blue Ridge moun-
tains to Key West and from Savannah to the Chattahoochee river. There were 135
preachers and 18 retired preachers in the nine districts: Augusta, Athens,
Cherokee, Macon, Columbus, Ft. Gaines, Tallahassee, St. Marys and Newnansville
(Florida). It was decided to form the Florida Conference by including the churches
in the lower part of Georgia in the new conference. The line separating the two con-
ferences began with Ft. Gaines across to Albany on the Flint River, along the Flint
and Ocmulgee Railroad to the Alapaha River, then across to the Ocmulgee River at
Horse Creek. It followed the line of the Ocmulgee to the Altamaha River and then
to the Atlantic Ocean. Thus the towns of Brunswick, Blakely, Albany, Bainbridge
and Thomasville were in the Florida Conference, from 1844-1866.
Two other events of 1844 were to have a lasting effect on this area. At the 1844
General Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church the northern and southern
sections could not agree on the question of slavery, and so the church became di-
vided. This was not the first split to occur. In 1819, the African Methodist
Episcopal Church had been organized and the second group to withdraw formed
16
the Methodist Protestant Church in 1830. After much debate the conference agree
that the southern states should withdraw, and in 1845 the Methodist Episcopal
Church, South had its first general meeting in Louisville, Kentucky. The final
event was the moving of the last groups of Indians from this state to a reservation
in the west. In 1846, a writer reported a most distressing sight was the last detach-
ment of Indians, a party of no less than 500, being moved to Arkansas through
Columbus, Georgia.
In 1845, there were seven districts in the Georgia Conference: Augusta, Savan-
nah, Athens, Macon, Columbus, LaGrange and Cherokee. In the Florida Con-
ference there were only four districts, Tallahassee, St. Marys, Ft. Gaines and
Newnansville. Thomasville, in the Tallahassee District of the Florida Conference,
reported 101 white and 21 black members. It also had a very fine Methodist School,
Fletcher Institute. Rev. Mahon Bedell, assigned to Thomasville in the late 1840s,
wrote to his father at Woodbine that he wished he had known about the school
before he enrolled his sons in a school in Decatur and that he would soon be sending
for them.
In this same year, Troupville, later called Valdosta when the town moved to the
site of the new railroad, reported 239 white and 20 black members, while Brunswick
in the St. Marys District had 230 white and 120 black members. Waresboro Mis-
sion had 82 members and the Satilla Colored Mission had 157 members. Blakely
reported 203 white and 166 black members. During the period of 1844-1860, the
Georgia Conference increased more rapidly than the Florida Conference. There
were six districts in the Florida Conference and 15 districts in the Georgia
Conference.
During the years of the Civil War, the churches suffered much. Many church
buildings were used as hospitals or sewing rooms to make clothes for the soldiers.
Colleges and schools were closed, yet the church went quietly on. The preachers at-
tended conference and went to their assignments. Advance was slow, but when a
preacher left to go to war, another took over his churches adding them to his own.
With the terrific price of everything, especially food, it is a mystery how the
preachers managed to live, but not a family starved. When the war ended, many of
the newly freed slaves were puzzled about their church future, so many continued
to worship as before until new churches were provided.
The General Conference of 1866 was an important one, for at this time many
changes were made. For example, the laymen gained representation and a voice in
the church government, pastoral appointments were extended from two years to
four years, and the old rule requiring expulsion for absence from class-meetings was
repealed. At this General Conference the Georgia Conference was given permission
to divide into the North and South Georgia Conference with those churches in the
lower part of Georgia that has been in the Florida Conference being returned to the
South Georgia Conference. When the Georgia Conference met in Americus in 1866
there was strong debate concerning the division at this time. Both of the con-
ferences had been sadly impoverished by war and had lost many of the young
would-be-ministers to death or physical infirmity. The strongest factor in favor of
the division was the need for more pastors to serve the growing charges in the
southern part of Georgia which the Florida Conference could no longer adequately
provide since Florida needed more preachers for the new settled section in that
state. Finally the decision was made to return all of the churches in the lower part
17
of the state of Georgia to the Georgia Conference, which in turn would divide into
two conferences. Thus with the reading of the appointments at the close of the con-
ference in Americus, the two conferences, North Georgia and South Georgia, were
officially established. The new South Georgia Conference had the following
districts: Savannah, Macon, Columbus, Americus, Bainbridge, Brunswick,
Altamaha, Ft. Valley (colored) Bainbridge (colored) and Tallahassee (colored). At
the 1867 conference sessions of North Georgia and South Georgia Conferences the
preachers who had been assigned to one conference and preferred to be in the other
were allowed to change, but the conference division of churches in the state re-
mained the same. With a few exceptions in the Columbus-Manchester area and the
Jeffersonville-Gray area, the South Georgia conference boundary has remained the
same to the present time.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Bowden, Haygood S. HISTORY OF SAVANNAH METHODISM, John W. Burke, Macon, 1929
Clark, Elmer T., Potts, Manning, Payton, Joseph, JOURNAL OF FRANCIS ASBURY
Vol. I, II. Abingdon, Nashville, 1958
Curnock, N., ed. John Wesley, JOURNAL Vol. I. Wesleyan Methodist Book Room,
London, n.d.
Daniels, W. H. Illustrated History of METHODISM IN GREAT BRITAIN, AMERICA AND
AUSTRALIA, Methodist Book Concern, N.Y., 1884
Gross, John 0., BEGINNING OF AMERICAN METHODISM, Abingdon, Nashville, 1961
Lane, Mills B., ed., RAMBLER IN GEORGIA, THE, Beehive Press, Savannah, 1976
McTyeire, Holland N., HISTORY OF METHODISM, A, Publishing House, Methodist Church, South,
Nashville, 1910
Smith, George G., Jr., HISTORY OF METHODISM IN GEORGIA AND FLORIDA FROM 1785-1865,
THE, John W. Burke, Macon, 1877
Pamphlets and Articles:
Cates, Margaret, Davis, The Wesleys on St. Simons, South Georgia Conference Commission on
Archives and History, St. Simons 1968
Clary, George G., Jr., Beginnings of the South Georgia Conference, The South Georgia Conference
Historical Society 1967
Clark, Elmer T., Francis Asbury, Commission on Archives and History, Lake Junaluska, N. C.
Notes taken from the various MINUTES of the South Carolina Conference, the Georgia Conference and
the Florida Conference as found in
THE MINUTES AND YEARBOOK OF THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH
THE MINUTES AND YEARBOOK OF THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, SOUTH
Published by the Methodist Publishing House of each body in various combination of volumes
covering each conference yearly 1784-1866.
18
Chapter 2
THE SOUTH GEORGIA
CONFERENCE
OF
THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL
CHURCH, SOUTH
1867-1939
William A. Harrell
INTRODUCTION
The period of 1867 to 1939 rests between two benchmarks of American history,
the Civil War and World War II. In 1867, the first year of the South Georgia Con-
ference, the southern states were beginning the period of Reconstruction following
the Civil War. In 1939, the last year of the operation of the Conference as a part of
the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, the region was recuperating from a severe
economic and social depression, and World War II had already started in Europe.
Although there were depressions and recessions and a brief conflict with Spain as
well as World War I, as a whole the period was a time of progress and expansion for
the United States. The southern states were under military occupation in 1867, but
within a few years returned to a status of statehood on the same footing as their
former enemies in the north. Economically, the southland was devastated with its
industry and transportation systems in ruins and its agriculture system, much of
which had been based on the labor of black slaves, seeking a new relationship with
labor. Not only was the role of the freed black in society of economic importance,
but also a social matter, which settled partly for a time, rose again before 1939. Dur-
ing these early years of Reconstruction there was doubt in many minds that the
South would rise again. Many of the former Confederates migrated to other parts of
the United States and some groups established colonies in Latin American coun-
tries. The period of Reconstruction did not completely define the social, political
and economic status of the southern states and the period up to 1939 left many of
the problems still unsettled.
The approach of this chapter of the volume is to review what happened on the
conference level in the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, in South Georgia. It is
necessary to place the Church and its activities in the context of the society in
which it operated and in that of the larger church, the primary focus is what the
organization known as the South Georgia Conference did from 1867 to 1939. Local
19
church histories are given elsewhere and there are other volumes dealing with
Methodism in general, but these pages concentrate on the Conference as an entity.
The Geographical and Social Context
From 1867 to 1939 the northern limits of the territory of the South Georgia Con-
ference followed a line which began at the point where Pine Mountain meets the
Chattahoochee River and ran along Pine Mountain to the Flint River, then down
the river to the southern limits of Upson County and Monroe County, then to the
Ocmulgee River. Going south on the river, the line followed the southern edges of
Jones, Baldwin, Hanco*ck, Warren and Richmond counties to the Savannah River.
The other limits of the conference territory were the boundaries of the State of
Georgia below the above line. Twice, in 1892 and 1917, the Conference passed
resolutions asking that the General Conference divide the State of Georgia into
three conferences. However, except for a part of Jones County which is now within
the bounds of the South Georgia Conference, the area remains the same in 1983.
The bounds included all of sixty-five counties and part of Harris County. The area
of the counties came to 35,665 square miles, or 61.2 percent of the state.
Most of the conference territory lies beneath the Fall Line and is within the
Coastal Plain region of the state. The upper reaches have some of the
characteristics of the Piedmont region and are quite hilly while the southeastern
parts are flat piney woods. The northern, central, and southwestern areas were ex-
ploited for cotton cultivation in pre-Civil War days. In the tidewater coastal coun-
ties, which had been the locale of plantation style agriculture with the freeing of the
slaves, agriculture entered a period of decline.
The principal economic activity of the period was based on the products of the
soil although there was some manufacturing in Columbus, Macon, and Savannah as
well as scattered textile mills in smaller cities. Cotton was the main commercial
crop before the Civil War and continued as such into the twenties when tobacco
and peanuts began to take over much cotton acreage. The virgin forest of the piney
woods sections and the swamps of southeast Georgia yielded pine and cypress until
the supply of first-cut trees disappeared closing the large saw mills, some of which
had operated for three or four decades. By the middle twenties the lumber supply
was largely exhausted, but in the early thirties there began a resurgence of forest in-
dustries as the paper industry entered Georgia using the second growth trees.
The population of the 66 counties in 1940 was about 1,450,000 an increase of 270
percent over the approximately 532,000 in 1870. This was 44 percent of the popula-
tion of the state in 1870 and 46 percent in 1940. In 1870, there were 47 counties
within the bounds of the Conference, but these had been subdivided adding
another 19 by 1940. Counties experiencing the larger growth were the urban centers
and those with available lands highly suitable for agriculture. The counties of the
piney woods region which had the larger growth were those with better agricultural
lands or with rail centers.
The transportation systems of Georgia at the end of the Civil War were based
largely on animal power since the rail system was almost completely destroyed. It
was necessary to rebuild the railroads which expanded rapidly and by World War I
touched almost every county in the Conference territory. Many of the lines were
short and unprofitable and others were logging tram roads which had been made
public. Even before 1917 some of the trackage had been abandoned and by 1939
20
there were fewer miles of rails than in 1915; however, for most of the period, the rail
system was the system of transportation for all but local needs.
The development of the automobile modified the way
people moved around and was a social factor as well.
Gasoline-powered vehicles appeared in the last years of
the nineteenth century and early in the twenties were
commonplace. Improved and paved roads came with the
automobile facilitating the mobility of the population.
What had been a long trip in 1867 became a short drive
by 1939. Both ministers and people acquired wheels
and the style of ministry and church operation changed.
By 1939 animal-powered transportation could be found
almost exclusively on farms.
Communications systems changed radically between
the Civil War and World War II. The telegraph was
already in use and the telephone became a part of the
American scene even in the rural South. As the rail
system expanded, trains carried the mails, and another
component of the postal system, Rural Free Delivery,
brought daily mail to the rural areas. Less than twenty
years before the end of the period radio broadcasting became a major link in the
media system, and by 1939 there were several cities in southern Georgia with radio
broadcast stations.
Although manufacturing was not a major economic activity in South Georgia, the
Industrial Revolution affected the region. Impoverished during Reconstruction
times, the people of the South were not able to purchase large quantities of
manufactured goods until later in the nineteenth century. The Industrial Revolu-
tion brought technological change which entered the South as well as the rest of the
nation; and by 1939, southerners were consumers of the products of the industrial
system. The development of industry outside the South attracted southern man-
power which was one of the major products of southern society.
Both the black and the white populations confronted the readjustments made
necessary by the emancipation of black slaves. The question was of economic, social
and political importance. How were blacks and white to live in the same area with
frequent interaction on an individual and a collective basis? During the first years
after the Civil War the political questions were decided by military and civilian oc-
cupation personnel, but after the political compromise of 1876 involving the
presidential election, white southerners regained control of the governmental in-
stitutions of the society. The policy of segregation was adopted as the southern
solution and was accepted as a legal principle by the Supreme Court in the Plessy
vs. Ferguson case in 1896. The principle of separate but equal remained the firm
social, political, and economic racial policy of the South until well after the period
under consideration.
The South Georgia Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, did
not exist in a social vacuum. It was an important component of the religious sector
of the society of the southern part of Georgia. The members of the Church in-
teracted in the economic, political and educational sectors of society and were af-
fected by the society as well as influencing the collective organization. The ac-
NEW HOUSTON STREET
METHODIST EPISCOPAL
CHURCH, SOUTH 1877
Savannah, Georgia
21
tivities and decisions of the Conference were those of a group of people who in-
habited the counties of southern Georgia and were not separate from the ambient
in which they lived. Therefore, one should expect to find Methodists of the region
reflecting the attitudes, customs and mores of the society. Through the people the
Church was affected by the society and through the people the Church affected the
society.
The Church After the Civil War
At the end of the Civil War, the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, had to func-
tion under the conditions found in the South at that time, and it, too, experienced
the chaos of defeat and Reconstruction. During the Civil War the Bishops of the
Church had not been able to maintain communications with one another, and some
of the Annual Conferences had not held regular sessions. The scheduled 1862
General Conference was not held. In 1865, the Bishops met in Columbus, Georgia,
to plan for the 1866 General Conference. They did not have an easy task. Some of
the churches in New Orleans, Charleston, and Vicksburg had been turned over by
military authorities to ministers of the northern branch of Methodism. Large
numbers of the black members were going to the African Methodist Episcopal
Church, the African Methodist Episcopal Church, Zion, and the northern branch
which was being reorganized in the South. The Publishing House in Nashville was
heavily in debt and its equipment was being used by the occupation forces. The
foreign mission enterprise was also heavily in debt and for several years the mis-
sionaries had had to fend for themselves with a little help from other denomina-
tions including the Methodist Episcopal Church. Many of the schools and colleges
had closed and would not reopen. College endowments were wiped out by the war.
All the Advocates had suspended publication. Many local churches could not
support their ministers who had to turn to other occupations to survive. Some
ministers and members were considering a union with the Protestant Episcopal
Church in the South. Others feared a takeover by the northern Methodists.
The 1866 General Conference met in New Orleans. The Conference instituted
some changes which were considered radical. The probation period for church
membership and the class meeting attendance requirement were discontinued. The
Conference instituted the Church Conference and provided for a district meeting.
Instead of attempting to work with a southern Bible society, the members decided
to return to cooperation with the American Bible Society which extended a cordial
and generous hand to the Church. The most notable change, however, was to bring
lay participation into the Annual Conference and the General Conference. From
this conference came the decision to divide the Georgia and Florida Conferences
into three, the North Georgia, the South Georgia and the Florida.
The Georgia Conference held its last session in Americus in December of 1866
and the appointments in effect divided the ministers between the two Conferences.
The same occurred at the Florida Conference session. The South Georgia Con-
ference met for its first session in Savannah in December of 1867 with Bishop
George Foster Pierce presiding.
The Methodist Episcopal Church, South
The Methodist Episcopal Church, South, functioned with a hierarchy of con-
ferences. The supreme body of the Church was the General Conference which met
22
every four years and up to 1870 was composed only of ministers who were elected
by the several Annual Conferences, also composed only of ministers. Beginning in
1870 the General Conference had equal lay and clerical representation with both
categories elected by the Annual Conferences. The first General Conference met in
1784 and with the north-south separation of 1844, the General Conference of the
southern branch assumed jurisdiction over the southern conferences and held its
first session in 1846.
The Annual Conference, as the name indicates, met on a scheduled basis each
year and was the administrative and program arm of the Church. It was the link
between the local church, or charge, and the larger Church. At its annual sessions
the last question to be asked was, Where are the preachers stationed this year?
The presiding Bishop then read the appointments and the preachers learned where
they would work for the next year and the charges received their minister. There
was no consultation with either preacher or local church, the Bishop having full
authority to make the appointments. The Annual Conference worked through
boards and committees which reported to the annual session and carried out duties
during the year. The Conference was organized according to the Discipline, the law
book of the Church which was updated every four years according to the action of
the General Conference. The Annual Conference was composed only of ministers
up to 1866 when the General Conference resolved to admit lay delegates, four from
each district, to the yearly meeting. Both active and retired ministers were
members of the Conference. The number of lay delegates, elected by District Con-
ference, was increased to eight per district in 1918 and to a proportional basis in
relation to the number of church members in a district in 1926. Annual Conferences
operated within defined territorial limits; however, different ethnic and language
groups in some cases occupied the same area.
The General Conference accepted the idea of district meeting in 1866 and in its
next session, in 1870, created the District Conference which was organized by the
Annual Conference. Largely promotional in nature, the District Conference also
handled some administrative matters relating specifically to the district. It also
performed the important task of selecting the lay delegates to the Annual
Conference.
On the local level, the Quarterly Conference met every three months with the
Presiding Elder in charge of the district presiding. It was composed of officials of
the local church, or churches in the case of a circuit. The Quarterly Conference
made decisions affecting the local situation and was an unifying body which held
the churches on a circuit together. It received reports from local administrative
groups such as the Board of Stewards and the Trustees as well as from different
program groups of the church. Through the Presiding Elder and the appointed
preacher, the Quarterly Conference was a link between the local charge and the An-
nual Conference.
Another conference of official standing was the Church Conference which was
composed of all members of the local church. Its duties were few and its sessions ir-
regular, but it provided for the participation of all members, without restriction, in
the business of the church.
The Districts of the South Georgia Conference
The South Georgia Conference, as was typical of a Methodist Annual Con-
23
ference, was divided into geographical areas denominated as districts, each under
the supervision of an official who was a Presiding Elder. With the growth of popula-
tion and church membership and the shifting of the population, the territorial divi-
sion of the districts changed frequently from 1867 to 1894. After that year the Cor-
dele District was reestablished in 1906 and abolished again in 1929. The Macon
District was formed from the South Macon and the North Macon Districts. The
Dublin District was dissolved in 1916 but came into being again in 1918 and the
McRae District was abolished in 1931. Other towns and areas which once gave
names to districts but are no longer district seats are: Altamaha, Bainbridge,
Brunswick, Dawson, Eastman, Hawkinsville, Hinesville, Lumpkin, Sandersville
and Wrightsville. In 1939, the eight districts of the South Georgia Conference were:
Americus, Columbus, Dublin, Macon, Savannah, Thomasville, Valdosta and
Waycross.
The Dates of the Annual
Sessions
Up until 1903 the South Georgia
Conference annual session met in
December, beginning as early as
December 1 and at times ending the
five-day meeting as late as two days
before Christmas. In 1903, the session
moved to November and for years,
with objections at times, met during
the week of Thanksgiving. As time
passed, the dates of the sessions were
moved earlier into November, begin-
ning as early as November 4 in 1937.
The dates for the sessions were set by
the College of Bishops because each
Bishop had to preside over several
different Annual Conferences. A 1903
resolution requested that the sessions
begin on the Wednesday after the
first Sunday in December. The 1925 session voted to request an August meeting
time, but reconsidered and rescinded the action. In 1937 the Conference voted for a
December date which would leave at least two weeks between adjournment and the
first of the new year. Apparently the wishes of the Conference did not affect greatly
the fixing of the date of the annual session. After the 1903 resolution only in 1908
(December 2) and 1909 (December 1) did the sessions begin in the month of
December.
Conference Boards, Committees and Records
The Conference, as a Conference, operated largely through boards and commit-
tees which promoted what seemed to be important to the group. Through the ap-
pointed ministers and the Presiding Elders of the districts, the Conference pro-
jected itself into the local churches. Members of boards and committees were
laymen and ministers appointed to charges or districts. Although a few ministers
24
METHODIST CHURCH, THOMASVILLE, GA.
Seat of Conference.
were appointed each year to work in institutions and near the end of this period
some of the boards had full-time staff members, in reality, the Conference func-
tioned without a staff and used personnel appointed to other roles to do its work.
Most of the activities of the Conference were directed at support of the local
churches in carrying out their mission both within and beyond the charge bounds.
Conference boards and committees reported to the annual session as did
church-related or church-owned institutions which were under the direction of
trustees selected either completely or partially by the South Georgia Conference.
The reports of the subgroups of the Conference constituted a good part of the
business of the annual session and they were the creatures and agents of the body.
The reports were published in what was usually referred to as the MINUTES, a
yearly publication.
The official title of the MINUTES was first THE MINUTES OF THE SOUTH
GEORGIA CONFERENCE and later THE YEARBOOK AND MINUTES OF
THE SOUTH GEORGIA CONFERENCE; however, most people thought of the
report as simply the Minutes. The MINUTES included information about
ministers, a list of deceased members of the Conference, the appointment of
ministers for the following year, obituaries of ministers who had died during the
year, statistical reports, reports of boards and committees and a listing of their
members, treasurers reports (there was a different treasurer for each board of com-
mittee), and of great importance, the part actually entitled Minutes which con-
sisted of the questions required by the Discipline and the appropriate answers.
In 1875 a section entitled Journal of Proceedings reported the actions of the
Conference on a daily basis. The Journal did not appear again until 1899 and was
included in the 1900 issues as well. In 1914 it began to appear on a yearly basis.
The MINUTES offer a valuable source not only of what the conference did but
also of what seemed to be important concerns. There was a deficiency of material
resources, especially in the early years and indeed through the period, consequently
a lack of human resources. The Conference received funds from the local churches
and allocated these resources, meagerly, on what seemed to be most important,
consciously or otherwise, expressing the priorities of the group. No doubt the Con-
ference had many other concerns and was not satisfied with support given to its
selected priorities, but non-existent funds could not be given. From these records,
however inadequate, the history of this era is drawn.
MISSION AND OUTREACH
At the end of the Civil War, Georgia Methodists, living in an improverished and
devastated region, plagued with problems beyond their understanding, and with
survival at times in doubt, still looked beyond themselves to acknowledge the
responsibility of mission and outreach as required by the Gospel. The Georgia Con-
ference, meeting near the end of the War, adopted a resolution for the preachers to
take up an offering for the China Mission.
In 1860, Young J. Allen, a young Georgia minister, went as a missionary to China
and remained there through the Civil War. Separated from the home church with
only sporadic contact and no support, he incurred debts in order to continue the
work. To support himself and his family, Mr. Allen found employment with the
Chinese government and within the foreign colony of Shanghai. The South Georgia
Conference accepted responsibility for its part in the payment of the debt and
within a few years the obligation was liquidated.
The next year, in its last session, the same Conference noted that the mission ef-
25
fort would have to be confined largely to the domestic field. It targeted the sub-
urban populations, the poor indeed whose children are like the wild asss colt,
growing up to become a nuisance to society as needing the Church. An important
and pressing field for missionary labor was the colored population.
The South Georgia Conference worked in the ministry of outreach through
several entities. The conference Board of Missions dealt with both foreign and
domestic missions as did the Womans Missionary Society and its antecedent
groups. The contributions to the various general boards of the Church constituted
support of the church-wide efforts. What is now understood as evangelism was the
responsibility of the Board of Missions. The Board of Church Extension assisted
churches in the building of physical facilities.
The Church and Domestic Outreach
The population of the southern part of Georgia increased by 270 percent from
1870 to 1940. New towns and counties appeared on the map. The piney woods
opened for agriculture and the forest industries. Railroads, and later highways,
changed the region from a collection of semi-isolated communities to a society. The
Methodists of South Georgia understood their obligation to occupy the territory,
and the Conference structured itself for the task.
The Board of Missions centerd a large part of its activity and its budgets on the
support of ministers, to go into the newly populated counties. Also, assistance was
provided for struggling churches who could not adequately support a minister. For
the missionaries as the Board termed them, a salary supplement was provided.
Many times the amount of the supplement was very small, but it made a difference
for the minister who received the money.
The Conference and Foreign Missions
Interest in foreign missions increased as more Georgians went to the foreign field
and the economy of the southland improved. The Rev. R. W. MacDonnel, the son
of a minister and from a family with a deep interest in foreign missions, went to
Mexico in 1881 and died there in 1888. Between the Civil War and Unification,
thirty-six ministers of the South Georgia Conference served as foreign missionaries,
twenty-seven initiating their careers between 1900 and 1925. After 1898, when
Cuba opened for protestant missions, eight conference members went to that
island. The depression of the thirties caused a reduction of missionary staff, and
only three conference members began careers in foreign fields between 1925 and
1938. These members are for ministers only and do not include lay missionaries,
wives of missionaries, and women who served under the Womans Missionary
Society, the first being Miss Hattie Gere Carson who went to Mexico in 1895. Part
of the credit for the interest in missionary service should go to the Life Service
Bands of the Epworth League.
Individual churches accepted specific responsibility and made special contribu-
tions for foreign mission work. The MINUTES for 1904 presented the photographs
of the missionaries supported by South Georgia units of the Womans Missionary
Society and the MINUTES for the following year had pictures of missionaries sup-
ported by individual churches. The womens auxiliaries at Dublin, Montezuma,
Cordele, Quitman, Marshallville, and First Street Church in Macon as well as the
North Macon, South Macon, McRae, Valdosta, Waycross, and Columbus district
26
organizations contributed to the support of specified missionaries. The 1905
MINUTES included photographs of five men supported by churches at
Waynesboro, Millen, and Mulberry Street. The Savannah District and the Macon
firm of Benson, Walker and Moore, also, sponsored missionaries.
The Methodist Episcopal Church, South,
maintained mission work in China, Japan,
Korea, Manchuria, and for a few years in the
twenties in Siberia. Work in Mexico and Brazil
began in around 1880 and in Cuba in 1898. The
Congo mission reached the organizational stage
in 1914. Missions in Belgium, Poland and
Czechoslovakia came into being after World
War I. In 1930 the missions in Mexico, Brazil
and Korea became autonomous Methodist
churches with full recognition and much sup-
port from the Methodist Episcopal Church,
South. Through the sending of personnel and
funds from South Georgia, the Conference ac-
tively participated in the foreign mission enter-
prises of the Church.
The Conference and Evangelism
The first committee or board carrying the ti-
tle of Evangelism appeared in the MINUTES
of 1919. The Committee on Evangelism, as re-
quired by the Discipline, was selected by the Board of Missions. The Committee
was in the listing of boards and committees in the MINUTES through 1925 and
reappeared in 1929 and remained through 1933. The 1938 session of the Con-
ference, on nomination of the Board of Missions, selected a committee. Before the
1939 session convened the structure of the Church changed and there was a Com-
mission on Evangelism.
The term Evangelist does not appear as a formal job until 1907 when what had
been referred to as Conference Missionaries were listed in board reports as Mis-
sionary Evangelist. The same report states that a missionary conducted eleven
revivals. The appointments of ministers still used the title of missionary, but in
1916 there was an appointment of a General Evangelist and from 1917 a Conference
Evangelist appeared in the appointments. The only expenditure in the report of the
treasurers of the Board of Missions mentioned for evangelism was $150.48 in 1933.
The above may seem to indicate that interest in evangelism in the South Georgia
Conference is of twentieth century origin. Such is not the case. The work mission
as used by the Conference in the last century carried all the meaning that is found
in the word evangelism today. A review of the reports of the Board of Missions
clearly shows that the missionaries whose salaries were supplemented by the Board
were carrying on the work of evangelist. Domestic missions in Georgia implied
evangelism. Evangelism was the work of the Church, local or otherwise. During the
period from 1867 to 1939 the membership of the Methodist Episcopal Church,
South, in South Georgia increased from 19,626 to 117,113 or 596 percent while the
27
MARY CULLER WHITE
Missionary to China
L
population of the area increased only 270 percent from 1870 to 1940. Whether the
activity was termed as missions or as evangelism, church membership increased at
a rate of more than twice that of the population.
METHODIST CHURCH, MOULTRIE. GA.
The Conference and Church Extension
The Board of Church Extension was organized in 1882
with the purpose of aiding in the construction of church
buildings and parsonages. The Board functioned
through the period up to 1939 presenting treasurers
reports each year but frequently not including any other
written material for the MINUTES.
The purpose of the Board was to decide how con-
ference funds allocated for construction should be used.
It also recommended projects to the General Board of
Church Extension. At times it expressed concern about
deeds to church property, even preparing a model deed
for use around the turn of the century. During the same
period there was some bother from charges who could
not properly fill out the forms for requesting assistance. The 1934 report recom-
mended that churches pay off their debts and not incur others. The reports were
not as wordy as those from other boards and committees and for most of the twen-
tieth century there were no written reports besides that of the treasurer.
Aid given for construction or repair was in the form of grants or loans. The Board
received its funds from the assessments paid by the churches. The assessments
were not paid in full so the grants were frequently reduced proportionately.
On other contribution of the Board of Church Extension was the sponsorship of
the Womans Parsonage Aid Society, referred to in 1887 as the Womans Depart-
ment of Church Extension, which later became one of the components which form-
ed the Womans Missionary Society.
EDUCATION
The South Georgia Conference was greatly concerned about education from 1867
to 1939. The principal provider of education in the local church was the Sunday
School, and beyond the local church there were the church-related schools and col-
leges. The Church and church members employed a considerable amount of human
and material resources in these two types of education.
There were other educational activities as well. The Womans Missionary Society
and the Epworth League had definite instructional programs. There were Bible In-
stitutes and Sunday School Institutes on the district and conference level. A well
recognized Pastors School offered continuing education opportunities for
ministers.
The two principal operations were under separate conference entities, the Board
of Education and the Sunday School Board until 1930 when both came under the
aegis of the Board of Christian Education.
28
The Conference and Sunday Schools
When the South Georgia Conference met for its first session in 1867, the number
of Sunday Schools reported was 206 and the number of scholars was 9,003.
Reported to the seventy-third and last session of the Conference in 1939 were 551
schools and 63,098 scholars. The peak enrollment for the period was 80,113
scholars and 716 schools in 1922. This growth was roughly the equivalent of
doubling the enrollment every seventeen years. Although reports from the Sunday
School Board sometimes complained that the activity was perceived to be for
children, it was the component of the church which was open to all members of the
church community, members or non-member, male or female, single or married,
and child or adult.
In 1867 the Conference related to the Sunday School through a Board of
Managers; in 1874 it became the Sunday School Committee. The Committee
became the Sunday School Board in 1881, and the responsibility shifted to the
Board of Christian Education in 1930. During the first two decades of the Con-
ference, there was a Sunday School Agent who, when appointed and there was none
at times, promoted the cause. The 1906 conference session saw the appointment of
Rev. H. C. Jones who served as Field Secretary for three years, followed by the Rev.
A. P. Segars for only one year. The slot was not filled again until 1915 when Dr. J.
H. Therrell became the Field Secretary. The MINUTES for 1916 through 1918
gave glowing reports of Dr. Therrells work, but he is not mentioned after 1918.
During his period of service, he secured specific persons to accept responsibility for
different areas of Sunday School activity thus gathering what could be seen as a
part-time staff.
The more definite staff organization came in 1925 when Rev. George E. Clary,
Sr., was appointed as the Conference Sunday School Superintendent. He soon had
full-time collaborators, Rev. D. G. Mann, Miss Lucy Quinn Eubanks, and Miss
Louise Bridges. With the organization of the Board of Christian Education and the
29
accumulation of the responsibilities of the Board of Education, the Sunday School
Board, and the Epworth League Board, the group was approaching the point of be-
ing a Conference program staff and indeed performed many of the functions of
such a staff.
The Sunday School was an agency of instruction and performed this function for
the Church. It used the literature provided by the Publishing House, but not
always without complaint. Through Sunday School Institutes, the first held at
Ashburn in 1901, and Standard Training Schools in the twenties, determined ef-
forts were made to provide better teachers for the instruction of Methodists. It was
possible for a teacher to receive credit for courses taken in the Standard Training
program, some by correspondence, and upon satisfaction of all requirements to
receive a diploma as a certified Sunday School teacher.
The Sunday School was also an agency of evangelism. The 1868 MINUTES
declared that the paramount object of the Sabbath School is the conversion of
souls. Similar themes were expressed in many subsequent reports of the Sunday
School entities. The Sunday School was the door through which large numbers
passed on the way to becoming church members. It was not unusual to hear com-
plaints that in adult classes the teachers did more preaching than teaching. A
number of reports urged attendance at morning worship after the Sunday School
session reflecting the fact that significant numbers of persons attended Sunday
School and did not remain for worship, but through the Sunday School the Church
had contact with these persons. A comparison of the plotted growth curves of
church membership numbers and Sunday School enrollments in the South Georgia
Conference in the period under consideration shows a clear relationship between
the two. When the decline in Sunday School enrollments occurred after 1922,
church growth rates leveled off.
The Sunday Schools of the period were also missionary societies. From the early
days of the Conference until Unification, the Sunday Schools collected funds for
missions with the fourth Sunday offering becoming a standard mechanism for mis-
sion support. Typical of requirements of the Discipline in its several editions was a
statement appearing in 1902: Let every Sunday School be organized into a mis-
sionary society auxiliary to the Board of Missions.
The Conference Sunday School groups, committee, board, or staff, sought to
assist local units in the development of activities. Teacher training, organization of
special classes such as the Wesley Bible Class, free libraries for mission situations,
and the furnishing of literature were some of the efforts. The 1891 report noted
that some churches were not heated and offered to pay one-third of the cost of a
heater. The Board upped the offer to fifty percent the next year and discontinued
the program the next stating that it had not been a success.
Few Methodist Churches in 1867 had facilities for the Sunday School. Classes
met in the place for worship. By 1939 most town and city churches had adequate
facilities for the Sunday School and some rural churches had rooms as well.
Literature was scarce and not highly developed in 1867. By 1939 the Methodist
Episcopal Church, South, had an attractive and technically developed system of
Sunday School literature provided by one of the foremost religious publishing
houses in the world.
30
The Conference and Educational Institutions
The 1867 report of the Board of Education was principally concerned with two
areas, the educational insitutions of the Church and the education of ministers.
The first was the main concern of the Board from 1867 to 1930 when the Board of
Christian Education assumed broader responsibilities. The second continued as an
interest until 1886 and thereafter was only peripherally considered.
The 1867 report brought information about Andrew, Emory, and Weselyan, the
first solely owned by the Conference and the other two jointly held with other An-
nual Conferences. The mechanism of control of these and other institutions was
boards of trustees elected by the Conference and reporting each year through the
Board of Education. The 1867 report directed that the Fletcher Institute in
Thomasville, Bainbridge Female College, and the two schools near Talbotton
to be transferred to the respective districts. The 1868 report states that the transfer
was made; however, Lavert Institute, a school for girls and Collinsworth, a school
for boys, both near Talbotton, were recommended for conference support in 1874
and 1875, then were not mentioned again in the MINUTES. These were considered
feeder schools sending students to Emory or Andrew or Wesleyan.
ORGHHIZED - - - 1836.
Emory College.
Oxford, Qa.
Sixty 'fourth Session opened September 17th. 1902.
Full Courses leading to A. B., Ph. B., sod S. B. Degrees.
Excellent Library, well equipped Gymnasium and Scientific Laboratories.
No Liquors sold in the county.
Dining Hall Dormitory system furnishes
BOARD. LODGING. FUEL AND LIGHTS FOR
TEN .DOLLARS PER MONTH.
PUPILS RECEIVED AT ANY TIME
For other information address
Jahes E. Dickey,
President.
From the
1908
MINUTES
paid
advertisem*nt
section
Throughout the period the board reports centered around Emory, Wesleyan, and
Andrew, Emory was transferred to the General Conference of the Methodist
Episcopal Church, South, in 1914, but the Conference continued to send support
usually for specified purposes, such as assistance for ministerial students from
South Georgia. Emory also received funds for the Junior College at Oxford and
Emory Junior College at Valdosta after that school began operation in September
of 1928. The junior college continued to function on through the time of
Unification.
Well into the twentieth century there was a need for schools below the higher
education level. Public systems were almost non-existent except in the urban areas,
31
and many cities could not meet the demands made on the public schools. Con-
solidated schools and secondary education did not come to the rural areas of South
Georgia until well into this century, accompanying the improvement of highways
and the availability of school buses. For the largely rural population of the Con-
ference, therefore, the only recourse was the private boarding school. Before the
Civil War the church had been active at this level of education, and most schools of
higher education had preparatory programs for students with deficient
backgrounds for college studies.
The 1886 session of the Conference recommended that each district enter the
field of secondary education by opening a district high school. Previously, in 1881, a
school had been established at Spring Hill in Montgomery County which went by
the name of the Eastman District High School, the Brunswick District High
School, and later the Spring Hill School, said to be the oldest district high school
under southern Methodist operation, it continued operation through 1892 when
South Georgia College opened for classes.
CUTHBERT,
GEORGIA
Chartered
1854
A co-educational, two year college under the auspices
of the South Georgia Conference
32
Early tennis uniform at
33
NANNIE LOU
WARTHEN
COLLEGE
Wrights ville
Georgia
SOUTH
GEORGIA
COLLEGE
McRae Georgia
34
The Nannie Lou Warthen Institute, later known as a college, first appeared in
the 1888 MINUTES, the year after a reference to the founding of the Sandersville
District High School in Wrightsville. It remained a district school until 1913 when
it came under conference responsibility. The school operated without dormitories
and endowment and in 1914 was classified as a Grade A academy. Warthen College
received funds from the Conference in 1918 but was not included in the appropria-
tions for 1919. The same report which first cited the Wrightsville school also men-
tioned district high school at Snow in Dooly County and Guyton in Effingham
County. These were short-lived institutions.
The 1892 report on Spring Hill High School recommended that the Conference
accept South Georgia College in McRae as a church school. For more than thirty
years the institution operated with elementary and secondary level classes with
some college level work as well. It offered a full junior college program in its last
years. The enrollment of the school reached almost 600 in 1906 but dropped to well
below 200 before it was closed. The conference session of 1928 recommended
discontinuation of the school and in 1929 ordered that its property be sold.
Sparks Collegiate Institute, known as Sparks College after 1920, began under the
auspices of the Valdosta district in 1902 and was located at Sparks in Cook County.
The Conference accepted it as a conference school in 1904 and monitored its work
until it closed with the 1927 commencement exercises. The institution first was a
lower level school but soon began to offer some college work and later offered a full
junior college program.
Pierce Collegiate Institute had been a Presbyterian school in Blackshear when it
came under the Waycross District in 1912 and under the Conference in 1913. After
1917 the school received no more funds from the Church and ceased to be con-
sidered by the Conference.
Without exception, the church-related institutions suffered periods of financial
difficulty and debt. Emory began to develop an endowment and Wesleyan also
received support funds, but with the construction of the Rivoli campus and the
depression of the thirties, its property was sold at auction and bought back by the
Trustees. Andrew passed periods of very heavy debt and more than once there was
discussion of closing the school. Not one of the other institutions which closed had
any significant endowment and in some cases the sale of the peoperty did not pay
the debts.
Name of the Institution
Emory College
Wesleyan Female College
Andrew Female College
South Georgia College
Warthen College
Sparks Collegiate Inst.
Total
EDUCATIONAL STATISTICS
Value of Property Endowment
$205,000.
323,000.
75.000.
50.000.
35.000.
30.000.
$239,000.
25,000
None
None
None
None
Professors
14
29
15
18
10
10
Pupils
265
446
155
604
353
240
$718,000.
$264,000
96
2,063
-MINUTES, South Georgia Conference 1908 p. 38
THE CONFERENCE AND LITERATURE
The Conference expressed its interest in literature through several agencies. The
Books and Periodicals Committee was named on a session by session basis from
1867 to 1910 when it became a quadrennially elected group. The 1918 General Con-
ference created a Board of Christian Literature which was basically the old com-
35
mittee with a different name and which continued to function up to Unification.
More specific operations were under a Colporteur Committee (each preacher was to
be a colporteur: a promoter and seller of religious books and tracts) selected an-
nually from 1886 to 1890 and then for several years from 1910 to 1914. The
Wesleyan Christian Advocate was of interest to the Books and Periodicals Commit-
tee and to the Board of Christian Literature but operated under a separate Board
of Trustees after 1887. Beginning in 1900 and continuing to 1919 there was a
separate committee to promote Advocate interests in the Conference. The Bible
Board operated and reported independently throughout the period. The Sunday
School Board was always concerned with Sunday School literature and, as the
Board of Lay Activities expanded, it also expressed interest in the literature of the
church.
The Conference and the Publishing House
The production of most of the church literature was the responsibility of the
Publishing House located in Nashville with branches later established in Dallas
and Richmond. The Committee on Books and Periodicals reported on the activities
of the Publishing House. One of the earliest ventures of Methodism in America and
divided at the time of the north-south separation of the Church, the Publishing
House was almost out of business at the end of the Civil War. It was deeply in debt
and its material and equipment were in the hands of occupying troops. However,
very soon the concern was operating again and turning out literature for the
Church.
The literature produced by the Publishing House may be divided into several
categories. 1) There were the general publications such as the Christian Advocate
and the Quarterly Review. 2) Different church groups such as the Sunday School,
the Epworth League, the womens groups, and the laymens movements received
periodicals printed by the Publishing House. 3) Books, including hymnals, editions
of the Discipline and manuals used for many purposes by church groups.
Most of the activities of the Publishing House were received with approval by
South Georgia Methodists, however, there were occasions when there were objec-
tions. In 1892, the Sunday School Board expressed dissatisfaction about the lack of
Bible knowledge presented in Our Little People, material for children, and recom-
mended that the periodical be replaced by a Historical Catechisms. The next
year the report stated that the change had been satisfactory and called for other
schools to return to the catechism which was more adapted to the capacity of in-
fant minds. The Books and Periodicals Committee in its 1894 report gave condi-
tional approval to the Epworth Era since it promised not to make any more bad
breaks. The Committee regretted the position of the Christian Advocate in its
failure to express properly the dissatisfaction of the Church about the dedication,
by a Bishop, with religious services, of a subway tavern. There were no subways in
southern cities at this period so the Bishop must not have been of the Methodist
Episcopal Church, South.
The Conference and The Advocates
The Committee on Books and Periodicals and its successor, the Board of Chris-
tian Literature, promoted the interest of the Advocates. The 1867 report cites;
the Christian Advocate of Nashville as the organ of the central church. Frequently
36
in the nineteenth century the periodical was referred to as the Nashville Advocate,
a term which was used as late as 1934 although the title Christian Advocate was
used almost exclusively in the twentieth century. The name had been changed from
the Nashville Christian Advocate in 1858. In 1869, there was a reference to the
Index, a periodical for black Methodists.
The Southern Christian Advocate was published first in Charleston in 1837 and
in Augusta during the Civil War. After the war the office was moved to Macon
where a new beginning was necessary due to the loss of all resources except a stock
of paper. The Southern Christian Advocate was the official organ of the South
Carolina, the Georgia, and the Florida Conferences and remained the organ of the
two Georgia conferences. The name was changed to Wesleyan Christian Advocate
in 1878 when the South Carolina Conference established a separate paper. The
Florida Conference made the same move eight years later leaving the Wesleyan
to the two Georgia Conferences. In 1888 the two Conferences established a Board of
Trustees with an equal number of members from each Conference, a system of ad-
ministration which remained until Unification. The Trustees selected the editor
and determined policy. That year there were 6,500 subscribers and the number
reached 11,000 in 1893. The number fluctuated, dropping to less than 9,000 in 1901.
In 1918 the Trustees implemented a new policy which required subscribers to pay
in advance, a change from a system which allowed subscribers to be as much as two
years behind in paying for the paper.
Almost every year the Conference recommended that the preachers seek more
subscriptions to the Wesleyan Christian Advocate. Various months, usually at the
beginning of the year, were designated as the time to have a campaign to secure
more support for the paper, the earliest mentioned being February of 1892. The
conference organ was frequently plagued with debts but operated without regular
aid from the Conference up until 1929 when subsidies were used to pay
indebtedness.
The depression years of the early thirties were probably the most difficult for the
Wesleyan Christian Advocate; however, before Unification, C. A. Britton, Jr., later
to become a minister and an executive of the Publishing House, became the
Business Manager and Editor and there was a decided revival of the organ. In 1936,
there had been 6,500 subscribers. The number climbed to 19,813 as the subscrip-
tion rate dropped to one dollar a year.
The Conference and Colportage
The conference session of 1886 accepted a resolution recommending the
establishment of a Colportage Committee which would approve the books and
periodicals sold by colporteurs under the control of the Conference. The next year
the same resolution was passed again and the Committee which had been ap-
pointed reported that the work was not a success. A lack of a reading people and
the necessity of paying local license fees inhibited the work. The Committee was
listed in the MINUTES for several years, and a constitution for the Committee was
approved in 1890, the same year the Conference abolished the group. The 1893 Bi-
ble Cause Committee opposed the reestablishment of the colportage system as had
been suggested by the Eastman District Conference. The activity appears again in
1907 when a Conference Colporteur, Rev. J. H. Mather, reported on his work. In
1908, a Colportage Committee is listed and continues on through 1912 with the ap-
37
pointment of a Colporteur each year. Mather was appointed as a colporteur for the
American Bible Society on through 1915. The 1914 report of the Books and
Periodicals Committee states that the colporteur system had not worked and sug-
gested that the Publishing House send a book display to the sessions of the Annual
Conference as proposed by that concern. Such an exhibit was present for the 1915
session of the Conference.
One of the questions before the 1866 General Conference was the support of a Bi-
ble society. There was sentiment for the establishment and support of a southern
Bible society and for not returning to a working relationship with the American Bi-
ble Society. Several factors led the Conference to reestablish the former relation-
ship. 1) The American and English Bible Societies owned all the foreign language
translations. All protestant groups depended upon them for foreign mission enter-
prises. 2) The southern churches were impoverished and could not support a
southern society. 3) During the Civil War the American Bible Society had sent
Bibles through the lines to Confederate soldiers. 4) Debts owed to the Society by
southern churches were forgiven. The South Georgia Conference confirmed the
decision of the General Conference by formal resolution and continued action.
From 1867 to 1939 there was either a committee for the Bible Cause or a Bible
Board. Up to 1902 the group was appointed to act for each session, but after that
year, as specified by the Discipline, the Bible Board was elected to serve quadren-
nially, thus giving the entity a more permanent status. In 1894, a question, What
has been done for the American Bible Society?, was inserted in the required ques-
tions in the Minutes.
All reports from the Committee, or the Board, clearly promoted support for the
American Bible Society. Many of the reports consisted largely of praise for the
work of the Society and encouragement for continued and increased support. Sup-
port came in the form of funds raised by contributions and special offerings,
especially on Bible Sunday first mentioned in 1891. The Conference provided other
support for the Society by appointing personnel to act as agents and colporteurs.
By the turn of the century, Bible Institutes were held regularly, a practice which
continued for some years before other groups sponsored similar activities. There
was little other program action in the area of Bible interest, but the appropriate
Committee or Board consistently promoted the interest of the American Bible
Society and pointed out the importance of the distribution of Holy Scripture, a
position which received almost unanimous support among the Methodists of South
Georgia.
THE LAITY
The development of lay participation in church government and the rise of struc-
tures designed to involve the laity were a marked characteristic of the Methodist
Episcopal Church, South, after the Civil War. The most permanent and most
highly organized group was that of the women. Structures for men did not develop
as strongly; however, through the Board of Lay Activities, the men received more
and more responsibility in action areas. The Epworth League, an organization of
youth and young adults as well as children during its later years, came on the scene,
had a period of high activity for about forty years, and then lost its organizational
identity.
38
The Conference and the Laymen
Before 1866, laymen did not participate in the business of either the Annual Con-
ference or the General Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South.
These two bodies were composed entirely of clergymen, or preachers as they were
usually called at that time. The New Orleans Conference provided for an equal
number of laymen and clergymen in the General Conference to represent each An-
nual Conference and for each district to have four lay delegates in the Annual
Conference.
The South Georgia Conference implemented the decision of the General Con-
ference by receiving lay delegates for the first time in 1868. There was an Address
of the Lay Representatives presented to the session giving the body some idea as
to what was on the minds of the laity. Increased spirituality and faithfulness, a
greater conviction of obligation to support the Church and the ministry, and
careful planning, cultivation, and monitoring of financial programs were some of
the topics considered in the report. The stewardship emphasis was to be a strong
lay concern throughout the period. The 1868 session ruled that lay delegates were
to be selected by district meetings, later District Conferences, and that traveling
preachers who had a vote in the Annual Conference could not vote in the election.
This allowed Local Preachers to be eligible for election and frequently they were
selected.
The Laymens Missionary Movement, organized in 1908, came to the attention of
the Conference in 1910, and the body recommended support for the organization.
Mr. W. B. Stubbs of Savannah was the church-wide movements first secretary.
The same year there was a question in the Minutes, Who is elected Conference
Leader?. Note that the term Lay Leader was not used. In 1911, there was a com-
mittee for the Laymens Missionary Movement with District Leaders listed. At the
1914 Conference, the Committee on Lay Activities report listed the District Lay
Leaders and promoted such stewardship aspects as every member canvas, duplex
envelope system and a worship service for every church every Sunday by laymen
holding the service. The 1915 report listed three lay committees for action in the
local church: missions, evangelism and social service. Continuing the strong
stewardship emphasis of previous years, the report discussed pastors salaries,
systematic financial programs, group life insurance for minister, support of the
Centenary movement and raising benevolences.
The 1922 General Conference gave the Board of Lay Activities the task of work-
ing with every Board and Committee in the Conference. Also, laymen were to com-
pose the Board of Lay Activities in the local church, direct worship in the absence
of the pastor and participate in District Conference programs. They were to have
responsibility for the financial causes of the Church. The 1923 report pledged sup-
port for the Superannuate Endowment Campaign and, in 1924, established the goal
of payment of 100 percent of conference assessments. The 1926 session approved
legislation which placed the responsibility for raising benevolences on both laity
and clergy. The goal of the previous year, 100 percent payment of benevolences,
was repeated and again was not reached. There was a complaint in the 1928 report
that some Presiding Elders were not cooperating in the achievement of the goal.
The role of the Board of Lay Activities changed in the thirties with the addition
of responsibility for the training of officers in the local church. The Charge Lay
Leader became a member of the Quarterly Conference. The celebration of
39
Laymans Day were continued from the twenties and the emphasis on lay speaking.
The changes approved by the 1934 General Conference placed the Chairman of the
Board of Stewards of the local church in the role of Charge Lay Leader as well.
Most of the responsibilities of the Board of Temperance and Social Service were
added to those of Lay Activities. Reports from 1934 through 1938 dealt with such
subjects as stewardship, the new financial plan, the church press and the secular
press, war, race relations, alcohol, sex, motion pictures, the family, women and
tobacco, economic order, justice, lynchings, rural life, lay speaking, ministerial sup-
port, evangelism and Sabbath observance as well as other topics. The 1937 report of
the Board of Lay Activities was the longest recorded report included in the
MINUTES from 1867 to 1939 reaching nine pages in length.
Lay representation in the Annual Conference remained at four per district until
1918 when it was increased to eight. The 1926 General Conference gave each
district a number based on the total membership of the district. The number of lay
delegates elected to the 1938 session was 141.
The Wesley Brotherhood, a laymens group, was introduced in 1924 being men-
tioned in the Boards report. There was a column in the statistical tables for the
Brotherhood and a question in the list required by the Discipline. The movement
was not highly successful reaching a peak of fourteen units in 1928 and dropping to
four by 1938.
The idea of having facilities for summer assemblies came before the Conference
in 1908 when it appointed a committee to meet with a similar group from the North
Georgia Conference. The 1909 and 1910 reports from the committee agreed that
there should be such a facility and recommended the acceptance of 1,000 acres near
Tate, Georgia, noting the necessity of building some kind of a transportation
system from the acreage to the railroad. In 1910, the Laymens Missionary Move-
ment began building the assembly grounds at Lake Junaluska under the title of the
Southern Assembly. The South Georgia Conference, in 1913, endorsed the idea of
having a South Georgia headquarters at Lake Junaluska, but like the project at
Tate, there is no record of implementation. The Conference participated in the
several governing bodies of the Southern Assembly with a Conference Board
representing the interest of the project, even when it was in the hands of receivers
in the thirties. In 1938, Lake Junaluska came under the direct governance of the
General Conference.
The Conference and Women
Before 1918, according to the decisions of the College of Bishops of the
Methodist Episcopal Church, South, the Church could not accept women as
ministers and pastors could not permit women who claimed clergy status to speak
from the pulpit. Women could not be members of the District Conference. They
were not eligible for election as stewards. A woman could be a Sunday School
Superintendent, but even as such, could not be a member of the Quarterly Con-
ference. These decisions effectively excluded women from the formal governing
processes of the Church.
The 1918 General Conference eliminated all the above restrictions with the ex-
ception of acceptability as ministers. Women were brought into the administrative
structure of the Church with equal legal status as men, but still could not have
clergy status. The year 1918 also saw the inclusion of a question in the formal
40
Minutes of Annual Conferences concerning the Womens Missionary Society.
Statistical tables had included headings relating the work of the women, but the
Discipline had not stipulated such a question. Two years later, the Nineteenth
Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, the Womens Sufferage Amendment, was
ratified in August of 1920.
The districts of the South Georgia Conference responded to the opening for
women by having one woman delegate for the 1919 session, Mrs. J. W. Powell from
the Savannah District. The next year there were seven women selected as delegates
composing less than ten percent of the total lay membership of the body. The
General Conference of 1918 had also increased the number of lay delegates to eight
per district. The number after 1926 was based on the church membership of the
district and by 1938 there were 141 delegates of which 25 were women.
The 1918 decision also made it possible for women to become members of con-
ference boards and committees. In 1920, Mrs. J. A. Harrell served on the Wesley
Memorial Enterprises Committee. The 1923 Hospital Board requested that its
number be increased from nine to twelve and that three women be included, even
giving the names of the women. The list of Board members for subsequent years
did not include any women. Women again appeared on boards and committees in
1931, and in 1938, there were three women serving the conference groups.
In the election of lay delegates for the 1926 General Conference one woman
received five votes and another received two. In 1934 and 1938 Mrs. C. C. Sapp was
a delegate to the General Conferences and was a member of the Uniting Conference
in 1939.
Beginning in 1878, when the By-Laws of the auxiliaries of the Womens Mis-
sionary Society appeared in the MINUTES, there were reports of the work of the
organizations made up of women. These reports were sometimes hardly more than
statistical data and a listing of officers. Some years the MINUTES included pic-
tures of the missionaries supported by South Georgia groups. After 1908 there were
few references to the work of the women except for the inclusion of data in the
overall statistical tables found at the end of each volume of published MINUTES.
Possibly one reason for not including information was that the Womans Mis-
sionary Society published a yearbook which was a thorough report on the activities
of the conference women.
With the approval of the By-Laws cited above, the Conference endorsed the ac-
tion of the 1878 General Conference approving organizations for the women of the
Church. In December of 1879 the Methodist Women of the South Georgia Con-
ference met in Perry and formally organized the conference level structure. Before
the action of the General Conference there had been extensive local organizations
of women, but after 1878 there was a mechanism by which the local groups could be
directly included in the church organization and provided for in the Discipline.
The term, Womans Missionary Society, was used from 1878 until 1892 when it
changed to Womans Foreign Missionary Society to distinguish it from the
Womans Home Missionary Society. In 1914, Womans Missionary Society became
the name of the unified group and continued until Unificiation. As the name in-
dicates, the group was primarily interested in foreign missions. The General Board
of Missions maintained the foreign mission enterprise of the Church; however, the
Womans Missionary Society sent out women in a separate but cooperating work.
This work was supported by the local units of the Society.
41
In 1886, following the directives of the General Conference, the Board of Church
Extension organized the Womans Parsonage Aid Society which became the
Womans Parsonage and Home Mission Society in 1890. The name was changed to
Womans Home Mission Society in 1898 and joined with the Womans Foreign Mis-
sionary Society to become the Womans Missionary Society in 1910. The original
purpose of the Society was to care for the parsonages in local situations with in-
terest in domestic missions soon entering the scope of concern. Within a few years
the mission aspect of the work became predominant, but the society, and the later
Womans Missionary Society, did not lose interest in the local parsonage.
From the 1899 MINUTES
SOUTH GEORGIA CONFERENCE
WOMANS MISSIONARY SOCIETY 1899-1900
Mils.
Mrs.
Mrs.
Mrs.
Mrs.
Mrs.
Mrs.
R. F,
Officers of Conference Society.
W. M athews ......................
<). A. Cl.ARK ..........................
.1. B. (.'ORB.
i: w. MacDosew.
S. S. Sweet .....
It. C Nisei,y. ,f
A luck Mathews...
BctttlEN......
M ......President
............
....................Vice-President
..........Cox responding Secretary-
Assistant Corresponding Secretary
...................Recording Secretary
............:............Treasurer
.......................... Auditor
STATISTICS OF THE WOMANS FOREIGN WORK.
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6: $ 66,600 00
H. 164,000 00
li 6,127 70
I02{ 6T| fx ftjff mhvI
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i 4-4! 4,330. 16; $300,725 70
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Rod Tnfaiing 8cb<
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164,000 00
1 6,127 70
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66!*f 388,727 76
3,630; members, 74,616; life
subscribes* to Link Worker,
42
The Conference and the Epworth League
There is some debate as to when the Epworth League movement began, one
source placing the date as 1889. By 1893, a report in the MINUTES of an Epworth
League Committee gave eleven as the number of League units within the Con-
ference. The report stated that the League solved our problems and compared
the movement to the Franciscans, the Jesuits, and the Salvation Army. Also, the
paper declared that the League should be established in every church. The follow-
ing year the Committee became a quadrennially elected Board. By 1898 there were
124 chapters with 4,852 members within the Conference.
The Epworth League was an international and churchwide movement. In the
Spring of 1897, there was a statewide Epworth League Conference in Atlanta and
an International Epworth League Conference in Toronto in July of the same year.
Early in its history, conference and district organizations appeared. The
conference-wide meetings later developing into Summer assemblies for young peo-
ple. There were city-wide, county-wide, and tri-county League Unions. Later there
were summer camps for younger League members.
In its beginning years the Epworth League was a movement of young adults,
some of whom remained active well into adulthood. A Boys League was reported in
1906, and later there were Junior Leagues for children, Hi-Leagues for the high
school age, and Senior Leagues for young adults. In the twenties the age level
tended to drop, but in 1929 there were 225 senior chapters, 80 Hi-League groups
and 75 on the junior level.
The activities of the Epworth League covered about every phase of church life.
There was a strong mission emphasis and a Life Service Band promoted the voca-
tion to full-time Christian service both domestic and foreign. The League sent
funds for use in foreign areas, and in 1917 there were 17 former League members
serving as foreign missionaries. The Epworth Era was the publication of the
church-wide League, and in South Gerogia, there were conference and district
papers. These bulletins were frequently shortlived, rising, flourishing, and disap-
pearing to be replaced by another paper very similar in nature.
The League operated Bible Study groups and other educational activities. Local
chapters sent support to the Orphans Home and assumed the responsibility for
providing for specific children. There were Go To Church campaigns and
evangelistic emphases which included revivals and personal outreach. In 1912 the
Board suggested that pastors use the League members to collect Conference
Claims when the stewards did not do their duty.
Reading between the lines of the reports one finds that the Epworth League did
not always have the full support of the entire Church. Repeatedly ministers were
urged, were exhorted, to support the League. There were reports that ministers did
not attend League conferences and other meetings. Although many, probably most,
ministers promoted the League, evidently some did not. In 1909, before the League
had been active in South Georgia for two decades, some thought that it should be
combined with the Sunday School. The report which included the recommendation
argued that no move was being made to abolish other church organizations simply
because their activities had to be pushed. The 1930 General Conference turned the
responsibilities of the Epworth League Board over to the Board of Christian
Education; subsequent reports of that group to the South Georgia Conference
hardly mentioned the League. The 1934 Discipline did not include the Epworth
43
League in the structure of the Church; however, the term was used to refer to youth
organizations in the Church, especially the local church, until the Methodist Youth
Fellowship came into being after Unification.
The Epworth League in South Georgia was one of the outstanding examples of
League activity in a conference. There were periods of growth and times of stagna-
tion, but in the two decades before its phase out, the League enjoyed its greatest
numerical success and rendered significant service to the Church. In the area of
recruitment of full-time personnel for the Church and the intergration of younger
people into the church activities and life, the League served its purpose well.
Beyond the scope of this paper is a study of the parallels between the League opera-
tion and the growth of foreign mission activity.
By 1934, the activities of the League had been combined with those of similar age
groups in the Sunday School and the Young Peoples Department, with morning
and evening sessions, was the organizational cover for the new approach.
SOCIAL CONCERNS
A review of the interests of the South Georgia Conference demonstrates clearly
that Methodists in South Georgia did not accept Christianity as being simply a
matter of religion without concern for what happened to human beings in human
society. The section of education points out the Conferences deep interst in the
training of the mind. Soon after the Civil War when the area was still impoverished,
an orphanage came into being and received all its support from South Georgia
Methodism. Early in the twentieth century the Conference took interest in the
establishment of a hospital in Atlanta and later assumed ownership with all the ac-
companying responsibility for what became Candler Hospital in Savannah. Tem-
perance was a live social issue throughout the period. The participation of the dif-
ferent Womans societies in bringing the ballot to women can only be mentioned.
Sabbath observance with its humanitarian and religious aspects remained a subject
for discussion by several conference entities. Although the action of the Conference
concerning Race Relations may seem to be archaic in the terms of the late twen-
tieth century, in the social context of the period, the attitudes were viewed by some
as being extreme. The Conference repeatedly spoke through its documents on other
social concerns and what was said in the prophetic pulpits, inspired by the action of
the Conference, is not within the scope of this chapter.
The Conference and the Orphans Home
The subject of the Orphans Home arises in the MINUTES when the Conference
session of 1869 approved a resolution requesting that the delegates to the 1870
General Conference confer with delegations from other Annual Conferences on the
idea. The 1870 South Georgia Conference selected a Board of Trustees for the or-
phanage. In 1871 they reported that a home was desirable, funds should be sought,
an agent appointed and the location be at the discretion of the trustees. In 1863, the
Trustees reported that they had accepted 40 acres of good land, 26 under cultiva-
tion, about two miles north of Macon. On the land there was a ten-room house and
a never failing spring. The conditions of the donation required that the property, or
returns from its sale, should always be used for an orphanage in Bibb County.
44
Eleven children were already in the Home.
From the eleven children reported in
1873, the number increased almost
every year until there were 150 in 1925.
The number was 39 children in 1877
and 70 in 1889 and remained between 80
and 100 until 1900 when the 100 mark
was surpassed. The Home had a system
of bringing children under its protection
and, when possiblj| finding good
homes for placement. The 1907 report
stated that when boys reached the age
of 15 and girls the age of 18, they were
sent out to Christian homes. Others,
even younger, were placed in foster
homes. State agencies during the period
from 1867 to 1939 were not greatly con-
cerned about what church orphanages
did as long as there was no flagrant
child abuse.
The Home was concerned with the
education of the children; some, de- i
pending upon their age, attended a
private school during the early years.
The 1887 and the 1902 reports stated
that the children were having classes at
the Home; however, reports from in-
tervening years placed them in public schools. Later all attended public schools
through the secondary level; and as early as 1911, some were sent to church schools
and colleges as well as state-supported institutions.
During a good part of the period, farming operations and dairying were carried
on using the older children as workers. They also participated in canning and food
preparation under the direction of capable adults. From time to time there were
classes in the domestic arts for the girls and skill classes for boys as well.
The Vineville Church was the place of worship, for the children attended Sunday
School there each Sunday morning and for a while, around the turn of the century,
also attended an afternoon Sunday School at Manchester. In 1908, 33 children
became members of Vineville.
The Methodist Home, as it was known in the last years of the period, required
considerable resources to care for the children and youth. Each child was totally
dependent upon the Home for meeting all needs, physical, moral, educational and
spiritual. The support for the Home came from the Methodists of the South
Georgia Conference.
The children needed housing and food. A number of buildings arose on the Home
campus, and twice, in 1888 and 1919, rebuilding was necessary because of fire. Over
the period of more than sixty years the needs changed and adjustments were
necessary. The expansion of the Home and the adoption of different agricultural
methods required new buildings and new equipment. In 1920, a new dining room
45
was provided and again in 1935. Other changes in the facilities for food preparation
and dining during the period are not recorded in the reports.
Although the Home grew some food, much more came from the farmers of South
Georgia in the form of donations. Gifts in kind of almost every edible crop pro-
duced in the area came to the Home. Churches and church organizations collected
and forwarded food to Macon.
Clothing came from such organizations as the Epworth League, Sunday School
classes, womens groups, and individual churches. Some groups would accept the
responsibility for caring for a specified child and would provide all clothing needed
as well as contributing to the general support. In 1910, the Home received 93 boxes
of Summer clothing and 73 for the Winter besides quilts and other supplies, more
than half coming from Epworth League groups, Sunday School classes and Mis-
sionary societies.
An agent for the Home traveled thousands of miles through the Conference each
year promoting its interest and accepting contributions. The Rev. J. A. Smith was
the agent from 1910 until 1942. He was most proficient in his work, but never
learned to drive an automobile, receiving ready transportation from ministers and
other friends of the Home if rail travel was not available.
The Orphans Home was a very popular cause in the South Gerogia Conference.
There were no direct allocations from the Conference funds with support coming
on a voluntary basis. Beginning in 1900, the MINUTES included a separate charge
by charge report of contributions to the Home. In 1914 the Orphans Home Work-
day became one of the fixed days of the Conference. Through the support of the
Methodists of South Georgia it was possible to build and maintain the Home and to
carry out its objective, the caring for helpless children.
As the depression closed in on the agricultural sector of Georgia in the late twen-
ties, the Home experienced some difficulty in receiving support. Although 1925 was
one of the best years in the history of the Home, according to the report, and in
1926 the Home was described as being in excellent condition, the low prices of
peaches and cotton caused some concern. When the depression hit all sectors of
society in 1929, the endowment built up by the trustees became of little value as an
income producing resource. The next year, 1930, was termed as the most difficult,-
and the Conference instituted a Christmas Offering to help the institution meet its
obligations. The Home was not less popular with the people of the Church. They
could not give what they did not have. As the economy improved and the situation
eased somewhat, resources again became available and the Home operated with
adequate support.
The Conference and Hospitals
The 1904 MINUTES included for the first time a report from the Trustees of
Wesley Memorial Hospital and also presented a list of representatives of the South
Georgia Conference on the Board of the Atlanta institution. The same report
recommended that there be a Christmas offering to be used for the support of the
hospital. As the scope of the Wesley Memorial Enterprises expanded to other types j
of work, the reports advised the Conference as to the varied activities. There were
trustees from South Georgia for the hospital until it became the property of Emory !
University, and in 1922 a separate Hospital Board was listed. That same year the j
Golden Cross became a conference cause as provided for by the Discipline.
46
The South Georgia Conference continued to support the Wesley Memorial
Hospital; however, in 1930 the Hospital Board recommended the acceptance of the
Savannah Hospital in fee simple and with no restraining conditions. The Savannah
institution became the Candler Hospital and was the center of the hospital interest
of the Conference and a recipient of Golden Cross contributions.
The Conference and Temperance
Temperance was a social and political issue which attracted considerable atten-
tion in American society between the Civil War and World War II. What began as a
movement to combat immoderate use of alcoholic beverage soon became a cam-
paign advocating total abstinence and the legal prohibition of the manufacture,
sale, etc., of the substance. Under the state laws permitting local option county
after county became dry, and then entire states adopted prohibition legislation. By
1898, only twenty counties within the bounds of the Conference still permitted the
sale of liquor, and the number decreased to nine by 1903. Georgia became a dry
state on January 1, 1908. The Eighteenth amendment of the U. S. Constitution was
ratified on January 16,1919, but the conflict was not over. The law was not obeyed,
and in some parts of the nation there were hardly token attempts at enforcement.
The campaign to repeal the Amendment began almost before ratification, and
repeal was an issue in the presidential campaigns of 1928 and 1932. Repeal of the
national law came on December 5^1933; and within a few years, most states, in-
cluding Georgia, had adopted some form of local option legislation. Alcoholic
beverages were never completely absent from the American scene since it was
available from bootleggers, smugglers, and other illegal sources.
There was never any doubt as to the position of the South Gerogia Conference in
reference to temperance. The approaches of the Conference were in harmony with
the decisions and declarations of the General Conference. The 1879 MINUTES
listed a Temperance Committee, and each Conference session for every year, ex-
cept two, up to 1910 appointed such a committee. In 1910, the Board of
Temperance and Other Moral Reforms came into being as prescribed by the
Discipline and was the entity which considered the subject. The name of the Board
changed three times and was the Board of Temperance and Social Service when it
surrendered its functions to the Board of Lay Activities in 1934.
The Committee report of 1879 states that Methodists should refrain from the
use, manufacture, and sale of alcoholic beverages and condemned all uses except
for medicinal purposes and in case of necessity. The 1886 report found that there
was an amazing amount of sickness among Methodists and that some fell ill with
great facility. The following year it was made clear that the Church opposed all,
even moderate, drinking. The word prohibition appeared in the 1887 report.
The Conference continued its uncompromising stand against the use of alcoholic
beverage, advocated statewide prohibition and a national law on the subject, and
opposed the repeal of the Eighteenth Amendment. The reports contained flaming
rhetoric and described vividly the evils of alcohol, the liquor traffic, and the com-
mercialization of liquor. Many of the reports can (or could) be termed intemperate
in the advocacy of temperance. The lawlessness associated with prohibition re-
ceived equal condemnation. There was no softening of the opposition to alcoholic
beverage at any point in the period.
The reports of all entities concerned with temperance offered few concrete
47
recommendations but rather were exhortive in nature. Though there were no action
programs; there were recommendations of support of prohibition legislation and
the backing of candidates for public office who agreed with the position of the
church. Programs of implementation were lacking.
The Conference and the Sabbath
The concept that the Sabbath, Sunday, was a special day was not a matter of
debate in the South Georgia Conference between 1867 and 1939. Many years during
the period, the Conference appointed a committee to report on the subject. The
Sabbath Observance Committees function was directed to the Temperance Com-
mittee or Board after 1910. From 1934 to 1939 the Board of Lay Activities reported
on the subject.
The railroads were one target of the Sabbath Observance Committee. The 1884
report related how an earnest Methodist preachers protest had caused the
Buena Vista Railroad to cancel plans for Sunday operation. There was repeated op-
position to Sunday excursions by rail. In 1897 the Conference addressed a paper to
the Postmaster General protesting the carrying of the mails on Sunday. It seems
that railroads had cited the necessity to transport the mail as a justification for
Sunday trains. The 1891 report had stated that No Christian ought ever to open
his mail box on the Sabbath. The opposition to Sunday operation of the railroads
slacked off around the turn of the century, but the 1908 report still condemned
Sunday rail excursions.
Sunday work of all kinds met opposition. More than once even the reading of
newspapers as well as their printing and distribution on Sunday was the object of
disapproval. Buying and selling on Sunday (except in situations of necessity), the
operation of factories and machine shops, and open saloons were targets of the
Committee. The 1905 Committee lowered the boom on The Big Sunday Dinner
which deprived the housewife and her servant of morning public worship.
Recreational activities generally met disapproval. Ball games, bicycle tour-
naments, boating excursions, dancing, the theater, movies, horse racing, concerts
including those disguised by the term sacred, and later, joy rides in automobiles
were included in the list of unacceptable activities. Most of these were condemned-
even on workdays.
The reports of the Sabbath Observance Committee and others concerned with
the subject were based on the Fourth Commandment and were consistent with the
General Rules of Methodism. Social change seemed to overwhelm the Church. The
1934 report of the Board of Lay Activities stated, Our Christian Sabbath is rapidly
slipping away from us. The Board implored the entire membership to refrain from
the prevelant desecration of the Day of Rest. Did a less rigid approach to Sab-
bath observance slip up on the people called Methodist? Note well that the reports
dealt with what was considered to be a problem so some Methodists, and possibly a
goodly percentage, were not always faithful to the concepts of the Committees.
The Conference and Race
Before the Civil War black and white Methodists in Georgia were in the same
Church, the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. The Church had no doubt that
the blacks had souls and could experience salvation. Statistics listed blacks;
48
(colored) and whites separately, and there were missionaries specifically assigned
to carry on the work among blacks. In 1865, colored charges were listed in the
Georgia Conference minutes, but almost every other charge listed black members
totaling 17,811 full members and 3,535 in the probationary column. White member-
ship that year was 41,309 with 7,607 probationers.
Emancipation and Reconstruction brought a realignment of the social relation-
ship between blacks and whites. The Methodist Episcopal Church, South, could
not escape the effects of social change and the situation required a new pattern of
relationships. The 1866 session of the General Conference provided for blacks to be
licensed to preach and to be ordained as well as for separate black churches,
separate black districts, separate black conferences, and eventually a separate
black Methodist Church. The South Georgia Conference had three black districts
in 1867. In 1868 none was listed, but Samuel Anthony was appointed as the
Superintendent of Colored People.
Many blacks were leaving the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, for the
African Methodist Episcopal Church, the Methodist Episcopal Church, Zion, and
for other denominations. Some moved to the Methodist Episcopal Church as it was
reorganized in the South.
7 The number of black members in the churches of the South Georgia Conference
declined from almost 7,000 (including probationers) in 1867, to 2,462 in 1868,952 in
1869, and 53 in 1873. Statistical reports continued to include colored columns un-
til 1897 when there were still seven black members. There were 54 black local
preachers in 1867, 22 in 1868,4 in 1869 and 2 in 1870. The establishment of the Col-
ored Methodist Episcopal Church, which was organized in 1870, as sufficient black
districts and black Annual Conferences came into being, effectively removed all but
a handful of blacks scattered through white churches. The 1938 Discipline of the
Methodist Episcopal Church, South, the last before Unification, in listing the
duties of the Secretary of the Church Conference, required the separate listing of
local elders, local deacons, local preachers, white persons, colored persons, and
Indians.
In a 1869 report entitled, Respecting People of Color, the Conference affirmed
that the command to go and preach the Gospel to all nations made no distinction as
to color and race. There is a reference to the ministry of the past to bondsmen
which asserted that such ministry was just as necessary as before emancipation. It
noted the exodus of blacks to other Methodist churches, expressed a deep in-
terest in the well-being of blacks, and recommended continued assistance in pro-
viding schools and churches. The Conference approved the convening of the
General Conference of the Colored Methodist Episcopal Church and the election of
Bishops for that Church.
After most black members left the Church and the Colored Methodist Episcopal
Church was underway, the Conference expressed sporadic interest in and seldom
noted the presence of a black population. There was support for Paine Institute
and Lane Institute, both later elevated to the college level. In 1887, the Conference
endorsed Paine Institute, but the wording clearly reflects a paternalistic attitude,
as did most subsequent references to blacks and black institutions. The 1894 Board
of Education report acknowledges an obligation to blacks. The Temperance report
of 1899 condemns the use of whiskey because, among other reasons, it turned black
men into fiends and mobs worked under its effect. In 1904, the Rev. J. A. Berry,
49
the President of Lane College, addressed the Conference; and the Board of Educa-
tion responded by pledging support for those who work to train teachers for the
unevangelized masses of the Negro race. A 1913 resolution, responding to over-
tures from the Colored Methodist Episcopal Church suggesting that the alienation
between the races be reduced, offered to conduct a preachers institute and to
otherwise help and encourage the black churches. Although a 1919 report from the
Board of Temperance and social reform favored justice for every man regardless of
race or social situation, it clarified its statement by declaring that this did not
mean social equality or amalgamation. The 1920 report of the same group con-
sidered ... the negro as a race is in many respects only a child and must be dealt
with as such. The report recommended that whites should set good examples and
also stated opposition to lynchings. The next year, there was a call for careful and
prayerful thought on the subject of race and a condemnation of mob violence. It
recommended patient justice and charity for a race inferior to ours. The 1925
report called for improving the living conditions of the black population and two
years later, Christian race relations was given as a subject for study and interest.
In the thirties the Board of Lay Activities considered subjects related to race and
repeatedly called for solutions along the lines of the teachings of Jesus. The 1935
statement read ... that all men are brothers, regardless of race ... There was a
specific recommendation that the local church Boards should render service
through a committee which would work with the churches of the black community.
The last reference mentioning race relations before 1939 was that of 1937 which
urged the churches to ... make more real the ideals and practices of Christian
brotherhood between various racial groups.
During the period from 1867 to 1939 the South Georgia Conference reflected the
social and legal norms of the region where it operated. For some segregation was
just what the situation should be and they saw no need to change the existing
pattern. Attitudes which were considered to be Christian were largely pater-
nalistic and few doubted that one race was superior to the other. The Conference
took no recorded stand on the racial disturbances of World War I and the postwar
period. There is no recorded condemnation of the Ku Klux Klan which was
reestablished in that period. Race was no doubt one factor which led to the rejec-
tion of unification with other Methodist churches in 1925 and in that vote the lay
delegates voted 100 percent against joining with the northern church, however, the
stronger expression on race of the thirties came not from committees dominated by
clergymen, but from the Board of Lay Activities.
The Conference and Other Issues
With the broadening of the scope of concern of the new Board of Temperance
and Other Moral Reforms, the reports began to reflect the position of the Con-
ference on other subjects. There were expressions of support for the Florence Crit-
tenden Homes, schools for outcast girls, schools for the feeble minded, the
YMCA, the establishment of a state Welfare Department, justice for all peoples,
Christian race relations, and other causes which promoted human welfare.
There were expressions of opposition to and condemnation of white slavery,
worldly amusem*nts, tobacco, gambling, laziness, dancing, joy rides in automobiles,
p*rnography, mob law, lynchings, scanty bathing suits in public bathing places,
Parisian fashions, and immoral movies. The 1910 report recommended the
50
establishment of a state censorship bureau for motion pictures. The 1915 report
reiterated the request and also suggested a state censor agency for boarding houses
for girls.
There was repeated consideration of the family with concern expressed about
divorce, the weakening of the family altar, and the failure of the family to rear
children properly. The 1920 report stated that the Holy Family is the great seal of
Christianity.
The Conference expressed itself on international issues. There was approval of
the League of Nations and the World Court. In 1905 and 1909 there were resolu-
tions condemning the persecution of the Jews in Russia. As the international unrest
spread in the years before World War II there were resolutions relating to peace.
The cause of Near East relief was presented to the 1926 session and was repeated in
the 1928 Board report.
The final reports of the Board of Temperance and Social Service did not lessen
the feeling for temperance, but there was a variety of subjects of social concern
presented to the Conference thereby giving each session the opportunity of defin-
ing the position of the South Georgia Methodists.
UNIFICATION
During the period after the Civil War, Methodism in the United States was
represented by at least fourteen distinct and independent bodies, a situation which
might be expected in a society marked by religious pluralism. Most of these groups
recognized the others as being valid branches of Methodism and there was some
transferring of both ministers and members. Wesleys dictum that Methodist are
one people was generally recognized even, with some restrictions, across racial
lines. The split between North and South in 1844 was provoked by a question
relating to slavery. After the Civil War slavery no longer existed so many
Methodists of the northern branch, and some in the South, hoped that the breach
would be closed. Such was not the case and the Methodist Episcopal Church began
to enter southern territory. In May of 1869 a deputation of two Bishops from the
northern Church attended the annual meeting of the southern Bishops in St. Louis
offering a communication concerning reunion. The overture was significant because
the northern Church had rebuffed a southern gesture in 1848. The General Con-
ference of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, received fraternal delegates
from the North in 1870. The General Conference of the northern Church received
fraternal delegates from the South in 1872 and expressed sentiments of support for
closer relations with the southern branch. Already, in 1867, a commission had met
with representatives of the Methodist Protestant Church to consider union, but
with no results.
The cordial gestures were followed by a Joint Commission which met at Cape
May, New Jersey in August of 1876 and arrived at principles which would be ac-
cepted by the ensuing sessions of the General Conferences. Of importance was a
formal declaration recognizing both Churches as legitimate branches of
Methodism. Another suggestion from the Commission was the Ecumenical
Methodist Conferences embracing all Methodist groups of the world. The first ses-
sion of the Conference was held in September of 1881 at City Road Chapel in
London.
One of the members of the Joint Commission was Dr. H. P. Meyers of the South
51
Georgia Conference. The following December, in its regular session, the Conference
approved the Cape May principles. In 1879 the distribution of Methodists in
Georgia by the several branches was as follows:
Methodist Episcopal Church, South 92,063
Methodist Episcopal Church 16,120
African Methodist Episcopal Church 27,523
Colored Methodist Episcopal Church 22,000
Other Methodist groups 5,000
Total 162,706
The story of Methodist union is too long to include in this account. The South
Georgia Conference did not consider the matter again until 1916 when it approved
a resolution supporting the concept of Unification with the Methodist Episcopal
Church and the Methodist Protestant Church.
By 1923 there was another Joint Commission which prepared a Plan of Union for
the northern and southern branches leaving out the Methodist Protestant Church.
It was approved by a special session of the General Conference of the southern
Church in 1924. Among other points, the Plan called for two jurisdictions, each
composed of the Annual Conference of the two former churches. At the 1924 ses-
sion of the South Georgia Conference, the Rev. J. A. Harmon introduced a resolu-
tion calling for prayerful and calm consideration of the Plan. The resolution was
adopted and was an attempt to calm a heated issue. On a roll call vote at the 1925
meeting, the Conference did not approve the Plan of Union. The tally was 94 clergy
for and 137 against. Not one layman voted for the Plan and 80 voted against it. Im-
mediately after the vote Dr. Bascom Anthony offered a memorial stating that the
Conference was not against union but could not approve that particular Plan. The
motion was tabled. Although the Plan received slightly more than a majority of the
votes cast in all Annual Conferences, it did not reach the required three fourths
mark. The 1926 General Conference resolved to let the matter rest for four years
while a Special Committee headed by Dr. Franklin N. Parker of Emory studied the
subject.
The Methodist Protestant Church entered the discussion and a new Plan of
Union was formulated in the thirties. The new Plan provided for a regional jurisdic-
tional organization with a separate jurisdiction for the black Conferences of the
Methodist Episcopal Church. What became The Methodist Church was organized
according to the principles of the Plan. The General Conferences of the Methodist
Episcopal Church and the Methodist Protestant Church meeting separately in
1936 approved the new Plan. In December of the same year, the College of Bishops
of the Southern Church received requests for 25 of the 38 Annual Conferences that
they present the plan for consideration at the 1937 sessions. The Bishops acceded
and the plan passed by a vote of 7,650 to 1,247. The South Georgia Conference,
meeting in Dublin on November 4, and voting by secret ballot, accepted the Plan
by a vote of 262 to 53. In 1938 the General Conference of the Methodist Episcopal
Church, South, approved the Plan by a 434 to 26 vote.
Unification became a fact in May of 1939 at Kansas City Uniting Conference.
The 73rd and last session of the South Georgia Conference of the Methodist
Episcopal Church, South, met in Macon at the Mulberry Street Church on
November 8, 1939 and adjourned that night never to meet again. The following
morning the South Georgia Conference of The Methodist Church convened for its
first session.
52
wife.
DELEGATES TO THE 1938 GENERAL CONFERENCE
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, SOUTH
and THE KANSAS CITY UNITING CONFERENCE
MAY 1939
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53
Thrasher. Two of the delegates, Warren Roberts and Slater \\ ight.
not present when the photograph was made.
SELECTED BIBLIOGRAPHY
MINUTES AND YEARBOOKS
Minutes of the South Georgia Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, 1867-1939.
Combined General Minutes and Yearbook for 1924-25. The Methodist Episcopal Church, South.
(Also numbers through 1939-1940)
Minutes of the Annual Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. 1858-1865.
The Doctrines and Discipline of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. 1859, 1902, 1910, 1914,
1922,1926,1930,1934, and 1938.
ARTICLES
Brawley, James P. The Beginnings and Historical Transition of the Georgia Conference, 1867-1972,
HISTORICAL HIGHLIGHTS, Vol. 5, No. 2 (December, 1975)
Clary, Jr., George E. The Story of the Founding of Paine College, Augusta, Georgia Part I,
HISTORICAL HIGHLIGHTS, Vol. 4, No. 2 (December, 1974)
The Story of the Founding of Paine College, Augusta, Georgia Part II, HISTORICAL
HIGHLIGHTS, Vol. 5, No. 1 (June 1975)
--. Paine College: A Symbol of Interracial Cooperation and Goodwill in the Deep South,
HISTORICAL HIGHLIGHTS, Vol. 9, No. 2 (December, 1979)
Cook, Raymond A. Fletcher Institute 1848-1879, HISTORICAL HIGHLIGHTS, Vol. 7, No. 1
(December, 1977)
Knight, Doris Walker. South Georgias First W. F. M. S. Missionary: Hattie Gerre Carson,
HISTORICAL HIGHLIGHTS, Vol. 7, No. 2 (December, 1977)
Martin, S. Walter. Development of the Lay Movement in the United Methodist Church,
HISTORICAL HIGHLIGHTS, Vol. 10, No. 1 (June, 1980)
Rivers, Mrs. Julian R. The 19th Century Methodist Woman Emerges in South Georgia Conference,
HISTORICAL HIGHLIGHTS, Vol. 5, No. 1 (June, 1975)
Stubbs, David C. Makers of the Wesleyan Christian Advocate, 1878-1978. HISTORICAL
HIGHLIGHTS, Vol. 8, No. 1.
~. Sparks Collegiate Institute Sparks College, 1902-1927 Part I. HISTORICAL
HIGHLIGHTS, Vol. 7, No. 1, (June, 1977)
~. Sparks Collegiate Institute Sparks College, 1902-1927 Part II, HISTORICAL
HIGHLIGHTS, Vol. 7, No. 2 (December, 1977)
. Sunday Schools in the South Georgia Conference, 1867-1932. HISTORICAL HIGHLIGHTS,
Vol. 10, No. 1 (June, 1980)
. Lay Delegates of the South Georgia Conference, HISTORICAL HIGHLIGHTS, Vol. 11, No. 1
(June, 1981)
. Districts of the South Georgia Conference 1868-1978, HISTORICAL HIGHLIGHTS, Vol. 9,
No. 1 (June, 1979)
Waite, Jr., Mrs. Alvis A. Understanding the Organizational Sources of Methodism in Georgia,
HISTORICAL HIGHLIGHTS, Vol. 5, No. 1 (June, 1975)
BOOKS AND MONOGRAPHS
Cannon, III, James. History of Southern Methodist Missions. Nashville: co*kesbury Press, 1926.
Clary, Jr., George Esmond. The Beginnings of the South Georgia Conference. : The South Georgia
Conference Historical Society, 1967.
McTyeire, Holland N. A History of Methodism. Nashville: Publishing House of the Methodist
Episcopal Church, South, 1910.
Moore, John N. The Long Road to Methodist Union. Nashville: Abingdon-co*kesbury Press, 1943.
Richardson, Simon Peter. The Lights and Shadows of the Itinerant Life: An autobiography.
Nashville: Publishing House of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, 1900.
Smith, George G. The History of Methodism in Georgia and Flodia, From 1785 to 1865, Macon: Jno.
Burke & Co., 1877.
Smith, George G. The Life and Times of George Foster Pierce, Sparta, Georgia: Hanco*ck Publishing
Company, 1888.
55
Chapter 3
THE SOUTH GEORGIA
CONFERENCE
OF
THE METHODIST CHURCH
1939-1968
S. Walter Martin
The Methodist Church came into existence in Kansas City, Missouri, on May 9,
1939, formed from the union of the Methodist Episcopal Church, the Methodist
Episcopal Church, South, and the Methodist Protestant Church. These three
branches of Methodism had been divided for more than a century. The Methodist
Protestant Church was organized as a separate body in 1828, and in 1846 the
Methodist Episcopal Church, South, became an independent Church, having
separated from the Methodist Episcopal Church as a result of the slavery issue in
1844. During the years of separation considerable effort was made to bring the
three bodies back together. Many Methodists worked and prayed for a long time
for unification. The Conference in Kansas City was a culmination of these efforts.
The unifying conference, as it became known, lasted two weeks and one day, with
the major portion of business devoted to the historic action of merger. The South
Georgia delegation to the uniting conference included the following ministers:
Leland Moore, L. A. Harrell, H. T. Freeman, W. F. Quillian, C. M. Meeks, Silas
Johnson, and J. P. Dell. The following laymen were part of the Conference: W. T.
Anderson, Mrs. C. C. Sapp, C. L. Shepard, Charles A. Britton, Jr., T. E. Thrasher,
Warren Roberts, and Slater Wight. Rev. T. D. Ellis from the South Georgia Con-
ference was also part of the delegation by virture of having been a member of the1
Commission on Unification.
After unification the total membership of the new Methodist Church was
estimated at 7,730,000 persons. Three hundred thousand of these were blacks. Two
hundred thousand came from the Methodist Protestant Church; 2,850,000 from the
former Methodist Episcopal Church, South and 4,680,000 had been members of the
Methodist Episcopal Church. There were thirty-one Episcopal areas in the new
organization consisting of 116 annual conferences and 598 districts. There were ap-
proximately 24,000 ministers.
The new Church was divided into six jurisdictions. The black churches were plac-
ed in the Central Jurisdiction and the other five jurisdictions represented the
various geographical regions of the country; namely, North Central, Northeastern,
South Central, Southeastern, and Western. Twelve months after the meeting of the
first General Conference, conferences were convened in each of the jurisdictions,
56
and Bishops were elected as provided for under the plan of union. The
Southeastern Jurisdiction was made up of nine states in the Southeast, and it con-
sisted of eight Episcopal areas and nineteen annual conferences. The South
Georgia Conference was one of those annual conferences.
There were some discordant notes sounded while the unifying conference was in
session, although most of the delegates favored the merger. One Bishop, Bishop
Collins Denny refused to become a Bishop in the new Church, retiring instead, and
refusing to accept his pension payments. Bishop Warren A. Candler, beloved
Georgian, was also much opposed to union. He stated on occasions that it was il-
legal, but put his feelings aside and declared, Ill stay with my Church. This he
did. But to other Methodists in high places, the coming of unification fulfilled their
highest hopes.
During the years prior to the unifying conference, considerable opposition had
also been expressed in the South Georgia Conference to unification with the
Methodist Episcopal Church, and this feeling was rekindled when the plan of union
was adopted in Kansas City. On the surface the jurisdictional plan seemed to insure
the southern churches against forced integration which might come from the
northern churches. But skepticism remained strong over how the southern
churches would fit into the new plan, and whether or not unification would bring
about complete capitulation of southern ideas and ideals as they related to the
Church. Also, changes in the organizational structure, new terminology, and new
emphases on some programs bothered many staunch Methodists of the South. It
was to be some yeaTS before this opposition subsided.
The Wesleyan Christian Advocate opened its columns to Methodists in South
Georgia who wanted to express themselves on the issues. Prior to the meeting of the
Conference in Kansas City, the matter was debated not only in the columns of the
IAdvocate, but in pulpits, in Sunday School classes, and in groups of Methodists
wherever they met. Dr. George L. King, one of the Georgia leaders of the unifica-
tion movement, was very persuasive. He referred to the proposed plan as a reunion
of Methodism in the world and pointed out all of the good features that
Methodism would enjoy under the new plan. He called unification a holy consum-
mation that would benefit everyone involved. He deplored the fact that some peo-
ple were unhappy over the move, but he said, Joy cannot be compelled. Dr. King
emphasized the point that the future of the new Methodist Church was very prom-
ising and said that the plan did not reflect an ambition for size, but an ambition
for service which must be our ever-motivating source.
Another strong voice favoring the plan was that of Bishop J. L. Decell, the
presiding Bishop of the South Georgia Conference. During the weeks prior to the
Kansas City Conference he made several speeches and wrote many articles in an ef-
fort to explain the need for the new structural plan for the Church. He stressed that
.he plan of unification would do no violence to Southern ideals and that it would do
much to interpret our local Church methods of life and service to people outside
our section of the country. He pled with those who were against the plan to give it a
'rial, saying that, We will all go forward together in this united fellowship of
Christ. Most of those Church leaders who spoke in favor of the plan tried to assure
.hose who opposed it that the way of life of the Church was secure and that we
vould all feel very comfortable with the new organization within a short time.
The seven ministers and the seven laymen from the South Georgia Conference
57
who were elected as members of the unifying conference all supported the plan
strongly upon returning home and worked endless hours to get favorable action by
the Annual Conference on the plan of union. Bishop Decell, along with Bishop Ar-
thur J. Moore, who would soon be appointed Bishop of Georgia Methodism, and
Dr. Hary Denman, Secretary of the General Commission on Evangelism, traveled
throughout the State attempting to explain and answer questions about the plan of
union and to help soften the blow for some of those who opposed the action.
Knowledgeable and competent Church leaders were asked to write articles on dif-
ferent phases of the plan approved in Kansas City. The leadership of the Womans
Missionary Society of the South Georgia Conference (which was soon to become the
Womans Society of Christian Service) emphasized to its members the favorable
features of the plan. One prominent South Georgia Methodist woman said that, A
new day approaches for women with the coming of union of the three branches of
Methodism. God has endowed us to face the new and the untried. This new
organization brings a challenge to all women of the Church. Throughout the sum-
mer and fall of 1939, the leadership of the Conference continued to hold meetings
in the interest of the new Church and in preparation for its hoped for approval at
Annual Conference.
The Annual Conference was held in Macon that year at which time the formal ac-
ceptance of the new Church structure was voted upon. South Georgia officially
became a part of the Methodist Church on November 9, 1939. Several Methodist
leaders assisted in the special service, including Georgia-born Bishop W. N.
Ainsworth. After a stirring speech by Bishop Ainsworth and a rebroadcast of the
Kansas City Conference, a formal statement of merger was read by Bishop Decell
which said,
I, J. Lloyd Decell, resident and presiding Bishop of the South
Georgia Conference of the Methodist Church on the 9th day of
November, 1939, declare the South Georgia Conference to be an in-
tegral part of the Methodist Church by the acts of union already
consummated; and further declare that part of the Georgia Con-
ference of the former Methodist Episcopal Church and that part of
the South Georgia Conference of the former Methodist Episcopal
Church, South which lies within the boundry lines as drawn in
paragraph 414 on page 461 of the 1939 Discipline of the Methodist
Church have been and are duly merged into the one united Annual
Conference, namely the South Georgia Conference of the
Methodist Church.
The statement was approved by the Conference, after which the sacrament of the
Lords Supper was observed. The ceremony was impressive. The change from the
old to the new Church structure began to take place in the fall of 1939, and the new
Discipline was put into effect soon after Conference.
Bishop J. L. Decell continued to serve the South and the North Georgia Con-
ferences in addition to his Alabama assignments until 1940. He had been elected to
the Episcopacy at the last General Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church,
South, in 1938 and presided from that time until 1940 over Methodism in Georgia
and Alabama. After his two years in Alabama and Georgia, Bishop Decell, a native
of Mississippi, returned to his native state to serve as the presiding Bishop of the
Jackson area. He died on January 10,1946.
58
1940 CABINET
Front: Silas Johnson, W.A. Kelley, Bishop Arthur Moore, J.R. Webb, Sr. Back: John Sharpe, G.N.
Rainey, W.H. Haywood, George E. Clary, Sr., J.M. Hitch
CLASS OF 1940
Back: E. D. Willard, Vemard Robertson, W. A. Alsobrook. Front: S. L. Mayo, Allen Johnson insets: J.
Paul Barratt, Ellis Miller
59
BISHOP ARTHUR J. MOORE
Bishop Arthur James Moore became Resident Bishop of the Atlanta area in 1940
and served the area for the next 20 years. He was a native of South Georgia, having
been born in the village of Argyle not far from Waycross on December 26,1888. At
an early age he married Martha McDonald, his childhood sweetheart.
Bishop Moore joined the South Georgia Conference in 1909 and served several
small churches in the Conference before going to Emory College at Oxford, Georgia
where he studied for a short time. Bishop William N. Ainsworth, a fellow Georgian,
who had been elected to the Episcopacy in 1918, realized young Moores powerful
potential in preaching and offered him much encouragement. In 1920 Bishop
Ainsworth transferred Arthur Moore to Travis Park Church, San Antonio, in the
West Texas Conference. In 1972 Bishop Warren A. Candler transferred him to
First Church Birmingham, Alabama. He was elected to the Episcopacy in 1930.
Bishop Moore was assigned to Methodism in Georgia at the Southeastern i
Jurisdictional Conference held in Asheville, N. C. in 1940, and was welcomed back
to his native State with open arms. Just prior to the meeting of the Southeastern
Jurisdictional Conference in Asheville when Bishop Moore was assigned to Georgia,
the first meeting of the General Conference of the new Methodist Church took,
place in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Bishop Moore preached the sermon on the first
night of the historic Conference. Among the 3,000 people who heard his sermon,
none were more proud than the South Georgians. In summary, he stated that our
Church must have these five substantial foundations, and he named them as
follows: a vision, a world outlook, the spirit of the cross, a vital religious experience,
and no fear of the future. He emphasized the fact that the Church cannot be fearful
or timid.
Bishop Moore proved to be not only an effective preacher and an able ad-
ministrator but also a good leader of the clergy of the South Georgia Conference.
He was also very successful in working with lay people. The laymen are in a very
genuine sense the guardians of the vitality of the Church, he said at one time.
Your task, my brethren, is ... first to assist your minister in a determined effort to i
deepen the spiritual experience of our people. The Bishop further challenged the ;
laymen with these objectives: (1) the promotion of a movement to give supremacy:
to evangelism, (2) the movement to recover the burning zeal of earlier Methodists
and to make Christ known to the ends of the earth, (3) a determination to make
themselves good churchmen.
Bishop Moore had numerous overseas assignments before and after returning to
Georgia. Missions and evangelism were his two major emphases. His trips to foreign
lands included a visit in early 1946 to Korea, China, and Japan; the chief purpose of
which was to assist Methodist churches to recover from chaotic conditions brought
on by the war. Bishop Moore also conducted conferences with Methodist chaplains
in those countries. In mid-1948 the Council of Bishops sent Bishop Moore to
Europe, and again in 1949, he went on another mission for the Council of Bishops,
this time to Malaysia, Borneo, Sumatra, Java and Burma. This mission, which re-
quired approximately four months, was perhaps his most difficult one because the
war had left many problems in that part of the world, and there was much to do.
Still, another overseas trip included a visit to India and Africa in 1956. In 1952
Bishop Moores responsibilities were enlarged to include the annual conferences in
central and southern Europe and Africa. The work was not new to him, for he had
60
presided over some of those conferences in 1934 to 1940. For the next few years, im-
mediately after the annual conferences in Georgia were over, Bishop Moore visited
the Geneva area conferences.
As Bishop Moore neared completion of twelve years of service in the Atlanta
area, it was rumored that he might be moved to another area in 1952; so con-
siderable effort was spent in trying to get him back to Georgia for another quadren-
nium. Though expecting to be moved at the Southeastern Jurisdictional Con-
ference, held at Roanoke, Virginia in July 1952, Bishop Moore and many of his
friends were pleasant surprised at his reassignment to the Atlanta area. Glad to
return, he said that his joy was tempered by a solemn sense of the unfinished task
and pledged his best efforts in the work that lay ahead. Four years later, the
Jurisdictional Conference was again petitioned to return him to Georgia for his last
quadrennium prior to his retirement. The request was granted; Bishop Moore was
assigned once more to the Atlanta area to complete his active ministry in his native
state. He presided over his last South Georgia Conference session in 1960. At which
the Conference gave special recognition to him in appreciation of his years of
service. In his last message to the Annual Conference as its presiding Bishop, he
said:
"This is the 70th year of my life, and the 50th year of my ministry. Much of it has
been spent in service with and among the people of the State where I was born. So
many things haue been done this year by generous friends to mark these anniver-
saries in my life and ministry. I bow in gratitude for them all. I do not know how to
frame adequate words of appreciation...
The report of the district superintendents at this conference emphasized the pro-
gress made in South Georgia during Bishop Moores twenty years of leadership. Im-
provement was made in every endeavor of the Church. Membership in the
Womans Society of Christian Service increased by 55%; Sunday School enroll-
ment increased by 55%; Church membership by 20^; Pastors salaries by 281%;
World Service giving by 236%; and total giving by 700%,, Bishop Moore left a
lasting imprint on South Georgia Methodism.
THE WAR YEARS
The scent of war was in the air when the Methodist Church came into existence
in 1939. The totalitarian nations of the world were on the verge of forcing global
conflict on humanity, which by December 1941 engulfed the United States of
America. Christians everywhere had prayed that this would not come about, but
when World War II was thrust upon Americans, South Georgia Methodists took a
deep interest in its progress. Many Methodist homes were involved. The Con-
ference supported the men and women who became engaged in the military, and
i especially the Methodist chaplains who entered the service from South Georgia.
The 1941 session of the South Georgia Conference passed a resolution asking that
one Bishop of the Methodist Church be selected and appointed by the Council of
i Bishops to act as a personnel contact with the chaplains of the Methodist Church
and the War Department. Since our Conference in South Georgia, the resolution
i stated, is in an area which embraces more army posts and more military personnel
than most other areas of the Methodist Church ... such an appointment is
needed. It was also felt that our chaplains in the service should have at all times a
Bishop who could properly represent their cause when action was necessary. A
commission on the chaplaincy was created and headquarters were placed in
61
Washington. There was a steady flow of men going into the service from the South
Georgia Conference thorughout the war years.
The local churches in the South Georgia Conference showed compassion and love
for the men in service and their families. Local pastors made a special effort to
minister to the loved ones at home. In an editorial in the Wesleyan Christian Ad-
vocate, May 14,1943, pastors were urged to give more thought to the content of the
pastoral prayers at the Sunday morning service and especially to remember those
men who were fighting the war. The editorial, written by Dr. E. G. Mackay of the
North Georgia Conference, said further:
Most of our people are having special tensions and trials relating to the war, and
the pastor would be a poor shepherd if he did not see and pray for these persons.
Sons, brothers, and fathers are involved in the war in one way or another. Some are
in imminent danger. Great issues are at stake and suffering is everywhere. Not
even the guns of war should silence the voice of prayer. Many of our people suffer
and sacrifice.
PROGRAMS
During the early years of the war, members of the Conference began to think
about the day when hostilities would cease and peace would once again come to the
world. With this in mind, a committee was appointed in 1942 to begin a thorough
study of world peace and how it might be kept. The committee was appointed in
1942 to begin a thorough study of world peace and how it might be kept. The com-
mittee, which later became a commission, reported each year at Annual Conference
on its study relating to world peace and order. One of its recommendations urged
the South Georgia Conference to support the emphasis called the Crusade for a
New World Order. This emphasis or thrust was designed and sponsored by the
Council of Bishops in 1943 for the entire Methodist Church. South Georgia took an
active part in this crusade.
The Crusade program was placed under the Board of Missions and Church Ex-
tension for implementation. Bishop G. Bromley Oxnam of Boston was the project
chairman, but the entire College of Bishops participated by giving full support to
the promotion of the work. During the early months of 1944 twenty-two teams of
Bishops traveled throughout the United States, holding mass meetings at which
the program was explained and promotional activities were planned. The resident
Bishop presided over all Crusade meetings in his area. In the South Georgia Con-
ference, the mass meeting was held in Macon on January 19, 1944, and was at-
tended by a large crowd of Methodists. March 26 was set aside as a day of consecra-
tion when all Methodists in South Georgia were asked to rededicate their lives to
the principles of the Prince of Peace and to pray for the continuation of the ad-
vance of peace throughout the world. Following the Conference mass meeting,
District mass meetings were held throughout the South Georgia Conference. In this
way the grass roots of Methodism were affected.
Out of this undertaking by the Council of Bishops to emphasize peace and world
order came the quadrennial thrust for 1945-1948 known as the Crusade for Christ.
South Georgia Methodists became very much involved in this program. Interest
reached a high level in early 1945 after District meetings were held throughout the
Conference to explain the main ideas of the program. Briefly, it included the
following emphases: First of all, it was a Crusade to emphasize Jesus Christ and the
cross in the daily lives of all Methodists. All Methodists were called upon to deepen
62
their spiritual lives. (2) Missions were stressed, with hopes that during the post war
years world missions would be expanded and enlarged. (3) Evangelism was lifted
up, and the winning of souls for Christ was stressed. (4) Stewardship was a major
thrust, particularly the stewardship of giving to Church-related organizations agen-
cies and charities. (5) And finally, the Sunday School was emphasized, through an
effort to build a larger and more enriched Sunday School in every Methodist
Church.
All of the emphases of the Crusade were important, but certainly none was more
vital than the effort in evangelism. The year of 1946 was set aside for special atten-
tion on evangelism. In the South Georgia Conference an attempt was made to
mobilize the total life of the Church in this effort. As millions came home from the
war, all returned with a special need, some with broken health and spirits and
others with shattered dreams. The Church did much to help these persons
reconstruct their lives and their homes. Every Methodist in the South Georgia Con-
ference was called upon to do or give something in this phase of the Crusade. The
laity of the Church took an active part in the success of the total Crusade program.
Mrs. C. C. Sapp of Albany, Conference President of the Womans Society of Chris-
tian Service and Dr. Walter A. Blasingame, of Moultrie, Conference Lay Leader,
and other lay persons delivered speeches in many of the districts in support of the
Crusade. The next year, 1947, was designated for an emphasis on stewardship. The
Sunday School received attention throughout the quadrennium. Sunday Schools
throughout South Georgia became enlarged and their programs enriched. The
Crusade was declared a success. During the quadrennium (1945-48) the Methodist
Church at large was asked to raise twenty-five million dollars, and it responded
with more than twenty-seven million. During that time more than 600,000 new
members were added to the Church rolls, about 400,000 by transfer of membership.
South Georgia met its goal in new members; new congregations were formed; mis-
sion work was strengthened and new churches were built. These advances took
place not only in South Georgia, but throughout Methodism.
The quadrennial emphasis for the period 1949 through 1952 was called the Ad-
vance for Christ and His Church. In many respects, it was partly a continuation of
the Crusade for Christ and was received with approval in the South Georgia Con-
ference. It presented a new challenge and contained a number of additional
features. The goals included four emphases: Our Faith, Our Church, Our Mission,
and Our Ministry. This program was equally as successful as the Crusade for
Christ. No other quadrennial emphases did more for South Georgia Methodism
than the two just mentioned.
CHURCH EXTENSION
The promotion of evangelism and Church extension which was a strong thrust of
the two quadrennial programs from 1945 through 1952 had a lasting effect in South
Georgia Methodism. Ministers in large and small churches alike supported the
idea, and Church rolls increased in numbers. With more people coming into
Georgia after the war and with the population on the rise, there was a larger field in
which to work. Church extension in South Georgia perhaps reached a new high in
the 1950s and 1960s. South Georgia enjoyed favorable economic conditions during
this time. As a result our cities and towns grew. Church sociologists pointed out to
the ministers and laity that Methodists were not gaining their share of this influx of
63
people, since membership growth was not keeping pace with population growth.
The Methodist Church needed to win more people. One problem which had to be
overcome was the lack of cooperation from some of the older and more established
churches who feared that giving up of a goodly number of their own members to
serve as a nucleus for a new congregation might weaken the mother congregation.
This fear proved to be a groundless assumption.
In every case, where a considerable number of members from an older church
became a nucleus for a newly formed congregation, both the old and new churches
prospered. Good examples of this were Park Avenue Methodist Church in
Valdosta, Porterfield Methodist Church in Albany, and White Bluff Methodist
Church in Savannah. Each of these churches were born in the expansion period of
the fifties. Rev. W. A. Kelley, who was Conference Director of Evangelism and
Church Extension during this period, gave much time to the organization of new
churches. From 1950 to 1958, 377 new churches were organized in the Southeastern
Jurisdiction. The job had not been finished.
To determine the need for the next ten years, a survey was made in 1960 in South
Georgia to see how many churches should be organized and where each should be
placed. Rev. C. W. Hanco*ck was Chairman of the Conference Committee on Mis-
sions and Church Extension. When the study was completed a Conference rally was
held in Tifton for the purpose of hearing the report. Bishop John 0. Smith and
several officials of the General Board of Missions were in attendance. The study
revealed that sixty-three new churches were needed and should be organized in
South Georgia. The challenge was accepted by the Conference, and Rev. F. J.
Beverly, Jr., was appointed Director of Evangelism and Church Extension, assum-
ing his responsibilities in June, 1961. Rev. Beverlys biggest problem at first was the
lack of funds to do the job because very little was available from the Conference.
Efforts to get financing for the expansion program were finally successful in 1964
when the Annual Conference voted to earmark $400,000 for this project. After a
time, the goal was over-subscribed. This gave us the financial undergirding,
Beverly said, that was so desperately needed.
KINGDOM BUILDERS CLUB
H
E
L
P
S
WITH NEW LOCATIONS AND REBUILDING
Between June 1963 and June 1967, twenty-three new church congregations were
begun. Though short of the goal of sixty-three churches which the study had re-
vealed were needed, a great deal had been accomplished. Some members of the
Conference had felt that the ten-year goal was a bit unrealistic, anyway. Guidelines
64
for the planning and the building of the churches were drawn up, and these details
are still available for use by prospective congregations in the Conference. Rev.
Beverlys efforts during his six years of leadership bore fruit, and the churches
which were begun became thriving congregations. The Kingdom Builders Club,
organized at this time to help finance new churches, has increased in numbers and
grown in significance. It still makes money available for new congregations for the
purchase of land or the construction of needed facilities. Rev. W. Carlton Carruth
followed Rev. Beverly in the position of Director of Evangelism and Church Exten-
sion and gave good leadership to the movement for a number of years. In 1967, a
revised list of new church sites was projected, nine of which were of immediate need
and ten more were placed in the long-range need category. The Kingdom Builders
Club provided some of the funds, to purchase lots and help with erection of first
units; without the help received from this source, much less would have been
accomplished.
Evangelism was a major emphasis during the 40s, 50s and 60s in South Georgia.
It was of special interest to both Bishop Moore and Bishop Smith. The Conference
Journal reported that in 1946 evangelism had the greatest year the Conference
has known in a quarter of a century. Bishop Moore, in commenting on the pro-
gress, said that wise and winsome evangelism seems to have taken root in our Con-
ference. Church rolls were increased with new members joining on profession of
faith and by transfer of letter. The trend continued. Evangelism was given special
emphasis through all programs of the Church, especially the Sunday School. The
laity took it as a special project for the quadrennium, 1945-1948, but the lay efforts
in this area were not limited simply to this one quadrennium. Evangelism was also
i stressed by the Womans Society of Christian Service for a number of years. Dr.
Harry Denman made several visits to places in the Conference in the interest of
i evangelism during the era of the Methodist Church.
The quadrennial emphasis in 1961-1964 was Jesus Christ is Lord, and it carried
'with it a continued stress in the area of evangelism. In addition, other areas of in-
terest during this quadrennium included the Inner City program, Church and cam-
ipus, the family, Christian social concerns, missions, and stewardship. In the sixties
ithe Conference became greatly interested in the emerging plans and the work of the
(Conference Board of Christian Social Concerns. The Board investigated such topics
as crime and rehabilitation, the Vietnam war, medicine and theology, the abolition
of the Central Jurisdiction, the liquor traffic, and the merger of the Methodist
'Church with the Evangelical United Brethren Church scheduled in 1968. Moreover,
it was in the forefront in all discussions dealing with issues of race and civil rights.
In the field of communications, the Methodist Church was active, and the in-
itterest spread to the South Georgia Conference. In 1964, the Television, Radio, and
Film Commission of the Methodist Church opened offices in New York and Los
[ Angeles for the purpose of supplementing the work already being done in this field
in Nashville by TRAFCO, and cooperated with all the annual conferences. Several
persons were sent to Georgia to assist in the promotion of the work in the area of
television. TRAFCO in South Georgia derived much benefit from the organization
on the national level, and became involved with such matters as news coverage,
both local and national, as well as the placement and promotion of television and
radio programs with appropriate church or religious orientation.
The temperance issue was constantly before the Conference, and from time-to-
65
time the Chairman of the Board of Temperance made a report about significant
progress that was being made in South Georgia. At the Conference session in 1940 a
stirring report was made by the chairman of the Temperance Board, Rev. Roy C.
Sampley. He asked the Church to seek to secure the repeal of the liquor legislation
of Georgia and the reenactment of a state prohibition law as soon as possible. But
little was done to carry out the suggestion. Rallies were held from time-to-time. On
November 9, 1955, a large temperance rally was held in Macon, sponsored by the
Macon Ministerial Association. Though inter-denominational, the rally was strong-
ly supported by Methodists. But those fighting the liquor traffic fought a losing
battle because the manufacture and consumption of liquor continued to increase,
not only in South Georgia, but in our society in general. It remains a national social
problem, still unchecked, despite efforts by some churches and groups to control it.
Efforts were made throughout the period of The Methodist Church to increase
the Superannuate Endowment Fund for retired ministers. Until 1982 no other pen-
sion program existed in the Conference. Through the efforts of some of the laity,
the movement to increase the pension fund for ministers received much needed at-
tention with the result that gradually the compensation for retired ministers was
increased, though the increase was small. Taking the lead in this endeavor were
several lay leaders of the Conference, including Walter Blasingame, Julian
Strickland, B. I. Thornton, and George Wright. Later, in the 1970s, George Mayo
and Will Peterson were among the leaders in the Pension Crusade and ultimately
in the new pension plan. The old one, a kind of pay-as-you-go plan, was most inade-
quate, whereas the new plan, which went into effect in 1982, put the program on a
more solid basis. Certainly, the efforts made from 1939 to 1968 helped lay a good
foundation for later accomplishments in the area of pensions.
Many of the South Georgia Conference programs were financed in part by Ex-
pansion Day offerings which began in 1953. The Conference came to depend on Ex-
pansion Day giving, not only for the development of new programs, but for the
enrichment of established programs. A program of both the South and North
Georgia Conferences, this special day was developed by the area planning con-
ference and adopted in a called meeting of both conferences in 1952. Begun in 1952,
Expansion Day was observed for many years in the Conference and judged by any
standard of measurement, it was a great success. It represented the second mile of
giving on the part of churches. The money given in these once-a-year offerings
made possible the building of new churches in the Conference, the expansion of
Epworth-by-the-Sea, and the establishment of a chaplains office at Candler
Hospital. It also gave financial support to our Methodist colleges and Wesley Foun-
dations, and it provided for scholarships and loans for needy boys and girls. Over a
number of years, it assisted in improving Methodist information and in furthering
good race relations. The total giving from Expanion Day funds for the first decade,
1953-1963, was approximately one-million dollars.
Youth and childrens work in South Georgia became well established during the
era of the Methodist Church. Interest on the part of the adults and good leadership
by the young people assured success in this area. The Methodist Youth Fellowship
was organized in the early forties and had the support of the entire Church. The
Council of Bishops gave assistance to the programs of the MYF, one in particular
being the world-wide watch night service of dedication which was held in all the
conferences on New Years eve night in 1941. It was estimated that two-million
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Methodist young people were involved in these services. South Georgias youth par-
ticipated. The purpose was to give the youth an opportunity to consecrate
themselves anew to Christ and His Church. The Crusade for Christ program, as
well as the Advance Program in the forties and fifties gave special attention to
youth work. Youth work in the Conference was further strengthened when the Pro-
gram Council was established. At this time additional support was given by the
Conference and the youth workers were furnished more resources with which to do
their jobs.
ACTIVITIES OF THE LAITY
The laymen of the South Georgia Conference played an important role in the af-
fairs of their Church during the era of the Methodist Church, 1939-1968. They were
organized into the Board of the Laity which was made up of representative laymen
from each district in the Conference. The lay leader of the Conference who was
chosen by the Board was the head of the Board of the Laity. He was elected for a
term of one year but could succeed himself. The following persons served as lay
leaders from 1939-1968: Charles S. Pryor of Leslie, 1939-1940; Walter A. Blas-
ingame of Moultrie, 1940-1945; Zack Henderson of Statesboro, 1945-1949; E. D.
Whisonant of Valdosta, 1949-1951; B. I. Thornton of Cordele, 1951-1955; W. E.
Bostwick of Arlington, 1955-1960; Charles P. Gray of Perry, 1960-1962; William S.
Parks of Rhine, 1962-1966; George A. Wright of Tifton, 1966-1968. (George Wright
served four more years, from 1968-1972, after the Methodist Church became the
United Methodist Church.)
Over the years lay representation in the Conference and Councils of the Church
had come slowly. A limited number of laymen were delegates at the General Con-
ference of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South as early as 1870, but it was not
until the time of union that equal lay representation became a reality in the annual
conference. In the South Georgia Conference there were 219 lay delegates present
in 1939, the first session after unification. This was an improvement over previous
years, but more was to be achieved later. When equal lay representation finally
became a reality in all conferences and meetings of the Methodist Church, there
was a noticeable increase in lay participation in the Church. Lay influence in the
local Church and the annual conferences began to be felt.
As the laity began to take its place in leadership positions, it threw its full sup-
port behind the clergy and the program of the Church. Training sessions were held
by some ministers for lay persons who wanted to assume leadership roles. One of
the first undertakings with which the laity became involved after unification in
1939 was the task of learning more about the structure and the function of the new
Church. Many of them assisted in helping to get the rank and file of the Church
more familiar and better acquainted with the structure of the new organization.
Other projects or programs in which the laity took special interest during this era of
the Methodist Church included: (1) Epworth-by-the-Sea, (2) stewardship em-
phasis, (3) evangelistic efforts, (4) Methodist colleges and higher education, (5) in-
terracial cooperation, (6) the pension fund, (7) rural work, (8) lay speaking, (9) mis-
sion projects, and (10) opposition to the liquor traffic.
The Board of Laity assisted in the local Church with the emphasis that was
| adopted each four years by the General Conference. Local programs were usually
designed to be in keeping with the quadrennial thrusts. Stewardship and
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evangelism, both introduced in the Crusade for Christ thrust, held special interest
for the laymen. Giving to various causes in the Conference was increased as a result
of the effort of the laity. Training programs for the purpose of assisting lay people
in learning how to win people to Christ were conducted by the Board of Laity.
Family worship was stressed in an effort to deepen the spiritual lives of lay persons.
Laymen in the local Church also sponsored Laymens Day each year. Laymen
spoke not only in the pulpit on Laymens Day, but when and wherever needed by
their pastors. During one lenten season the Wesleyan Christian Advocate
editorialized that there are a thousand Methodist laymen ready to fill pulpits in
Georgia during February and March that otherwise would be vacant. The District
boards of the laity were active as well as the Conference Board of the Laity and
took the lead in coordinating the No Silent Pulpit program.
The Conference Board of the Laity sponsored Methodist Mens clubs in the local
churches where such an organization could be started. Many such clubs were
chartered, but some were short lived. At one time approximately 150 clubs were in
existence, but the number fluctuated from time-to-time. In some cases the local
clubs lacked objectives, or a purpose, or perhaps leadership. It was not until 1972
that much importance was placed on the local Church mens organization.
Methodist Mens fellowships took on new life under the structure of the United
Methodist Church.
WOMANS SOCIETY OF CHRISTIAN SERVICE
The work of the women in the Church was reorganized at the time of unification
in 1939. The old organization, the Womans Missionary Society, gave way to the
Womans Society of Christian Service and the Wesleyan Service Guild. Though the
two units were entirely separate, they had some common relations. The Guild was
devised to give women who worked outside the home an opportunity to have a part
in the womens service of the Church. It was governed by its own officers, made its
own plans, formulated its own programs, and raised and spent its own money.
Under the organization of the Womans Society of Christian Service, or the WSCS
as it was popularly known, a secretary was chosen to work with the Guild officers.]
Mrs. W. F. Sessions of McRae was the first person to serve in this capacity and it
68
was her responsibility, along with the pastors and the presidents of the Womans
Society of Christian Service in the local churches, to organize units of the Guild in
the various churches of the South Georgia Conference in her home in McRae. Soon
Guilds were organized in many of the other churches in the Conference. The move-
ment expanded, as did the Womans Society of Christian Service, and it became a
very significant part of the womens work in the Conference. The first years were
years in which a great deal of pioneering was done; however, with good leadership
which was given to the Guild by persons like Mrs. Sessions, the permanency of the
organization was assured.
Mrs. C. C. Sapp of Albany served as the first Conference president of the newly
created Womans Society of Christian Service. Having attended the last General
Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South held in Birmingham in 1938,
and also the uniting conference in Kansas City in 1939 when the three major
branches of Methodism were merged, she came home inspired and anxious to get
the new organization underway. With the assistance of Bishop Arthur J. Moore,
Mrs. Sapp called an organizational meeting of the WSCS of the South Georgia Con-
ference at Fitzgerald on September 27, 1940. Approximately 1200 Methodist
women of South Georgia accepted the challenge issued by Bishop Moore, to dream
dreams of a Christian-oriented world. The new organization was off to a good
start. The first few years served as a time of adjustment; however, the women of the
Church were equal to the challenge. Changes were made, sometimes with difficulty,
but in the end the new organizational pattern was accepted by laity and clergy
alike.
The leadership of the Womans Society of Christian Service over the next three
decades was good. Including Mrs. Sapp, those who served as president were Mrs. F.
M. Mullino, Mrs. J. Wallace Daniel, Mrs. Clyde J. Newman, Mrs. Scott Edwards,
Mrs. C. R. Avera, and Mrs. J. E. Williams. The Womans Society of Christian
Service sponsored many projects and programs during the 1940s, 50s and 60s which
were noteworthy and of great importance to the Methodist Church. The Vashti
School for underprivileged youth in Thomasville, the Open Door Community
Center project in Columbus, and the Bethlehem Center in Savannah were examples
of the kinds of activities which the women of the Church undertook. The
Wesleyan Service Guild also became involved in similar projects. Inspiring reports
were made at each Annual Conference by the various presidents of the Womans
Society of Christian Service. These reports always showed that the women were ac-
tive in all of the districts of the Conference and that gains were usually made in the
total number of societies and in the number of members. The per capita giving of
each member was high, and the total amount of money raised each year was
noteworthy. During the early 1940s reports showed that there were 351 societies
with membership in the Conference of 13,958. A little more than ten years later,
Mrs. Scott Edwards, the president, reported that there were 470 societies and 121
Guilds, with a total membership of 23,000 in the Conference. Our responsibility is
great, Mrs. Edwards said in her 1955 report, because our Church is challenged by
the needs of a turbulent world. Every Methodist woman in the South Georgia Con-
ference is needed to bring her talents and interests to this task. One of Mrs. Ed-
wards chief interests lay in the School of Mission and Christian Service which was
sponsored annually by the Society. Each of the other Conference presidents
claimed a keen interest in this project, also. Workshops and retreats were held fre-
69
quently by the Society on timely subjects such as foreign and home missions, the
Christian lifestyle, Christian social concerns, spiritual life of the individual,
evangelism, alcohol abuse and other matters dealing with the Church and society.
At all levels, women began to serve on boards, committees, and commissions and
discharge faithfully all duties to which they were assigned. During the last quadren-
nium of The Methodist Church era, the Womans Society and the Wesleyan Service
Guild gave more than $900,000 for the cause of missions.
METHODIST HIGHER EDUCATION
From 1939 through 1968 South Georgia Methodists supported their colleges in a
fair manner, but never in an overly generous way. From time to time individual
Methodists made sizeable contributions to higher education, which helped to keep
the institutions solvent. At each annual conference reports were heard from the col-
leges located in South Georgia: Andrew College, Wesleyan College, and Emory at
Valdosta or Emory Junior College. One of the Conference objectives for 1940-1942
was a concentration on Christian higher education with special emphasis on the
needs of the three Methodist colleges in South Georgia. A major concern during the
1957-1960 quadrennium was the financial assistance to the institutions of higher
education. Methodists in Georgia determined to raise $2,000,000 for the six
Methodist colleges in the state.
In 1955, the North and South Georgia Conferences created the Georgia
Methodist Commission on Higher Education to coordinate a statewide effort in
Methodist higher education and to help secure needed funds for the six institu-
tions. Rev. Luther A. Harrell became the first Executive Director of the Commis-
sion. He was followed two years later by Rev. George E. Clary, Sr., who served for a
number of years. Both men were from South Georgia. The first major undertaking
of the Commission was to spearhead the drive for the raising of the $2,000,000
which the Conferences had approved in 1952. The amount was pledged and raised
in full by the end of the quadrennium. The six colleges wnvolved were Andrew,
Emory at Oxford, LaGrange, Reinhardt, Wesleyan, and Young Harris. Emory at
Valdosta had ceased to exist as a Methodist institution prior to this time because of
financial difficulties resulting from reduced student enrollment. When Emory
University closed its Junior College campus at Valdosta, all facilities were turned
over to the State Board of Regents to be operated as a part of the State College at
Valdosta.
Emory Junior College at Valdosta had been supported by the South Georgia
Conference since 1928 when it was first opened as a branch of Emory University. It
was closed in 1942 for the duration of the war. Deem Hollis Edens, who was later
Dean of Administration at Emory University and afterwards served for a number of
years as President of Duke University, was Dean of the College at Valdosta when it
closed. It reopened in the fall of 1946 with E. D. Whisonant as chief administrative
officer. Whisonant was a prominent Methodist layman who had been in public
school work for a number of years in Gerogia prior to taking the Emory position.
When the school was closed in the mid-fifties, Whisonant was transferred to the
Emory campus in Atlanta as Associate Director of Development. Others from the
faculty and staff also found employment at Emory University.
Like many educational institutions during the depression, Wesleyan College in
Macon fell into financial trouble in the mid-thirties and was unable to discharge its
70
obligations. Until it could discharge its accumulated debts, it became necessary for
the property to be sold to a private corporation. During this crisis period Bishop
Moore was asked by the trustees to assume the presidency of Wesleyan, which he
did. Dr. Silas Johnson, prominent South Georgia minister, assisted him as Vice
President, and together they raised more than a million dollars to pay off the
outstanding debts and restore Wesleyan to its rightful owners. Dr. Johnson also
served as President of Wesleyan during a portion of this crisis period and is given
much credit for his work. He died an untimely death in 1951, and his passing was a
tremendous loss to Wesleyan. After an interim period when Dr. W. F. Quillian
served as acting President, the trustees elected B. Joseph Martin of Greensboro, N.
C. as President. He was succeeded by Rev. Earl Strickland.
Andrew College, like Wesleyan, fell on hard times as a result of the depression
and a low student enrollment. Andrew has passed through several financial crises in
her long history of Christian service, and the 1940s and 1950s were not exceptional.
A study committee went so far as to recommend that the College be closed, but
pleas came from alumnae and others throughout the State to save their alma mater
from this fate. Alumnae and friends did come to Andrews rescue, as did the South
Georgia Conference, and one individual in particular, W. I. H. Pitts, prominent
Methodist layman. Andrew slowly regained its financial footing and has continued
since to contribute in a very meaningful way to Christian education in South
Georgia. Those serving as presidents of the College during this period were: Rev.
Chester Oliff, Rev. A. W. Ray and Rev. George Gambill.
In the early 1950s several Methodist laymen in Georgia became interested in
helping qualified young people receive ministerial training. At a time when large in-
vestments were being made to build new churches and expand physical facilities by
Methodist in the Conference, it was felt that similar investments should be made to
insure educated pastors for the new churches and the increased membership.
Realizing, also, that many young men were not going into the ministry because they
lacked the necessary funds to do so, these interested laymen proposed to raise
funds for a soundly based program of ministerial training. Since the Candler School
of Theology at Emory University was the appropriate place for these funds to be
spent, students were sent there for training. Methodist congregations throughout
Georgia were asked to contribute 1% of their budgets to this trust. Individuals
could participate both by gift or bequest. Though this was primarily a Georgia
project, Methodists throughout the Southeastern Jurisdiction were encouraged to
participate. Two Georgia laymen became well known for their leadership in the 1%
plan, as it was called. D. W. Brooks of Atlanta headed the campaign in North
Georgia, and B. I. Thronton of Cordele was chairman of the committee in the South
Georgia Conference. The 1% plan met with great success. It was beneficial to the
ministerial student, to the Conferences, and to the Candler School of Theology.
Later the plan was developed into a larger structure. The Southeastern Jurisdiction
adopted it for all churches in the Southeast, and the money was divided between
the Divinity School at Duke University and the Candler School of Theology at
Emory. The plan, adopted later by the General Conference, is known today as the
2% plan for ministerial training from which all Methodist-related theology schools
benefit. It is worth emphasizing that this churchwide program was begun originally
on a voluntary basis in the North and South Georgia Conferences as the 1 % plan
for ministerial education.
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EPWORTH-BY-THE-SEA
Perhaps the most ambitious building project undertaken by the South Georgia
Conference of the Methodist Church was the construction and development of
Epworth-by-the-Sea, the beautiful year-round conference center on St. Simons
Island. Many lay persons and clergy were involved in this project, but Bishop Ar-
thur J. Moore was the chief driving force that brought it from its inception to its
maturity. In his autobiography Bishop Moore wrote: Were I to uncover my whole
thinking in the matter (of Epworth-by-the-Sea), I would have to confess as I look
back that maybe this was the most vivid and satisfying achievement of my service
as a Bishop in Georgia. Today Epworth-by-the-Sea stands as a monument to the
vision, foresight, and leadership of Bishop Moore.
Realizing the need for a conference center for recreation, worship and study, as
well as for Church meetings of all kinds, Bishop Moore brought the matter to the
attention of the South Georgia cabinet at a meeting in Waycross in 1945. The
cabinet thought well of the idea, and the matter was approved at the next Annual
Conference where a Commission was appointed to give further study to the project.
Its first meeting was held on January 15,1946 at a luncheon at the Cloister Hotel
on Sea Island. Alfred W. Jones hosted the affair. Twenty-two members of the Com-
mission were present and Julian Strickland of Valdosta was elected Chairman and
Rev. George E. Clary, Sr. was made Secretaty. Both Strickland and Clary remained
in these positions of leadership for a number of years and made significant con-
tributions to the project.
The Commission worked diligently for several years making a report to the An-
nual Conference each year on what progress, if any, was being made. At the Con-
ference in 1948, the Commission was optimistic over the possibility of securing a
suitable site for the center in McIntosh County where 150 acres of land was
available. It was a part of the Harris Neck Airbase and was located on a paved road,
six miles east of the coastal highway and fifteen miles south of the town of Midway.
This was an attractive place with beautiful oak trees, bounded by the river and the
marshes that could have been purchased from the Commissioners of McIntosh
County for $20,000. However, the purchase was not consummated.
The Commission continued to examine sites along the coast until at Annual Con-
ference in 1950, it reported with satisfaction that a site located on the Fredrica
River on St. Simons Island known as the Hamilton Plantation had been acquired
for the conference center. It was near the causeway to St. Simons and included
forty-three acres of high land. Located on the property were a host of buildings, a
chapel, a barn, and several stalls. Bishop Moore and an interested group of laymen
had purchased this property for the Conference in the name of the Commission on
October 19, 1949, at a cost of $40,000. Laymen, church groups, and the Womans
Society of Christian Service all assisted in making the center ready for use by the
summer of 1950. The Conference authorized a campaign to raise the purchase price
of $40,000, and also approved the borrowing of $25,000 for improvements on the
grounds. In particular, the Chapel had been restored and named for the original
Lovely Lane Chapel in Baltimore, Maryland where in 1784 the Methodist
Episcopal Church had been organized. The name Epworth-by-the-Sea was
adopted for the center with Tuesday, July 25,1950, set as the official opening date.
A Board of Managers (later known as trustees) replaced the Conference Commis-
sion. All former Commission members were named to the new Board, along with
72
When you come to
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73
several other prominent Methodist laymen in the Conference. Rev. W. J. Irwin was
asked to move into the caretakers house to oversee the renovations. At the 1951
Annual Conference, Rev. John S. Sharp was appointed as the first full-time
Superintendent of Epworth-by-the-Sea, where he served only the first year.
Epworth-by-the-Sea had a dramatic growth. The desire by South Georgia
Methodists to build a first rate conference center, coupled with the leadership of
several dedicated individuals, spelled success for the project. As a conference center
it became a place highly regarded not only by Methodists in South Georgia, but
also by people throughout the Southeast. South Georgia Methodists supported it
from the beginning. The laymen of the Conference were particularly interested in
its growth. All mortgaged indebtedness was paid-in-full, and the property was
dedicated as a part of the Aldersgate celebration held at the center on May 24,
1963. The value of the property according to the audit at that time showed a total
valuation of $1,339,458, including the value of the land, buildings, furniture and
fixtures, equipment, inventories, and cash-on-hand. This figure later expanded
many times. Those taking part in the dedication included Bishop Moore, Bishop
Smith, Walter A. Blasingame, the Conference lay leader, Julian Strickland, Chair-
man of the Board of Trustees, and Rev. Frank Nalls, Superintendent of the center.
As the center became more widely known, additional facilities had to be added.
Laymen of the Conference led by B. I. Thornton and E. D. Whisonant raised
$80,000 to build a fifty-room motel, the Laymans Lodge unit. Julian Strickland of
Valdosta and his sister, Mrs. Natalae S. Waters, financed the building of the
auditorium in memory of their mother at a cost of $90,000. With contributions of
$170,000 from South Georgia Methodists and other friends, the Arthur J. Moore
building was constructed and dedicated in 1960 in honor of retiring Bishop Arthur
J. Moore. A dining room and cafeteria were completed in 1960 at a cost of approx-
imately $225,000. Earlier a camellia garden was begun by Mr. and Mrs. R. B.
Whitehead of Valdosta. During the 1950s and 1960s numerous lay people gave con-
tributions which made possible renovations and improvements on the grounds as
well as the construction of other new facilities. The buildings, grounds, and the en-
tire setting became a place of beauty.
Epworth-by-the-Sea attracted groups of Methodists not only from South
Georgia, but from other conferences as well. In September 1955, the laymen began
their annual Labor Day weekend retreats at Epworth, and these gatherings have
continued to be held there each year since. A few months later, in 1956, the annual
winter camp meetings were started and began to draw large crowds of Methodists
from throughout the State each year. The Wesleyan Christian Advocate called the
first camp meeting a new camp meeting with an old-time flavor and fervor.
Bishop Moore and Dr. Pierce Harris of Atlanta were the preachers that first year in
1956. The South Georgia Conference has met at Epworth from time to time as has
the Womans Society of Christian Service and the Wesleyan Service Guild. Youth
meetings have become regular occurences as well as meetings for adults and senior
citizens. At one time the World Council of Bishops met at Epworth, as did also the
Executive Board of World Methodism. Selected denominational groups, other than
Methodists, hold meetings at Epworth-by-the-Sea from time to time.
In the early 1960s, plans were made for certain Conference offices to move to Ep-
worth. The Board of Education of the Conference with Rev. Alvis A. Waite, Jr., as
Executive Secretary, was the first to move its offices from Macon. The newly
74
created Board of Church Extension with Rev. F. J. Beverly, Jr. as its Director, was
also soon located at the facility on St. Simons. A headquarters building for these
Conference offices and others was soon constructed.
From 1952 until 1969 Rev. Frank Nalls served as Superintendent of Epworth-by-
the-Sea, and his contribution to the successof this facility should be noted. He was
the driving force which was responsible for much of the early construction and
other improvements at the center. Working closely with Bishop Moore and the
trustees of Epworth, he gave it good leadership. The Nalls building was constructed
on the grounds during his administration, and public sentiment demanded that the
structure be named in honor of him and his wife, Edna. Nalls was succeeded by
Rev. Bernard Brown who retired in 1973 because of health reasons. He, too, pro-
vided good leadership for the center. His successor was Rev. Vernard Robertson. In
1961 Walter Blasingame of Moultrie succeeded A. J. Strickland, Jr. of Valdosta as
Chairman of the Board of Trustees, and in turn, he was followed by A. J.
Strickland, III, also of Valdosta.
One of the most significant contributions to Epworth-by-the-Sea was a gift by
Alfred W. Jones in 1957 of approximately fifty acres of high land and fifty-four
acres of marsh land adjacent to the center property. Sixteen acres were added to
the lands of the center property while other acres were sold to a separate corpora-
tion which was known as Epworth Acres, Inc. Epworth Acres sold lots for building
purposes, at a cost of $2,250 for inside lots and $2,750 for corner lots. Riverfront
lots sold for $4,250, and any profits made by Epworth Acres were given to
Epworth-by-the-Sea. Streets were laid out, lots were landscaped, and many homes
were built and occupied. A home for Bishop Arthur J. Moore was the first to be
erected, and a home for the Superintendent and the ten Woods homes for retired
ministers were built within a short time.
MAGNOLIA MANOR
The South Georgia Methodist Conference became actively interested in the care
of elderly citizens in the late forties and early fifties, but it was not until the Annual
Conference Session in 1957 that a Commission was appointed to study the problem
and determine if there were sufficient resources available to construct a retirement
home. The Commission moved ahead with its assignment; and after looking at a
number of sites where a retirement home might be built, the group recommended
that the proposed center be located in Americus. There were a number of reasons
why Americus was chosen as the center, not the least being that Mrs. Kate Witte
had left in her Will an attractive parcel of land consisting of 394 acres, which she
specifically states was to be used for the purpose of building a home for the elderly.
The Superior Court of Sumter County had created a foundation and charged it
with the responsibility of carrying out the terms of Mrs. Wittes Will. Since the
foundation had finally concluded that the task which they had been assigned was
too great they offered the Witte land to the South Georgia Methodist Conference
for a site where a retirement center could be built. The offer was accepted. Trustees
for the proposed home were elected, and Rev. Henry S. Brooks was made President
of the Board. Rev. Harry Moore became executive secretary. Under the leadership
of these men, the new facility began to take shape. Ground-breaking ceremonies
were held on October 17, 1962, followed by opening ceremonies for the facility on
December 3,1963. Governor Carl Sanders of Georgia and Bishop John Owen Smith
75
MAGNOLIA MANOR
r js
RETIREMENT
CENTER
with
Health Care
Facilities
participated in the program. The President of the Board of Trustees of Magnolia
Manor, State Senator Julian Webb, presided over the exercises. Gerald A. Bishop
was the first resident administrator of the center.
A year after the facility began operation, the nursing center was opened, along
with the activities building which houses the library, the recreational activities, and
the auditorium. The Martha McDonald Moore Memorial Chapel, named for the
wife of Bishop Moore, was dedicated in 1968 on the fifth anniversary of the opening
of the retirement home. The chapel was built entirely by gifts from friends and
family. The immediate care unit was opened in 1969. This facility provides services
for those who need more care than is available in the retirement home but who do
not need the full-time skilled care of the nursing center. In 1971 the Garden Apart-
ments of Magnolia Manor were officially opened. Currently, including all of its
facilities, the center provides for a total of some 600 residents, half of whom receive
some financial aid. Much of this financial aid is made possible through the con-
tributions of the League of the Good Samaritan, a Conference organization formed
early in the life of Magnolia Manor. Magnolia Manor performs an outstanding
ministry for the aging and is proud to be able to say that no elderly person has
ever been denied care because he or she could not afford to pay their own way. 5*
CANDLER HOSPITAL
Another ministry performed by a Conference-related institution is the Candler
General Hospital in Savannah. The hospital has roots going back to the early part
of the 19th century, but during these earlier years it was operated as a facility of the
City of Savannah. By 1900, it was widely known as a pioneer health-care center.
Nurses were trained at this city-owned hospital as early as 1902. During the depres-
sion of the 1930s the hospital reached a new low in public support and was on the
brink of closure.
NEW BUILDING ORIGINAL BUILDING
At this point the Methodist Church came into the picture. In the mid-twenties a
igroup of South Georgia Methodists who had become interested in a church-related
hospital had formed a corporation for the purpose of studying the need of a
hospital in South Georgia. The Methodist group became interested in purchasing
the Savannah facility and operating it as a Methodist institution. After conferring
'with the appropriate authorities, arrangements for the transfer of the hospital to
the South Georgia Conference were made; the sale of the hospital to the Methodist
Church was authorized by the Mayor and Council of Savannah on November 13,
77
1930. The new Hospital Board changed the name to the Warren A. Candler
Hospital of Savannah in honor of Bishop Candler. The first meeting of the Board
was held on March 12, 1931. Despite the fact the hospital needed financial
assistance from the start, it made progress during the 1930s. Federal assistance
during the early 1940s made possible the first expansion in two generations. The
completion of a three-story wing on Abercorn Street cost $120,000 and added 41
patient beds. Candler contributed much to the war effort during World War II
through its nurses training and other programs. Further expansion took place in
1955 when a new wing was opened, adding seventy-seven patient beds.
In 1959, $500,000 was raised to retire an accumulated indebtedness and to make
some needed improvements. In 1967 the hospital received a sizeable grant from the
Department of Health, Education and Welfare for expansion. By this time it had
developed into a general hospital, and the name was changed from the Warren A.
Candler Hospital to the Candler General Hospital.
On October 27, 1968, a new building costing approximately 3.9 million dollars
was officially opened. The hospital had experienced steady growth from the time it
was taken over by the South Georgia Conference of the Methodist Church in 1930.
Other evidence of this growth during the 1960s was the merger with Candler
hospital of two small private hospitals.
By 1970 Candler had a broad range of services to offer to the community and sur-
rounding areas. The hospital today is a 305-bed private facility affiliated with the
United Methodist Church, with a work force of around 1,000 people. With the com-
pletion of a new ultra-modern hospital complex in November 1980, Candler now is
considered one of the leading health facilities in the State.
METHODIST HOME FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH
The Methodist Home for Children in Macon had its beginning on December 14,
1870 when the South Georgia Annual Conference meeting in Fort Valley appointed
a committee of ten ministers and laymen to establish within the bounds of the
South Georgia Conference an orphans home. The home began operation in 1873.
At the time of unification in 1939, there were 116 children in the home, and the
facility had been expanded considerably. Annual giving to the home had increased
to about $30,000 under the directorship of Rev. J. A. Smith who spent over thirty
years as the agent for the home. Others who gave long service were: John S. Lough,
J. J. Taylor, and J. O. Stanalan. Some of the trustees of the home during 1939-1968
were: Ralph Porterfield, Sr., T. D. Ellis, Albert S. Trulock, S. T. Senter, Roy
McTier, John S. Sharp, C. W. Curry, William J. Erwin, John E. Wilson, Tom A.
Whiting, Mack Anthony, and Albert L. Hall.
The charter was amended in 1940, and the name was changed to The Methodist
Home of the South Georgia Conference. In 1971 the charter was again amended to
change the name to The Methodist Home for Children and Youth of the South
Georgia Conference. Thousands of needy children have been referred to the home
to live and have found advantages of a Christian home. In 1970 the capacity of the
home was about seventy-two.
CONFERENCE AFFAIRS
Sessions of the Annual Conference were held in towns and cities throughout
South Georgia, usually in the churches where larger crowds could be accomodated.
78
It was an honor for a church to host the Annual Conference because it brought not
only the Bishop and several hundred South Georgia Methodist preachers and
laymen to the community, but also a number of visitors and the Conference
preachers including Bishop A. Frank Smith, Bishop Paul Kern, Bishop Fred P.
Corson, Dr. Norman Vincent Peale, Bishop William T. Watkins, Dr. Lawrence
Lacour, Bishop Ronald Spivey, and others. Only three men held the important job
of secretary of the Conference during the era of the Methodist Church, 1939-1968.
Thomas H. Thomson retired from this job in 1949 after having served as assistant
secretary or secretary for fifty years. J. N. Shell served from 1949 to 1960, and Alvis
A. Waite, Jr. succeeded him and held the position of secretary for the next twenty-
two years. Conference sessions were ably presided over by, first, Bishop Moore, and
then after 1960 by Bishop Smith. Reports from boards, committees, commissions,
and trustees consumed much of the conference time, as did the election of delegates
to general and jurisdictional conferences every fourth year. Preaching services were
held at appropriate times each day during Conference. Ordination services for
deacons and elders and a memorial service for the deceased were always observed.
The love feast which was so much a part of the Conference sessions during the years
of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, was discontinued in the new Church
much to the displeasure of many of the older members of the Conference. There
was strong sentiment that the observance be reinstated, but it never was.
There was no organization or part of the Church structure that received more
support from the clergy and the laity than the Church School, or the Sunday
School. Reports about the progress of the Church School at each Conference ses-
sion were heard with interest. Church School enrollment and attendance were
looked upon as an indication of the general condition of the local Church. If the
Church School showed progress in a local Church, usually the Church reflected
growth also.
The change of time for the meeting of the Annual Conference was an issue that
received considerable attention from time to time. Traditionally, the Conference
has met in the fall of the year, usually in November. As early as 1939 a special com-
mittee recommended that the Bishop hold the sessions of the Conference between
Sundays and also that the sessions be held each year in June. There were good
arguments on both sides of the question, but nothing was done in 1939. The matter
simmered for several years, and after the war the question came up again. Ministers
with school age children maintained that moving time should be in the summer
rather than the fall for the convenience of the children. Also, there was an old argu-
ment that local churches could not raise their finances until the cotton crops were
harvested in the fall; therefore, Conference had to wait until the budget could be
raised. But this no longer held true because of the changing economy in the South.
Summer revivals could also be scheduled so they would not interfere with moving
time when a change was made, it was argued. Sentiment in the Conference for a
change was so strong that Bishop Moore appointed a committee to give further
study to the matter. In 1946 the committees recommendation that the Conference
sessions be switched from fall to summer was approved by a large majority. A few
years later the sessions of Annual Conference were scheduled to meet on week days
only. Then no Conference meetings interfered with Sunday worship in the local
churches.
79
In 1939 there were eight Districts in the South Georgia Conference, but before
1968, the number had increased to nine. In the early 1960s several laymen and
clergy of the Conference became concerned that some of the superintendents had
more charges in their districts than they could handle. William S. Parks, of Rhine,
Conference lay leader, and B. I. Thornton of Cordele, former Conference lay leader,
urged that a study be made of the situation. The study emphasized the need for a
new district. In 1962 this district was first proposed on the Conference floor, but
the matter was tabled temporarily by a vote of 171 to 71. However, after further
consideration the new district was added in 1963, becoming the ninth in the Con-
ference. It is the Statesboro District. The other Districts are: Savannah, Waycross,
Valdosta, Americus, Macon, Thomasville, Columbus, and Dublin. Rev. Thomas P.
Watson was appointed as the first District Superintendent of the Statesboro
District.
As the voice of the South Georgia Conference, the Wesleyan Christian Advocate
was a positive influence during the period of the forties, fifties and sixties. Rev.
Frank G. Echols was general manager for many years, and he was followed by Rev.
Dan H. Williams who was also editor. Both men made substantial contributions to
Methodism in the field of journalism. Many of the Advocate editorials were written
by well-known ministers in the Conference, who spoke in a forceful way on matters
relating to the Church. On the bigger issues before the Church, the Advocate not
only analyzed the problems for its readers, but also took a firm stand on how they
should be solved. The paper was of great assistance during the time of unification
and the years that followed in helping the Church members understand and ap-
preciate the new Church structure. During World War II the Advocate supported
the war effort and the Methodist chaplains who enlisted in the service of the coun-
try. Also, the editors expressed their thoughts and feelings on such issues as those
dealing with race, ministers and district superintendents salaries, pensions,
unification, the jurisdictional system, Church extension, and many others. The
paper supported the various emphases which were promoted by the General Con-
ference, the Annual Conference and the local Church, and church-related institu-
tions. It emphasized youth and childrens work, and the place of evangelism, mis-
sions, stewardship, temperance, and the laymens work in the Conference. The
paper was supportive of the Church in every way.
BISHOP JOHN OWEN SMITH
Upon Bishop Moores retirement in 1960, Bishop John Owen Smith was assigned
to the Atlanta area. He was one of the four Bishops elected at the Southeastern
Jurisdictional Conference held in July of that year. He came to Georgia from the
Bethel Methodist Church in Charleston, S. C. to which he had been appointed by
his annual Conference just a few weeks before being elected to the Episcopacy. On a
later occasion Mrs. Smith stated that they had not completed the job of unpacking
in Charleston before they were moving again, this time to Atlanta.
Bishop Smith was born on December 21,1902 in Johnston, S. C. and received his
early education there. In 1922, he graduated from Wofford College with Phi Beta
Kappa honors, and a few years later received the Divinity degree from Yale Univer-
sity. In 1924 he married Mildred Brown; they had two daughters.
After joining the South Carolina Conference in 1925, Bishop Smith was ap-
pointed to some of the better known churches in the State, including Clemson Col-
lege, First Church, Laurens; Washington Street, Columbia; Buncome Street,
Greenville; Central, Spartanburg; and Bethel, Charleston. He also served as
superintendent of the Spartanburg District. The new Bishop had been one of the
leading ministers in the South Carolina Conference for a number of years. He was
appointed to numerous boards and agencies and was elected to the General and
Jurisdictional Conferences in 1948, 1956, and 1960. He served as leader of his
delegation in 1956.
Bishop Smith was a strong preacher and a good Church administrator. He was
also a man of deep commitment and dedication, who came to the Atlanta area with
a determination to serve his Church well. He was a forceful Bishop and above all he
was a fine human being. At the end of Bishop Smiths first year in South Georgia,
1961, the Conference Journal declared that, Our new Bishop endeared himself to
the ministers and lay delegates who were in attendance at Annual Conference. In
response to the warm welcome, the Bishop expressed his appreciation to
everybody for everything. He appraised the Methodist Church in South Georgia
thusly:
You can be a giant for Christ, if the Choice is made (for the right
decisions). Your heritage is unparalleled, and great growth is
possible. Your leadership is outstanding, and the financial poten-
tial is tremendous.
He also stressed his faith in the future of the Church saying that he believed we
'were on the verge of outstanding achievements. In 1962, Bishop Smith was again
;praised by a resolution of appreciation at the Annual Conference session. When he
had completed his first quadrennium in 1964 as the South Georgia Bishop, the
Conference praised him and asked the Southeastern Jurisdictional Conference to
return him. The resolution stated that he and Mrs. Smith are greatly beloved,
and that he was a gracious preacher ... He approaches problems in an optimistic
iway ... makes no attempt to dodge an issue ... and he doesnt try to coerce those
iwho disagree with him. The Conference asked that he be returned in 1968, also.
Bishop Smiths arrival in Atlanta came at a time when the controversal issue in-
volving the abolition of the Central Jurisdiction was beginning to arise. The ac-
complishment of this undertaking would mean the merging of those churches in the
Central (black) Jurisdiction with the two annual conferences in the Atlanta area
(white). The Bishop faced the problem courageously. He knew that integration of
81
the churches was coming, and feeling that this was the only action the church could
take, he worked quietly and conscientiously to help Methodists throughout Georgia
accept the change. Opposition developed and critics appeared in every corner of the
Conference. The Bishops stand on the matter was not a popular one, because many
Methodists were not ready for integration. But, despite opposition from some, he
moved steadily forward to get the job accomplished. The Bishop was not only
somewhat more liberal in his thinking on the race issue than many South Georgia,
Methodists, but he was convinced that the Church in South Georgia could not
possible fail to take a positive stand on the matter at this time. It was right that it
do so, the Bishop contended. The Conference was in a period of tension.
ABOLITION OF THE CENTRAL JURISDICTION
The tensions and stresses of the 1960s were not experienced by the Church alone.
Our whole society was caught up in the dilemma over integration of the races.
Public and private schools, clubs and organizations, and government agencies were
struggling with the same problem. Since Methodist segregationists associated the
race issue and the abolition of the Central Jurisdiction with the forthcoming
merger of their Church and the Evangelical United Brethren, the problem was
compounded. Some faithful Church members became so unhappy with conditions
in the denomination that they talked of withdrawing their memberships and join-
ing some other church where the segregation of the races would be preserved. A few
even thought of attempting to resurrect the old Methodist Episcopal Church,
South. But for the lack of strong leadership, the effort failed.
Many became concerned over integration as it related to the Church in 1954
when the Supreme Court rendered its verdict on integration in the public schools.
There were widespread differences of opinion as to how and in what spirit
Methodists should accept this decision. At the Annual Conference which followed
that landmark decision, several clergy and lay persons, including Rev. Albert
Trulock, Rev. Leonard Cochran, Rev. Anthony Hearn and Rev. Frank L. Robertson
(later to be elected to the Episcopacy from South Georgia), and the Lay Leader, B.
I. Thornton, and the Womans Society of Christian Service President, Mrs. Scott
Edwards, brought to the floor of the Conference a statement concerning the con-
troversial decision. It was an appeal to all Methodists to be calm and dispassionate
in the search of a solution to the situation in which the Church found itself. The
resolution called for persons of both races to be in prayer about the matter.
But the smoldering issue became active within a year when talk in some circles
indicated that the jurisdictional structure of the Methodist Church, in particular
the Central Jurisdiction where the black churches were located, might be abolished
at the forthcoming General Conference which was to be held in Minneapolis in
April, 1956. The Southeastern Jurisdictional College of Bishops made a statement
in an attempt to allay the fears and suspicions of Methodists in the South. They
reaffirmed their belief in the jurisdictional system by saying, This (abolition of the
jurisdictional system) in our judgement would not be progress. The Bishops called
for cool heads and said we must not let our prejudices dominate. Actually, they
took no firm stand on the issue and apparently were successful in riding out the
storm for the time being.
The General Conference of 1956 held discussions on the jurisdictional system,
but, of course, did not eliminate it. It did, however, create a special Commission to
82
study the jurisdictional structure of the Church and to report to the next General
Conference meeting in 1960. The Conference also called for the abolition of racial
discrimination and urged better race relations. Furthermore, it proposed a con-
stitutional amendment that authorized the merging of churches and annual con-
ferences on a purely voluntary basis. This General Conference action caused fear
among many South Georgia Methodists; and upon arriving home from the Con-
ference, some of the delegates to this important gathering made public statements
explaining the mood and feeling of the Conference. South Georgia clerical members
of the Conference were L. H. Cochran, Albert S. Trulock, Anthony Hearn, G. E.
Clary, Sr., and J. Frederick Wilson. Frank L. Robertson and Mack Anthony were
alternates. Lay members included B. I. Thornton, Zack Henderson, Mrs. Scott Ed-
wards, Walter Blasingame, and W. E. Bostwick. A. M. Anderson and Julian
Strickland were elected as alternates.
The Wesleyan Christian Advocate carried stories of explanation by various per-
sons on the action of the General Conference. Articles by Bishop Arthur J. Moore
and Rev. Mack Anthony were especially helpful to the rank and file of the member-
ship. They pointed out that before the merging of any two conferences took place,
both groups would have to approve the proposal by a % vote. This, of course, had
reference to conferences from the Central Jurisdiction which might choose to merge
with conferences of any other jurisdiction, such as the all-white Southeastern
Jurisdiction. At the next meeting of the South Georgia Annual Conference, the
body went on record as opposing by resolution any change in the jurisdictional
system and urged the General Conference Commission not to make any proposal
that would destroy or alter the present set-up. It also urged the study commission
not to recommend any measures on race relations that would coerce any church or
conference into any kind of action. Some South Georgians were bitterly opposed to
the thought of being forced on this issue.
The General Conference in session at Denver in 1960 argued and debated the
issue of the Central Jurisdiction, and though observers thought that the Conference
moved a step or two closer to abolition, it did not go all the way. Those attention
the General Conference sessions in 1956 and 1960 knew, however, that the Church
was rapidly approaching a day of decision, a decision that would have wide
repercussions.
Zach Henderson Leads in Worship
83
That day of decision came at the General Conference meeting in Pittsburgh in
1964. At that time the procedure for abolishing the Central Jurisdiction was
worked out and approved. In effect, this meant that the Methodists of the South
had lost their battle to keep the six jurisdictions intact. They were reduced to five
in number. Clerical members from South Georgia to this all-important General
Conference were: L. H. Cochran, G. Ross Freeman, David A. Duck, Frank L.
Robertson, and J. Frederick Wilson. The lay delegates were: W. S. Parks, B. I.
Thornton, Zack Henderson, W. E. Bostwick, and Mrs. Clyde Newman. Acceptance
of the disquieting news from Pittsburg came hard for many South Georgia
Methodists, and herein lay the almost unsolvable problem which Bishop Smith and
his associates had to face. The actual merger plans and procedures were yet to be
worked out on the jurisdictional level, but it was to be done when it was mutually
agreeable with the annual conferences involved.
Since the acceptance of the concept of integration of the conferences was so hard
for some Methodists in South Georgia, the working out of the details came only
after heated discussion and argument in the churches, in district gatherings and at
Annual Conference sessions. At the Annual Conference meeting in Valdosta in
1969, a spirited debate on the issue took place. However, the pieces of the problem
seemed to fall in place after this Conference when the members voted to approve in
principal the acceptance of the former Central Jurisdictional churches in the
South Georgia Conference.
MERGER WITH EVANGELICAL UNITED BRETHREN
Hard on the heels of this controversy came the other problem that caused
dissatisfaction among some Methodists. That was the proposed merger of the
Methodist Church and the Evangelical United Brethren. In a way they became one
problem. For those who preferred the status quo in the Church, the merger was
upsetting; but the joining of these two kindred bodies had been under discussion
for several years. Strangely enough, there were no EUB churches within the bounds
of the South Georgia Conference, but this did not keep South Georgians from being
tremendously interested and concerned. A joint committee from the two denomina-
tions had been studying the matter of union in much depth. It was discussed at the
General Conference meeting in Pittsburgh in 1964 and virtually agreed upon there,
but a special session of the General Conference was called to meet in Chicago in
November, 1966, for the purpose of finalizing plans for merger. The EUB Church
met at the same time in Chicago to consider the matter. Plans were perfected by
this time. When those attending the Chicago Conference agreed on the plan, the
merger was then approved. However, the plan then had to go to the annual con-
ferences of the two churches for ratification. The annual conferences could not
amend the plan and had to vote on it as it was adopted.
The final merger of the two denominations was consummated at the General
Conference in Dallas in 1968. South Georgias clerical delegates to that meeting in-
cluded David A. Duck, Frank L. Robertson, J. Frderick Wilson, C. W. Hanco*ck,
George L. Zorn, and G. Ross Freeman. The lay delegates were George A. Wright, W.
S. Parks, B. I. Thornton, Mrs. J. E. Williams, Zack Henderson, and Chester Mur-
ray. The mood of the Conference was very positive. There was a sense of victory
present. The merger plan had been so carefully worked out that most everyone
seemed to be pleased. Though some opposition existed on the homefront to merger,
84
there were no negative votes among the members of the South Georgia Conference
delegation. There was, however, a lingering doubt about the position of the EUB
Church at large. There was a feeling that the EUB Church members might not give
their total consent even though its delegation at the Conference approved the
measure. Some members of the smaller denomination felt that their Church would
be wholly swallowed up by the Methodist Church and this was a valid assumption.
So, in order to give the EUB a feeling of belonging to the organization, the
Methodists compromised on the new name and allowed the word United to be in-
cluded, thus the United Methodist Church today. Other compromises were made
also. The new United Methodist Church was born with a membership in excess of
eleven million members, the largest protestant body in North America.
Merger had now been completed on paper and in theory, but the next few years
were to be spent in an effort to bring about merger in fact. The upcoming quadren-
nium, 1968-1972, was to be one of change and reorganization in the Church struc-
ture, as the new Church became solidly entrenched on a foundation of Methodism
nearly two centuries old.
NOTES
n preparation of this paper help was received from many sources. Conversations and correspondence
vith Rev. George L. Zorn, Dr. David D. Stubbs and B. I. Thornton were yery helpful. Also giving me help
oy correspondence were Rev. F. J. Beverly, Jr., Mrs. Augusta Carruth, Rev. Emory C. Gilbert, Victor J.
Ceryance, Dr, William T. Greer, Jr. and Rev. Brooks Partain. The two most valuable pinted sources
were the files of the Wesleyan Christian Advocate and the Journal of the South Georgia Conference
1939-1968. Other sources include:
Cates, Margaret David, EARLY DAYS OF COASTAL GEORGIA, St. Simons Island, 1955
Clary, Jr., George E., OUR METHODIST HERITAGE IN SOUTH GEORGIA, Savannah, 1960
Mitchell, Joseph, THERE IS AN ELECTION, Troy Ala., 1980
Moore, Arthur J., BISHOP TO ALL PEOPLE, Nashville, 1973
Pierce, Alfred M., LEST FAITH FORGET: The Story of Methodism in Georgia, Atlanta, 1951
Sledge, Robert W., HANDS ON THE ARK: THE STURGGLE FOR CHANGE IN THE M.E.
CHURCH, SOUTH, 1914-1939, Lake Junaluska, N.C., 1975
Trulock, Albert S., ONE HUNDRED YEARS OF SERVICE: METHODIST HOME FOR CHILDREN
AND YOUTH privately printed, 1972
/anstorv, Burnette, GEORGIA, LAND OF THE GOLDEN ISLES, Athens, 1956
Pamphlets and articles
Villiams, Margaret T., The Blessed Stream Rolls On, HISTORICAL HIGHLIGHTS, Vol. 5 No. 2,
December 1975
learn, Anthony and Strickland, Julian, The Story of Epworth-by-the-Sea, typewritten manuscript,
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF THE WOMENS ORGANIZATION OF THE UNITED METHODIST
CHURCH, South Georgia Conference United Methodist Women, 1980
85
Chapter 4
THE SOUTH GEORGIA
CONFERENCE
OF
THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
1968-1984
Alvis A. Waite, Jr.
INTRODUCTION
This section will not be a detailed history due to the vast resources available for
the period and the page limitations of this book. Rather, the writer has highlighted
major events in the Conference and shown trends of change and development
between 1968-84. For more details consult the Conference Journals published an-
nually and other materials in the Conference Archives.
With the merger in 1968 of The Methodist Church and The Evangelical United
Brethren Church this Conference became the South Georgia Conference of The
United Methodist Church. The next two quadrenniums were years of change as
merger was accomplished with the churches of the former Central Jurisdiction
within the bounds of South Georgia and as restructuring on both local church and
Conference levels took place around the new concept of a Council on Ministries.
MERGER OF THE SOUTH GEORGIA CONFERENCE
WITH THE CHURCHES
OF THE FORMER CENTRAL JURISDICTION WITHIN
SOUTH GEORGIA
Our church through several name changes has remained a connectional structure
maintained through a chain of conferences. With the formation of The Methodist
Church in 1939, the Church within the United States was divided for ad-
ministrative purposes into jurisdictions. Five of these were geographic and one, the
Central, was racial. The 1964 General Conference adopted a plan of action for the
elimination of the Central Jurisdiction by September 1, 1967. The General Con-
ference in a special session in 1966 expressed its determination to bring about not
only the elimination of the Central Jurisdiction but also the merger of the separate
Negro Annual Conferences with the Conferences of the regional jurisdictions and
the elimination of any structural organization based on race. This was to take place
not later than the close of the Jurisdictional Conferences in 1972. In 1966, the
South Georgia Conference approved a plan for completing the elimination of the
Central Jurisdiction within the geographical area of the Southeastern Jurisdiction,
86
with those Conferences becoming a part of the Southeastern Jurisdiction.
In 1968, Bishop John Owen Smith appointed an Atlanta Area Inter-Conference
Committee on Merger composed of members from the North Georgia, South
Georgia, and Georgia Conferences. This Committee was to work on plans for the
merger of the Georgia Conference with the North and South Gerogia Conferences.
South Georgia members of the committee were: Mr. Zack Henderson, chairman,
Rev. George L. Zorn, Rev. James W. Chester, Rev. Oscar Bell, Rev. Albert L. Hall,
Mr. J. V. Skinner, Mr. George A. Wright, Rev. L. DeWitt Shippey, Rev. W. Ray-
mond Wilder, secretary, Rev. Guy K. Hutcherson, Rev. Orman Sloat, Mrs. J. E.
Williams, Rev. James T. Pennell, Rev. David A. Duck, Rev. C. W. Hanco*ck, Rev.
Bernard L. Brown, Rev. Robert T. Padgett, Rev. C. E. Steele, Rev. James C.
Varnell, Rev. Frank E. Jenkins, Rev. Vernard E. Robertson, Rev. W. Aubrey
Alsobrook, Rev. Carlton Anderson, Judge Mallory Atkinson, Mr. Will Peterson,
and Rev. Frank L. Robertson.
On June 4, 1969, this committee presented a detailed plan for merger to the
South Georgia Conference meeting at First United Methodist Church, Valdosta.
The plan was defeated by a vote of 400 to 289. Immediately following the an-
nouncement of the vote, Rev. Frank L. Robertson moved that the question of
merger between the Conferences of Georgia be referred to the same committee for
study with the request that a new plan be proposed either to the 1970 sessions of
the three Conferences or to called sessions. The motion was amended to enlarge the
committee, and the original motion passed. New members added to the committee
in 1969 were: Rev. G. Ross Freeman, Rev. Alvis A. Waite, Jr., Mrs. Sammy Clark,
Jr., Rev. J. S. Wetzel, Rev. V. L. Daughtery, Jr., Mr. Evans Plowdon, Rev. W. B.
Key, Rev. William H. Hinson, Mr. Jack H. Braught, Mr. Hudson Owen, Mrs. J. R.
Rivers, Rev. David F. Cripps, Rev. Edward H. Carruth, Rev. C. C. Edmundson,
'Rev. Tom P. Watson.
On June 2,1970, the committee brought its report to the Conference meeting at
Trinity United Methodist Church, Savannah. This plan of merger was still too
detailed for the majority of the members, and it was defeated by a vote of 354 to
j 513. Following this the North Georgia and Georgia Conferences voted to merge; and
n June 1971, the churches of the former Georgia Conference within the bounds of
douth Georgia became the Coastal District of the North Georgia Conference.
At the 1971 South Georgia Conference meeting at Epworth-by-the-Sea, Rev. G.
Ross Freeman presented a resolution calling for Bishop Smith to constitute
mother committee to continue studying the new situation after the merger of the
North Georgia and Georgia Conferences on June 21,1971, and to provide guidance
: n the matter for the South Georgia Conference. This resolution was unanimously
idopted, and Bishop Smith appointed the following committee: Chairman, Rev. G.
loss Freeman, Bishop John Owen Smith, Rev. Charles P. Adams, Mr. Milton
Ueckham, Rev. C. E. Cariker, Mrs. Carlton Carruth, Rev. James W. Chester, Rev.
[ Veyman R. Cleveland, Mr. John P. Durham, Mrs. E. B. Gaines, Jr., Mr. Kenneth
I Rail, Rev. C. W. Hanco*ck, Mr. Walter Harrison, Rev. William H. Hinson, Rev.
I ames F. Jackson, Jr., Rev. Frank L. Robertson, Ms. Emily Sessions, Mr. Embree
pmith, Rev. C. E. Steele, Mr. William B. Turner, Rev. Alvis A. Waite, Jr., Mrs.
I Charles E. Zimmerman, who served as secretary, Rev. George L. Zorn, Mr. George
| v. Wright, Mrs. Julian Rivers, and Mr. Tim Bagwell.
On March 2,1972, at a special session of the South Georgia Conference, meeting
at Wesleyan College, this committee presented a resolution for merger and a
simplified plan of agreement. After much discussion a simplified resolution was ap-
proved 372 to 273. The resolution follows:
WHEREAS, the seventeen charges of the Georgia Coastal District
of the North Georgia Conference are within the geographic bounds
of the South Georgia Annual Conference, and, WHEREAS, such
an arrangement is not in harmony with the policy of the Methodist
Church, and, WHEREAS, it is administratively expensive and in-
efficient, and, WHEREAS, we do not believe such arrangement
reflects the true meaning and spirit of Methodism, therefore, be it
resolved by the South Georgia Annual Conference meeting, March
2, at Macon, Georgia, that we hereby request the North Georgia
Annual Conference Annual Conference to release these charges
with their blessing and pledge of continued interest and support so
that they may become a part of the South Georgia Annual
Conference.
The 1972 Session of Annual Conference was held at Porterfield United
Methodist Church in Albany. At the evening session on the opening day, June 5,
1972, there was held a historic service celebrating the merger of the Georgia Coastal
District of the North Georgia Conference with the South Georgia Conference. The
high point of the service was the ritual of offering involving representatives of
both organizations who presented scrolls symbolic of that which their respective
group offered to God for dedication. Bishop John Owen Smith placed the scrolls on
the altar and offered the prayer of dedication and declared the Georgia Coastal
District and the South Georgia Conference to be one. Because of its significance
and the information given, the ritual of offering is presented here.
THE RITUAL OF OFFERING
Tim Bagwell, President of the South Georgia Conference United Methodist
Youth Council:
The 14,438 young people of the South Georgia Conference, hav-
ing shared already a rich fellowship with the youth of the Coastal
District, bring our experience in Christian brotherhood and our
hope for a growing United Methodist witness as an offering to
God.
Ms. Sonja Bens, President of the Georgia Coastal District United Methodist Youth
Fellowship:
The 568 young people of the Georgia Coastal District, with bold
confidence in the future and the growing awareness of Gods pur-
pose, bring our hearts and our enthusiasm as an offering to God.
Ms. Nancy Rivers, President of the South Georgia Conference United Methodist
Women:
The 18,771 United Methodist Women of the South Georgia Con-
ference bring an organization of 438 local Womens Societies of
Christian Service and 137 Wesleyan Service Guilds dedicated to
helping women grow in the knowledge and experience of God as
revealed in Jesus Christ, and to sharing in Christian witness,
service, and missionary outreach as an offering to God.
Ms. Essie Simons, President of the Georgia Coastal District United Methodist i
Women:
88
The 576 United Methodist Women of the Georgia Coastal
District bring their understanding of the task, skills in doing the
work of the church, and commitment of the highest ideals of the
Kingdom as an offering to God."
Dr. George A. Wright, South Georgia Conference Lay Leader:
The 142,358 lay persons of the South Georgia Conference bring
churches valued at $69,723,217, parsonages in which we have in-
vested $8,668,760, and other assets worth $3,465,742, along with
our determination to be wholly Gods people, obedient to Him and
responsive to the needs of all men as an offering to God.
Mr. Norman Johnson, Lay Leader of the Georgia Coastal District:
The 5,103 lay persons of the Georgia Coastal District bring 48
churches valued at $1,130,150, parsonages in which we have in-
vested $157,800, and other assets worth $37,833 along with an ap-
preciation for The United Methodist Church, a growing spirit of
stewardship, and a tradition of God-centered and spirit-filled
lives as an offering to God.
Rev. C. E. Ned Steele, President of the South Georgia Conference Cabinet:
The South Georgia Conference brings 335 full conference
ministers, 41 Probationary members, 25 Associate Conference
members, and 73 retired ministers, whose leadership resulted in a
total expenditure last year of $12,206,630, for the work of the
Kingdom; -we bring Andrew College, Wesleyan College, Vashti
School, The Methodist Childrens Home, Magnolia Manor,
Epworth-by-the-Sea, Effingham Camp Ground; and we bring all
the grand traditions which have made this conference what it is as
an offering to God."
Rev. P. Harold Gray; Superintendent of the Georgia District:
The Georgia Coastal District brings nine ministers in full con-
nection and eight Lay Pastors whose leadership resulted in a total
expenditure last year of more than $200,000 for the work of the
Kingdom; we bring a rich heritage growing out of more than a
hundred years of history, a warm tradition of spirited singing, of
freedom in worship, of gospel preaching, and of enthusiasm for
the things of God; we bring a loyalty to the United Methodist
Church and a commitment to its programs and purposes as an of-
fering to God.
'Bishop John Owen Smith received the scrolls placing them on the Altar as the con-
gregation sang The Doxology. The Prayer of Dedication by Bishop Smith:
Almighty God, from whom every inclination to do right cometh;
Accept our gratitude for all the acts of faith which have brought
us to this historic moment, for all the devoted service which has
produced the strength of this conference which we come now to
dedicate to Thee. Accept, we beseech Thee, what our hearts have
been guided to do; protect what has been entrusted to us by our
fathers; purify all that we present upon this altar tonight; and
move us to enriched experiences as we endeavor to be totally obe-
dient to Thy will; through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.
89
THE EPISCOPAL DECLARATION
I, John Owen Smith, as the presiding Bishop of Georgia, do
hereby declare that the churches, institutions, members, and
ministers of The United Methodist Church of the South Georgia
Conference and the Georgia Coastal District of the North Georgia
Conference are now one in the name of the Father, and of the Son,
and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.
PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT IN THE SOUTH GEORGIA
CONFERENCE
With the rapid growth of the Conference in the 1940s and 50s there came a cor-
responding growth in the Annual Conference Boards and Agencies. Church
membership had increased from 119,907 to 144,710. Sunday School membership
had increased from 64,189 to 100,129. Ministerial members of the Conference had
increased from 284 to 375. To serve the expanded needs occasioned by this growth
program agencies developed more programs and more resources. With increased
programming came need for more employed staff. During the 50s there were some
who felt some kind of inter-board structure for coordinated programming was
needed. However, Conference leadership did not think the time was right.
In 1962, a first step was taken. A Coordinating Council was named composed of
various staff persons and representatives from programming agencies. Members
were Rev. Alvis A. Waite, Jr., Executive Secretary, Board of Education, Chairman;
Rev. F. J. Beverly, Executive Secretary, Church Extension and Evangelism; Rev.
W. F. Childress, Executive Secretary, Town and Country; Rev. L. C. Harvard,
Board of Hospitals and Homes; Rev. H. W. Scoates, Jr., Board of Ministry; Mr. W.
S. Parks, Conference Lay Leader; Rev. Joe H. Bridges, Cabinet representative.
While hoping some coordination of programming could take place, the Council was
only given authority to make suggestions and thus became mainly a calendarizing
agency for the Conference and functioned as such until 1965.
At the 1962 Session of the Annual Conference, Mr. B. I. Thornton, chairman of
the Conference Commission on World Service and Finance presented a resolution,
which was approved, requesting the Commission to employ a professional consul-
tant to study financial structure and organizational efficiency of the Conference.
On May 1, 1963, Price-Waterhouse and Company presented a survey of the finan-
cial structure and administrative efficiency of the Conference. They reported that a
lack of over-all direction and coordination was responsible for the difficulty ex-
perienced by the Conference in assigning priorities for proposed projects and pro-
grams within the limits of available funds.
This report documented what many Conference leaders had been expressing. In
response, the 1965 Annual Conference elected a Commission on Promotion and
Cultivation which succeeded the Coordinating Council. The 1960 General Con-
ference had provided for such an organization in every Annual Conference to coor-
dinate the promotion of all approved general and conference benevolence causes.
The South Georgia Commission was organized with Mr. Robert F. Morris, from
Statesboro, as chairman and Rev. George L. Zorn as vice-chairman. In addition to
fulfilling the Disciplinary responsibilities, the Commission initiated an extensive
study related to the desirability and feasibility of an inter-board type organization
for the Conference. Rev. George L. Zorn was named as the chairperson of a commit-
90
tee to make this study. He recruited the help of Rev. F. J. Beverly, Jr., Director of
Evangelism and Church Extension, and Rev. Alvis A. Waite, Jr., Executive
[Secretary of the Conference Board of Education. To the 1967 Session of the Annual
Conference this commission presented a resolution authorizing the organization of
a South Georgia Conference Inter-Board Council, not later than October 1,1967. A
fconsitution was adopted. The purpose was: to correlate and promote the program
of boards, commissions, committees and other agencies of the Conference; to pro-
vide staff, leadership and services for the Conference boards, commissions, commit-
[tees and councils; and to give effective program help at the district and local church
level. All boards and agencies were to continue to fulfill their disciplinary respon-
sibilities and remain independent in their structure and activity, but be related to
| the total Conference program through the Inter-Board Council.
The first Inter-Board Council was organized with Rev. George L. Zorn as chair-
man and Rev. L. C. Fullerton, secretary. During the initial year the Council was to
study program areas and council staff looking forward to the full effective function-
ing not later than the beginning of the 1968 quadrennium.
In 1968, the name was changed to the Program Council of the South Georgia
Conference, in keeping with 1968 General Conference legislation. This name better
described the function of the Council. Rev. George L. Zorn was elected chairman.
pFor the first time a Conference Program Director was elected. Rev. Alvis A. Waite,
Jr., filled this position for two years, 1968-70 followed by Rev. W. Carlton Carruth
who served for two years, 1970-72. The first staff, in addition to the director, was
composed of Rev. W. Carlton Carruth, Mr. James H. Snead, Jr., Rev. David Han-
Uon, and Ms. Betty Cochran. These seven years George L. Zorn had given untiring
leadership in the development of a coordinated process of program planning and
implementation for the South Georgia Conference.
The 1972 General Conference provided for a Conference Council on Ministries to
surplant the old Program Council. In making the Program Council report to the
1972 Annual Conference Rev. George L. Zorn, chairman, recommended that the
Council and organizations of the Annual Conference give careful study to the
legislation looking toward specific structure recommendations to the 1973 Annual
[Conference. Mr. Jack H. Braucht, new chairperson of the Conference Council on
Ministries, appointed a task force to bring structure recommendations to the 1973
Session of the Annual Conference. Members of the task force were: Rev. G. Ross
Freeman, chairman, Mr. Jack Braucht, Rev. David Duck, Mr. George Mayo, Rev.
H. W. Scoates, Jr., Mrs. J. R. Rivers, Rev. T. M. Key, Rev. William H. Hurdle, Mrs.
Carlton Carruth, Rev. Fred D. McLendon, Jr., Mr. Norman Johnson, Rev. A. Jason
phirah, Mr. Gregg Porter, Rev. A. C. Epps.
The structure task force presented to the 1973 Conference a completely
reorganized plan of organization for the Annual Conference structure. To better
Uerve the local church the plan was based on the organization of the local church
and centered around the Council on Ministries concept. Whereas, the Program
Council was a loose federation of powerful boards and commissions, the new struc-
ture provided for these functions to be carried on through program committees of
| the Council on Ministries. For the first time it was possible to plan and implement
ka coordinated program for the entire Conference.
The new concepts were implemented with the new structure. The Council on
I Ministries became responsible for developing a Program budget and submitting it
91
to the Conference Council on Finance and Administration. Also the Council
adopted an annual theme for the years work and recommended priorities to the
Annual Conference. While certain programs of education, evangelism, missions,
and others, were ongoing, each programming agency was asked to center most of its
programming around the theme for the year. This gave unity and strength to the
entire Conference program.
Annual themes were:
1973 The emphasis was on Key 73 a nation-wide evangelistic effort.
1974 The theme was OPENING DOORS IN 74 and we stressed:
^^SChurch School
Church Extension
Advance Specials
United Methodist Men
1975 The theme was SOUTH GEORGIA AFLAME FOR CHRIST and the
emphasis was the World Methodist Program of Evangelism.
1976 -BThe theme was DECLARATION OF OUR DEPENDENCE and the em-
phasis was upon:
H- Stewardship
The Pensions Funding Crusade
The Bicentennial of the Nation
1977 The theme was FOCUS ON THE LOCAL CHURCH we urged every
local church to become a Fellowship of Caring, Understanding, and Shar-
ing. Each congregation was asked to Focus on five areas:
Define their purpose
Be supportive, redemptive fellowships
Deepen their commitment to Christian values
' i-Tfilncrease their understanding of United Methodist Beliefs and the connec-
tional system
Develop their missional ministries in the world
1978 The theme was ACTION IN THE LOCAL CHURCH with every local
church called to care through action in four areas:
Concentrate on the Family
Aid Ethnic Minority Congregations
Reduce World Hunger
Emphasize Evangelism
1979 The theme was CARING THROUGH THE LOCAL CHURCH with
every local church called to care through action in four areas:
Concentrate on the Family
Aid Ethnic Minority Congregations
Reduce World Hunger
Emphasize Evangelism
92
1980 The theme was CARING FOR ALL GODS CHILDREN urging every
local church to proclaim the word of Gods Caring for all His Children so
that they can respond and be nurtured into complete discipleship. The
Priorities were:
Strengthen the Sunday School
Proclaim Gods Word through Evangelism
Relieve World Hunger
Help Ethnic Minority Local Churches
1981 The theme was DEVELOPING AND EXPRESSING DISCIPLESHIP
THROUGH THE LOCAL CHURCH -Bwith every local church called to
focus on:
Identifying its needs
Developing its leadership
Reaching the uncommitted
Kv Nurturing through study, worship, and prayer
Affirming our United Methodist Heritage and Doctrine
Extending the Church and Kingdom
Serving human needs
1982 The theme was DEVELOPING AND EXPRESSING DISCIPLESHIP
THROUGH THE LOCAL CHURCH
OBJECTIVE: BY LEARNING THE FAITH
through active participation in church school
development
by attendance and study
through greater support for church and campus ministry,
with particular focus on Andrew College
HgS through continued study of United Methodist doctrine
and heritage...
BY BELIEVING THE FAITH
through motivating and exciting worship
through a planned program of Bible Study and nurture in
the Wesleyan tradition...
B Y LIVING THE FAITH
through being aware of and practicing Christian steward-
ship
through strengthening the Christian family
through promoting peace and justice...
B Y SHARING THE FAITH
through mobilizing and equipping the laity
through strengthening the ethnic minority local church
through assisting the development of the church in Africa
through combating and relieving world hunger.
93
1983 The theme was THE FAMILY: BEING BELONGING BELIEVING
BECOMING
OBJECTIVE: Through its Council on Ministries, the South Georgia An-
nual Conference helped families of one or more persons:
To discover who they are ... BEING
To come together as family and other families...
BELONGING
To experience and express Christian Faith...
BELIEVING
To grow as God intends ... BECOMING
During the three quadrenniums the Conference Council on Ministries has been
operative the Council has had very creative lay and clergy leadership.
1972-76
1976-80
1980-84
COUNCIL OFFICERS:
Chairperson
Mr. Jack H.
Braucht
Rev. G. Ross
Freeman
Mr. Joe Giddens
Vice-Chairperson
Rev. Frank L. Robertson
Nov. 72 Rev. A. Jason Shirah
Miss Ina Randitt
Rev. V. L. Daughtery
Secretary
Rev. W. E.
McTier, Jr.
Mr. Joe Giddens
Miss Denise
Conner
Council Directors
1972-76 Rev. H. W. Scoates, Jr.
1976- 77 Rev. L. E. Houston, Jr.
1977- 80 Rev. Alvis A. Waite, Jr.
1980- Rev. Fred D. McLendon, Jr.
Associate Council Directors
1972-76 Rev. L. E. Houston, Jr.
1972-74 Mr. James H. Snead, Jr.
1972-77 Rev. Dave Hanson
1972-74 Ms. Bettye Cochran
1974-77 Rev. Emmett S. Davis
1977-83 Rev. William E. McTier, Jr.
1977-81 Rev. H. Eugene Barlow
1977- Mr. Ray Cox, Jr.
1981- Rev. David T. Haygood
1983- Rev. W. Carlton Carruth
EPISCOPAL LEADERSHIP
BISHOP JOHN OWEN SMITH
At the 1968 Southeastern Jurisdictional Conference Bishop John Owen Smith
was assigned to the Atlanta Area for the third quadrennium. The 1960s was a time
of turbulence not only in the nation but also in Georgia as rapid political, economic
and social changes took place. Through it all Bishop Smith mainfested a spirit of
patience and compassion for the feelings and needs of others, giving himself in
brotherly love without reservation to the claims and tasks of Christ and His
Church.
94
1970-71 CABINET
l-r: C.E. Steele, Bishop J.O. Smith, R.T. Padgett, H.W. Scoates Back: Guy Hutcherson, C.C. Edmund-
son, C.E. Cariker, Edward Carruth, Vernard Robertson, W.A. Alsobrook
At the 1968 General Conference the Atlanta Area invited the 1972 Conference to
meet in Atlanta and promised to effect merger by that time. For Bishop Smith this
became the priority of this quadrennium. The words of Bishop William R. Cannon
in his report to the 1976 Jurisdictional Conference described Bishop Smith and his
objective: The necessity of achieving merger became, therefore, the overmastering
objective -Heven the obsession of this great man during the last quadrennium of
his administration. Therefore, his policies and most of his public utterances had
been dedicated to this end. He achieved eminence as a spokesman for social justice
and the intergration of the races. Our Church owes him a debt of gratitude for his
hardihood and determination, and for his accomplishing one of the most difficult
tasks ever assigned an episcopal leader. Merger of the Georgia Conference with
the North and South Georgia Conference became a reality under his leadership.
In 1972 toward the end of his administration, he and the Atlanta Area were hosts
to the Council of Bishops meeting at Epworth-by-the-Sea in April and the General
Conference following in Atlanta. He was able to report to the 1972 Jurisdictional
95
Conference on Atlanta Area of 21 districts, 1,752 churches and 393,000 members
with total property valued at $620,597,896.
In retirement Bishop Smith lived in Atlanta where for four years he served as
Churchman in Residence at Candler School of Theology, his influence continu-
ing in the lives of young ministers, a number of them South Georgians.
BISHOP WILLIAM R. CANNON
At the 1972 Southeastern Jurisdictional Conference Bishop William R. Cannon
was assigned to the Atlanta Area. A native son came home to be the Bishop of the
United Methodist Church in Georgia. He was reared in Dalton, Georgia, where his
education began. An honor graduate of the University of Georgia, he went on to
Yale University for a brilliant academic record in theological and doctrinal studies.
In 1940 he was admitted on trial in the North Georgia Conference and in 1942
became a full member and was appointed to Oxford as pastor. The next year he
joined the faculty of the Candler School of Theology at Emory University where he
remained for 25 years, ten years as professor and 15 years as Dean of the School. In
1968 he was elected to the Episcopacy and assigned to the Raleigh Area. Two years
later he was also given the added responsibility of the Richmond Area due to the
death of their presiding Bishop.
1975-76 CABINET
1-r: Fred McLendon, Jr., Bruce Wilson, Bishop William R. Cannon, J.C. Vamell, Jr., Alvis Waite, Jr.
Back: Frank Montgomery, McCoy Johnson, Ted Griner, Ross Freeman, C.W. Hanco*ck
Bishop Cannon set the hallmark of his administration in Georgia as the work of a
pastor and a shepherd. He wanted to make merger succeed, to restore a goodwill
among the people, and to expand the Church both in membership and resources. At
the end of his administration it was apparent that his goals had been reached. In
96
the very first month he traveled throughout the area holding rallies for all the
districts in order to make immediate contact with the people called Methodist.
Following this he visited every parsonage home in the area.
Bishop Cannon stressed evangelism from the beginning of his administration. In
the fall of 1972 an Area Convocation on Evangelism was held at the Macon Col-
iseum where more than 10,000 people attended. This began a reversal in the
membership decline of several years, and for eight consecutive years the Con-
ference showed a net increase in membership totaling 6,147. In 1977 the Atlanta
Area registered the largest membership gain in the entire United Methodist
Church, the increase in South Georgia being 1,723. The 1980 South Georgia Con-
ference membership was 152,401.
While emphasizing evangelism as a major priority, Bishop Cannon gave support
to the total program of the Church. He averaged preaching 150 times a year in the
Atlanta Area, giving at least one Sunday a year to each district, conducting revivals
and preaching missions and other special events. He also brought ecumenical
stance to his work serving as one of the presidents of The World Methodist Council
and serving on two international bi-laterals, one between the World Methodist
Council and the Roman Catholic Church, and the other between the World
Methodist Council and the World Lutheran Federation.
During this time a new chapel at Emory University was constructed and named
for William R. Cannon, honoring his contribution to the Candler School of
Theology, his native state of Georgia, and the Atlanta Area of The United
Methodist Church.
BISHOP JOEL D. McDAVID
Bishop Joel D. McDavid was assigned as episcopal leader of the Atlanta Area at
the 1980 Southeastern Jurisdictional Conference. He is a native of Alabama and
was educated at Milsaps College and Candler School of Theology of Emory Univer-
sity. He and Milah Gibson were married in 1942 and served charges in the
Alabama-West Florida Conference until his election to the Episcopacy in 1972.
After eight years as Bishop of the Florida Area he was assigned to the Atlanta Area.
Bishop McDavid immediately began getting acquainted with the vast Atlanta
Area by holding a series of district rallies in which he met thousands of leaders of
Methodism in Georgia. He averaged preaching three times each Sunday and two
speaking engagements each week. He assigned two Sundays a year to each of the 21
districts in the Area. While giving major emphasis to evangelism, he supported the
total program of both the North and South Georgia Conferences.
Not only did Bishop McDavid want to meet people of the Area but also get ac-
quainted with its institutions: nine colleges and universities, three hospitals, two
childrens homes, nine homes for the aging and two conference centers. By visita-
tion and attending board meetings this goal was accomplished. Special needs of
some of the institutions received his direct support and attention.
Soon sifter coming to Georgia Bishop McDavid was asked what he did for recrea-
tion. He replied work. He stated that God had called him to the ministry and
that he was constantly about the work of a minister. As the McDavids covered the
state from Rabun Gap to Tybee Light, she would drive while he prepared for future
engagements.
97
1981-82 CABINET
1-r: Thomas Johnson, Sr, Guy Hutcherson, John Carroll, Hamp Watson back: W.R. Key, Ellick Bull-
ington, Alvis Waite, Jr., Bishop McDavid, Lawrence Houston, C.E. Steele
In this short time Bishop McDavid gave leadership to three capital funds cam-
paigns: Andrew College, Simpson-Wood in North Georgia, and the National Televi-
sion Ministry and Presence. His support of the new pension program was
characterized by his speaking at a pension rally in each of the 21 districts in the
Atlanta Area.
While giving leadership to all areas of the Churchs life and work he also served
the General Church as a member of the Executive Committee of the General Coun-
cil on Ministries, Chairperson of the Advance Committee of the General Board of
Global Ministries, and chairperson of the Program of Bible Study for the Church as
directed by the Council of Bishops.
Georgia Methodists were sorry that Bishop McDavid could only serve one
quadrennium in Georgia due to the retirement age of Bishops. In one quadrennium
Bishop McDavid has made a lasting impression upon Georgia Methodism. Upon
retirement in 1984 he will become Churchman in Residence at Candler School of
Theology and will continue to live in Atlanta.
LAY LEADERSHIP IN SOUTH GEORGIA
From the time the laity was given representation in the Annual Conference,
South Georgia was blessed with dedicated and creative lay leadership. During this
period, 1968-83, young adults and youth joined men and women in membership on
Conference boards and committees. The Board of the Laity and its successor, the
Committee on Lay Life and Work, gave direction and coordination to the total lay
program, with the Conference Lay Leader serving as chairperson. The work of the
Laity is highlighted by quadrennium in the following paragraphs.
1968-72
Mr. George A. Wright of Tifton served as Conference Lay Leader. The 1968
General Conference changed the name of the Board of Lay Activities-to the Board
of the Laity. In 1969 this new structure was implemented in South Georgia. In ad-
98
dition a new staff person, James H. Snead, Jr., was added to the staff of the Con-
ference Program Council. Mr. Snead had specific responsibility for lay work. Dur-
ing this quadrennium the Conference Board of the Laity gave special emphasis to
stewardship. Materials were produced for every member visitation campaigns. The
theme in 1971 was Let Love Guide You and in 1972 Together We Care.
1972-76
Mr. George W. Mayo of Savannah served as Conference Lay Leader. The Board
of the Laity was organized in two major sections: Stewardship and Finance, and
Division of Lay Life and Work. The stewardship emphasis was continued with two
more sets of material for every member visitation campaigns: Pass It On and
Who Will Answer? The 1972 General Conference phased out the Board of the
Laity and provided for a new organization called the Committee on Lay Life and
Work. This was organized in South Georgia in 1973 with the Conference Lay
Leader as chairperson. Also at this time Methodist Men was reorganized and the
Methodist Mens Club of South Georgia became the Conference United Methodist
Mens Fellowship. The bylaws of this organization were approved by the 1973 An-
nual Conference. The Committee on Lay Life and Work in 1975 was given the
responsibility to monitor the equalization of lay and clergy membership in the An-
nual Conference. In 1975 a constitution for United Methodist Young Adults was
approved by the Conference. The same year both youth and young adult delegates
were elected to General and Jurisdictional Conference.
1980-84
Judge J. Taylor Phillips of Macon was the Conference Lay Leader. During this
time the Adult Council became active with its chairperson being a member of the
Conference Committee on Lay Life and Work. A standardization of the process for
electing lay delegates to General and Jurisdiction Conferences was formulated. The
lay speaker certification program was reorganized becoming a year-round program
and surplanting the old no silent pulpit program. Judge Phillips was chairman of
the Committee to prepare the laity address to the 1984 General Conference.
Space does not allow a report on each of the Conference lay organizations during
this period. However, a resume of activities can be found in the reports of the Com-
mittee on Lay Life and Work to the Annual Conferences. The presidents of these
organizations are listed here.
Womens Society of Christian Service
1968-72 Mrs. J. R. Rivers of Camilla
United Methodist Women
1972-76 Miss Ina Randitt of Cochran
1976-80 Mrs. Augusta S. Carruth of Douglas
1980-84B- Mrs. Carolyn J. Hopkins of Cairo
Methodist Mens Clubs
1968-72 O. C. Rinehart of Thomasville
United Methodist Mens Fellowship
1972-76 S. Walter Martin of Valdosta
1976-80- Roy Lifesey of Warner Robins
1980-84B- Joe L. Giddens of Sandersville
United Methodist Young Adults Reorganized 1973
1973 JB- Larry Webb 1977-78Syd Shepard
1974-75 Louis Jordan 1979-81Jeanie Crosby
1976 Linda Peaco*ck 1982-83Barry Wood
99
United Methodist Youth
1968 Holland Morgan
1969 Emily Sessions
1970 Paul Cleveland
19713 Tim Bagwell
1972 3 Greg Porter
1973 a Bill Bagwell
1974 Syd Shepherd
1975 Martha Ayco*ck
1976 Cathy Crosby
1977 Craig Buckley
1978 Mary Jane Wilson
1979 Luanda Sparks
1980 Libbie Powell
1981 George Tyson
1982 Jim Kegerreis
1983 Jeff Hanson
Young Adults Reorganized in 1973
GROWTH OF CONFERENCE
This period, 1968-84, was not only a time of structural change but of growth. The
first quadrennium, 1968-72, had as its priority the accomplishment of merger with
the Coastal District of the North Georgia Conference. This also saw the implemen-
tation of the Program Council succeeded immediately by the Council on Ministries.
In the first year of his administration, 1972, Bishop William R. Cannon chal-
lenged the Conference to the priority of evangelism. The Conference immediately
responded with a program which continued over two quadrenniums. The General
decline in membership since 1962 was reversed, and for eight consecutive years the
Conference recorded a gain in membership. The first two years of the 1980-84
quadrennium recorded a slight decrease since conference action had prohibited
charge conferences from dropping members for three years in the late 70s. This
moratorium was imposed in order to get all churches following the disciplinary pro-
cedure for deleting members. In 1981 and 82 there were a large number dropped by
charge conference action; had these deletions been taken in their usual years, the
trend of membership increase would have continued since total gains exceeded
total losses for these five years.
The membership in 1968 was 144,323 and 151,056 in 1982, the last year that
statistics were available for this history. During this time the charges of the Con-
ference increased from 353 to 397; and the ministerial members of the Conference1
from 455 to 581.
In the matter of finances there was a dramatic increase. Although this was a time
of high inflation the giving of South Georgia Methodists kept up with the rate of in-
flation and in most instances surpassed it. Here are some statistics which indicate:
100
the commitment of South Georgia United Methodists. During the period the total
Conference budget increased from $1,534,146 to $4,833,083. Included in this was
World Service and Conference Benevolences which increased from $616,961 to
$1,422,552. At the same time our advance missions special giving, in addition to the
budget, increased from $303,445 to $816,397.
This trend was also evidenced in ministerial salaries. The approved base
minimum salary which was $5,000 in 1968 had increased to $14,300 in 1983. Total
ministerial salaries paid in 1968 equalled $2,064,000 and had increased to
$5,730,990 in 1982.
In two fund raising campaigns the goals were over-subscribed. In 1976 a cam-
paign for ministerial pensions was conducted with Mr. Will J. Peterson and Rev.
Weyman R. Cleveland as co-chairpersons. On a goal of $3,000,000 over $5,000,000
was pledged. In 1982 a campaign for Andrew College was conducted under the
leadership of Mr. James C. Brim, Jr. and Rev. Gilbert L. Ramsey, co-chairpersons.
On a goal of $1,500,000 over $2,200,000 was pledged.
Another forward step was the formation of a South Georgia Conference United
Methodist Foundation to receive and administer funds for religious, charitable, and
educational purposes. The articles of incorporation and bylaws were approved by
the 1978 session of the Annual Conference. Mr. George W. Mayo and Mr. Edward
B. Liles were the incorporators and served as the first president and secretary
respectively of the Foundation.
CHURCH EXTENSION
Since the Church Extension emphasis of the mid 1960s few new United
Methodist churches had been organized in South Georgia. Some declining churches
in urban areas relocated and have become thriving congregations, but United
Methodism was not keeping up with the population growth in the state.
A program proposal was approved by the 1980 Session of the Annual Conference
directing the Committee on Missions in consultation with the Committee on
Evangelism to appoint a Task Force to develop a Church Extension strategy to
meet a projected population growth in Georgia of 24% by the year 2000. The Task
Force made a thorough study using the services of District Task Forces and staff of
the National Division of the Board of Global Ministries, studying census figures
and population trends. The report, made to the 1983 Session of the Annual Con-
ference, identified the need in the Conference for 17 new congregations within the
next five years. A strategy for helping to develop these congregations, including
financing, was adopted. South Georgia Methodists accepted the challenge of
reaching more persons for Christ through Church Extension.
ARCHIVES AND HISTORY
The 1968 General Conference provided for a Commission on Archives and
History in the Annual Conference. In 1968 South Georgia moved from the era of
the old Historical Society to the General Conference Plan. Throughout 100 years
the Historical Society had given sporadic emphasis to collecting the history of local
churches and the Conference. Now there began a concerted, continuing emphasis to
preserve our heritage by a body duly elected by the Annual Conference.
For a decade Bishop Arthur J. Moore had been gradually bringing to the library
in the Arthur J. Moore Building at Epworth-by-the-Sea various items and books of
101
historical interest. In 1969 Bishop Moore met with the officers of the Commission
on Archives and History and expressed the desire for some orderly transfer of
responsibility for ongoing operation of the library and museum to the Conference
Commission. Thus began a cooperative effort by the trustees of Epworth-by-the-
Sea and the Conference Commission on Archives and History to maintain and
develop a Methodist depository and archival interpretation center which would in-
clude a museum and research facility. Major emphasis has been given to the
Wesleys in Georgia and the heritage and history of Methodism in Georgia.
In 1972 the Frank A. Strickland An-
nex to the museum was constructed.
This needed addition was to house
papers, displays, and artifacts of Con-
ference organizations.
In 1980 a campaign was launched to
raise over $200,000 for the renovation
and expansion of the museum. Included
in this was a fireproof/moistureproof
vault to house the important, ir-
replaceable items and papers which the
museum had acquired. The renovated
and expanded museum was reopened in
1983.
CONFERENCE HISTORICAL SITES
In 1974 the Commission on Archives and History began recommending sites for
approval of the Annual Conference. To date seven have been so designated and
marked with a plaque.
1.1974 John Wesleys American Parish in Savannah. This cluster site includ-
ed Coxspur Island, the sites where Wesley preached, his parsonage, and the
courthouse where he held services. This cluster site was also approved by the
General Conference of 1976 as a National Landmark of the United Methodist
Church.
2.1976 M Emmanuel United Methodist Church in Glynn County.
3.1977 Site of Wesley Chapel built in 1812 on the corner of Lincoln and
Oglethorpe Avenues in Savannah.
4.1977 Bethel (Brick Church) United Methodist Church in Screven County.
Built of native clay brick in 1827.
5.1978 Talbotton Church built in 1831 on College Street. The present
building was erected in 1857 of native clay brick.
6.1980 5 Perry United Methodist Church, Perry, Georgia, organized in 1826.
7.1981E- St. Marys United Methodist Church S organized 1799 present
wood Chapel built in the 1850s.
In 1971 two significant decisions were made. One was to begin a biannual
publication called Historical Highlights. Each issue included historical articles of
interest both to South Georgia and General Methodism.
Also, the Conference Historical Society was reorganized with 100 dues paying
charter members. This organization is an adjunct to the Commission on Archives
and History with its membership being open to anyone interested in preserving our
heritage.
102
PUBLICATION OF CONFERENCE HISTORY
From the beginning of the Commission on Archives and History some discussion
had taken place about the publication of a South Georgia Conference historical
book. In 1980 the Commission appointed a committee to make specific plans for the
publication. Mrs. Marynell Waite was named chairperson and editor for the book.
For several quadrenniums she had been the unofficial historian for the Conference.
She had served as Secretary and Chairperson (first laywoman) of the Commission
on Archives and History, the Director of the Museum/Library at Epworth-by-the-
Sea, and currently the President of the Conference Historical Society. This book
was published in 1983 to begin the celebration of the bicentennial of American
Methodism, 1784-1984.
EXPANSION OF CONFERENCE INSTITUTIONS
EPWORTH-BY-THE-SEA
The decade beginning in 1971 had many new additions made to the facility so
that it became a major Conference center able to accommodate meetings of up to
1,000 persons.
In 1971 the Pitts Memorial Motel of 24 units was constructed. This was a
memorial to Mr. and Mrs. W. I. H. Pitts of Waverly Hall, Georgia. In 1972 the
Frank A. Strickland Memorial Building was constructed as an annex to the
Methodist Museum. The Susannah Wesley House was renovated to provide 12 ad-
ditional rooms and was renamed the Harvey House in honor of Mr. and Mrs. J. H.
Harvey of Nashville, Georgia. In 1976 a new dining hall was completed, costing in
^excess of $225,000 and was named for W. Harry Smith, long-time trustee. This
made possible the accommodation of two large groups meeting simultaneously. In
1978 the Jones Building, named for Alfred W. Jones, Sr. of Sea Island, was ren-
novated and an auditorium added. In 1979 twenty-one new motel rooms were
added, 16 to the Pitts Motel and five to the Reynolds Building. In 1980 the Clary
Learning Center was constructed, which included an auditorium, craft room, and
class rooms. In 1981 the office complex was renovated with new offices being built
in what was the former courtyard. During 1981-83 additional motel rooms were
added to the Harvey Complex, Turner, and Reynolds Buildings. This brought the
total motel rooms to 166. Four new cabins were added to Aldersgate village, making
a total of ten.
In 1982 the George Wright Prayer Tower was constructed at a cost of $85,000. It
was named for George A. Wright of Tifton, a long-time trustee and former Con-
ference lay leader. Also the Gholson Pre-School Building was constructed at a cost
of $75,000 and named for Rev. and Mrs. Louis Gholson. In 1983 the Methodist
Museum was renovated and enlarged at a cost of over $225,000.
During this period the number of persons coming to Epworth-by-the-Sea more
1 than tripled to 47,000 in 1982.
THE SOUTH GEORGIA HOME FOR THE AGING, INC.
The 1980 session of the Annual Conference approved a resolution presented by
the Board of Health and Welfare Ministries granting permission to the trustees of
the facility to construct a 120 unit retirement center in Macon, Georgia on property
given by The Methodist Home. The cost of this facility was approximately
103
$4,500,000. This was the first expansion beyond the campus of the Magnolia Manor
Home in Americus. In 1982 property was acquired in the Savannah area for the
future construction of a retirement facility.
ANDREW COLLEGE
The 1979 session of the Annual Conference approved a $1,500,000 campaign for
endowment and capital improvements at Andrew College. The campaign was con-
ducted in 1982 with over $2,200,000 pledged. The first major capital improvement
made possible by the campaign was a new dining hall named for D. Abbott Turner
of Columbus, Georgia.
CANDLER GENERAL HOSPITAL
In 1980 Candler General Hospital of Savannah completed and moved into a new
$40,000,000 facility which combined the three previously separated branches. Ap-
proval was given to the building of the new hospital by the Annual Conference in a
special session December 1,1977.
SOURCES
JOURNALS OF THE SOUTH GEORGIA CONFERENCE, THE, 1968-1982.
SOUTHEASTERN JURISDICTIONAL CONFERENCE JOURNALS, THE, 1968,1972,1976,1980.
From the South Georgia Conference Archives Depository, Epworth-by-the-Sea:
Records of the Annual Conference Secretary
Minutes of the 1971 Merger Committee, Mrs. Miriam Zimmerman, Secretary
Papers of G. Ross Freeman and Alvis A. Waite, Jr. on Merger
1973 Structure committee File and Papers of G. Ross Freeman on Structure of Annual Conference
From the Conference Council on Ministries Files:
Information on the Laity provided by Ray Cox, Jr. and David T. Haygood, Associate Directors
Statistical Information on Epworth-by-the-Sea provided by Rev. Vernard E. Robertson,
Superintendent
104
SOUTH GEORGIA CONFERENCE
COUNCIL ON FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION
T. Jeff Smith III
Treasurer
Ms. Joyce Patterson
Executive Secretary
Theresa Padgett
Secretary
Spring Council Meeting
in
Treasurers
Office
Working
on the
Conference
budget
for
next year
105
Chapter 5
BLACKS
IN
SOUTH GEORGIA METHODISM
Amos 0. Holmes
INTRODUCTION
Blacks were charter members of the earliest Methodist movements, local
Methodist Societies and Churches, members of the first annual conference in the
American Colonies and the organizing conference of the Methodist Episcopal
Church in 1784. Many Black United Methodists feel that their contributions and
involvement in the history of American Methodism have been overlooked and left
out of publications about Black Methodists. The tendency is to focus on other in-
dependent Black Wesleyan denominations rather than the mainline Black
Methodists who were involved from the beginning and were never separated from
the parent Methodist Episcopal Church in the United States of American. It is to
the credit of this historical effort that Blacks in South Georgia Methodism will
have recognition.
The genius of early Methodist Movements and structures, namely the lay
ministry, the class meeting functions, the general and district superintendents, and
conferences on several levels, attuned the developing Methodist denomination with
the pioneering growth of a new nation in North America. This was a blessing for
Blacks in Georgia, who became members of the oldest Methodist Episcopal
Churches and their predecessor societies. Receiving religious sponsorship by white
Methodist Societies, many Black groups were not separate Churches until after the
Civil War. Many of these old Church congregations were in the Methodist.
Episcopal Church and were aligned with its old Georgia Conference between 1864
and 1876.
Prior to 1863, slave policies restricted the freedom of religion by Blacks (slaves,
freemen, freedmen, or mixed-breeds with any blood of Blacks). The Methodist
Class Meetings and Societies and the congregations of Black worshippers, slave or
free, were under slave restrictions and white leadership. Black lay pastors, and
white missionaries were under constant surveillance. Notwithstanding the desires
of Blacks who organized the Wesleyan Black denominations to have their own
Churches, in each instance, white Methodist Episcopal Churches gave them sup-
port to build their Churches, provided white ministerial and missionary leadership
ordained and trained their ministry.
The Methodist Episcopal Church, South, organized in 1844 by Articles of
Agreement between the parent Methodist Episcopal Church and most of the
106
Southern Churches, had the larger segment of Black members in the South. The
1866 General Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, passed a
resolution to set its Black membership, societies and congregations apart as a Black
denomination under their leadership. Accordingly, the Colored Methodist
Episcopal Church was organized in 1870. Now called the Christian Methodist
Episcopal Church, it remains still separate from the United Methodist Church.
They were not included in the merger of Methodist denominations in 1939 to form
The Methodist Church, and they are not United Methodists.
The earliest Black break from the original Methodist body occurred in 1787,
when Richard Allen and a group of Blacks withdrew from St. Georges Methodist
Episcopal Church in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and began the African Methodist
Episcopal Church. They were supported by some of the members of St. George
Church, who aided the Blacks in acquiring property and subscribed to the building
of a Church building for their worship. It is interesting to note that despite the
separation, Bishop Francis Asbury also ordained Richard Allen as a deacon in 1799.
He had dedicated Bethel Church, the first A.M.E. Church, in 1793.
James Varick, who became the distinguished leader of another group of Blacks in
New York who withdrew from John Street Methodist Episcopal Church, was aided
by John Street Church and the New York Conference in the building of Zion
Church, their first Church. After several years of relationship to the Methodist
Episcopal Church, they organized the African Methodist Episcopal Church, Zion,
in 1820.
The African Methodist Episcopal Church, the African Methodist Episcopal
Church, Zion, and the Christian Methodist Church originated in the parent
Methodist Episcopal Church and the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and are
regularly confused as Black United Methodists. However, they are not Black
United Methodists but independent Black denominations. As such, they are not
the primary concern of this chapter which discusses the history of Black United
Methodism.
Focusing on South Georgia, this chapter will describe the early origin of Black
Methodists in Methodist Societies and Churches with white, their development of
separate class structures under the umbrella of white Societies and Churches, the
formation of Black congregations and Churches prior to the Civil War, and the
later recognition and alignment of Black Churches in South Georgia from those
early foundations.
A description of the development of Churches, schools, districts, and annual con-
ferences for Blacks in South Georgia will be largely sketchy. Broader accounts of
development may be read in the sources listed in the Bibliography of this chapter.
EARLY BEGINNINGS AMONG BLACKS IN GEORGIA
From its foundation the colony of Georgia had no government established
religion, and even as late as 1785 there were very few congregations of any
denomination. In that year, however, the first Methodist minister was sent to
Georgia to encourage the few early Methodist Societies and to promote the
organization of other societies and congregations. A year earlier in 1784, the found-
ing General Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church urged the bishops to
give attention to the class meetings among Negroes. Reports of conversion of
Negroes in class meetings are included in Frederick A. Norwoods, Source Book of
107
American Methodism. By 1788, there were enough Methodists in Georgia that
Francis Asbury made his first trip to the state. These early societies usually in-
cluded white and Black members though most Black members were slaves.
However, there were also free Blacks in early Georgia who were instrumental in the
foundation of independent Black churches. Though records are sparse for these
early years, it is clear that Blacks were active in the beginnings of Methodism in the
state. The earliest Black congregation was established by the early 19th century in
Burke county and throughout the following years Methodism among Blacks in
other areas also grew, tremendously. In 1786, there were 1,870 Black members in
the whole Church and by 1879, there were 7,077 Black members reported and 111
local preachers licensed in the Macon and Savannah Districts in the Methodist
Episcopal Church in South Georgia. Remarkable numbers considering the
upheaval and realignments caused by Church separation and the Civil War. This
section on beginnings will consider these early activities through the period of the
Civil War, describing some of the significant areas of growth.
Burke County
Seat of one of the earliest churches of any denomination in Georgia, Burke Coun-
ty, which is located between Augusta and Savannah, was carved out of the St.
George Parish, one of the early Anglican Church Districts in the Colony. These
Anglican Districts of which there were eight were organized in 1758. Burke County
was organized in 1777 as a result of Native American Creek cessions to the Colony
of Georgia in that year.
The Old Church, an Anglican congregation, was the hub of a community located
about six miles south of what is now Waynesboro, Georgia. Another Burke County
settlement on the Ogeechee River, called Old Town, became Louisville, a well
known slave market.
During the Revolutionary War, 1775-178, the Anglican Church declined because
of the suspicions of the Georgian and American colonists that the priests and peo-
ple of the Anglican Church, the established Church of England, were British par-
tisans. Most of the Anglican priests returned to England, leaving in most instances
their Churches to the Methodist Societies. So, in 1777, Old Church became the
meeting place of Burke County Methodist Societies. These Methodist Societies in-
cluded Blacks in their membership. Not all Blacks in Burke County were slaves,
however; some were freedmen, freemen, and some classified as Blacks were of
mixed blood including Black. The impetus for the formation of the first Black con-
gregations probably came from among these free Black people. A 1956 search of the
early census records by Nell H. Baldwin and A. M. Hilhouse found that the free
colored population of Georgia was listed as 84 in 1820, 125 in 1830, and 150 in
1850. The volumes from 1790 to 1810 were missing, but it is probable that there
were some free Blacks in Georgia then. For example, Kathryn Bargeon Wilson in
her history of Burke County wrote that George Leile, a Black who became a famous
Baptist Preacher, was freed by Deacon Henry Sharpe of Burke County during the
period of the Revolutionary War. Rev. Leile baptized Andrew Bryan, who is said to
have built the first Black Baptist Church in Georgia. However, were all free Blacks
in Burke County Baptists? Probably not, for it is the site of one of the earliest
Black Methodist churches also and the place from which free Black Methodist lay
108
preachers began their evangelistic outreach, organizing new Methodist congrega-
tions and churches in other areas.
This first Black congregation had its roots in the Methodist society that began to
meet in Old Church in 1777. That society apparently did not really prosper. After
Bishop Francis Asbury visited the Methodist Old Church in 1790 and 1791, he
wrote in his journal, the work in Georgia is generally, dead. He was also un-
complimentary about Burke County. Oral historical data indicates that Old Church
became a Black Methodist congregation during this period of decline in white
Methodists and remained so until after the Civil War. This conclusion is supported
by the documented decline of white Methodists by 1812 and the later organization
in 1812-1815 of a new white Waynesboro Methodist Church, with only 10 members.
The Old Church was renamed Asbury Methodist Episcopal Church, perhaps in
honor of Bishop Asburys visit, and has remained through the years until the pres-
ent an active Methodist Church.
The local Church History of Asbury Church, read in a celebration in 1980 states,
At the close of the Civil War in the year of our Lord 1865, our group was left
without a place to worship, but was given a plat South of the old white church on
Sandy Runs Branch. Rev. Paddy Bell, Rev. Jacob Ward, Rev. Lavette Williams,
Rev. Augustus Wright, and the Rev. Floyd B. Bell, five local preachers, were listed
among the founders before the meeting of the Georgia Conference in 1832.
As Methodism among Blacks in Burke County prospered, a set of favorable cir-
c*mstances made these Methodists leaders in Black Churches expansion in South
Georgia. First, the Oglethorpe Highway, which ran between Augusta and Savannah
and was one of the first two roads built in Georgia, made contact with all of east
Georgia possible. Second, the slave market at Louisville on the Ogeechee River was
responsible for the spread of Christian slaves who had been under Methodist in-
fluence in Burke and adjacent counties. Finally, the involvement of the Methodist
Episcopal Church in post Civil War missionary work among Blacks in Georgia
included support of schools for the education of Blacks as well as the work of
relating non-aligned Black churches to annual conferences and organizing new
churches. One of these schools, Haven Normal School, was established in
Waynesboro, and from 1868 to 1884 it trained 1,000 Blacks, many of whom became
the leaders for the Methodist Church in Georgia. They became preachers, teachers,
and missioners for Church development in the places from which they came.
Haven Church, Waynesboro
Haven Church at Waynesboro began as a worship center under the leadership of
ministers who were principals or husbands of principals of the Haven Normal
School. The Haven Church building was dedicated August 19, 1888. Rev. James
Jackson was Pastor, and Rev. John Watts, was the Presiding Elder. It was named
for Bishop Gilbert Haven, a Missionary Bishop of the Methodist Episcopal Church,
who had died in 1880.
Haven and Asbury Churches furnished the Church with a large supply of
preachers, who served the annual conference in the early years. Among them were:
Rev. Douglas R. Cooper, Samuel Williams, H. W. Kimball, E. J. Kimball and many
lay preachers of the earlier period.
109
Nepsey Chapel, Ailey, Montgomery County
Alexander McNeil Peterson of Montgomery County bought two slaves at
Louisville in 1852, Peter Johnson, a native African, and Nepsey (Peterson), a
halfbreed Creek Native American and Black. Sometime before 1872, Peter and
Nepsey were married and became the parents of two daughters, Lucinda and Belle,
whose children and grandchildren greatly influenced the growth of Methodism in
Montgomery County, Georgia.
Peter and Nepsey Johnson may have been converted in Burke County. Anyway,
in 1872, they built a log cabin on the Plantation of Willie J. Peterson for the wor-
ship of Blacks, and called it Wesley Chapel Methodist Episcopal Church. The loca-
tion is just off Highway 280, near the intersection of Alston Road, east of Ailey.
Wesley Chapel was relocated and rebuilt in 1897 on what is now Pine Street at
Ailey. As a quote from their Church History tells, this Church was built on this
site and the name was changed from Wesley to Nepsey Chapel in recognition of the
faithfulness of the foremost of a small band of brave and hard-working members,
Nepsey Johnson. Others who worked with her were: Her husband, Peter Johnson,
Georgian Robertson, Lizzie Ross, and Rev. Samuel Ross, Ben Horn, Gilbert and
Creasey McClain ... Sister Nepsey Johnson ... was a steadfast and immovable
Christian, was all Church through and through. She worked faithfully for this
Church with all her heart and soul, mind and strength, until death called her from
labor to her reward.
At one time it was linked to the Tatnall Circuit, which covered all of the work of
the Methodist Episcopal Church in its surrounding territory, long before Lyons,
Vidalia, Ailey and Mt. Vernon were charted as towns.
Nepsey furnished several contributing preachers throughout its history, John
Ross, Samuel Ross, Peter Rock, I. T. Griner, Joseph F. Robinson, and Amos O.
Holmes, the great-grandson of Peter and Nepsey Johnson.
Warren Chapel, Mount Vernon
Another Church in Montgomery County began when Warren C. Crawley, a
generous Black landowner, gave property in downtown Mt. Vernon, for the
building of Warren Chapel Methodist Episcopal Church. He also gave five acres of
land on which the first buildings of Brewton Parker College were built, about 1904.
After nearly eighty years of service to the Blacks of Mt. Vernon, Nepsey and War-
ren Chapel merged. Since February 15, 1983, Nepsey-Warren have worshipped at
the Nepsey Chapel facility.
Screven County
During the early part of the nineteenth century, Black Churches began to spring
up in counties on or near the old Oglethorpe Highway, and the Ogeechee, Oc-
mulgee, and Altamaha river basins. Among the earliest Churches in Screven Coun-
ty were the Old Ebenezer and Simpson Churches, that started as brush arbor con-
gregations long before their name designation as Methodist Episcopal congrega-
tions. Simpson Church was named for Bishop Matthew Simpson in 1866, who is
said to have organized the already existent congregation as a Methodist Episcopal
Church. Bishop Simpson presided over the annual conference in Georgia in 1869
and 1881.
110
Chatham County
The Old Mt. Zion Church in Savannah had gone on before the end of slavery as a
non-aligned Church. Then it sent delegates to the Georgia Conference in 1869 and
asked to be enrolled as a Methodist Episcopal Church.
Appling County
Appling County had Blacks in Churches before 1864, from which Harpers
Chapel emerged. Several very strong laypersons have given strong leadership to the
Conference over many years, including the Farmeys, Striplings, McNeals,
Tillmans, and Rooks.
Harpers Chapel had some distinguished preachers who made their services
count in the early and later periods. Among them were J. S. Stripling, A. E. Stripl-
ing, William M. Beaton, David L. Rooks and Burlester Tillman, Jr.
Camden County
Mrs. J. W. Bailey wrote a history of St. Marys Methodist Church in 1982, in
which she states that Rev. George Clark was sent as a missionary to the banks of
the St. Marys River about 1792. Enoch George, later a Presiding Elder of the
Georgia District, came in 1794.
In the Methodist Episcopal Church of 1839, there were thirty-four Blacks. When
the whites decided to build another Church building in 1856, they gave the old
downtown Church of St. Marys to the Blacks. The successor congregation built
another Church in 1844. Greater Trinity was among the several Black Churches
that grew from the membership of the thirty-four Blacks in the First Church of St.
Marys.
THE CHURCH AND BLACK EDUCATION AFTER THE
CIVIL WAR
Following the Civil War, Blacks in Georgia were poorly prepared for their newly
granted freedom. The Union Army won the War but the Blacks won the continuing
belligerence of Southern partisans. Landless and largely jobless, almost entirely il-
literate, Blacks became the concern of the Churchs foremost missionary endeavor.
The Freedmans Aid Society was organized by a convention of ministers and laity
in Cincinnati, Ohio, August 7-8, 1866 to operate in connection with missionary and
Church extension societies of the Methodist Episcopal Church, who were designing
programs of relief for the Blacks of the South. Provisions were made for the educa-
tion of Blacks and the training of Black leadership. Church extension and the align-
ment of Black Methodist people, Methodist Societies, and non-aligned Churches
with the Methodist Episcopal Church, and vocational training to help with the sup-
port of their families, were among the projects and goals of the post-Civil War era.
The Freedmans Aid Society collected and spent $60,000 in its first year of opera-
tion. Schools were established in Waynesboro and Savannah in 1868.
111
Haven Normal School (1868-1927) was a partner in
the missionary work in South Georgia. It started with
Northern, white preacher-teacher missionaries, C. P.
Wellman, Principal, and two teachers. Among the
teachers was Mrs. Emma C. Cooper, wife of Rev. J. R.
Cooper, born in Mt. Pleasant, Ohio, April 1, 1846,
died May 19, 1872, and is buried in the yard of the
parsonage of Haven Church, Waynesboro, Georgia.
There was a considerable bit of hostility in the
white community toward the Haven Normal School
in the early years of its service at Waynesboro. March
8, 1897, the magnificent school building was burned
to the ground. The building was restored without dif-
ficulty. It was fully insured. Mrs. W. H. Lovelace, the
principal, was the wife of W. H. Lovelace, a distinguished preacher of those early
years in the Savannah Conference. After sixty years of continuous service, the
Haven Normal School building was sold to Burke County for a Black public school.
The services of Haven School in Waynesboro were merged with the Haven Home
School in Savannah.
The Haven Home School at Savannah, founded in 1868 and located on Harden
Street and later located on Montgomery Crossroads at Sandfly, seems to have
changed sponsors. The primary sponsor of this school in the later years was the
Woman Home Missionary Society.
Several Black and white missionaries served the Haven School as teachers over
the many years of its history. Among the teachers were: Misses Lewis, Ballweng,
Philo and Herring in 1896; Miss Georgia Hurd, Mary T. Alexander, and Minnie
Ziegler, Black missionaries; Ann Jeanette Lehman, Lula Breckerbaumer, Viola
Sanders, and Mrs. G. E. Palen, missionary, for whom the Palen Church was named.
In 1932, the Boylan School and the Haven School were merged and called,
Boylan-Haven School of Jacksonville, Florida.
Some of the students of the later period of the schools services include: Class of
1927: Ellie Newton (Bivens), Mildred Grant (Lonon), Teresa Gaston, Gladys Max-
well, Minnie Johnson, Sallie Edgerton, Azalia Jones, and Natalie Cheatham. Ger-
trude Luton, Amy Reddick, Annie Laura Bohanna, Sarah Watkins (Holmes), An-
nie Mae Robertson, Bessie Lee Royal, Jennie Simon, Elizabeth McNeal (Tillman),
and Erma Stripling were among a long list of others who attended the school.
The class of 1932, the last class at Haven in Savannah were: Carrie Phillips
(Davis), Nona Young, Alethia Green, Alberta Hicks, Bertha Kimble, Edna Kemp
(Luton), and Maude Gaston.
Higher education began to take form in 1869 with the founding of Clark College.
It was called Clark University in the early years of its work. In 1883, Gammon
Theological Seminary was founded and funded by Rev. Elijah H. Gammon, who en-
dowed the school with a gift of $200,000. Both Clark College and Gammon
Theological Seminary were jointly undertaking the task of educating leadership for
Georgias people and churches.
112
HAVEN HOME HIGH SCHOOL 1868-1932
RETIRED MISSIONARY
DIES AT HOME OF
CO-WORKER
Miss Mary Templeton Alexander
The above photo shows the
1 ate Miss Mary Templeton
Alexander, Methodist mission-
ary, when she was a youtj
woman living in Yonkers, Nev.
York planning her lifes career
Her final decision was to serve
as a teacher of Negro girls ir
the Sooth, She gave thirty,
lour years of service in hei
chosen field in Savannah an<
Jacksonville, Florida.
Miss Alexander would hav*
been eighty-seven years of ag<
had she lived until her nex
Ila Ah*.'--' HI
1932
Last Class
Graduation
Picture
Haven Home School Savannah, Ga.
Sandfly Area
1932 Faculty
113
In the early years of their services, none of these schools charged the Blacks who
studied there. They greatly strengthened the pastoral leadership of the South!
Georgia Conference.
EMERGENCE OF BLACK ANNUAL CONFERENCES
From 1788-1830, Methodist work in Georgia was on the eastern half of the state
and was in the Georgia District of the South Carolina Conference. In 1830, the
Georgia Conference, which included northeast and middle Florida, was organized!
During this period, all congregations were part of the same conference. Then in
1844, white southern members withdrew their churches to form the Methodise
Episcopal Church, South.
During the confused state of affairs after 1844 and until after the Civil War, a
small part of Georgia north of the Blue Ridge Mountains and a few white and Black
Churches remained in the Methodist Episcopal Church in Georgia. They were
largely isolated and unrelated to the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. However,,
most of the Blacks and whites were aligned with the Methodist Episcopal Church,
South, which took with it the existing conference structure. Blacks who were in the
M. E. Church, South, were then set apart in 1870, but most of those Blacks went
back to the Methodist Episcopal Church or joined the A. M. E. and A. M. E. Ziom
Wesleyan Black Churches.
In 1848, a movement by three New Orleans Methodist Episcopal Church bodies*
114
claiming all property as belonging to the M. E. Church, spread up the Mississippi
Valley and across Alabama to Georgia, south of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and in
west Georgia down to north Florida. Following the Civil War, the Methodist
Episcopal General Conference of 1864 authorized the organization of the Alabama
and West Georgia Missions District in 1866. The following year on October 10,
1867, Bishop D. W. Clark presented a resolution which separated Alabama from
Georgia. Thus in 1867, the northern part of Georgia, not in the Holston Conference,
and the western half of Georgia down to north Florida was organized into the sec-
ond Georgia Conference, this one replacing for the M. E. Church the conference
which had withdrawn when the M. E. Church, South, was formed.
The Black churches of the M. E. Church as well as its white congregations were
members of this Georgia conference until 1876 when the Savannah Conference was
organized. The Ministerial Directory of the 1867 Georgia Conference, printed
below, lists twelve Black pastors. Also, view the places where Blacks were ap-
pointed. Remember that the Georgia District in the South Carolina Conference was
not combined with the Georgia Conference until 1876; so some Black churches in
Georgia were still in that conference.
MINUTES OF TUE GEORGIA ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
I1 fc 7 - VII.MINISTERIAL DIRECTORY.
Ansley, George, Ml Pleasant
Brewer, Wro.. Atlanta.
Burrow, F.osh, Ncwnun.
Brown, Samuel D., Jonesborough.
Brcckenridgc, II., QrifUn.
Branan, W**sley, Conyera.
Bankston, E. J., Whitetvillc.
Caldwell, J. IL, LaQrange.
Caldwell, C. M., LaQrange.
Caldwell, A. TV., Rome.
Dorman, Alfred, Fayetteville.
#Usbic, James, Griffin.
Elder, Henry, New nan.
Fowler, James L., Harmony Grove.
Freeman, Jacob. FrankJin.
Groover, Peter. Marietta.
Ilipp, B. M.. Klijay.
Hall, J. M., Red Clay.
Hollinabcd, Win., Hightower.
Jav, T. P. Red Clay.
Johnson, J. Thomas, Atlanta.
.loiieit, John C., Hightower.
Jenkins, Marshall, Thomaaville.
Johnson, Crockett J.. Carters? ill e.
Kendall, George. Griffin.
Lumsden, Richard, Bowden.
Lane, Joseph, Oxford.
Murphy. John, Fairburn.
McHenry, James. Cartersrille.
Parker, C. W Columbus.
Prcttymao. Wesley, Atlanta.
Powell, J. B., Jonesborough.
Pinkard, Joseph, Atlanta.
Standing, George, Newn&n.
Spiliuan. J., Atlanta.
Smith. Wm, D., Cleveland, Tcun.
Sec. Albert N., Covington.
Smith, Joseph T.. Jonesborough.
Smith, Samuel, Ncwnan.
Trimble, Newton, Talking Rock.
Tidwell, S. M.. McDonough.
Tnlinagc, Anderson, Grilfin.
Watters, R. LI., Jonesborough.
Walker, Wm. C., Buchan nun.
Yurbroiigh, J. \\\, Oxford.
Those marked thus aro colored.
-from THE 1867 MINUTES OF THE GEORGIA ANNUAL
CONFERENCE, THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
The spirit of this founding conference was remarkable to its delegates as the
ollowing note from the Minutes illustrated.
During the entire session, at times, the Conference-room became
a heavenly place, on account of the manifested presence of God.
We never attended a Conference where the spirit of true religion
seemed so pervasive. At times it seemed as if we were engaged in
an old-fashioned revival, and the dying words of Wesley were
verified: The best of all is, God is with us! The preachers were
fired with a holy ardor, and spectators themselves, felt the in-
115
fluence of that gracious Spirit who descended upon the ministers,
and when, at the close of the session, all present knelt together
around the table of our Divine Lord and Master, they rejoiced ex-
ceedingly. Every one felt that it was good to be there. The first
session of the Georgia Conference will be long remembered.
As early as the 1872 General Conference of the M. E. Church there were resolu-
tions for separate conferences for Black Churches with Black leadership even
though they were well aware of the Methodist Episcopal Churchs policy of non-
separation and non-discrimination on the basis of race. In 1876, the Black work in
all of Georgia south of the Blue Ridge Mountains was included in the Savannah
Conference, an all Black Conference organized in Augusta, Georgia, by Bishop Levi
Scott, November 1, 1876 with five districts, 79 preaching appointments and 9,728
members. Then on January 22, 1896, the Savannah Conference was divided into
the Savannah and Atlanta Conferences; Bishop Willard Mallalieu presided. The
resolution gave the main reason for division as the difficulty of travel over the large
territory the state included. The two conferences became part of the Methodist
Church and members of the Central Jurisdiction at Unification in 1940 and con-
tinued to exist separately for 65 years until they were united in a new Georgia Con-
ference in 1952.
The reasons for unification of the two conferences in 1952 were various but
among them the resolution stated that transportation was no longer a problem,
that cost of administration could be cut, that the conference would gain in numbers
of delegates to the General Conference, and that union would enable the extension
of work into the undeveloped territory of Georgia and a pooling of resources
toward that end. This extension of Methodist work was to include a territory of at
least a 100 miles in the middle of the state which neither conference served. The
two conferences met in joint session at Waycross, Georgia, July 13, 1952, to unify;
Bishop J. W. E. Bowen presided.
The two Conferences met in their 1952 sessions June and July respectively andl
closed out the business as separate Conferences and in a joint session held ati
Waycross, Georgia, July 13, with Bishop J. W. E. Bowen, presiding, the organiza-
tion of the Georgia Conference was perfected by electing the Rev. T. P. Grissom,
Jr., Secretary; Rev. A. S. Dickerson, Treasurer, and the appointing and election of!
Boards, Commissions, and Committees as per the 1952 Discipline for the carrying,
on of the work of the new GEORGIA CONFERENCE. By vote of the Conference,
the first regular session of the Georgia Annual Conference would be held in Savan-
nah, Georgia.
EPISCOPAL LEADERSHIP IN THE CONFERENCES
Areas consisting of churches and districts within a part of or all of a State orn
States, and sometimes, areas consisting of a grouping of two or more states, were
structured for the work and residency of the bishops. Each bishop was assigned to j
administer the work of an area but was assigned occasionally to preside over the an-1
nual conferences of other areas. Area assignments began in 1912.
The General Conference of 1920 elected two Black General Superintendents andl
assigned them to what was called the New Orleans Area and the Monrovia (Liberia^
Area. The two bishops elected were Robert E. Jones and Matthew W. Clair, Sr I
Bishop Jones had supervision over Black Conferences in the States of Centrail
116
Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, Upper Mississippi, Texas and West Texas.
Bishop Clair was a missionary bishop to Africa. The other Black Conferences in-
cluding the Savannah M. E. Conference were the adjunct responsibilities of white
Bishops who presided over both white and Black annual conferences, having
Bishop Jones and Bishop Clair as their guests to preside occasionally.
Bishop Robert E. Jones presided over sessions of the Savannah Conference ses-
sions in 1926 at Waynesboro and in 1929 at Greenville. Bishop Matthew W. Clair,
Sr., presided over the Savannah Conference sessions of 1930 at Sylvania, and,
lagain, in 1939 at Sylvania. Bishop Clair retired in 1936, and the General Conference
iof 1936 elected Bishop Alexander P. Shaw and assigned him to the New Orleans
Area. Bishop Jones was assigned to a new Black Area, the Covington (Kentucky)
Area. Bishop Shaw presided over the Savannah Conference sessions of 1938 at
Statesboro. White bishops were resident superintendents over the Savannah Con-
ference until Unification and the election of another Black Bishop in 1940. The
Savannah Annual Conference in 1940 had Bishop Lorenzo H. King for its first
Black resident Bishop. More Black Bishops were elected by the Central Jurisdic-
tion quadrennially from 1940 to August, 1967. L. Scott Allen, a member of the
Georgia Conference, who was received into full connection in 1942, was the last
Black bishop to be elected by the Central Jurisdictional Conference. That con-
ference was held in Nashville, Tennessee.
No Black bishops have been elected by the Southeastern Jurisdiction since the
Central Jurisdiction was eliminated in 1967. All other Jurisdictions in United
Methodist Church have elected two or more Black bishops during the years
1968-1980.
LAY AND CLERICAL LEADERSHIP
Delegates elected to the 1939 Uniting General Conference in Kansas City, Mo. to
form THE METHODIST CHURCH
Minister D. H. Stanton Reserve ^^5 J. W. Queen
C. W. Prothro J. W. Keller
Laymen J. P. Brawley Reserve E. Luther Brooks
H. W. B. Smith Thad Eubanks
Delegates elected to the first Central Jurisdictional Conference, St. Louis, Mo. 1939
Minister
daymen
N. J. Crolley
J. W. Keller
E. Luther Brooks
Thad Ubanks
Reserve J. W. Queen
J. A. Baxter
Reserve J. P. Brawley
Lyndon M. Hill
117
'Eii?
E.D. Giddens
T.S. Collins
SOME MINISTERS OF
the
SAVANNAH
CONFERENCE
and
GEORGIA
CONFERENCE
W.M. Melton
C.W. Prothro
Vanderbilt Simmons
Wade H. Brown, Jr.
118
John Collins
Wade H. Brown, Sr.
LAY AND CLERICAL LEADERSHIP
Delegates elected by the Georgia Conference to the Special Session General Con
ference, Chicago, 111. 1966
Minister L. S. Allen
Ministerial Reserve A. C. Epps
J. D. Grier
Lay J. P. Brawley
Lay Reserve A. M. Carter
W. E. Wilson
Delegates elected to the Special Jurisdictional Conference Nashville, Tn. 1967
Minister L. S. Allen Lay jffil T. R. Wilson
A. C. Epps James Jackson
J. D. Grier Norman Johnson
Ministerial Reserve C. L. Henderson Lay Reserve John Harris
J. T. Amey Eddie Freeman
Delegates to the 1968 General Conference and Uniting Conference in Dallas, Tx. to
form the UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Minister A. C. Epps Lay T. R. Wilson
Ministerial Reserve J. D. Grier Lay Reserve James Jackson
C. L. Henderson Norman R. Johnson
Among the oldest preachers whom I have known, who were active before 1900,
iwere: E. D. Giddens, who was in the organization of the Atlanta and Savannah Con-
ferences, 1896. So committed he was to serve, that he protested the Savannah Con-
ferences retirement at age 83.
Rev. C. W. Prothro, early graduate of Gammon Theological Seminary, who was a
District Superintendent three times, and a perennial delegate to General and
(Jurisdictional Conference.
Rev. R. R. ONeal, a fire-brand preacher, who was preaching at a session of the
Savannah District Conference in the 1920s at Ailey, was caught up in the Spirit to
such an extent, that a woman who had not walked in many years, jumped from her
'rolling chair and shouted. She walked thereafter, until her death.
There were the intellectuals of the early period, James Jackson, W. H. Lovelace,
D. G. Greer, H. R. Allen, S. D. Bankston, Otis A. Burns and J. S. Stripling.
There were the outstanding evangelists: Among them, Claude Robbins, L. W.
Strickland, S. P. Bryant, W. M. Melton, W. C. Cato, and R. R. ONeal.
Among the saintly and beloved everywhere were: Thos. S. Collins, W. R. Dixon,
J. H. Pinckney, Robert L. Nunnally, William M. Lockwood, H. J. Kimball, W. A.
Holmes, C. L. Levalle, and J. F. Robertson.
There were the lay giants of the century: Allene Holmes, Lila Odum, Carrie
Sharpe, Amanda Smith, Elizabeth McNeal Tillman, Mabel Maddox Wilhite, A. M.
Carter, Rachel Collins, T. R. Clements, Uly Williams, H. G. Gordon, H. L. White,
Cassie Sapp, H. K. Gross, and H. L. Thompson.
There were several preacher families to remember: Wade H. Brown, Sr. and Jr.;
John Collins, Thomas S. Collins, Joseph P. Collins; John W. Watkins, Willie C.
119
Watkins, Sarah Watkins Holmes; Vanderbilt Simmons, Essie Simmons.
During the years when pastoral reports were made from the floor by every pastor
to the annual conference, J. H. Pinckney, who had a poor year in 1935, was criti-
cised by the Bishop for his poor performance. Rev. Pinckney, piously, humbly and
softly said, Bishop, if you are not gonna be bishop next year, the people at Odess
and Arbor Springs, and Culloden, would be glad to have you as pastor. The Bishop
apologized and Brother Pinckney retired at that conference. He was a saintly soul.
CONCERN FOR BROTHERHOOD
For the more serious Methodists, Christian integrity in race relations is a priority
for a future agenda.
Notwithstanding areas of disappointment in some areas of interracial
brotherhood, there is a noticeable change of spirit which should offer hope for bet-
terment. Some positive results can be seen in new Black Church development. A
Conference Church Extension Task Force is recommending a program for funding
several targeted Church and parsonage projects, among which are a half-dozen new
Black Churches in areas where we once had Black Methodist Episcopal and United
Methodist Churches. Albany, Cordele, Vidalia, and Valdosta are among the proj-
ects. Other projects include parsonages for Black charges in St. Marys, Woodbine,
Blackshear, Statesboro, Waycross, Baxley, and the new Churches at Cordele and
Albany.
An increase of eight seminary trained Black ministers have been added to the
roster of pastors over the ten years, 1973-1983.
A Parish Program Associates Training event over fourteen months will assure a
reservoir of trained laity for roles on every level of ministry in South Georgia.
The 1983 Black Clergy members of this conference are: George Anderson, Ernest
Augcomfar, Joseph P. Collins, Ulysses C. Dukes, Cliff A. Dunham, Timothy Green,
Clarence Griffin, Amos O. Holmes, William B. Howell, Clarence Jackson, Jr., Frank
Jenkins, Lee Jones, Henry Joyner, Jr., Lenton Powell, Joseph Roberson, David L.
Rooks, Oliver Thompson, Jr., Thomas Schley, James Swanson, Essie Simmons,
George Walton, Burlester Tillman, Jr., George Walton, and Comer Ziegler.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Baldwin, Nell H. and Hilhouse, AN INTELLIGENT STUDENTS GUIDE TO BURKE COUNTY
(GA.) HISTORY, Burke County Library: Waynesboro, 1956.
Davis, John P. and Others, THE AMERICAN NEGRO REFERENCE BOOK Englewood Cliffs N. J.P:
Prentis-Hall, 1969
Garber, Paul Neff, THE METHODISTS ARE ONE PEOPLE Nashville: co*kesbury Press, 1939.
Graham, J. H., BLACK UNITED METHODISTS, Retrospect and Prospect New York: Vantage Press,
1979. J
HISTORICAL HIGHLIGHTS, St. Marys United Methodist Church St. Simons Island, Ga.:
Methodist Museum, June, 1982, Volume 12, No. 1.
GENERAL CONFERENCE JOURNALS OF THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH Madison,
N. J.: General Commissions Archives and History Center, The United Methodist Church, 1796,
1836,1840-48.
ANNUAL CONFERENCE JOURNALS:
The Georgia Annual Conference 1867.
The Georgia Annual Conferences 1868,1880,1882,1885,1895,1896,1952-1970.
ANNUAL CONFERENCE JOURNALS:
The Savannah Annual Conference 1879,1891,1897.
The Savannah Annual Conferences 1884-85, 1887, 1892, 1895, 1896, 1900, 1904, 1911, 1926, 1928,
1935-1952.
Lucco*ck, Halford E. and Others, THE STORY OF METHODISM New York: Abingdon Press, 1926.
Lucco*ck, Halford E. and Others, HISTORY OF AMERICAN METHODISM. New York: Abingdon
Press, 1964, Volume 1.
120
HISTORY OF THE ASBURY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OF WAYNESBORO
Norwood, Frederick A., SOURCEBOOK OF AMERICAN METHODISM. New York: Abingdon
Press, 1982.
Porter, James, COMPENDIUM OF METHODISM New York: Phillips & Hunt, 1875.
Powell, Lillian, AN INFORMAL HISTORY OF FIRST METHODIST CHURCH OF WAYNESBORO,
1812-15 to 1968.
Pay, W. H., THE METHODIST CENTENNIAL YEAR-BOOK FOR 1884 New York: Phillips & Hunt,
1883.
THE MONTGOMERY MONITOR Mt. Vernon, Ga., May 12,1976.
Wilson, Kathryn Bargeron, IN BURKE COUNTY 200 YEARS AGO (Sylvania, Ga.: The Partridge
Pond Press, 1979).
REPORTS OF THE FREEDMANS AID SOCIETY, 1868-1880, Microfilm
HISTORY OF NEPSEY CHAPEL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OF AILEY, GA.
HISTORY OF ST. ANDREWS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OF SYLVANIA, GA.
METHODIST HISTORY, Table of Methodist Annual Conferences (USA) Madison, N. J.: General
Commission of Archives and History, October, 1969, Volume VIII.
Brawley, James P., The Beginnings and Historical Transition of the Georgia Conference 1867-1972,
Historical Highlights Volume 5, No. 2.
ACKNO WLEDGEMENTS
Acknowledgement is made to many, many persons whose roots are in the past history of Methodism in
South Georgia, who have helped in the research and provided materials for this Chapter on Blacks In
South Georgia Methodism. Limited space has made it impossible to use all of the collected resources in
this publication. A promise is made to do a larger work which will include much more data.
Special thanks is due to Mrs. Beulah Melton Taggart, Mrs. Pearl Bellinger, Mrs. Phillis Williams, and
Mrs. Edna Kemp Luton for very valuable books, oral information, and photographs.
Many Black pastors shared information, among them are: Joseph P. Collins, David L. Rooks, Comer
Ziegler and Clarence Griffin.
For unusual help in my research, special thanks go to Ms. Minnie H. Clayton, Director of the Robert
W. Woodruff Library of the Atlanta University Center, and to Dr. Major J. Jones, President-Director of
Gammon Seminary, for permission to use the Archives of Gammon Theological Seminary. Dr. Kenneth
E. Rowe, of Drew University and the staff of the National Archives and History Center at Madison, N. J.
Let me thank Mrs. Marynell Waite, and my family for suffering they bore in letting me write the ac-
count of Blacks In South Georgia Methodism.
Thanks are also given to all publishers, whose permission is given to quote their works.
Amos 0. Holmes
May 17,1983
121
The Writers
WILLIAM ASBURY HARRELL
William Asbury Harrell, son of Rev. Luther A. Harrell, is the pastor of the
First United Methodist Church, Folkston, Georgia. Born in the Lee Street
Methodist parsonage, Americus, he attended Emory Junior College, Valdosta
and received the B.A. and B.D. degrees from Emory University, the M.A. from
Scarritt, and the Ph.D. from the University of Florida. For ten years he was a
missionary to Brazil, serving the last five as President of Granbery College. He
was a specialist in Latin American affairs for the U. S. Office of Education and
the University of Houston, where he taught also. The author of articles and
books on Latin American history and education, he is editor of HISTORICAL
HIGHLIGHTS for the conference.
AMOS O. HOLMES
Amos 0. Holmes, great-grandson of Mrs. Nepsey Johnson, Ailey, is the Ad-
ministrative Assistant to the Bishop and South Georgia Cabinet. Following
education at Clark College, Atlanta, Rust College, Mississippi, he completed the
Diploma Course at Gammon, entering the ministry at age 19. He has done
graduate work at ITC, Ft. Valley College and Atlanta University. He was the
first director of Christian Education for the Savannah Conference, secretary of
the Savannah Conference and Georgia Conference for 13 years and the Upper
Mississippi Conference for five years, Conference Evangelist, Conference Direc-
tor of Evangelism for the Georgia Conference and for six years secretary of the
Georgia Conference Merger Committee. During the 45 years of his active
ministry, his joy was the organizing and building of churches. He is now retired.
S. WALTER MARTIN
President-Emeritus of Valdosta State College. Formerly President of Emory
University and Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and Professor of History
at the University of Georgia. Currently, member of the General Commission on
Archives and History of the United Methodist Church; Chairman, Atlanta area
Committee on Episcopacy and member of the SEJ Committee on Episcopacy.
Formerly, South Georgia Conference President of United Methodist Men and
also South Georgia Conference Lay Leader. Home Church, Valdosta First
United Methodist.
ALVIS ABBOTT WAITE, JR.
Alvis Abbott Waite, Jr., is the superintendent of the Columbus District of the
South Georgia Conference. The son of Rev. A. A. Waite, Sr., a deceased member
of this conference, he received his A.B. from Emory University and his M.Div.
degree from Candler School of Theology. He was secretary of the conference
from 1960-1982 and is the present secretary of the Southeastern Jurisdictional
Conference. He has served several pastorates, as Executive Secretary Con-
ference Board of Education, Conference Program Director, Waycross District
Superintendent, and Director of the Conference Council on Ministries. He has
been a delegate to the Jurisdictional and General Conferences and to the World
Methodist Conference. He is a member of the Southeastern Jurisdictional Coun-
cil on Ministries.
MARYNELL S. WAITE
Marynell S. Waite, is the wife of Rev. Alvis A. Waite, Jr., and daughter of Rev.
J. E. Sampley of this conference. Educated at Wesleyan College, Macon, and
Candler School of Theology, Atlanta, she was the first director of the Wesley
Foundation at G. S. C. W., Milledgeville. A member of the Conference Commis-
sion on Archives and History, she has been chairman, secretary and is president
of the conference Historical Society. She is a member of the Southeastern
Jurisdictional Council on Ministries Commission on Archives and History and
of the SEJ Historical Society. For two quadrenniums she has been a member of
the General Commission on Archives and History, serving as chairperson of its
Committee on Shrines and Landmarks, 1980-84.
122
k: > r
1983 SESSION OF THE SOUTH GEORGIA CONFERENCE
Delegates to the 1984 General and Jurisdictional Conferences
cocflHZ'CACtO
ACTIVITIES AT EPWORTH-BY-THE-SEA
Bible study during Winter Camp Meeting
124
United Methodist Men
Meet at Epworth-by-the-Sea
For the Remodeled and Enlarge ARTHUR MOORE METHODIST MUSEUM
John Wesley Statue
Main Entrance t
Library ^
Conference Exhibits
SOME INSTITUTIONS OF THE CONFERENCE
The Methodist Home
126
Wesley Center Savannah
- Open Door Columbus
Inner City Savannah
UNITED METHODIST WOMEN
Mrs. Carolyn Hopkins
and
Mrs. Faye Sanders
ANNUAL
MEETING
1983 Installed Officers
SOME CONFERENCE PROGRAMS FOR ALL AGES
Camping, Assemblies, Older Adult Retreats, Volunteers in Mission
a. VOLUNTEERS^
f in MISSIONS
So. Ga. U. Methodist
Petit Hoi+;
limn
128
CONFERENCE COUNCIL ON MINISTRIES
Mr
$igr~ 0$. pSIJH
Spring
V - p gkJ'.- ' >*;v, -. ''wi ;.fp
'r w&*
Council on Ministries
South Georgia
Council
on Ministries
Office Building, St. Simons Is., Ga.
129
GEORGIA METHODIST HIGHER EDUCATION
Part III
HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF THE LOCAL CHURCHES
of the
SOUTH GEORGIA CONFERENCE
Camp meetings, the forerunner of many churches, were attended by entire families, who came on foot or by cart, slept on the ground in
makeshift tents and cooked on an open fire. Camp meetings had three or more preaching services a day and lasted two to three weeks
with everyone attending all the services.
131
Milledgeville
AN EXPLANATORY NOTE
Every church in the United Methodist Church is a part of a conference. The local
churches in this section of histories are a part of the South Georgia Conference of
the United Methodist Church. Each conference is divided into districts, smaller
geographical sections for administering the work of the Church. Districts vary with
the growth of a conference. At present, this conference has nine districts. The
histories are presented by each churchs current district assignment in alphabetical
order according to the appointment listing for 1983-4.
The term charge indicates the pastoral assignment, which can be a single
church or a circuit of churches. A circuit means a group of churches. In these
histories the term station or station church usually indicates a single church
supporting a full-time pastor.
The membership figure for each church is the latest available for the entire con-
ference and is taken from the Conference Statistical Report, made by each church,
ending December 31,1982.
The names of persons entering the ministry or mission field are a partial
listing, since many churches did not give this information. Some of the persons
listed did not complete their training; others did not join the South Georgia Con-
ference, and a few are serving in other denominations.
OPPOSITE PAGE: This is an outline map of the South Georgia Conference
showing the lines of the current districts.
Editors comment: In preparing these histories an interesting fact stands out. The coming of electrici-
ty" brought the most changes to church buildings. For the rural church buildings. For the rural church
this meant more than a change in lighting and heating. A pump in the well made rest rooms and kit-
chen facilities possible resulting in remodeling, additions or new buildings. Such changes ran like a
'refrain through these histories. M. S. W.
133
AMERICUS DISTRICT
C. C. Edmundson, Superintendent
1602 Goff Circle, Cordele
The Americus District, first formed
by the Georgia Conference in 1858, was
one of the 15 Georgia districts, in 1866,
when the Georgia Conference divided
into the North and South Georgia Con-
ferences. Since then, except for 1869,
there has been an Americus District in
this conference. Its shape and size has varied, for in 1874 some of the churches
became part of the Dawson District for a year. Then when the Cordele District was
formed in 1906, some of the chinches were from the Americus District. Then when
the districts were realigned in 1928 and the Cordele District dissolved, many of
these churches were again placed in the Americus District. In 1983 this district had
47 charges with 89 churches and 15,006 members.
ABBEVILLE LIBERTY HILL CHARGE Leigh Ann Raynor, Pastor
ABBEVILLE
20 S. Broad Street
Rev. R. M. Booth was the first pastor
of this church, organized in 1875 with
seven members. When the membership
reached 25 a wooden building was
started next to the school. After wind-
storms twice blew down the partially
finished church, they decided that God
didnt like that location and stopped the building. Services were held in the court-
house until the present building, on the current site, was finished in 1892. It is red
brick, of Gothic style, with a gray wood facade in front. The interior is enhanced by
handcrafted rafters, beams, and pews. In its beginning this church was a mission
with the preacher coming on horseback from Pineview. One preacher even walked
when his horse dropped dead enroute to the church.
1982 Membership: 115
LIBERTY HILL
10 Miles WNW of Abbeville
The name, Liberty Hill was chosen
by Mrs. A. W. Winslett, Sr., who with
her husband, organized this church in a
log cabin in 1885. The first pastor was
Rev. D. F. Miles. By 1890 a one-room
wooden building was up; the present
one was built in 1918. A devastating tor-
nado did extensive damage in 1936, but restoration was begun immediately. In its
early years this church was on the Rochelle Circuit as it is five miles east of
Rochelle.
1982 Membership: 73
Members Entering Ministry: Bernard L. Brown, Wesley Asbury Wilson
AMERICUS, CONCORD Gene Yelverton, Pastor
Ga. Hwy. 30 Friendship Road
The number of Methodist Societies in
this area between 1830 and March 18,
1846, when this church was organized
with 46 members, is not known. Rev.
Daniel Fresley was assigned as pastor,
and Rev. Jesse Boring, the presiding
elder, came on horseback every three
months to hold quarterly conference,
for which he received 50 cents for traveling expenses. He carried all his church
books and papers in his saddle bags. Due to changes made by the highway, the loca-
tion of the church has been shifted three times, yet remained in the center of the
community. In 1910 the present wooden sanctuary was built; the first classrooms
'were built as Logan Memorial in 1949. In 1961 a concrete building added more
rooms. Concord has been on five circuits before becoming a station church in 1976;
Americus, Sumter, Smithville, Magnolia and Plains.
1982 Membership: 157
'Members Entering the Ministry: James William Dupree; Charles Jackson Dupree
AMERICUS, FIRST
Church and Lee Streets, Americus
In 1835 the circuit rider, Rev. Joseph
Edwards, was holding regular services in
the homes of this community. By 1845 a
large wooden building, with separate
idoors and seating for men and women,
was built in the growing town. By 1847
the membership was 149. Fire destroyed
the wooden building in 1922, and im-
unediately, construction began on the present cream brick sanctuary and class
rooms on the modified Akron plan. In 1967 the new educational building and
chapel were added. The chapel windows, designed by Willet Studio, depict the ma-
ijor scenes in the life of Christ with smaller scenes as vignettes in the background.
The 1866 Georgia Conference, in session in this church, voted to divide into two
conferences, North Georgia and South Georgia Conferences. This church has been
lhost to sessions of the annual conference, in 1875,1889,1905,1926 and 1935.
1982 Membership: 1,248
'Members Entering Ministry: Oscar M. Bell, James B. Jensen, William O. Powell, Carlton Reid
J. William Dupree, Pastor
135
AMERICUS, LEE STREET
J. Kenneth Turner, Pastor
South Lee Street, Americus
During the pastorate of Rev. J. A. Thomas at First Church, he felt a growing need
to start a church in the new residential section of town. He pushed the idea hard
and helped to organize the second Methodist church inside the city limits. It was
1916 and there were 148 charter members. Rev. A. W. Quillian, Jr. was appointed as
the pastor, and in the next two years the church was built. By 1919 a parsonage had
been secured and Rev. Silas Johnson,
later President of Wesleyan College,
was appointed pastor in 1920. The
church is named for its location.
1982 Membership: 484
Members Entering Ministry: David A. Duck,
Herbert Owen, Joay L. Robertson
AMERICUS, MORNINGSIDE CHARGE Warren Williams, Pastor
MORNINGSIDE
1207 Crawford Street, Americus
Begun as a joint venture of the Con-
ference Board of Missions and First
Church, this church was officially
named Morningside Methodist on
April 4, 1965. The first services were
held in the Masonic Temple, rented by
First Church for the new group. Rev.
Ellis Miller, district superintendent for the Americus District, preached the first
sermon to 34 persons. By the time that the first pastor, Rev. Homer Grimes, arrived
in June, 1965, a parsonage had been bought and furnished and soon the first unit
was built. September 26, 1965, this church was officially constituted with 90
members. By 1973 the indebtedness was paid, and an additional unit built and ad-
ditional improvements have followed. This church has been involved with a Day
Care Program and the pastor has been working with the Wesley Foundation at
Georgia Southwestern College.
1982 Membership: 120
Members Entering Ministry: Gil Tripp.
Mission Field: Martin Wilson Liberia
BENEVOLENCE
US Hwy. 19 7 Miles S. Americus, Ga.
The early history of this church is not
available, but in 1861 Benevolence was
host to the first Quarterly Conference of
the Sumter County Circuit which in-
cluded 11 churches from Tabernacle
(Plains first name) on the west to Plea-
sant Grove on the east. For many years
it was part of the Plains Circuit and in
the 1940s this church was closed. In September 1947 Rev. T. E. Davenport, a
retired Methodist minister, began services to replace those held by an Episcopal
priest. A Sunday School was reorganized and gradually the church rebuilt both its
membership and its property. An annex was named the Thomas Edwin Davenport
Memorial Annex, dedicated May 8, 1955, by Rev. Edward Carruth, pastor. At this
time this church was with Lee Street, Americus. Later again on the Plains Circuit,
in 1978 it was placed with the Morningside Church. Recently the interior of the
sanctuary has been redecorated with carpeting, chancel furniture and pews being
added.
1982 Membership: 61
Members Entering Ministry: Harold Eubanks
AMERICUS, SALEM Lynwood Roberts, Pastor
Rt. 1, Americus, Georgia
Preaching services were held in a
brush arbor until a pine log meeting
house was raised. In 1866 this was torn
down and a larger church of sawed
wide-board timber was built. The
present building was built in 1895. It is
said that at the beginning the
Presbyterians were concerned to be
meeting with the Methodists. One lady told her mother in N.C. about it. Her
mother replied: Our board says if you can get as many as 200 souls to form a
church we can send you a preacher for three months each year, but I advise you to
go with the Methodists, they have a preacher everywhere. So Presbyterians joined
the Methodists as founding fathers of Salem.
1982 Membership: 218
ANDERSONVILLE CHARGE W. A. Allen, Pastor
ANDERSONVILLE
Oglethorpe Street, Andersonville
The beginning of Methodism here is
unknown, but their building, on the lot
of the present Primitive Baptist
Church, was the rebel headquarters in
the Civil War. Before 1880 that building
iwas moved to Mountain Spring with the
members joining Bethel on Bump Head
Rd., 5 miles from town. In 1886 a new
church was built in Andersonville. Later Bethel closed and its members joined
Andersonville and County Line.
On March 3,1904, the 1886 building was blown down by a storm. Rebuilt in 1905,
it was used until 1928 when it became unsafe. As the membership was so small, they
accepted the hospitality of the Baptist Church until 1938, when a new building was
137
built on the present site. C. A. Johnson gave the lot, and materials from the old
church were used. A tornado damaged this church April 17,1947; again they rebuilt
and had paid the total $10,272.93 by Sept. 4,1949, when it was dedicated. By 1951
the membership had grown to 56; stained glass windows were added in 1971 and a
fellowship hall, classrooms and pastors study finished in 1982.
1982 Membership: 52
Members Entering Ministry: Milton Huie Holloway
COUNTY LINE
R.F.D. Andersonville, Georgia
In the 1860s near the Lee, Marion,
and Macon County lines, this church
was begun by Rev. Henry Scarboro and
his wife, Hulda. A cemetery is at that
site. In 1873, 2 miles from the Scarboro
site, a second wooden building, un-
ceiled, was erected on land given by
Harrison and Cynthia Kent Holloway. Candles on wall shelves provided the light. A
large wooden cross with candles in the cross-arms hung from the roof. In 1892
remodeling was replacing the solid wooden board benches with slatted ones! To
raise funds they had squirrel hunts and squirrel suppers; today it is fish fries. An
early open-air shelter became an enclosed social hall. On June 25,1955, a new block
church was dedicated. In 1959 the Harrison house was moved to the church for
added rooms. In 1977 it was paneled leaving the beams exposed. A steeple was
added in 1979, and the fellowship hall was again enlarged and air-conditioning
added in 1982. This time funds were raised by sale of king size quilts. In 1923 ser-
vices were held on Saturday and Sunday; Sarah Peters walked 4 miles to be present
each service.
1982 Membership: 67
Members Entering Ministry: John Hudson, Perry Holloway, W. W. Cheney, Leonard Freeman
ANDREW CHAPEL S. B. Alexander, Pastor
S. of Ellaville on US Hwy. 19
In 1860 Rev. Dennis ODriscoll was
holding regular preaching services in a
brush arbor on the road to Americus
from Ellaville, now US Highway 19. Just
how long the arbor served as a church is
unknown, but the present building was
built in 1871 and was so well con-
structed that only regular care has been
needed. Mr. and Mrs. C. B. Strange in
giving the land stipulated that no cemetery should ever be established on the land.
There is some question for whom the chapel was named, whether the Apostle An-
drew or Bishop James O. Andrew, the first Georgian to be elected a bishop and
whose slave became an issue in the split of the Methodist Episcopal Church in
138
1844. This chapel was on the Ellaville Circuit until 1975, when for a year it was on
the Andersonville Charge, before becoming a station church in 1976.
1982 Membership: 144
ARABI NANCY WILLIAMS MEMORIAL Lee Welling, Pastor
I
1
ARABI
US Hwy. 41
The early beginnings of this church
are rooted in the Harmony Grove
Church with this church being organiz-
ed in 1896. Rev. R. P. Fain was the first
pastor, and the first building was on the
east side of the Southern Railroad. At
this time the church was part of the
McRae District, then the Valdosta District. In 1925 the Arabi Charge was dissolved
ind the parsonage moved to Warwick. In 1967, Arabi again became head of the
charge when Warwick became a station. In 1966 two new classrooms were added,
and in 1971 new carpet and new pews were placed in the sanctuary. A new roof was
also needed for this 1918 building. Additional classrooms have been added.
L982 Membership: 101
Members Entering Ministry: Royce Story
Members Entering Mission Field: Mrs. Winton Jenkins China; Miss Mary Lou Barnwell
deaconess.
NANCY WILLIAMS MEMORIAL
Raines, Georgia
This church is a successor to Union
Church organized following a tent
revival in 1906 during the pastorate of
Rev. Moody Booth with Rev. W. A.
Jackson preaching. Nancy Williams
Memorial stands in a lovely wooded
tract which was a grant to the old Union
Church by Isaiah Williams, a lifelong Baptist who nevertheless served as Unions
first Sunday School Superintendent. The new church was dedicated April 21,1957,
| during the pastorate of Rev. Byron C. Davis.
11982 Membership: 19
ASHBURN
Thomas E. Barrett, Pastor
US Hwy. 41
Methodism began in this thriving saw-mill community as a mission Sunday
-School in 1888. The Sunday School became an organized church in July 1889. A
frame building, now in commercial use, was built 1890-1. By 1895 the church had
;rown from a mission circuit of five churches to a station church. The present
ouilding, one of the finest brick structures of its period, was erected during the
pastorate of Rev. J. C. G. Brooks. Ready
for services in November 1911, Rev. W.
E. Towson was the first pastor to hold
regular services in it. Although remod-
eled in 1950, the arched balcony and the
wood panels of intricately carved scrolls
and flowers were preserved; the stained
glass windows were repaired and a
larger window replaced the original rose
window. The memorial chapel, planned
and furnished by Dr. G. C. McKenzie, is to the soldiers who died in World War II. A
bronze plaque lists their names.
1982 Membership: 419
Members entering ministry: Rowland Burgess, William J. Stanford, Hatton Towson, George M.
Anchors, Charles H. Smith, Paul Kendall, Rembert Burgess
Members Entering Mission Field: Manie Towson, Anita Morgan Board, Mamie Myers, Sammy Smith
Vore, Arthur Smith, Jr., Sue Marie Pitts
BRONWOOD SMITHVILLE CHARGE M. Huie Holloway, Pastor
BRONWOOD
Geise Street, Bronwood, Georgia
Camp meetings held at Coneys Head
on Kinchafoonee Creek in the 1850s in-
spired the organization of Salem Church
and the erection of a building in 1857.
When the new church, Browns Station,
was built in 1883, Salems membership
declined and its building was sold to the
African Methodist Church. Bronwood Church is of virgin pine cut from the area
forests with a concrete annex added in recent years. Because this town is in Terrell
County, this circuit was called Terrell Circuit. Bethel, five miles south of Bron-
wood, was one of the circuit churches; when it closed in 1963 its few members joined
with Bronwood. Since 1963 Bronwood has been a half station with Smithville.
1982 Membership: 121
SMITHVILLE
Whitaker Street, Smithville, Georgia
The first official records for this
church begin in 1878 with its first
building erected in 1881. In 1919
Smithville was head of the circuit of five
churches: Sumter, Smithville, Leesburg,
Benevolence and Adams. In 1933 when
Adams was discontinued, its remaining
members united with Smithville.
1982 Membership: 97
Members Entering the Ministry: 0. L. Evans
Members Entering the Mission Field: Mrs. Alma Leonard McLane China
140
BYROMVILLE LILLY CHARGE
James A. Sharpe, Pastor
BYROMVILLE
Ga. Hwy. 90
Before Byromville was incorporated, this church was organized as Friendship M.
E. Church by Mr. Thomas Sweatinger, an early land owner. It was located on the
east side of Turkey Creek. In 1852 a second building was erected on a new site, a
third in 1855 on the site of the present building. That wooden building was moved
and a brick one erected in 1908, being
dedicated in 1912, Classrooms, social
hall and kitchen were added in 1949.
Between 1965 and 1970 the entire
building was renovated, stained glass
windows repaired and an impressive
historical marker added.
1982 Membership: 140
Members Entering Ministry: A. Jason Shirah,
Samuel S. Buchanan
DRAYTON
10 Miles West of Vienna, Georgia
When this church was built, Drayton
was a village of several stores, saloon,
post office, and courthouse. In 1840 the
present church was built with land
deeded in 1848. Mrs. Temlie Brooks
recalled that as a nine-year-old in the
1880s she attended regularly sitting in
the balcony; and when the church for black members was built across Turkey
Creek, the same preacher served both churches for a time. Today asbestos siding
protects the outside; electric lights replace the two kerosene lamps, (one for the
preacher, the other for the people) and the pump organ is silent. In the 1940s the
pulpit was relocated making three classrooms at the end of the building. In 1980 a
wooden annex was added. Though often discontinued, the Sunday School has been
restarted just as often, also the womens work. This church has been on different
charges, such as 1919 Lilly Circuit with Lilly, Drayton, Shiloh and Pleasant Valley
and Smyrna added in 1930; Byromville-Lilly Charge with Drayton, Pleasant Valley
and Bakersfield. When Bakersfield closed in 1961, its members joined Drayton. In
1905 when Dooley County divided, the town fell apart, but this church survives.
1982 Membership: 38
LILLY
Church Street, Lilly, Georgia
This church was organized in a school in 1904 with 29 members. Services con-
tinued in the school until the church was built in 1905. For years the Methodist and
Baptist churches were located side by side with Sunday School being held in the
morning in one and in the afternoon in
the other. Since 1970 much has been
done to update this building with
stained glass windows being given as
memorials in 1976. In January 1981, the
few remaining members of Pleasant
Valley asked to merge with Lilly. Their
building and furnishings are being
donated to Dooly Campground for con-
tinued use.
1982 Membership: 89
CHAUNCEY BENEVOLENCE CHARGE Don Carpenter, Pastor
CHAUNCEY
In 1875 the operator of a large shingle
mill built a church for use of all
denominations. Rev. D. G. Pope, a sup-
ply pastor, preached for the Methodists.
During the early years the stewards
made regular visits to the members each
quarter to collect money for the
preachers salary and the askings
(conference benevolences). The Chauncey Church was organized in 1882 and the
building burned in 1892 and was immediately rebuilt. Rev. George Thompson, the
pastor at the time, did much of the carpentry. In 1940 it was moved to the present
site and brick veneered. In 1960 when the Rhine-Chauncey Charge was formed, the
parsonage was moved to Rhine. In 1978 Chauncey again became head of the charge
and the parsonage was returned.
1982 Membership: 58
Members Entering Ministry: Max Harrell
BENEVOLENCE
This churchs roots go back about one
hundred years when a group of people
including Mr. and Mrs. Mason L. Davis
and Mr. and Mrs. James W. Flanders
organized a church, known as Refuge. In
1902 on land given by Mr. Davis a new
church was built and the name changed
to Benevolence. In 1915 the conference
MINUTES give Chauncey and Benevolence as a Charge in the McRae District,
Rev. B. F. West as pastor. In 1942 it was an afternoon appointment with First
Church, Eastman; in 1960 it was on the Rhine-Chauncey Charge. In 1983 the ceil-
ing was lowered and the outside painted.
1982 Membership: 43
142
MOUNT OLIVET
RFD 1, Helena, Georgia
This church is located in Telfair
County on the old Helena to Dublin
road near the Dodge County line. No ex-
act dates are known about its beginning,
but tradition says that the first meeting
was inside Indian territory in a log
cabin. In the early 1890s the congrega-
tion moved to the present location. J. B. Purvis gave timber from his own land, cut,
sawed, dressed and hauled it to the building site. Along with Robert Clark, William
Henry Clark, and C. Clark he worked many nights by the light of a fire to complete
the church. For a long time it was not heated; later wood burning stoves were used.
Long before it was the policy of the church, women served on the Board of
Stewards.
1982 Membership: 84
Members Entering Ministry: Charles Cravey
COCHRAN CHARGE
FIRST
Although this church was organized
in a brush arbor in 1866, its first
building, built in 1868, was jointly
owned by the Methodists, Baptists, and
Presbyterians. They began with seven
members and by 1868 had bought
property. The present building was
erected in 1916, a very fine model with a
sanctuary and classrooms. At first this church was on the Hawkinsville Circuit, but
in 1883 the Cochran Circuit was formed. Antioch, four miles north on the Old
Cochran-Cary Road, was on the Cochran Circuit also. The members of that church
have merged with First and their building was sold during 1982.
1982 Membership: 580
Members Entering Ministry: Lewis W. Strickland, Stephen Grantham, Thomas H. Wimberly
LONGSTREET
8 Miles North of Cochran, Georgia
In 1812 the first cross-state road from Augusta to just below the present city of
Columbus was opened and called the Federal Road. It was very narrow, two
stagecoaches had difficulty passing, and stumps still stood in the middle of the
road. That section of the road that ran between Hawkinsville and Milledgeville was
called Longstreet Road, hence the name of the church and its location. This church
was organized in 1812 also. Although no date is given for the construction of the
Rudolph Grantham, Pastor
143
CORDELE CHARGE
present building, it is the original one.
Its brick foundation and brick floor in-
dicate its early date.
1982 Membership: 32
Vance Mathis, Pastor
FIRST
12th Avenue East at 5th Street South
Cordele First was organized in 1887 in
The Cordele Academy where services
were held until the first building was
ready in 1891. A simple white frame
building, it was large enough to host the
1891 session of the South Georgia Con-
ference. The present brick building was
erected in 1914. The outgrown building at 7th Street was given to Bethel C.M.E.
Church; the lumber went into the foundation of the new Bethel while the bell was
given to Holsey-Cobb Institute, a Methodist supported mission. In 1922 this con-
gregation helped to establish Midway and in 1958 Peavy Memorial. It has been host
to the annual conference in 1915 and 1941.
1982 Membership: 1,049
Members Entering Ministry: Palmer Greene, Clyde Smith, Orion Hunt, Jimmy Womack
Members Entering Mission Field: Miss Helen Rosser 37 Years
MIDWAY
Crisp County
While Rev. Tom Standford was
pastor of the Cordele Church, he
organized a Sunday School and church
services in an unused Free Will Baptist
Church in the Midway Community. He
was assisted by Palmer H. Greene as
superintendent of Sunday School.
When Rev. 0. B. Chester was assigned
to this charge, he helped to formally organize Midway and to purchase the property
from the Free Will Baptists. The building was a tall wooden structure with a high
steeple and bell; in 1926 it was completely demolished by a storm; only the organ
was unharmed. A new building was soon under construction and services were held:
in a nearby school until the new building was ready. It was dedicated the first Sun-
day of November 1927 by Rev. Standford. Memorial stained glass windows have:
144
recently been installed. Services are held each Sunday with Lay Speakers speaking
on the three Sundays that the pastor from First Cordele does not come.
1982 Membership: 31
Members Entering Ministry: W. Benny Dowdy
PEAVY MEMORIAL CHARGE Ralph Haywood, Pastor
PEAVY MEMORIAL
Cordele, Georgia
This church is named for Rev. Melvin
E. Peavy who was pastor of First
Church, Cordele, when he died sudden-
ly. Four years later in this new subdivi-
sion of Cordele with the help of the con-
gregation of First, the Peavy Memorial
Church was organized on September 12,
1958. Fred L. Maddox, a student at Candler School of Theology and a probationary
member of the conference was assigned as pastor. There had been 64 members at
the organizational meeting in the cafeteria of Blackshear Trail School. By March
12,1961, the first unit was complete and Rev. Theo Gee was assigned as pastor. To-
day they have a sanctuary, educational unit and fellowship hall.
1982 Membership: 261
Member Entering Ministry: Eddie Braswell
SEVILLE
Organized in 1887 this church had a
neat wooden building within the year.
Preaching services were held only once a
month in the afternoon, and the church
almost died. But after World War II
many of the sons of the members
returned to the community. Miss
Katherine Ezelle was the first Rural Worker for the Charge, followed by Miss Ruth
Beasley, and things began to change. Seville was named Church of the Year for the
Americus District in 1960, and a World Citation for 100% payment on World Ser-
vice and Benevolence. In 1964 the old building was torn down and the new building
erected on the same site. Services were held in the upstairs of Mr. Waters store
during the construction.
1982 Membership: 26
DAWSON Charles P. Adams, Pastor
Stonewall Street and Seventh Avenue
In a one-room log cabin on the farm of Mr. Alfred Breedlove this church was
organized March 5, 1857. While the first building was being built, they worshipped
145
in a blacksmith shop. The present brick structure was built in 1892 and in 1908 a
brick annex was added. Later the stained glass windows of the sanctuary were
replaced with scenic windows depicting major events in the life of Christ. This
church has been in several Districts:
Americus, Lumpkin, Columbus and
Dawson. When Dawson was head of a
district, the presiding elder had his
home here and for a while after Dawson
was reassigned to the Americus district.
1982 Membership: 471
Members Entering Ministry: J. W. Weston, J. W.
Patterson, Charles Hillis, Sanford Brown, Fred
McClendon and W. G. Griffin, Jr., John Richard
Irwin IV
Members Entering Mission Field: Miss Lillie
Cheatham Mexico, Miss Lucille Lewis
Cuba, Miss Johnston Korea
EASTMAN CHARGE
James H. Snell, Pastor
John R. Bargeron, Associate
FIRST
Eastman, Georgia
In Sugar Creek Meeting House, 44
persons began this church in 1871. Ser-
vices were held in the meeting house
through the kindness of the Baptists
until a building was erected in 1878-9.
In 1910 when the first building was
replaced, Rev. Walter Anthony was the;
pastor. Fire in December 1939 destroyed the beautiful stained glass windows and:
all records. The present building dates from the rebuilding.
1982 Membership: 500
Members Entering Ministry: David Haygood, Joe Buff aloe, Marion Davis, Kirk G. Loyless
FRIENDSHIP
2 Miles SE of the Duboise Community
The first services for this church were
held in a tenant house in February 1916.
The first building was blown down
before it was completed; the present
building was built in 1916. This church
has been a part of several circuits: Em-
pire Circuit, Hawkinsville Circuit,
Eastman Circuit, 1969 to Pineview Cir-
cuit, 1970 to Cochran Charge and presently Eastman, First.
1982 Membership: 52
146
ELKO SNOW CHARGE
Eddie Braswell, Pastor
ELKO
Ga. Hwy. 26
The organization date for this church
is thought to be 1892. The first building,
a small frame structure, was struck by
lightning and destroyed. In 1910 brick
was ordered for a new church, but when
the railroad car of brick came, the
members couldnt agree on where to
locate the church and it looked as if the railroad would take back the brick. The
pastor, Rev. E.E. Gardner, a member, and a Negro man unloaded the entire lot of
brick. The story has been told and retold how they caught the brick until their
hands were streaming with blood.
1982 Membership: 41
GROVANIA
Houston County
Located a short distance west of
Haynesville on US Highway 341, is a
church building that was moved from
Haynesville to its present location in the
early 1900s. A Bible presented to the
Haynesville Church in 1860 by Mrs.
Harriett L. Riley is part of their past
history. The exact date for its beginning
is believed to be before the Civil War.
1982 Membership: 14
HENDERSON
Junction of US Hwy. 41 and Ga. 26
Methodism has a rich heritage in the
area of Houston County associated with
Elko, Grovania, Snow, and Henderson.
When this church was first organized in
the 1830s, it was named Wesley Chapel,
but in 1858 it was changed to Hender-
son. This church was on the Perry Cir-
cuit 1840-1867, the Haynesville Ct. 1867-1885 when it returned to the Perry Cir-
cuit. In 1901 it was placed on the Elko Circuit. The present building was built in
1842. Among the local preachers from this area are J.A. Henderson, J.D. Clark, J.S.
West and Dr. E.T. McGehee whose 3 sons entered the South Georgia Conference.
1982 Membership: 42
Members Entering Ministry: John B. McGehee, E.A. Howard McGehee, J.B. McGehee, E.J. Rentz,
P.H. Crumpler, H.R. Felder
147
SNOW
Ga. Hwy. 230
This church grew out of a camp
meeting and was organized in April
1843. It is between Unadilla and Byrom-
ville in Dooly County. The log church
has been replaced with the present
building. In 1919 Snow was on the
Unadilla Charge in the Cordele District,
1939 on the Pinehurst Circuit in the
Americus District, since 1962 on the Elko-Snow Charge.
1982 Membership: 57
ELLAVILLE CORINTH CHARGE William R. McCellan, Pastor
ELLAVILLE
US Highway 19
The early beginnings of this church
are centered around the preaching of
Jimmy Stewart, Billy Stewart, and Billy
Cheney, two of whom became itinerary
ministers. This church was organized in
1857 and met in a log building until the
present building was erected. This
building is a testimony to the skill of the carpenters and the quality of their
materials as the original timbers, hand hewn, are still in good shape. One of the
pastors, Rev. Robert F. Williamson, in addition to his help in building this building,
was instrumental in the organizing and building of Hopewell and Andrew Chapel.
Rev. John B. Bright was the first pastor assigned by the conference after its
organization.
1982 Membership: 230
Members Entering Ministry: Bishop W. N. Ainsworth
CORINTH
Ga. Hwy. 26 East of Ellaville
This church was organized in 1872
about two miles from the present loca-
tion. The original building was moved to
this site, but it was destroyed by a tor-
nado in April 1957. The present
building was then built. Corinth was for
many years on the Oglethorpe-Ideal
Charge, but in 1981 was placed with Ellaville as a charge.
1982 Membership: 39
148
GRAVES SASSER CHARGE
GRAVES
US Hwy. 82 W
On the Jefferson Davis Highway in
Terrell County is a brick church with a
26 ft. steeple and a white brick cross in-
set over the entrance. This is Graves
Church rebuilt in 1943 after a tornado
;otally destroyed it during service; no
one was killed. The first service in the
new church was one year, less a day, from the day of the storm. In rebuilding, it was
elocated making possible the addition of the steeple in 1981. This church began in
1870 being organized in a building used for both church and school. The preacher
-rom Dawson came out for service once a month until 1877 at which time Rev. J. M.
Austin was assigned as pastor. The land was given by Dr. Iverson Dutton Graves. In
L973 Graves Charge was chosen as The Charge of the Year for the Americus
District. An Endowment Fund was begun for use with mission and education
orojects.
Eugene Scott, Pastor
i982 Membership: 114
Members Entering Ministry: Hershel H. Heisler
DOVERAL
Ga. Hwy. 45,5 Miles S. Graves
Doveral is one of the oldest set-
tlements in Terrell County beginning
between 1830-1840. In 1848 a post office
was established as Herod Town, later
changed to Dover, then to Doveral in
1870. In this area in 1859 a Methodist
Church was organized; land was bought
or $5 from William Hayes. In 1923 the present building, also of wood, was built on
and deeded by the heirs of Alice Mathews.
L982 Membership: 37
NEW PROSPECT
Randolph County
On the old Brookville-Morgan Road
;here has been a Methodist church
tamed Prospect since the 1850s or
lefore because New Prospect, built in
L866, stands across the road from the
;emetery and the site of the first
;hurch. In the cemetery are very old
raves of both white and black persons, some believed to be slaves. This present
149
building has walls of wide virgin pine still visible to the eye, and floors of wide
board. The acoustics are great; just a few sound like a crowd. An outstanding
revival is still remembered as Ballards Big Meeting which lasted 2 weeks.
1982 Membership: 69
SASSER
US Hwy. 82 W
This church takes its name from that of town which was named for J. Abraham
Sasser. When this church was organized in 1914, the present brick building was
erected on Main Street. Rev. W. S. Johnston was the first pastor assigned to this
new church. Some of the persons making up the first members of this church were
members of Chickasawhatchee Church which had only a few remaining members.
Just when that congregation began is
unknown. Sunday School rooms and a
fellowship hall were built and dedicated
in 1958. The sanctuary was remodeled
and new pews purchased; this was
dedicated in 1965. Recently an organ
has been given as a memorial and a
study for the pastor provided as a
memorial gift.
1982 Membership: 53
Wayne Defore, Pastor
E. off Ga. Hwy. 90, Crisp County
This church was organized in the ear-
ly 1900s in the Baptist Church, which
the Methodists continued to use on the
Sundays when the Baptist services were
not held. In 1919 it was part of the'
Seville Circuit with Seville, Pitts,.
Hatley and Zion, Rev. C.W. Jordan,
pastor. In 1926 the present building was-
built, with a donation from the Board of Church Extension of $300. In 1950s ther
Sunday School was revitalized and space was needed. The larger of these rooms can
serve for a fellowship hall. In 1930 this church received 13 persons on profession oft
faith and had a total of 79 members. It was on the Rebecca Charge in the McRaes
District, Rev. C.M. Ledbetter, pastor. The next year it was part of the Americus-
District and the churches on the Rebecca Ct. were Arp, Hatley, Live Oak, Pro-
vidence, Rebecca and Youngs Chapel. In 1978 this church became a station.
HATLEY
1982 Membership: 49
Members Entering Ministry: Fred Maddox, Eugene Maddox
150
a A WKIN S VILLE
Tom P. Watson, Pastor
US Hwy. 341 at US Hwy. 129
This churchs beginnings date to the
early circuit rider visiting the settlers. It
was on the Ocmulgee Circuit of the
South Carolina Conference in 1808, and
on the newly formed Houston Circuit in
L825. The first building was at Hartford
and in 1819 another church was built on
Longstreet Road, the post road between
Hartford and Milledgeville, with the
first in the new village of Hawkinsville being built in 1825. In 1832 another was
built and the first brick church in 1895. The present church building complex was
built in 1950. A prominent Methodist layman, Henry Dearborn, was Secretary of
War in President Thomas Jeffersons Cabinet and negotiated the treaties between
the Federal Government and the Indians.
1982 Membership: 550
Members Entering Ministry: Durwood Foster, Teegler Greer, Henry Thomas, Jelks Taylor, Gordon
'Rainey
Members Entering Mission Field: Miss Mary Culler White China 35+ Years
J. Wayne Reece, Pastor
HELENA
US Highway 341
A Sunday School was held during
1893-4 in a room over a blacksmiths
shop with planks placed across nail kegs
for benches. Following a tent meeting,
in 1894, the first building, gothic in style
with stained glass windows and made of
yellow pine painted white, was erected.
Known first as Helena Mission, it was
part of a circuit of churches. Rev. C. D. Adams was the first pastor. Several of the
circuits were: 1899 Helena-Lumber City; 1913-1923 Helena Scotland, changed then
to the Americus District with Dodge Chapel, Mt. Olivet and Helena; 1960 Helena,
Scotland and Mt. Olivet. At present Helena and Scotland are a two point station.
In 1977 Helena-Scotland was the Americus District Charge of the Year.
1982 Membership: 126
HELENA SCOTLAND CHARGE
SCOTLAND
The Minutes of the Second Quarterly Conference of the Spring Hill Charge,
Eastman District, states that four churches, Spring Hill, Shiloh, McVille (now
Scotland) and Morrisons were holding regular services with a Sunday School in
each church. In 1886 Walter F. McArthur deeded the present site to the church
151
stipulating that it must be a two-story
building with the Masons having
possession of the second floor. In 1923
the Masons deeded their claim to the
Methodists and the building was
remodeled. Fire totally destroyed the
building on December 6, 1974, but on
the 11th a mobile chapel was placed on
the site and rebuilding began. The
present building was consecrated July
25,1976.
1982 Membership: 47
HOPEWELL CONCORD
Joe F. Johnston, Pastor
HOPEWELL
Ga. Hwy. 26
In Schley County on the Buena
Vista-Ellaville Road is Hopewell
Church organized in 1842. The name is
said to have come from a traveler on
horseback who came by when the men
were working on the building and
hoped them; thus the name. The first
building was of logs cut from the virgin forests; this was replaced by a better
building, and the present building, built on the same site, was built sometime after
the Civil War. In 1960 stained glass windows were put in as memorials to members.
1982 Membership: 159
CONCORD
Ga. Hwy. 240, Schley County
Organized in 1850, this church was
part of the Ellaville Circuit along with
Andrew Chapel, Hopewell, and Lacross.
The early frame building was replaced
by a concrete block building in 1961. On
July 10th the old building was being
torn down so the new building could be
built on the same site. The new one was
completed and the first services held September 17, 1961. In 1981 carpeting
central heat and air conditioning were added.
1982 Membership: 43
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152
IACKSONVILLE CIRCUIT
Ted Marsh, Pastor
JACKSONVILLE
Junction of US Hwy. 441 and Ga. 117
Jacksonville is on the big curve of the
Ocmulgee River in Telfair County. The
roots of this church are found in the
beginning churches started in this area
when it was opened to settlers. This
church in Jacksonville was organized in
1868 in the courthouse, and the old
milding was torn down and the present one built on the same site. Jacksonville has
>een the head of a circuit of as many as 15 churches in pre-Civil War time. As it was
me of the places where the river could be crossed, it was an important place to the
:arly circuit riders.
'982 Membership: 61
BETHEL
Ga. Hwy. 117
This church is at China Hill on the
oad between Jacksonville and Rhine on
the big bend of the Ocmulgee River
about eight miles from Jacksonville.
This church was organized in 1881, and
services were held in a school room until
1895 when a building was erected. Rev.
Bascomb Anthony was one of the early pastors. In April, 1957, a tornado complete-
\y demolished the building but left unharmed the pulpit furniture, piano, pews, col-
section plates and songbooks. The foundation for the new building was laid July 9,
1957. This church has been first on the Jacksonville Circuit and then on the Rhine
Circuit and is again with Jacksonville.
i982 Membership: 65
BETHLEHEM
Sand Hill Community
About two miles west of US Highways
141 and 319 on Sand Hill Road is
Bethlehem Church. It isnt known just
when this church was begun, but the
First services were in a log building after
i brush arbor meeting. One or more
Frame buildings, one in 1850 and
153
another in 1875, preceded the present concrete block building constructed in 1960.
1982 Membership: 44
MT. CARMEL
Rt. 1 Jacksonville, Georgia
There are conflicting stories about
the exact beginning of this church. One
account from a photostat copy shows a
quarterly conference was held on
September 6,1837, with W. G. Parks, P.
E. in charge. The other account says
that the oldest record of Mt. Carmel
states a quarterly meeting was held on September 6, 1851. When the wooden
building was replaced by a brick building in 1964, the original pulpit furnishings
were used and also the lecturn and altar rail made by James Clements (1805-1898).
This church was the first church on the Jacksonville Charge to organize a Womans
Society of Christian Service, May 22,1940.
1982 Membership: 30
NEW UNION
US Hwy. 319
This church is located V2 mile west of
the Coffee and Ben Hill County Line,
and it was organized in 1946. Its
heritage goes back, very probably, to the
fork between Big and Little Sturgeon
Creeks in Irwin County in 1840, when
an interdenominational church building
was built. First the Primitive Baptist
organized their group; later the Holiness Group organized their church. The re-
maining Methodists asked the Bishop to send them a preacher. Later the younger
members wanted to build away from the cemetery, and after the church was built,
the older members decided to stay with the older building.
1982 Membership: 13
LEESBURG Marcus Tripp, Pastor
US Hwy. 19, Leesburg, Georgia
1974 was the centennial year for this church, and at homecoming 300 persons at-
tended services under an old-fashioned brush arbor. The conference began assign-
ing preachers to this church in 1872. Rev. C.T. Clark was one of the early pastors. A.
wooden building was built in 1894. In 1919 Rev. H.H. Heisler was the pastor of the
Smithville Ct. which had these churches: Smithville, Leesburg, Sumter, Adams,
154
and Benevolence. In 1940 the charge
was Leslie-Leesburg with Desoto. In
1956 Leesburg became a station church.
1982 Membership: 295
^Members Entering Ministry: Francis Smitty
Cannon
LESLIE DESOTO CHARGE
James R. Mcllrath, Pastor
LESLIE
US Hwy. 280
In 1890 under the shade of a large oak
tree this church was begun. By
November 18, 1892, the new congrega-
tion was in a neat wooden building; the
present building was finished in
November of 1927. The first sanctuary
with its belfry and bell were torn down
iso that the new church could be built on the same site. The brick for this church
'were hauled to the site on wagons. In 1928 Mt. Zion and Anthony Churches were on
this charge. In the early beginnings of union services of the Methodist and Baptist
Church, each person took his chair and each family a lamp.
1982 Membership: 251
DESOTO
US Hwy. 80
This church was organized in 1910
'with Rev. M. B. Ferrell, the pastor of
Leslie, serving as its first pastor. From
1911-1933 Desoto was on the Leslie-Mt.
'Zion Circuit, 1933-56 the Leslie-
Leesburg Charge, 1956-64 Leslie-
Smithville Charge, 1964-84 Leslie-
Desoto. An interdenominational Sab-
bath school was held until 1927. The church building was used for services by
'Methodists, Baptists, Lutheran, Primitive Baptists, and Presbyterians for many
'years.
1982 Membership: 60
155
LUMBER CITY CHARGE
C. Lee Bennett, Jr., Pastor
Clyde Lee Jordan, Associate
LUMBER CITY
US Hwy. 341, Telfair County
The date for the beginning of this
church is unknown, but it is at present
in its fourth building. The first building
was on the Boyd Plantation, the second,
a church building of sawed lumber, and
the third, built in 1868 was a white
painted one. Fire destroyed one of the
buildings, but the pulpit furniture was saved and is at use in the present building
completed in 1965. It has 20 stained glass windows that are complete and the
history of them is still available. In 1879 this church was part of the Dublin District.
In 1898 it was with McRae in the McRae District. In 1919, still in the McRae
District, it was head of a circuit that included Lumber City, Dodge and Sheltons
Chapel with Rev. H.L. Pearson, pastor.
1982 Membership: 134
Members Entering Ministry: Clarence Lee Bennett
DODGES CHAPEL
This church was built in 1886 on land
given by the Dodge Lumber Co. and this
probably where the name originated. It
is thought that the timber for the
church was cut from trees on the land
given for the site. Rev. W.D. McGregor
was the first pastor. This original
building was destroyed by a wind in the
early 1920s and immediately rebuilt. It is interesting to note that this is the same
company that owned the land where Epworth-by-the-Sea is now located. Timber
from this section was rafted down the Ocmulgee River and held in a holding pond
there on St. Simons that is the oxidation pond for Epworth-by-the-Sea. In 1919 this
church was on the Lumber City Circuit, but in 1920 it was placed with Helena. In
1962 it was transferred to Lumber City again. It was a part of the McRae District
during the time it existed.
1982 Membership: 37
SHELTONS CHAPEL
No date is given for the start of this church, but it is believed to be in the mid-
1840s in a crude log cabin about 2 miles from the Ogeechee River. It was organized
by Rev. Charles I. Shelton, a local Methodist minister, who served as its pastor. A
second building was built and used by the Methodists Baptists until Fishing Creek
Baptist built their own building. A unique feature of the early church was its board
shingle roof. In 1919 this church was on the Lumber City Circuit as it was in 1931,
156
though Scotland instead of Dodge
Chapel was the third church then. It was
part of the McRae District until it was
dissolved. It has been in the Americus
District since 1940.
1982 Membership: 64
McRAE
. College Street at 2nd Ave., McRae, Ga.
This church was organized in 1879
with 17 persons who had become
members as the circuit riding preacher
made his regular preaching appoint-
ments. By the end of the first year there
were 54 who joined. Rev. W.F. Roberts
was one of the early preachers. The first
building was located on Parsonage and
Telfair Streets, the second in 1899 on Telfair. The present building was built in
1928. Various educational units have been built since, the most recent a fellowship
hall in the 1970s. A recent fire did damage to the electrical system, so some renova-
tion took place and the air-conditioning system has been replaced in 1982. McRae
became a station church in 1900 with Rev. S.W. Walker, pastor. At the 1904 session
of the Annual Conference which this church hosted, the cornerstone for the newest
building of South Georgia College was laid. The report states that in the year over
i$6,000 had been raised toward this much needed enlargement and that most of it
had been raised in McRae. At this time there were 470 enrolled in the college. Rev.
T.G. Lang was the host pastor for the 1904 annual conference.
Ronald L. Culpepper, Pastor
In 1894 this church was organized in a
church built by the members. This
church was built from trees donated by
the people of Milan. The present
building was begun in 1944 and finished
in January 1950. It has colored glass
windows, each of which depicts a dif-
ferent Biblical symbol. The pews and
the pulpit were brought from the old church. This church was one of the four
1982 Membership: 586
Members Entering Ministry: Guy W. Parrish, Jr.
MILAN MT. ZION
Calvin C. Hayes, Pastor
MILAN
US Hwy. 280, Telfair County
157
churches on the Chauncey Charge. In 1956 a new brick parsonage was built in
Milan adjacent to the church. Mt. Zion had shared equally in the building of the
parsonage, and so in 1960 they became a station between them with Midway havingi
2 afternoon services a month. In 1919 Rev. J.W. Domingos was the pastor of the:
Chauncey-Milan Circuit that had Chauncey, Milan, Reidsville and Mt. Zion as the:
charge. In 1960 Rev. C.T. Lawhorn became the pastor of this new charge.
1982 Membership: 58
MIDWAY
Rt. 2, Cordele, Georgia
This church began in a revival
meeting held in the Quinn Schoolhouse1
in 1891. There were 30 members, and
services were held in a brush arbor while
the first building was being built in the
mid-1890s. Rev. J.S. Funderburke and
Rev. H.C. Fentress were the earliest
preachers. This church was on the Jacksonville Circuit in 1896 when it paid more
than any other one of the churches on the Jacksonville Circuit that year: $25 while
its total budget was $150. This church was a part of the Jacksonville Ct. in 1919
with Jacksonville, Mt. Carmel, Midway, Bethlehem and Bethel, L.E. Brady, pastor.
This charge was in the McRae District. In 1940 it was still on the Jacksonville
Charge but in the Americus District. In 1965 they were anxious for services morn-
ing and evening, but have been having two afternoon services instead.
1982 Membership: 28
MT. ZION
This church was organized in 1879. Its
first building, a one-room log structure
built from logs cut in the nearby forest,
peeled, notched and pegged together,
had shutters at the window openings. In
1889 a larger one-room frame building
was erected and glass windows were in-
stalled; the building was curtained off
for the Sunday School classes. By 1942
the membership had grown to 300 so more building was required. The old building
was moved back and brick veneered and its roof altered. Through the proceeds of
the Lords Acre Program, gifts of a calf, a litter of pigs, some money and some
labor, additions were made in 1959. Since 1911 this church had been on the
Chauncey Charge until it with Milan became a half-station each in 1960.
1982 Membership: 150
158
MONTEZUMA
Thomas H. Mason, Pastor
Ga. Hwys. 26 and 90
The beginnings of this church center
around the brush arbor built by two
pioneer women, who were determined to
have a church. In this arbor this church
was organized on February 17, 1867,
with 81 members. This was followed by
a one-room wooden building which was
replaced by a larger building in 1887
that served for 30 years. The third building, the present one, was opened for service
on March 25, 1917. It has been renovated in recent years. In the erecting of this
juilding the Baptists were generous with their time and substance to help build the
Methodist building, and they shared the building until the Baptists had their own.
The colonial chandelier was given by Mr. C.G. Haugabook, Sr. in honor of his
oarents who had been life-long members of this church at a service conducted by
ilev. C.G. Haugabook, Jr. By 1900 Montezuma had been a station church for many
/ears. It was in the South Macon District, then in 1905 the Cordele District was
created and it was in that, then the Macon District.
1982 Membership: 493
Members Entering Ministry: William H. Hurdle, C.G. Haugabook, Jr., James C. Kenney
OGLETHORPE IDEAL
OGLETHORPE
Randolph and Church Streets, Oglethorpe, Ga.
This church was begun in 1852 with
the circuit preacher, Rev. James Brad-
ford Smith, as the first pastor. The
present church was built in 1892. It had
hand-hewn pews and lamps suspended
from the ceiling. In the very beginning,
the women sat to one side of the center
aisle and the men the other. There was a
special place provided for the Black members. In 1865 the Confederate government
requisitioned all the metal, and this church bell was ready to be shipped, but the
war ended and the bell was put back in the tower. In 1876 all the Black members
withdrew to form their own church. In 1919 Oglethorpe and Ideal and Mission in-
cluded Oglethorpe, Ideal, Garden Valley and Corinth, Rev. L.B. McMichael,
Pastor. In 1940 the charge included the same churches except, Garden Valley was
replaced by Pine Level.
1982 Membership: 135
Members Entering Ministry: Roy Gardner, W. Park Smith, Wm. Ansley
159
IDEAL
Hoke Smith Avenue, Ideal, Georgia
In the schoolhouse of Ideal this church was organized in 1904. Rev. A. Lester wasi
pastor of the Oglethorpe and Liberty charge when this church was formed and
probably was its first preacher. Some of the members from Turner Chapel, which
had closed, transferred to Ideal. The first building was built in 1907 when Rev.
M.F. Beals was pastor on the Oglethorpe Circuit. When it was organized thisi
church was in the South Macon District
and by 1907 it was in the new Cordele
District. Currently it is in the Americus
District.
1982 Membership: 59
had a membership of 75 at that time.
1982 Membership: 46
PARROTT CIRCUIT
PARROTT
Ga. Hwy. 55
On the third Sunday in February,
1892, the first service of worship was
conducted in the new church built on
faith and by pledges. Rev. George
Culpepper was the pastor. The land had
been donated by Mr. J.L. Parrott. This
church was the result of a tent meeting
held by three preachers, Rev. John B.
PINE LEVEL
Rodgers Mill Road, Oglethorpe, Ga.
This church was organized in 1869
and some of these members were former
members in Lanier County and they
brought the name with them. In 1931
Pine Level was on the Oglethorpe Cir-
cuit with Corinth, Ideal, and Oglethorpe
with Rev. W.E. Dennis as pastor. They
C. Gilbert Tripp, Pastor
160
McGhee, Presiding Elder of the Americus District, Rev. E.M. Whiting, pastor of
Dawson Methodist Church, and Rev. John West, a local preacher living in
Cuthbert. This August 1891 tent meeting saw the organization of the Parrott
Methodist Church with thirty earnest workers. In 1919 Parrott Circuit had the
following churches: Rural Hill, Preston, Mt. Olivet, Enterprise, Parrott and Pierce
Chapel with Rev. J.E. Summer as pastor.
1982 Membership: 19
ENTERPRISE
RFD, Dawson, Terrell County
Prior to the purchase of land in
January 1873, this church met an was
organized in a brush arbor. The land
originally was Lee County, but is now
Terrell. Between 1850 and 1873, ser-
vices were held in the brush arbor with
circuit riders preaching when they came
on their rounds. Rev. George Clark was pastor at Dawson and he, with the
Presiding Elder, Rev. J.M. McGhee, are the organizers of this church in 1871. By
1873 it was a part of the Terrell Circuit which included Bronwood, Enterprise,
Bethel, Capers Chapel, Dover, Smithville, McLains, Graves, New Hope, Rural Hill,
Sasser, New Prospect and Parrott. The preacher held service in different places
every day but Monday; that day he was to rest and fast. Sunday School was
reorganized by Rev. Geo. Erwin, pastor of Hamp Stevens in Columbus, in June
1946. A brick building replaced the old wooden church and was dedicated August
22,1948. A brick annex was completed in the mid 1960s.
1982 Membership: 35
MT. OLIVE
Ga. Hwy. 55, Terrell County
One of the early settlers to this area
was James Foreman; there was no
church near and Jane Foreman prayed
for a church in which to raise her
children. She always believed this
church was the answer to that prayer.
Begun in 1840, about the time of the
Mexican War, in the Spring Hill
Schoolhouse, it was called Spring Hill. Two local preachers, Rev. Homer Mulky and
Rev. Jimmy Ball, were the organizing preachers. When it joined the Georgia Con-
ference, a circuit rider preached there on a week day. In the heyday of camp
grounds, this church joined with Weston Camp Ground and then had one of its
own. After the Civil War the Spring Hill Church was moved to the present site and
named Mt. Olive, October 3, 1871. The beams in the roof of the present church
(1898) were the joists of old Spring Hill Church. The land was given by J.L. Bolton.
It has been recently repainted, with a new altar rail, new pews and hardwood floors.
161
The underpining has been strengthened and a gas heating system added. At one
time it withstood the effort to consolidate it, even to being left without a preacher
for a period of time. A future project is an annex and improvement of the grounds.
1982 Membership: 29
PIERCE CHAPEL
Terrell County
In 1832 on the James Whaley planta-
tion in Terrell County a wooden
building was erected and called Mt.
Zion. It was located at the head of a
branch that flowed into Turkey Creek.
The first services were held in brush ar-
bors until the church was built. It
served as a school as well. When a larger church was built the old church was given
to the Negro members. This second church was built on what is now D. E. Pinkston
property. In 1873 it was moved to its present site, the land being deeded by Mason
H. Bush, a planter of Webster County. The church was named Pierce Chappell for
Rev. Lovick Pierce and Rev. George A. Chappell.
1982 Membership: 34
PERRY, CROSSROADS W. Grable Page, Pastor
634 Forrest Avenue, Perry, Georgia
Organized April 1, 1968, in the sanc-
tuary of old First Baptist Church in
Perry with 94 charter members, this
church was a project of the Conference
Board of Missions and Church Exten-
sion, Rev. Carlton Carruth as director,
and Perry Methodist Church. The first
building was consecrated October 1,
1971. The new sanctuary was opened for worship in 1983. Rev. C. Dick Reese was
the first pastor. Recently this church has sponsored the resettlement of a Viet-
namese family in Perry.
1982 Membership: 253
Member Entering Ministry: Gene Ylverton
PERRY, FIRST Larry B. Roberts, Pastor
1002 Carroll Street, Perry, Ga.
This church was organized in 1826 as part of the Houston Mission. Its first
building was at the current site of Evergreen Cemetery. The second building was
erected in 1860 and remodeled in 1906 with front porch and columns added. In
1946 the interior was redecorated and the steeple, removed in 1907, restored; a Sun-
day School annex added to rear of sanctuary in 1950, and new educational building
completed in 1960. It became a conference historical site in 1980. The Sunday
162
1982 Membership: 1,148
School begun in 1828 has been con-
tinuous since, and at the 13th annual
session of the South Georgia Con-
ference, 1879, the Conference Womans
Missionary Society was organized. This
church has been a part of the Perry Cir-
cuit in 1860 and a station church for
over a hundred years. It has been in the
Macon, South Macon, Cordele,
Americus, Macon and again Americus
Districts.
Members Entering Ministry: Robert Hicks, Daniel Smith, David Ogletree, William Whipple, James R.
McMath, Douglas Volk, Thomas Johnson, Jr.
Mission Field: Bessie Houser Nunn, Margery Short Zorko, Nell Rogers, Pearl Edwards
DOOLY CAMPGROUND/PINEVIEW FINELYSON
L. H. Brazell, Pastor
PINEVIEW || FINLEYSON
Ga. Hwy. 112
This is the story of two churches that
joined together in 1962 to build a new
church together at a site between the
two towns. Pineview is just inside the
north edge of Wilcox County and
Finleyson is just inside the south edge of
Pulaski County. Pineview was organized in 1904-5 in a school and then met in a
store before a store was remodeled into a church. Finleyson was organized in 1904
in a store, and in 1905 had built a church building. Rev. A. P. Segars was the pastor
for both churches. Both of these original buildings were damaged by storms;
Finleyson began construction on a new building which was dedicated in August
1918, and Pineviews was destroyed by a storm in 1918 and the new church built,
paid for and dedicated in 1920. In 1951 the discussions began about a joint church.
1982 Membership: 65
Members Entering Ministry: S. Vaughn Foster from Wesley Chapel
DOOLY CAMPGROUND
Near Vienna, Georgia, Dooly County
Since 1873 this campground has been in use by Methodists for camp meeting and
youth groups. The first Tabernacle was built in 1874 while George T. Embry and
E.T. Smith, Jr. were serving Vienna and Dooly Mission. Modern housing has
replaced the first brush tents and a dining hall the individual cooking fires, but the
spirit that refreshed the people then still continues. Rev. J.N. Peaco*ck, presiding
elder of the Americus District, is credited with keeping this spirit alive in the midst
of the great depression. In 1970, an old church begun in 1888, St. Paul, was
163
reconstructed on the campground. In 1963 when it became necessary, through the
decline of available members, to close it, the movement was already alive to move it
to Dooly to house small worship services. The building was not moveable, but as
much as possible was used to reconstruct a replica of the building, the doors, win-
dows, altar and furnishings. This church that had first met in a two-story tent
until the building was built was again open for worship. During its active days, this
church had a strong, youth and womans program and in 1929 was a half-station
with Pinehurst. The following from St. Paul Church entered the ministry: Clinton
M. Ward, V.D. Ward and Melvin Peavy.
PLAINS CHARGE Mira Barrett, Pastor
PLAINS
US Hwy. 280, Sumter County
This church was begun at a meeting
held in a wooden building in March
1848. First known as Tabernacle, it was
located 3 miles north of the present
town of Plains. The first building was
built in Plains in 1888, a one-room
church with a steeple. In 1865 the
members of Tabernacle gave the earliest building to the Black members, and by
1888 the white members had transferred to Plains. A Womans Missionary Society
began in 1889. In 1928 a night missionary circle, believed to be the first in the con-
ference, was organized. The 1888 building was replaced by the present brick
building in 1910. At each side of the sanctuary and at the rear is a 3 sectioned
stained glass window and 2 in the choir. In this sanctuary Rosalyn Smith and Jim-
my Carter, the 39th President of the United States, were married July 7, 1946.
Plains has been on several circuits, Americus and Sumter. In 1919 the Plains Cir-
cuit had Plains, Rylander, and Concord with Rev. T.W. Tinley, pastor. In 1940 it
had Plains, Rylander, New Point and Concord with Rev. C.L. Glenn pastor.
RYLANDER
Ga. Hwy. 308, Plains-Smithville Hwy.
This churchs actual beginning is not
known, but there were two older
churches that united to establish
Rylander, which was named for Emory
Rylander of Americus. The 1800s
building was of wood and was destroyed
by fire in 1933. Rev. J.E. Channell was
the pastor during this time and worked
with the members to rebuild in 1934. They met during the time of the rebuilding at
Thompson School. An annex has been added and repair done on the sanctuary. The
land on which this building stands was given by Dr. Hershal Logan.
1982 Membership: 50
164
REBECCA
R. Randall Ray, Pastor
Ga. Hwys. 112 and 90, Turner County
The earliest building was a simple frame structure in which the church was
organized. In 1906-7, the first building was erected, and this church was part of the
Sycamore Charge with Rev. L.B. McMichael, the pastor. In the 1906 MINUTES of
the conference there is a grant of $125 to Rebecca, Turner County, Valdosta
District from the Conference Board of Church Extension, which meant that it
would speedily open a church free of debt. In 1919 Rebecca was head of the
Rebecca Circuit with Rebecca, Youngs
Chapel, Providence, Arp and Felder,
Rev. Aaron Kelly pastor. In 1954 the
present brick building was erected. The
ladies were first organized into a Par-
sonage Aid Society in 1910 and through
the years have grown with the various
changes. Youngs Chapel, built in 1895
in Ben Hill County, had been on the
charge with Rebecca until 1974 when it
was closed. That church had begun to
repair the 100-year-old building, but the
membership had grown too small to be
continued. Rebecca became a full sta-
tion in 1976.
1982 Membership: 78
RHINE OAK GROVE
Eugene M. Maddox, Pastor
RHINE
US Hwy. 280, Dodge County
The first building for this congrega-
tion, organized in 1870, burned and was
immediately rebuilt. This church was
first known as Austin and Bay Spring
Ct. In 1905 the new church was built in
Rhine on First Avenue. Prior to the
building of this building the Negro
members, though free, still continued to
worship together with their former owners. So in 1891, that church was given to the
Black members and the others moved to the new church in town. The pulpit was
made by S.B. Floyd. For a period of time the Sunday School rooms were rented for
use by the county during the week. In 1919 Rhine was head of a circuit with Rhine,
Concord, Benevolence and Godwinville, Rev. D.B. Merritt, pastor. In 1940 the
Rhine Charge was Rhine, Benevolence and Oak Grove.
1982 Membership: 47
165
OAK GROVE
Near Rhine, Georgia
On March 17, 1934, the State Board
of Education deeded this property,
school building and three acres, to D.C.
Yancey, who deeded it to the church on
September 15, 1937. This church had
been organized in the school building in
1929 with 30 charter members; Rev. J.O.
Stanland was pastor of the Rhine Cir-
cuit and Rev. J.N. Peaco*ck was presiding elder of the McRae District. In 1930 it
became a part of the Americus District.
1982 Membership: 24
ROCHELLE PITTS CHARGE
James S. Spooner, Pastor
ROCHELLE
US Hwy. 280
In 1888 monthly services were being
held in the schoolhouse when Rev. D.F.
Miles, pastor at Abbeville, organized
this church with 6 men and 8 women.
By 1890 the first building was erected
on land given by J.J. Williford of
Rochelle Land & Lumber Co. In 1918
the present church was paid for and dedicated by Bishop W.N. Ainsworth assisted
by Rev. W.F. Smith, p.e., and Rev. J.M. Foster, pastor. In 1944 a new parsonage
replaced the one that burned. The sanctuary was remodeled in 1960 and a new an-
nex completed in 1970. In 1890 this church was a part of the Abbeville Circuit; then
in 1896 the Rochelle Charge of the McRae Dist. was created with 6 churches:
Rochelle, Oak Grove, Pitts, Seville, Wesley Chapel, Pleasant Hill, Rev. J.T. Lowe
pastor. In 1899 the charge had 2 churches, Rochelle and Ocilla, with Rev. J.P.
Dickenson living in Rochelle; but, by 1908, the charge had Rochelle, Pitts, Liberty
Hill, Kramer, Seville, Penia, Hatley and Youngs Chapel. In 1940 there were
Rochelle, Kramer, Pitts, and Seville, and in 1968, Rochelle, Pitts and Kramer.
1982 Membership: 162
KRAMER
US Hwy. 280, Wilcox County
The community of Kramer, halfway
between Rochelle and Abbeville, was
built around a sawmill, which, shortly
after the church was completed in 1910,
burned and half the town with it. Many
families moved away. The church had
been built with volunteers on land given
166
by R.J. Fleeman and M.C. Guest. In 1946 classrooms were added and gas heaters
replaced the wood stoves in 1956. Kramer has been on the Rochelle Circuit since it
was organized. In 1918 Rev. H.C. Ewing was the pastor, Rev. Linwood Jordan in
1940, and Rev. Warren Grimes in 1968.
1982 Membership: 23
PITTS
US Hwy. 280, Wilcox County
Officially organized in 1902 by Rev. C.
W. Littlejohn, pastor from Rochelle,
with 49 members, this church actually
began in 1896 when a group of 25
Methodists began services in their
homes. Records show that they paid the
preacher $17.50 the first quarter, $5.25
the second, $2.75 the third, and 0 the fourth, $6.90 for 1898 and $1.25 for 1899.
After the new influx of persons from North Georgia, services were held in an old
unapinted schoolhouse. The seats were long school desks made of slats. In 1904 the
first building was erected on land given by W. B. Greeson, an owner of land and a
cotton gin. By 1929 the church was declared unfit for worship, and by 1930 a brick
building with classrooms and a flat roof over the foyer for a steeple was built. In
1956 a social hall annex was built. In 1964 it was renovated and the steeple added
for homecoming. As none of the complex had been dedicated, the pastor, Rev. John
Carroll, and Dr. Ross Freeman held the service, Nov. 30,1964.
1982 Membership: 58
SYCAMORE CHARGE Qary SfarreU) Pastor
SYCAMORE
US Hwy. 41 Turner County
This church is believed to have begun
before the Civil War, for there is indica-
tion that much effort was put into
teaching the young people along Chris-
tian lines, and the membership, black
and white, increased tremendously
through the years. Schools and homes
were used, and several churches were
organized. This makes the beginning difficult to discover. It is believed to have
been on Little River Mission in its earliest days. A building committee was ap-
pointed to see about building a church on April 15,1890, but it does not say when it
was completed. Nearby in 1900 Rev. Will Massey had a tent revival and people
came in wagons, ox-carts, and even walked to service. Newtons Chapel, named for
Jep Newton who gave the land for a church, was the result. A wind storm blew it off
its block, but it was repaired. Another church was Prospect organized in 1907 by
persons who transferred from Chamblee, Georgia. Rev. E.J. Nottingham was the
167
pastor. A church was built in 1908. This church merged with the Sycamore Church
in 1979. The Sycamore Circuit in 1919 had Clements, Prospect and Sycamore
churches with Rev. J.W. Conners, pastor.
1982 Membership: 122
CLEMENTS CHAPEL
6 M. From Sycamore in Turner County
This church was organized during
meetings in a brush arbor prior to 1891.
It was named for Mr. Wm. N. Clements
who gave the land for the church. The
first church was about 4 miles south of
the present location. The present
building has been remodeled with Sun-
day School rooms, rest rooms, and storage area added. Each year it celebrates with
an annual homecoming, the fourth Sunday in March. It begins with 11 oclock
preaching followed by dinner at 12:30 and then more good singing.
1982 Membership: 60
UNADILLA PINEHURST
Robert B. Pickney, Pastor
UNADILLA
US Hwy. 41, Dooly County
This church was organized October
30, 1891. A wooden frame building was
built in 1891, and in 1906 the present
white brick building was erected. Mr.
Alex Graves was the builder of the
original church of plain wood with glass
windows of six panels and a high gabled
roof. He also built the pews. The later church contained a steeple with a belfry; a
storm destroyed the steeple leaving the bell in perfect shape on the ground. It has
been placed in a frame on the grounds. In the church is a plaque giving the names of
the children and the money made to honor children for the building fund. Rev. T.I.
Nease was the first pastor. In 1919 Rev. W.A. Brooks was pastor of Unadilla and
Snow with Unadilla, Snow and Smyrna. At one time this charge was the Snow
Spring Ct. In 1974 Unadilla and Pinehurst became a two-point charge.
1982 Membership: 256
PINEHURST
US Hwy. 41, Dooly County
This church is located on the corner of Pines and Fullerton Avenue and was built
in 1928, the second building for this church organized in 1890. The first building
was a wooden structure with a belfry in the steeple (and pigeons). Rev. T.I. Nease
was the first pastor. In 1919 Pinehurst was head of a circuit with Rev. B.F. West,
pastor, including these churches: St. Paul, Shiloh, Pinehurst, and Pleasant Valley.
168
In 1940 Rev. C.L. Wall was pastor for
Pinehurst Circuit which included
Pinehurst, Henderson, Snow, Smyrna,
and St. Paul. In 1974 Pinehurst and
Unadilla became a two point charge
after many years as stations.
1982 Membership: 76
Members Entering Ministry: James O. Langston,
Paul Dupree
VIENNA CHARGE
Joel H. Dent, Pastor
This church was organized in 1849
and in 1907 the brick building was
erected. Rev. L.A. Hill was the pastor.
In the MINUTES of the conference for
1907 Vienna received a grant of $400
from the Conference Board of Church
Extension, which meant that a new
church would speedily open for service free of debt. In 1919 Rev. Reese Griffin
was on the Vienna Charge which had Vienna, Marvin, and Pleasant Valley. In 1940
Rev. J.M. Yarbrough was pastor to Vienna and Shiloh.
VIENNA
US Hwy. 41, Dooly County
1982 Membership: 401
SHILOH
Near Vienna, Georgia
This church began meeting in a brush
arbor in 1847 with a building program
beginning in 1848. Mrs. J.T. Brown
(Sally) suggested the name for the
church. Rev. B.F. West was pastor of
the Pinehurst Circuit, in the Cordele
District in 1919, that included these
churches: Pinehurst, Shiloh, St. Paul
and Pleasant Valley. In 1930 Shiloh was on the Lilly Charge with Drayton, Lilly,
Pleasant Valley, Smyrna and Shiloh with Rev. D.B. Merritt the pastor. In 1950 the
men of this church pledged an acre of corn to the church for a building fund.
1982 Membership: 138
WARWICK
Ga. Hwy. 313, Worth County
J. Lewis Hill, Pastor
169
In the 1913 MINUTES of the annual conference in the report of the Board of
Church Extension it states that a grant of $250 is made to Warwick, Worth County,
Valdosta District. This meant that a new building was about to be finished as the
money was not granted until the church was to speedily open for services free of
debt. In 1919 Warwick was on the Oakfield Circuit with Rev. G.E. Clary Sr.,
pastor, and these churches: Doles, Union, Warwick, and Oakfield. This was then
the Cordele District. In 1947 the first
building was damaged by fire and the
present building was built on the same
site later in the year. Stained glass win-
dows and 4 columns were added. The
story is told that Rev. W.E. Hightower,
pastor when the first building was being
built walked from the parsonage to the
W. D. Etheridge place to pick cotton to
pay his part on the new building. In
1967 Warwick became a station.
Hollis E. Cherry, Pastor
US Hwy. 41, Crisp County
This is the third building that this
church has built since it was organized
in 1906 with Rev. R.M. Booth, the
pastor of the Arabi Circuit helping to
organize it. The first building was blown
down by a wind in 1908 and had to be
rebuilt. For this rebuilding, the con-
ference Board of Church Extension
granted them $100 which meant that it would soon be open for worship debt free.
In 1941 the old church was torn down and the new one built in its place. In 1919
Rev. C.L. Wall was the pastor of the Arabi Circuit which had Arabi, Wenona, Mt.
Carmen and Zions Hope. In 1940 Wenona was on the Warwick Charge with Arabi,
Warwick, Union Oakfield and Wenona. At one time it was with Seville. It became a
station in 1972.
1982 Membership: 67
1982 Membership: 137
WENONA
170
COL UMBUS DISTRICT
Alvis A. Waite, Jr., Superintendent
3434 Hilton Woods Drive, Columbus
In 1829, a year following the settling of
this area, the Columbus District was
formed. Its size and shape has varied
greatly over the years, for at one time
the section of Alabama around Girard
was part of this district. Except for
1866, when the Georgia Conference had a LaGrange District and a Lumpkin
District instead of a Columbus District, there has been a continuous Columbus
District. While the oldest churches in this area were part of the early Athens,
Augusta and Milledgeville Districts, most of the churches have been in the Colum-
bus District for 154 years. Those churches along the boundary line of the con-
ference were in the LaGrange and Griffin Districts when the South Georgia Con-
ference was organized. The churches in the southern section have been in one or
more of these districts Thomasville, Bainbridge, Americus and Dawson. In 1983
this district had 37 charges with 73 churches and 16,681 members.
BUENA VISTA Owen B. Williams III, Pastor
Ga. Hwy 26 and 41, Marion County
Originally located in the community of
Tazewell, this church was begun in
1844. Rev. David N. Burkhalter, the
first pastor, furnished the material for
the first building. When the church
moved to Buena Vista, he gave five
acres of land for the cemetery and
church grounds. The church has often
through its history enjoyed dynamic preaching as illustrated by this account from
1854. After a revival held by Rev. Blakely Smith, managers of three saloons joined
the church and closed their barrooms. This revival also brought about the building
of the new church in 1858. In 1908 the church building was moved from near the
cemetery and placed on the corner lot north of the parsonage.
1982 Membership: 218
BUTLER Donald L. Adams, Pastor
Highway 96, Butler, Georgia
Before the first church was organized, the Methodists in the community were
served by Rev. Zachariah Stearns, a local Methodist minister. In 1840, his son, Rev.
171
Harris Stearns, organized the church
and served as its first pastor. The
church was originally called Red Level
Church and was located a mile from the
present courthouse. The first building
was erected in the 1840s. In 1858, a
violent storm came up and lifted the
building from its foundation and carried
it some distance. But no one was hurt
and the building was undamaged. The
present building was built in 1920. The
missionary giving in 1958-1960.
1982 Membership: 290
COLUMBUS, ALDERSGATE
church was named a four-star church in
Wayne E. Moseley, Pastor
4323 Primrose Road, Columbus
This church was organized on May 14,
1964, in a building provided by the Col-
umbus District Board of Missions. It
had 93 charter members, and the first
pastor was Rev. James T. Trice, Jr. The
first unit of the planned facility was
erected in 1966 and consecrated on
September 11. Expansion of the
building was begun in February, 1976. Dedication of the present building took
place on Sept. 29,1976.
1982 Membership: 244
COLUMBUS, ASBURY Charles Rooks, Pastor
Broadmoor and Ellen Streets
This church was constituted on
November 6, 1960 with 114 members.
Sponsored by St. Luke, the first services
were held in a storefront at Lumpkin
Terrace Shopping Center. Called
Broadmoor at first, it was renamed
Asbury after the first Bishop of
American Methodism, Francis Asbury.
Rev. H. B. Doc Underwood was the first pastor. In 1961 the first building, of
brick construction, was begun and soon in use for services. Several additions were
made until 1963. Located in South Columbus near Ft. Benning, it is the first
Methodist church off the base. In 1973 the temporary sanctuary was converted
into a permanent sanctuary. The altar area was enlarged, carpet and pews installed,
and the interior repainted. Stained glass windows were installed as memorials in
172
1981. One window, given by Asbury United Women, was dedicated to the wives of
ministers who had served the church. All indebtedness on the church was relieved
in 1981 with Bishop Joel McDavid dedicating the building in May, 1982.
1982 Membership: 307
Members entering ministry: Robert E. McDaniel, Robin Fitch, Robert V. Sneed
COLUMBUS, EAST HIGHLAND W. Paul Whitlock, Jr. Pastor
13th Avenue and 17th Street
This church was organized in a one-room building on the 23rd of April, 1889, with
20 members. According to the 1898 MINUTES it was a mission with Hamilton with
Rev. J. A. Smith, the pastor. They had made progress with 76 additions and had
paid the preacher $560 and all other purposes $1,738.35. The next year Upatoi was
on the mission with East Highlands,
Rev. L.W. Colson pastor, and they
reported needing a parsonage. The
present building was begun in 1927 and
dedicated October 10, 1937. In 1948 the
educational section of the church was
added. This church began a mission in
Morningside in 1953; today it is Striplin
Terrace. In the 1960s two ministerial
students were sponsored by a scholar-
ship fund. Recently the church has been
painted white and the interior
redecorated. A public address system-intercom with individual hearing aids has
been installed.
1982 Membership: 421
Members entering the ministry: Minns S. Robertson, Jack Bentley, Bruce M. Wilson, James T.
Pennell, Larry B. Roberts, Ronald L. Culpepper, Jerry Bain Newsome
COLUMBUS, EDGEWOOD George W. Herndon, Pastor
3969 Edgewood Circle
The beginning of this church starts with
a lady across from the church recalling
that it was the district superintendent
whom she met clearing the lot of this
church. Rev. Roy McTier was the
district superintendent and Rev. H. D.
Doc Underwood was the first pastor.
On April 18, 1954, Edgewood was
organized in a six-room dwelling on the property. The house had been adapted to
use for services until the first unit was built. That unit is now called Hazen Hall.
The present sanctuary was built in 1970. All structures are brick. On July 8, 1974,
an arsonist set fire to the church facilities and left it heavily damaged. By January
173
1975 the church was completely restored with some important modifications to the
educational unit.
1982 Membership: 506
COLUMBUS, EPWORTH C. Dick Reese, Pastor
2400 Devonshire Drive
This church was begun in a rented
house in May 1960 with Rev. Lamar
Ball, pastor. The congregation worship-
ped in the following places before the
first unit was ready: chapel of St. Paul,
Sherwood Methodist Church, rented
house at 4006 Warm Springs Road, and
Open Door Community House. The
name, Epworth, was chosen after the boyhood home of John Wesley in England.
The first unit, a sanctuary-fellowship hall, kitchen and 8 classrooms was opened for
Easter services, April 10,1963. An additional wing was consecrated on Sunday, Oc-
tober 11,1970.
1982 Membership: 569
COLUMBUS, HAMP STEVENS TRINITY Earl Seckinger, Pastor
HAMP STEVENS
35th Street at Third Avenue
In 1901, this church began services in an
old street-car barn located on Second
Ave. Rev. E.D. Phillips was assigned to
this mission. The 1901 MINUTES show
Brother Phillips was assigned to
Pearce Chapel and North Highlands.
The 1905 assignment read, North
Highlands and Broad Street, W.T. Lambert and I.F. Griffith The first building, a
wooden one, was erected in 1906. The present building was erected in 1925 during
the pastorate of Rev. John Sharpe and was named for a former pastor, Hamp
Stevens Memorial. Mr. Stevens served this church twice for a total of 11 years and
died while it was under construction. The church, free of debt, was dedicated
Easter Sunday 1930. In the early years, this church provided a place where the
millworkers could have a shower after work. Here a day nursery was begun by Miss
Lizzie Evans in 1924. This was the beginning of todays Open Door Community
House. In January 1983, Hamp Stevens and Trinity began some combined
activities.
1982 Membership: 320
Members entering ministry: Curtis Barnes, Jack Gorham, Joe Barnes, Gaston Pollock, Harry Smith,
Henry Erwin, Roscoe Spann, Jim I. Summerford, Mira Barrett, J. H. Reid, W. H. Sealy, Rudolph
Dixon, Earl Dukes, John M. Barrett, Irie M. Cyree, D. Eugene Pollett, Hugh E. Shirah
174
TRINITY
4105 Beal wood Avenue
As the name indicates, there are the
pasts of three churches united in this
congregation. They have Methodist
Protestant and Methodist Episcopal
South roots. In 1953 this church was
organized from the Earline Avenue and
Bealwood churches. Old Pearce Chapel . ***
had merged with Earline Ave. earlier. A certificate of organization was presented to
the new church by Bishop Arthur Moore on March 27,1953. Services were held in a
large tent until the present building was ready for services on November 18, 1954.
Rev. William Peed was assigned as the first pastor. In 1983, Trinity became a two-
point station with Hamp Stevens Church.
1982 Membership: 95
Members entering ministry: Rudolph Starling
Dennis E. Stalvey, Pastor
4442 Buena Vista Road
The roots of this church reach back to
1820 before there was a town of Colum-
bus. It was located about 8 lh miles east
of its present location before the expan-
sion of Ft. Benning during World War II
caused it to be moved. The old cemetery
is still in the military reservation.
Records begin with 1910 when Rev. W.H. Ketchum was the pastor. The 1910
MINUTES give his appointment as the Midland Circuit. The first building was
destroyed by a storm, but was rebuilt. It was white frame with windows on each
side and rear, a chimney in the center and steps running across the front. While the
church was being relocated, the congregation worshipped in the home of Fletcher
Elliott on Buena Vista, Rd. The present church, erected in 1947, is made of as much
of the former building as possible and brick veneered. A gymnasium and educa-
tional facilities have been added. In this churchs long years it has been on several
charges: Wynnton, Cusseta, Rose Hill and St. Mark.
1982 Membership: 224
COLUMBUS, M.L. HARRIS CHARGE William B. Howell, Pastor
M.L. HARRIS
4601 Old Cusseta Road
In 1972 the Coastal District of the North Georgia Conference merged with the
South Georgia Conference. The early history of this congregation goes back to
Simpson Chapel Methodist Episcopal Church, organized in 1872, formerly located
COLUMBUS, MIDWAY
175
at the corner of 6th Avenue and 7th
Street. It was a part of the Savannah
Conference before the merger of the
Methodists in 1940, then it became a
member of the Georgia Conference. One
of the earliest known pastors was Rev.
J.H. Hankins. In 1963 a new location,
the present one, was chosen on which to
build a new church. At this time the
name was changed to honor the
presiding bishop of the Georgia Conference at that time, Bishop M. Lafayette Har-
ris. By April 1966 the new building was ready for services. This church carries on an
STEPHENS CHAPEL
Singer Heights, Lumpkin, Ga.
This church was organized as a
Methodist Protestant Congregation in
1915 after a split from Bluff Springs
A.M.E. Church. A one-room wooden
building was located just off Ga. Hwy.
390 about 5 miles from Lumpkin. It was
named for Rev. G.W. Stephens who was
the pastor at the time of organization. The land was given by Mr. H. Walton of
Shady Grove Baptist Church. Since most of the membership had moved to town
and the church was in need of major repair, it was decided to relocate in town. In
1981, with the help of Rev. Art Bishop, pastor of the Lumpkin Church and Rev.
W.B. Howell, pastor of Stevens Chapel, a lot was secured in Singer Heights and a
mobile chapel, belonging to the conference, was placed on the new lot and opened
for services. Plans are being made for building a permanent building.
active day care and scouting program.
1982 Membership: 237
1982 Membership: 32
COLUMBUS, ROSE HILL
wood, burned in 1895 and was rebuilt
pastor. IN the 1898 MINUTES of the
Mission, city of Columbus, Rev. W.W. S
Bobby E. Davis, Pastor
2101 Hamilton Road
This church was organized in 1889 as a
mission of the Broad Street Church. It
was temporarily located at the old
pavilion at the corner of Hamilton
Avenue and 20th Street. Later the
church was located across the street on
the corner of 21st and Thomas Street,
now Sixth Avenue. The first building, of
in 1896. Rev. J.G. Harrison was the first
conference we find this quote Rose Hill
sale,-pastor. This charge has had gratifying
176
success. Additions 30. Paid the preacher $400 and for all purposes $871.44. We
think that by extending aid to it one more year, it will, at the end of that time, be
made self sustaining. It is continued. In 1919 Rev. J.C.G. Brooks was pastor and it
was a station church. The present building is of Grecian architecture with a blend
of brick and stone and completed in 1914. The frame building of 1896 was brick
veneered for Sunday School rooms when the church was completed.
1982 Membership: 389
Members entering ministry: Emmett S. Davis, John E. Horton, Jr., John D. Quillian
ICOLUMBUS, ST. ANDREW E. Jarrell Lillard, Pastor
5304 Hurst Drive
In 1955 as part of the outreach program
in the Columbus District, Rev. Edwin
Grimes was assigned to work in
establishing new churches. This church
was organized at a service in a home on
December 9, 1956. The first meeting
place was a furniture store at 3906 River
Road. Following a sermon about the
disciple Andrew, the congregation voted to name their church for this disciple. St.
Andrews first building was ready for services in November 1957; it was located on
River Road. As the church program expanded more space was needed, so the
present site was purchased. The first unit with a fellowship hall/sanctuary was
ready for service July 4, 1971. The church is free of debt and making plans for a
permanent sanctuary.
1982 Membership: 397
Members entering ministry: Warren Williams
COLUMBUS, ST. JOHN
William L. Strickland, Pastor
6507 Moon Road at Weems
On another site in the rapidly growing
NE section of Columbus, the District
Board of Mission purchased land for
another new church. In a brick dwelling
on this site, this church was organized in
October, 1966, with 14 members. Rev.
Richard Robertson was assigned to the
church in 1967, and the report at the
end of the year was 80 members, 10 on profession of faith and 35 by transfer of cer-
tificate. The average attendance at morning worship was 62. During Rev. Bob
Borums pastorate the first unit was begun in June 1971 and the first service was
held January 16,1972.
1982 Membership: 307
177
COLUMBUS, ST. LUKE
Donald M. Kea, Pastor
Larry E. Bird, Associate
1104 Second Avenue at 12th St.
With the opening of this area to settlers
Methodism was here. Rev. James
Stockdale, a circuit rider, preached to
the people in a brush arbor on the site of
the present church in 1828. The log
meeting house in 1829 was the first
church building in the new town. Rev f\.
Arthur Hammil was the first preacher :J:.
assigned specifically to St. Luke. In |||
1836 the first brick building was
erected. A second brick building,
erected in its place in the late 1890s, was
destroyed by fire on May 10, 1942. The
present building is Georgian architec-
ture, portico supported by graceful columns, a tall spire with cross on top. The 8
windows in the sanctuary depict incidents from creation to establishment of the
Methodist Church in America. It was officially opened in 1948. The Turner
Chapel and education facility was dedicated April 14,1965. St. Luke has hosted the
annual session of the South Georgia Conference in 1871, 1881, 1892, 1910, 1928,
1936,1949,1961 and 1973. This church has been involved in the beginning of many
of the new churches in individual support and through the District Board of
Missions.
1982 Membership: 2,482
Members entering ministry: Edwin J. Grimes, G. Lee Ramsey, David Harris, G. Thomas Martin, III,
James Rush
COLUMBUS, ST. MARK James F. Jackson, Jr., Pastor;
Norman K. Dunlap, Associate
6795 Whitesville Road
The early beginnings of this church blend with the history of Wesley Chapel and
Girard across the river as well as the time of the great revival in the 1850s, Mis-
sionary zeal was high and new churches were started. From 1865, the record is
clearer. A wooden chapel stood where Eagle-Phenix Mill now stands; this lot was
swapped for the Broad Street site. The building still stands in the 1500 block of
Broadway. For several years this congregation had only the basem*nt to use, then
they were able to build the two-story church that was used until the early 1900s. In
the 1911 MINUTES the name Methodist Tabernacle appears for this church; it
is there until 1914 when the listing is St. Mark. In 1912 the brick building on Third
Avenue was built and the name changed. Educational units were added. It was
remodeled and additional education space added in 1954. The present location is
the fourth. In 1974 the present Sanctuary/fellowship hall was opened for services.
178
The windows from the old building were
put in this building. Double sessions of
church and Sunday School are now held
and plans are in process for beginning
the permanent sanctuary.
1982 Membership: 763
Eric L. Sizemore, Pastor
39993 St. Marys Road at 1-185
This churchs first location was at the
old Muscogee County Prison on Ten-
nessee Avenue. For three months Rev.
Vance Eastridge, a student at Chandler
School of Theology, served as pastor
under the guidance and financial
assistance of St. Luke. Rev. Pledger
Parker, St. Luke Associate, assisted by
Rev. Olin W. Mintzer continued the work, and the church was established in Oc-
tober 1955 and chartered April 1,1956, with 75 charter members. In June 1956 Rev.
James Chester was assigned to St. Marys Hills Church. Under the guidance of E.
Oren Smith, architect, the prison quarters were redesigned to meet the needs of a
church. The main quarters became the sanctuary and administrative building was
converted into classrooms, nursery, and fellowship area. A room was used for a par-
sonage with Mr. Chester as the first fulltime pastor. The church has been relocated
to its present site and the first unit of sanctuary and classrooms was ready for ser-
vices June 1966.
1982 Membership: 266
Members entering ministry: John Bacher
COLUMBUS, ST. PAUL
2101 Wildwood Avenue
In 1858 there was already a growing
need for a second Methodist church in
this developing city, when a great
revival meeting was held and many
joined. St. Paul was organized following
this event. The first building was built
at Troup (3rd Ave.) St. and Bryan
(13th) St. and dedicated on October 9,
William 0. Powell, Pastor
Stephen Waldorf, Associate
Arthur L. Bishop, Min. of Educ.
COLUMBUS, ST. MARYS ROAD
t
4.
179
1859. Rev. Lovick Pierce was the first pastor. Lightning struck and destroyed the
church on September 14,1901. It was immediately rebuilt on the same site. In 1949,
the church was relocated to the present site. The new sanctuary, designed by Oren
Smith, is brick with stately columns across the portico. Four of the stained glass
windows are from the old church; the rest are memorials. A recent gift is the mosaic
over the altar. The bell tower and chapel, given by the Illges family as a memorial to
Abraham and Mary Lou Barnett Illges, has intricate imported wood carvings. Four
other windows from the former church are in the fellowship hall. Recently plans
have been made to enlarge the office and fellowship areas.
1982 Membership: 1,486
Member entering ministry: Stephen Waldorf
Hunter Bassett, Pastor
3503 17th Avenue at 35th Street
On the lawn of Chester Murrays home
this church was organized on August 24,
1947, with 17 members. Rev. W.E.
Scott, pastor of St. Paul, gave assistance
to Bill Calhoun, a ministerial student, in
this first period. Rev. C.E. Ned Steele
was assigned as the first pastor in June
1948. The first unit of the building was
completed June 17, 1948, with the second begun in 1949. Both were dedicated, as
they were free of debt, on December 21, 1952. On April 18, 1953, a tornado
destroyed one unit and seriously damaged the parsonage and the first unit. While
the sanctuary roof and walls were gone, the music open on the organ and the
organists shoes still stood as she left them shortly before. The Columbus Boys
Club served as a place of worship until the building could be replaced. In June 1954
architectual plans were approved for the permanent sanctuary and work begun. All
church debts were paid, and the mortgage burned on July 25, 1965 and church
dedicated by Bishop John Owen Smith
1982 Membership: 445
Members entering ministry: J. David Hanson
COLUMBUS, SOUTH COLUMBUS Riley K. Middleton, Jr. Pastor
1213 Benning Drive
In 1941 when this church was started on a vacant lot, there were two large housing
complexes, one government, the other city-owned, where many military families
lived, adjacent to the church property. Rev. Albert Hall, associate at St. Luke, was
COLUMBUS, SHERWOOD
180
given the responsibility of starting this
church. Rev. Frank Robertson was the
pastor who helped with the first
building. The sanctuary with a two-
story educational unit was completed in
October 1942. At this time there was lit-
tle development beyond Victory Drive,
so the church was named Baker Village.
Two additional wooden buildings were
added, and two morning services were
held each Sunday with more than 700 visitors signing visitor cards in a year. Plans
were underway to build a new plant in place of the wooden units. The new sanc-
tuary was built between the parsonage and the old sanctuary. The new church was
ready in August 1967. Then the army changed its recruiting policies and training
policies at Ft. Benning and fewer persons brought their families and many were
transferred. Yet in 1982 the last educational unit was dedicated by Bishop Joel D.
McDavid.
1982 Membership: 266
(COLUMBUS, STRIPLIN TERRACE Charles L. Dennis, Pastor
4170 Miller Road
In the fall of 1952 on Miller Road in
Morningside a lot was purchased from
S.H. Striplin. This was to be the new
church, sponsored by East Highlands.
The first service was held under the
trees November 30, 1952. A tent was
purchased and pews loaned from
another church; the tent was used until
(February 1953. Rev. Leland Moore, pastor of East Highlands, preached each Sun-
tday at 10 a.m. then rushed to East Highlands for 11 oclock service. Rev. Roy
'McTier, the superintendent, filled in some. Prayer meeting was held in the homes.
The Church was organized April 9, 1953, as Striplin Terrace with 59 charter
members. Rev. Emmett Davis, a ministerial student at Candler School of Theology,
was assigned as pastor, and began on Sunday May 19,1953. The present sanctuary
was ready for service on Palm Sunday 1954. Educational units were added in 1957
and second between 1959-62, with the third unit during the pastorate of Rev. Burns
'Willis. Next the sanctuary was remodeled and pews added. The final addition was
the fellowship hall in 1972-76.
1982 Membership: 512
COLUMBUS, WESLEY HEIGHTS Zephoe Belcher, Jr., Pastor
5603 Luna Drive
[In April 1962 a survey was conducted by Rev. F.J. Beverly, director of the con-
rcerence Board of Evangelism and Church Extension, to determine if there was a
need for a new church in the Wesley Heights area. With the help of the District
Board of Missions and the help of Chester Murray, Sr., a temporary building was
181
put up in 5 days time to be ready for the
first service on May 20th and the revival
to follow. This was the beginning of the
church that was named for the com-
munity. The land, site of the old Moon
Dairy Farm overlooking 6 subdivisions,
was purchased for a nominal sum. Mr.
Moon later gave additional land. Rev.
John Horton was assigned as the first
pastor in June 1962. Laymen of the
church added an educational wing and restrooms to the first structure by
December 1962.
Groundbreaking for the first brick unit was October 6, 1963. It opened for use in
February 1964. This structure is a one-story building that houses a temporary sanc-
tuary, classrooms, fellowship hall and offices.
1982 Membership: 418
COLUMBUS, WYNNTON James T. Pennell, Pastor
William C. Beasley, Associate
Wynnton Road at Lawyers Lane
This church begem in a one-room
wooden church building on November
27, 1927. As it was the only church in
this community it was named for the
community. The first building of wood
was erected between September and Oc-
tober 1927 on the present site. During
1935-6 the present Youth Building was
constructed, in part, of used bricks. The
present sanctuary and offices were built
in 1949, and painted white for a period.
They have been returned to the natural
brick finish. Rev. Edwin J. Grimes was
the first pastor and in January 1983 the
latest education building, dedicated by
Bishop Joel D. McDavid in November 1982, was named the Edwin J. Grimes
Building. Extensive building plans are underway that involve the closing of the
street behind the present complex. In 1957 and again in 1973 this church hosted the
annual session of the S. Ga. Conference. Over 1,000 delegates attended plus visitors
and delegates spouses.
1982 Membership: 1,896.
Members entering ministry: Gordon C. King, S. Larry King, Al Grumpier, Rudolph E. Grantham, S.
Benson Parker, Jr, M. Creede Hinshaw, Bonnie Gray Ogie, Pamela Gail Ledbetter, James T. Trice
Mission field: Dr. and Mrs. David L. Stevens Kenya
182
CUSSETA CHARGE
Timothy E. Paulk, Pastor
CUSSETA
US Hwys. 27 and 280, Chattahoochee Co.
Before the Methodists formally organ-
ized a church here, they built a brush ar-
bor for services at Bald Hill Camp-
ground. Early records indicate that this
arbor, about a mile west of Cusseta, was
in use prior to 1851. Somewhat later,
Duncan H. Burts gave an acre of land
for a house of worship, and the building erected on this lot was used until a larger
building was required in 1897. This second church was struck by lightning and
burned in the early summer of 1944. After some controversy, the congregation
decided to rebuild on a different lot; so the Lee Harp house and lot were purchased
as a site and the present structure built. While rebuilding the congregation held
services in the Baptist Church and met jointly with them for Sunday School. Until
1891 the church had been led by a layman, Col. E. G. Raiford; at that time Rev. R.
L. Allison became the pastor. The present building has had an annex added, as well
as an organ, a stained-glass window, and other improvements since 1944.
1982 Membership: 143
MARVIN
US Hwy. 27, Louvale, Georgia
In this town in Stewart County three
white clapboard churches and a school
stand in a row. Only the Baptist and
Methodist Churches are still used, and
the school is now the community center.
This church, named for Bishop Enoch
Marvin, was built in 1899. A grant from
the conference Board of Church Extension for $100 indicates that it would soon be
opened, free of debt, for service. The land the church is built on is covered by a
Warranty Deed dated December 6,1899. In 1919 it was on the Cusseta Circuit with
Liberty Hill, Harmony and Cusseta, Rev. J.C. Saville, pastor. At this time it was
listed under the name Louvale. It has been on the Lumpkin and Omaha Circuits
m the past.
1982 Membership: 21
OMAHA
Ga. Hwy. 39, Stewart County
Built in the 1890s when Omaha was founded on the Seaboard Air Line Railroad in
the western part of Stewart County, this church was the successor to the Florence
Church. On Nov. 18,1895, The Omaha Improvement Company sold to J. H. Carter
and Arthus Allen as Trustees of the church nine lots of land to be used for a church
and parsonage. Both were constructed at that time. The church continues in use,
but the parsonage has not been used
since 1930. It was sold and razed in the
early 1940s. The pews of the church are
said to have come from St. Luke Church
in Columbus many years ago. Though
the fact has not been authenticated, the
large church bell is said to have come
from England a long time ago.
1982 Membership: 12
CUTHBERT CHARGE James R. Webb, Pastor
CUTHBERT
Lumpkin and Church St., Cuthbert
In 1828, Rev. Morgan Turrentine was
appointed to serve the Lee Mission in
the territory between the Chat-
tahoochee and Flint Rivers recently
ceded by the Creek Indians. In 1830, the
Randolph Mission was formed, and in
1833 Rev. J. T. Talley was appointed its
first pastor. The name was changed to Cuthbert Charge in 1837 or 1838. Under the
leadership of Rev. Tillman Purifoy, the congregation built its first building of logs
in 1844 at Shady Grove Campground. That site, located on West Hamilton Avenue,
is now the Greenwood Cemetery. The present church was built in 1851 of wood and
in the style of the day. It was remodeled in 1907 and brick veneered in 1917. A
social hall was added in 1947 and a Sunday School annex in 1956. The sanctuary
was completely renovated in 1971. The South Georgia Annual Conference has been
held in Cuthbert in 1869,1886, and 1900.
1982 Membership: 339
BENEVOLENCE
Benevolence, Georgia
This church, located nine miles
northeast of Cuthbert, was one of the
first places of worship in Randolph
County. On land given by Jonathan
Fentress in 1852, a small log house was
built for church services. Since that
time three other church buildings have
been erected successively on the same site at the center of the small rural communi-
ty. In 1928 the church became a member of its present charge.
1982 Membership: 30
184
GENEVA CHARGE
Walter S. McCleskey, Pastor
GENEVA
US 80, Geneva, Georgia
On March 1, 1875, indenture was made
in the Talbot County Court House
between Mr. C. B. Leitner and the first
Board of Trustees of this church: John
R. Jordan, Ansel Turner, H. H. Cosley,
W. T. McBride, and Richard Lumpkin.
The deed was recorded on June 4,1877.
The church was erected shortly after.
Early records indicate that Geneva has
been on a circuit. In 1898 Rev. W. E. Ar-
nold was pastor. In 1919, the first year
of circuit records, the Geneva Circuit in-
cluded this church, New Hope, Box Springs, Juniper, and Brown Springs. In 1940 it
was part of the Talbot Circuit. In the 1960s, Geneva participated in the special
research and work of the Conference Commission on Town and Country as part of
the Geneva Larger Parish.
L982 Membership: 25
BOX SPRINGS
US 80, Box Springs, Talbot County
'This church was built in 1897 by Mr.
Will C. Patterson. Records do not show
the first pastor, but among the earlier
pastors were Rev. Monroe Yarbrough,
Rev. A. A. Waite, Sr., and Rev. Kenneth
'McGregor. In the spring of 1920, a
storm destroyed the church. Lumber
from the church and the school
building, which was also destroyed, was used to rebuild. In 1944, additions were
made to the building. In 1960, the church was moved from its original site down
near the railroad to the highway, and a new brick building was erected. The church
was earlier part of the Midland Circuit.
1982 Membership: 44
JUNIPER
Georgia 355, Talbot County
Located near the Marion County line, this congregation dates Tom the 1880s. The
Lummus Company factory, now in Columbus, was located at Juniper for a short
185
OLIVE BRANCH
Georgia 315, Talbot County
time in the late 1880s and early 1890s.
In 1892, the Lummus family erected a
frame church in memory of one of their
family. That building has since housed
this church and retains its original
stained-glass windows. It was the site of
early church camps, and in the 1930s
hosted the first Childrens Workers
Assemblies for the conference. The
church was originally part of the Talbot
Circuit.
1982 Membership: 23
This church was established in the
1830s. Its present location, west of
Talbotton, is the third for the church.
The present building was the school
building of the Old Farmers Academy
which operated in the community prior
to the advent of public schools and
school consolidation. The earliest
records of the church were destroyed by fire in the home of a member in 1927. Olive
Branch was for many years part of the Talbot Circuit.
1982 Membership: 71
GEORGETOWN CHARGE
Robert E. McDaniel, Pastor
Prior to 1901, the Methodists and Bap-
tists of Georgetown worshipped in the
Community Church. In 1900, Mr. R. G.
Morris gave the land on which the
church was built. This frame building,
still in use, was erected in 1901-1902 by
Mr. Albert N. Surles. In 1950-51, Sun-
day School rooms were added. About that same time, the parsonage was moved
from Springvale to Georgetown, and the name of the charge was changed also from
Springvale to Georgetown. In 1979 a Fellowship Hall was added. Some of the in-
teresting features of the church are its elaborate, hand-carved, light-wood pews; the
original chandelier, once kerosene, now electric; and the stained-glass windows.
GEORGETOWN
U.S. 82, Georgetown, Georgia
1982 Membership: 71
Members entered ministry: Henry Gary
186
SHARON
Northwest Randolph County, Georgia
Located in Randolph County at the
edge of Quitman and Stewart Counties,
this church came into existence in 1831
as a Methodist Protestant Church. The
first church structure was a log building
which remained until 1870 when a clap-
board building was constructed. In
1909, the present wooden building was
erected with John Pearce, Stonewall Bryant, and Walter O. Phillips as trustees. In
the 1960s, under the leadership of J. D. Spence, the church was renovated with
aluminum siding, landscaping, and new sanctuary furnishings. A well-known
SPRINGVALE
U.S. 82, Springvale, Georgia
In the late 1850s and 1860s, the
Springvale schoolhouse with a large
chapel served as an ideal place of wor-
ship. Soon Methodist ministers came
and preached. Rev. Tom Stewart, Rev.
Oliver Anthony, and Rev. Morgan
Callaway, later president of Andrew,
were among those. In the summer of 1865, Rev. J. R. Owen, who had been
preaching here regularly, held a meeting in the chapel which was attended by huge
crowds. The following year, 1866, the church was organized. Rev. W. W. Scaifi was
the first pastor sent by the Conference. In 1871-72 the present building was
erected. A parsonage was later built, and for several years the circuit was known as
the Springvale Charge.
1982 Membership: 12
UNION
Junction County Rds 84 and 39, Quitman County
Located in Quitman County about four
miles north of the Morris Community,
this church was organized in 1837. Since
it was a non-denominational church
founded to serve the whole community,
it was called Union. The church began
as a brush arbor and later built the first
building. The exact date that the church became a Methodist charge is unknown.
The present building is not the first. The education building was formerly the one-
room school house which many of the older members remember attending.
cemetery adjoins the church.
1982 Membership: 24
1982 Membership: 62
187
HAMILTON CHARGE
John A. Bacher, Pastor
HAMILTON
South College Street, Hamilton
This church was organized in 1834 in a
frame building in the western part of
town. The first pastor is believed to
have been Rev. W. A. Farley. This
original building, erected in 1834, was
sold to a black congregation and a new
wooden frame building erected on the
present site in 1880. Plans for this
church were drawn by Rev. M. M. Marshall, then pastor of Rose Hill Church, who
had been an architect prior to entering the ministry. This church burned in 1926,
and the present building was constructed in 1926-27.
1982 Membership: 98
BIGHAMS CHAPEL
Fortson Road, Mulberry Grove, Georgia
Organized in 1847 at a campground, this
church was named for Rev. Robert W.
Bigham, pastor of Whitesville Circuit in
1847, who had been instrumental in
forming the new church. Property was
deeded for Mulberry Methodist Church
on June 25, 1847, and the first church
was built probably in 1849. In August 1883, the church was torn down and moved to
the present site which had been the campground of old Central Church. At that
time, the name was changed to Bighams Chapel.
1982 Membership: 19
CATAULA
US Hwy. 27, Cataula, Georgia
This church was originally organized in
1829 in a log building and was named
Clowers for a leading lay member. The
first pastor was Rev. Andrew Hamlin. In
1834 a frame building was erected, and
in 1857 the present building was built
on the present location. Although
Clowers is its earlier name, it has been
Cataula since the late 1880s. In the 1860s it was a part of the Muscogee Circuit.
From 1860 to the early 1900s it was on the Catula Ct. In 1898 Rev. H.M. Morrison
was the pastor, followed by Rev. W.T. Stewart in 1899. In 1908 the Cataula Circuit
is not listed in the conference MINUTES. Separate listing of the churches on the
188
circuits appears in the 1919 MINUTES, where Cataula is part of the Midland Ct.
with Rev. M.W. Flanders, pastor.
1982 Membership: 105
HOWARD CHARGE Dale Thornton, Pastor
HOWARD
Georgia 96, Howard, Georgia
This church was organized in 1870 under the leadership of Rev. Robert Williamson,
then pastor of the Butler Charge. He and Judge W. D. Grace were the financial pro-
moters for the building which was to be erected. One acre of land for the site was
donated by Marshall Patrick Brown, William Mathews, and Freeman Mathews. In
the early days of its existence, the church conducted a Union Sunday School with
the Baptists. The pulpit Bible still in
use was given to the church on Feb. 6,
1871, by Dr. James Griffith, M.D. In
1952, work on the road which runs by
the church necessitated moving it four
feet. At this time, a new lower founda-
tion was built, the front of the church
was repaired and remodeled, and Sun-
day School rooms were added. The
church has previously been part of the
Geneva, Mauk, Wesley, and Butler
Charges.
1982 Membership: 83
CHARING
Charing, Georgia
This church is believed to have been
organized as early as 1886 as the Plea-
sant Hill Church. The earliest building,
a one-room log structure, was used as a
church and school and was located on
the southwest side of Garrett Pond near
the little community of Flem. Flem,
which began with the establishment of a cotton gin about 1890, became Charing on
Nov. 4, 1908. The church was previously part of the Buena Vista and Mauk
Circuits.
1982 Membership: 19
MAUK
Ga. Hwy. 90, Mauk, Georgia
Although little is known of this church, it was in 1919 head of the Mauk Circuit
which included Mauk, Rupert, Charing, Howard, Pine Level, and Liberty. Of these,
189
Rupert and Liberty are no longer active.
The parsonage was near the church. In
this year, the church held a large revival
led by the famous Downing sisters of
Columbus or Phenix City. A large tent
was pitched beside the church; Ruth
and Mary Downing were the
evangelistic preachers and Catherine
led the singing. Great crowds came and
many joined the church. The church
was later part of the Butler charge; it received its present assignment in 1955. The
building has been recently renovated.
1982 Membership: 15
PINE LEVEL
South of Junction City, Georgia
In the late 1860s the people of the com-
munity organized a church and con-
structed a brush arbor. The first perma-
nent building was erected around 1875 a
few hundred yards from the present
site. The current building was erected in
1901-1902, and Sunday School rooms
were added in the early 1960s when the church was remodeled. The frame structure
of these rooms, formerly a store in Norwich, was donated by Will Turner. The first
recorded minister of the church in 1888 was Rev. John T. Mims. The church was
previously part of the Geneva, Marion, and Mauk Charges.
1982 Membership: 46
UNION
Off U.S. 19, north Taylor County, Georgia
Before the Civil War, when services
were discontinued, the congregation
worshipped in a building about one mile
north of the present church. Following
the war, Rev. James Hayes, a local
Methodist preacher, began holding ser-
vices once monthly in the old Primitive
Baptist Church building. The congrega-
tion met there until the spring of 1883 when the present church was completed.
The old building was used as a school until it burned in 1896. Some of the impetus
for the establishment of this church came from the Hays Camp Ground which may
have begun holding services as early as 1840. It continued until 1896, building a
large tabernacle in 1875. The church has previously been part of the Butler Charge.
1982 Membership: 52
Members entering ministry: W. W. Peed
190
WESLEY CHAPEL
Georgia 208, Taylor County, Georgia
In 1897, Stephen Bazemore, a good
Baptist, organized a Sunday School at-
tended by both Methodists and Bap-
tists in the school house. Then in
August 1900, Rev. R. N. Wesley, pastor
of the Butler Church, organized a
Methodist Church. The congregation
continued to meet in the school house, which was across the road from the present
church, holding only evening services until they completed a new building in 1904.
The church has been a member of the Butler, Geneva, and Talbot Circuits.
1982 Membership: 29
LUMPKIN CHARGE O. David Karlbom, Pastor
LUMPKIN
Church and Broad Streets, Lumpkin, Georgia
The roots of this church can be found in
the work of the Lee Mission. The
earliest historian of Lumpkin
Methodism, Mr. Loverd Bryan, moved
to Lumpkin in 1830 and in 1831 met
Rev. George Chappell who had been ap-
pointed as a missionary to the area. He
was succeeded by Rev. W. Bedell and
Rev. W.N. Sears in 1832 and 1833. These men held meetings all over the county
wherever they could collect a congregation. In 1833, the mission was constituted
the Stewart Circuit and in 1834, Rev. Joseph T. Talley and Rev. Anderson Watson
were sent to the work. The Lumpkin church was organized in 1837 and acres
were bought from the Boyntons for a church and cemetery. The first building was
wood. In 1859, a more elaborate wooden structure was built on the corner of the
property near Church Street. This was used until 1909 when it was sold to a black
Baptist church and moved to Trotman Rd. where it is still in use. The third and
present building was erected in 1910. The cornerstone contained letters from
former pastors and the history of the bell given by Dr. Bedingfield in 1843. The
builder in 1836 of the Bedingfield Inn, now on the National Register of Historic
Places, Dr. Bryan Bedingfield had been converted at a camp meeting preached by
Judge Barry. He made his inn home for traveling ministers, became an exhorter
and preacher himself.
1982 Membership: 201
Members entering ministry: Jimmy Duke
PROVIDENCE
Georgia 39, Florence Road, Stewart County
Established in 1832-1833, this church first built a log building which stood on the
south side of the road directly below where the main part of Providence Canyon
191
State Park is now located. David Lowe
donated the land for a church and a
school, Providence Academy. At that
time this was the site of a thriving com-
munity. The present building was built
in 1859 on land donated by David
Clements Moore and dedicated in
November 1860. The old building was
left to rot away. It has been moved as
the Canyon encroached. The clapboard
building is built of hand-planed virgin timber; the pews, made by country cabinet
makers, had a divider down the center to separate the men and women who also
entered by separate front doors. The old fixtures remain but have been converted
to electricity. A cemetery adjoins the church. To maintain this historic church, ser-
SARDIS
Weston/Trotman Road, southeast Stewart
County
Until approximately 1830, the territory
where Trotman community is was a vast
wilderness. About that time, Joseph
Session from Washington County set-
tled two miles north of the original
village. Later around 1850, he donated
the land and material and supervised
the building of this church. The material was brought from Richland by ox-cart and
one-horse wagons. The building was ceiled with hand-planed lumber and had a
center divider more than three feet high with pews on either side. The women and
men sat separately until the 1920s when the practice began to die out. A tall rail,
later modified to make the altar rail, enclosed the pulpit. The original handmade
pews of wide pine boards are still in use. A cemetery across the road has graves
bearing dates as early as 1848. When termites and rot had caused extensive damage
to the church by the late 70s and early 80s, the congregation decided to restore
rather than rebuild. They did so in 1982 with support from the members, communi-
ty, and the Committee on Missions and Church Extension.
vices are held only on fifth Sundays.
1982 Membership: 9
1982 Membership: 27
WESLEY CHAPEL
Old Eufaula Road, Stewart County, Georgia
Organized in 1840, this church built a clapboard building with brick pillars on two
and a half acres sold to the church by J. A. Everett for one dollar. Thomas House
deeded the adjoining cemetery to the church. The furnishings heart pine pulpit,
altar rail, pews, and table w are original. There is a low stone wall around the
church which is referred to as Sims Wall. A tornado destroyed the two-story
Masonic lodge and school which stood adjacent to the church but spared the church
192
and cemetery. This church has earlier
been part of the Americus and Cusseta
charges.
1982 Membership: 34
Homer Taylor, Pastor
BETHEL
County Rd. 50, off Ga. 41, N. Marion County
Located on a sand road in the northern
part of the county, this church was
organized in 1925. The first pastor was
probably Rev. J. W. Connors. After a
decline in membership due to the shift
of population, a unique organization
known as the Bethel Family was
formed. This organization consists largely of former residents who gather at the
churchs monthly services and make up a congregation numbering more than the
resident members.
1982 Membership: 16
BRANTLEY
Brantley Road, Marion County, Georgia
Originally called Mt. Gillard, this
church was organized sometime around
1850. The earliest records show that it
was a part of the Buena Vista Charge in
1854. Its first building was a wooden
structure. It became a part of its present
charge in 1907.
1982 Membership: 53
TAZEWELL
Ga. Hwy. 137, Tazewell, Georgia
This church is located in Marion Coun-
ty and was originally organized in the
1830s. Its first pastor, Rev. David N.
Burkhalter, helped to build the first
church. This was moved to Buena Vista
at the time the county seat was changed
from Tazewell to Buena Vista, in the
MARION CIRCUIT
193
late 1850s. The frame building, which preceded the present building erected in
1966, was located to the north of the present site across the highway.
1982 Membership: 69
UNION
Junction of Ga. 41 and 30, Marion County
Although no written records have been
found to document the exact dates,
there are a number of recollections
gathered in 1940 which indicate that
there was a Methodist church made of
logs located near the present Union
Church in the 1830s. The building was
said to have also been used as a school, and there were apparently no regular ser-
vices held. On September 9, 1857, Daniel James deeded the land for the New
Union Methodist Church, locating it so that he could look from the front door of
his house, he said, at the front door of the church and receive some blessing. The
church was not apparently a regular appointment of the South Georgia Conference
until the early 1880s. Among the earlier volunteer local preachers who served the
church were Rev. W. B. Merritt, Rev. W. J. Short, and Rev. Malcom Hair. Although
many changes have been made to the original building, the original flooring re-
mains. Siding was added in the 1940s, additional rooms in the 1950s and 60s, new
pews in 1971, a steeple in 1973, and a porch in 1974. The pulpit stand is believed to
be unchanged.
1982 Membership: 122
Members entering ministry: M. M. Pierce, L. E. Pierce
MIDLAND CHARGE
MIDLAND
Warm Springs Road, Midland, Georgia
This church was organized in 1891 with
107 persons and businesses subscribing
from $50.00 to 10<t to build the church.
Under the leadership of her first pastor,
Rev. L. F. Griffith, the orginial struc-
ture was built of wood with wide steps
to the entrance. The present building
was erected in 1919. Sunday School
rooms separated from the main sanctuary by folding doors existed until remodeling
in 1981. At that time, hanging chandeliers were installed and the sanctuary was
carpeted and painted. The R. C. Russell, Sr. Educational Building was built in 1956
with much of the labor completed by members. In the early 1900s Sunday School
was held every Sunday, but for many decades church service was held only once a
month with prayer meeting on Wednesday nights.
1982 Membership: 167
Members entered ministry: James Dodd Reese, Wayne Bennett Anthony
Holland L. Morgan, Pastor
PIERCE CHAPEL
Pierce Chapel Road, Muscogee County
Organized in 1855, this church was built
on land given by Benjamin W. Clark to
the Methodist Church and the Kim-
brough Lodge of the Masons. In 1925 on
the 70th anniversary, the Columbus
Ledger recalled that the men of the
community gathered at 6:30 a.m. and
after Bible reading and prayer began to work. At six p.m. with gratitude and
delight they looked at the strong framework of their house of worship. Dr. Lovick
Pierce dedicated the church on the second Sunday in August 1855 and gave them
a spiritual feast of nearly three hours. The first pastor was Rev. Leonard Rush.
After 91 years, in 1946 work was begun on the present colonial style white brick
building which included sanctuary, classrooms, fellowship hall, and kitchen. A
generous gift from Dr. J. C. Wooldridge and the support of the membership made
the building possible. Many original sills from the old church were used in the new
as well as the original heart pine flooring. The architect, Mr. James Biggers, re-
mains a member of the congregation.
1982 Membership: 125
Members entering ministry: C. Dickerson Reese
UPATOI
Jenkins and Macon Road, Upatoi, Georgia
This church can truly be dubbed a
church on the move. Since its
organization in 1886, it has been
relocated four times, renovated at least
that many, and, finally, in 1982 sold and
built from scratch in its present loca-
tion. Originally, the church was located
three miles south of Upatoi on the
Moore Road and known as The New Methodist Church. The first minister was
Mr. Snow. Two years later it was moved to Macon Road across from its present
location on land- given by S. H. Jenkins. At that time it was used for services on
Sunday and a school during the week. Around 1900, a lawyer from Philadelphia
built Liberty Hall for his winter home and at the same time built and gave a church
building on property given by S. H. Jenkins on Upatoi Lane. The church remained
at that location until 1982 when it outgrew it. New construction began on a sanc-
tuary/fellowship hall with nine classrooms, kitchen, and nursery.
1982 Membership: 215
PRESTON Dan R. MacMinn, Pastor
PRESTON
Preston, Georgia
Established before 1840, the first Methodist church here was named Lannahassee
195
and was located below the railroad
where the Terrell Walker home now
stands. This first building, 30' x 40', has
12 feet high walls made of rived boards.
Round poles held up the hip roof
covered with rived shingles. The floor
was dirt. The church was served by a
circuit rider who preached somewhere
every day; it took him twenty-seven
days to return here. With a great migra-
tion of people from South Carolina in 1840, the church became interdenomina-
tional. When disagreement arose, the Methodists began meeting in the courthouse
until they were given an old wooden building. In 1895, J. B. Hudson gave the
present site, and the present church was erected. It had one large room and a small
bell tower room with a high steeple. The walls were plastered and the windows of
stained glass still extant. In 1952 and 1979 Sunday School annexes were built; in
1957-58 the front of the building, originally designed by Rev. Douglas Barnes, was
renovated and the entrance moved from side to front. The church has been part of
the Parrott and Richland Charges.
1982 Membership: 133
RURAL HILL
County Rd 126, west of GA 45, Webster Cty
The roots of this church are in the old
Bottsford Methodist church which was
established around 1859 and no longer
exists. Because of the distance and the
difficulty of crossing Kinchafoonee
Creek, Methodists on the south side of
the creek began to hold services in the old Rural Hill Academy, a public school,
in 1892. In 1898 a Mr. Smith deeded the land for the church, and in 1900 Mr. I. J.
Wise gave deeds for the same land. In 1901 the first building was erected. When it
burned in 1902, the congregation and friends built the present church. Later an
abandoned school was purchased and added for Sunday School rooms. The church
has been on the Bronwood Circuit, Richland Charge, and Parrott Charge.
1982 Membership: 43
RICHLAND
G. Thomas Martin, III, Pastor
Phillips St. and Hamilton Ave., Richland
Although written records are not
available, this church is thought to have
been established in 1834. The deed for
the first land is dated May 7,1845. The
first building erected was located on a
half acre of land, north of Broad Street
on what is now part of old Cedarwood
Cemetery. The first and second
196
buildings were destroyed by tornadoes. Services were discontinued for some years
after the second disaster. In 1888 the present church was established and services
held in the school until a building was erected about where the first buildings had
been. In 1912 a new lot was purchased and the present building erected. The first
pastor in 1888 was Rev. J. R. West.
1982 Membership: 173
SHELLMAN CHARGE Joe K. Dunagan, Pastor
SHELLMAN
Shellman, Georgia, Randolph County
This church was organized in 1880 in a
Masonic Lodge building with 17
members present. The first pastor was
Rev. Howard Key, who also served as
president of Andrew College. The first
building was erected in 1889. After the
church received a fulltime pastor and
became a station in 1911, a new building was constructed in 1916. Still in use, this
columned brick building features stained-glass windows which honor the founders
and early settlers of the community.
1982 Membership: 118
Members entered ministry: Charles R. Jenkins, Sim F. Turner
BROOKSVILLE
Ga. Hwy. 41 Randolph County
The beginning of this church dates back
to the earliest churches in this area, be-
ing built around 1830. It was moved to
this community in 1870 with the present
church being built in the 1920s.
Originally it was in the Americus
District. In 1919 Rev. I.R. Kelly was
assigned to the Shellman Ct. which had
New Prospect, Sardis, Beulah, Benevolence and Brookville. In 1947 Brooksville was
on the Graves Circuit. In 1951 it became part of the Shellman Charge.
1982 Membership: 11
Members entering the ministry: Wm. L. Erwin, Gordon King, Larry King
PACHITLA
US Hwy. 82 at Pachitla Road
When this church was organized in 1933 in the Hickory Hill School, it was given the
name of the nearby Pachitla Creek, so named by the Indians. Rev. T. E. Davenport,
a retired minister living in Shellman, was the first pastor. Rev. Roy McTier was the
pastor of the Shellman charge and Brother Davenport assisted him with this
197
TRINITY
Cty Rd 25,5 miles east of Cuthbert, Randolph
City
Formerly a Methodist Protestant
Church, this congregation was organized
August 15,1887, in a bush arbor with 45
members. Rev. Lewis Wilkerson was the
first pastor. The present frame struc-
ture was erected in 1903. Previously the
church was a member of the Randolph
Circuit.
church. In 1943 a new church building
was erected on the present site, the land
being given by Mr. Borom of Shellman
Church.
1982 Membership: 15
1982 Membership: 50
Members entered ministry: T. J. Paul, Lester Cook, Vertis Cauthen, Mrs. Frank Shirley, Gene
Yelverton.
TALBOTTON C. Nathan Burgess, Pastor
TALBOTTON
College Street, Talbotton, Georgia
Organized in 1831, this church erected its first building, a wooden frame structure,
the same year. Hon. H. W. Hilliard, a missionary, was the first Methodist to preach,
though the first recorded pastors were Rev. J. W. Starr and Rev. E. Bennett in
1834. The steeple bell was bought in 1839 and brought from Macon by wagon team.
In 1857 the present building was erected,
the building has a Greek Revival design.
Because of its architectural uniqueness,
the church was named a Conference
Historical Site in 1978. Talbotton
hosted the Annual Conference in 1877.
1982 Membership: 157
Members entered mission field: Dr. Harry B.
Bardwell
Built of handmade bricks of native clay,
COLLINSWORTH
Po Biddy Road (S656), Talbot County
Just prior to 1830, when Collinsworth was organized, a band of Methodists formed
198
a Methodist Society at the home of
George Menifee. The first church was a
log cabin called Menifees Meeting
House. In 1834, a neatly framed house
was erected 2 miles east of the original
meeting house and called Collinsworth
Chapel in honor of Rev. John Col-
linsworth, a former pastor. The present
building is the original 1834 building
and was dedicated in 1859 by Rev.
Lovick Pierce. In 1965 Collinsworth and Corinth merged their churches, but each
church has regular services using each building on a regular schedule.
CORINTH
US Hwy. 80, Talbot County
Early in 1828, Rev. James Stockdale,
newly appointed missionary to Talbot
and Harris counties, was directed to the
home of Josiah Matthews, a Methodist
who had resettled 6 miles from the ferry
at the Flint River. The two men rode
over the country in search of Methodists
for the purpose of organizing a church.
Corinth Church was the result. The original wooden building, dedicated on October
24,1869, by Rev. R.J. Corley, is still in use. Over the years a few minor changes have
been made to make it more comfortable. It is used regular for services for the
merged congregations of Corinth and Collingsworth who alternate services in their
individual church buildings.
1982 Membership: 28
Jerry T. Lott, Pastor
WAVERLY HALL
Alexander Road, Waverly Hall
Established in 1827 or before as part of
the Hamilton Charge, this church was
first located about one and a half miles
east of the present town about where
the Mt. Zion Cemetery stands. First
named Mt. Zion Church, it remained ac-
tive at this location until 1896 when it
moved to its present location. The present building was erected in 1948 and
dedicated in 1950.
1982 Membership: 152
WAVERLY HALL CHARGE
199
ELLERSLIE
Church Street, Elerslie
This church was organized in July 1910
following a revival led by a Rev. Mc-
Cord, who was the president of a small
Methodist college in Mississippi. Under
the sponsorship of Rev. R. W. Cannon,
then pastor of the Midland Charge, the
church was constructed about this time
on land given by Adger S. Ellison. The
church was remodeled in 1952, and Sunday Schools were added in 1961. More
remodeling was done in 1979-1980.
1982 Membership: 105
SHILOH
Shiloh, Georgia
This church was organized in 1905 in a
home with 35 members. Located behind
the school, the first and present
building was erected in 1908. The
stained glass windows were memorial
gifts. As the program of the church ex-
panded through the years, additions
have been made to the building. Recently, a storm blew off the steeple and dam-
aged other parts of the building, but it has been repaired.
1982 Membership: 28
First named Providence and located 3
miles east of what is now Woodland,
this church was organized in 1836. Rev.
Willis D. Matthews is thought to be the
first pastor. In 1910 the congregation
moved to town, taking the name of the
community. A one-room frame sanc-
tuary was erected that same year. In
1952 it was remodeled and brick veneered, and in 1955 an education building and
social hall were completed. Previously the church was part of the Talbot Charge.
WOODLAND CHARGE
WOODLAND
First Avenue, Woodland
Don Paul Mosser, Pastor
1982 Membership: 79
Entered the ministry: William Aubrey Alsobrook, Jackson Pafford Braddy
200
EVANS CHAPEL
Valley Road, Talbot County
Named for Rev. James E. Evans, this
church was organized in 1828. The first
pastor was Rev. Corley. The first
building, which is still in use, was a
one-room wooden structure put
together with wooden pegs and square
nails. In the beginning the pulpit was
placed in the end next to the road; and as the worshippers entered, they had to walk
by the pulpit to reach the pews. Perhaps it was a gesture toward filling the front
pews first.
1982 Membership: 34
MATTHEWS CHAPEL
Georgia 36, Talbot County
This church was organized in 1832 in a
log school house. The first pastor was
Rev. James Dunwoody. The church is
named for one of the first pastors, Rev.
Willis D. Matthews who is buried in the
church cemetery. The congregation oc-
cupied its first building on July 7,1832,
and on April 15,1872, moved into its present building. Built in Greek Revival style,
the building is constructed of hand-hewn heart pine. The inside walls and ceiling
are hand-planed lumber as is that used in the construction of the hand-crafted
pews, altar rail, kneeling board, and inside mourning bench. The pulpit of heavy
heart pine is also hand crafted. The antique lighting fixtures are still hanging.
1982 Membership: 38
Entered the ministry: Charles J. Grithe
SARDIS
Hendricksville Road, Talbot County
Founded in 1828 by the Ellisons who
named the church for the one they had
attended in South Carolina, this church
was organized with six members
meeting in a dirt-floored log cabin. The
first pastor, in 1829, was Rev. William
Martin. Succeeding the first log
building, the present church was
erected in 1834. Since there were no sawmills near by, the people hauled all the
framing and weatherboarding from a mill sixty miles away. It took the wagons five
days to make the trip. Every piece of lumber is hand-planed and handmatched; the
pulpit and altar are hand-turned and carved.
1982 Membership: 46
Entered the ministry: Dr. William Pickard, J. S. Jenkins, C. R. Jenkins, I. C. Jenkins, L. R. Jenkins, F.
E. Jenkins, John Pounds, Sr., J. L. Jenkins.
201
DUBLIN DISTRICT
W. R. Billy Key, Superintendent
410 Pine Forest, Dublin
There was no Dublin District in either the South
Carolina or Georgian Conference nor in the South
Georgia Conference until 1875. At that time some
churches were taken from the Savannah, Hinesville and
Macon Districts to form the Dublin District. This new
district was to lessen the size of the other districts and to
make one small enough for the presiding elder (district
superintendent, today) to get into every charge quarterly. The churches in this area
were part of many districts over the years; some of the districts were the Oconee,
Milledgeville, Sandersville, Athens, Augusta, Savannah and Altamaha. When the
McRae District was formed in 1898, some churches were taken from the Dublin
District. Then in 1930 when the McRae District was dissolved, they were placed
again in the Dublin District. Again in 1963 some of these as well as many others
were placed in the new Statesboro District. In 1983 the Dublin District had 46
charges with 109 churches and 14,162 members.
ADRIAN CHARGE! Joe Coody, Pastor
ADRIAN
Poplar Street, Adrian, Georgia
Adrian United Methodist Church was
organized in 1896. The first building
was a simple wooden structure with a
wide porch, columns, and two front
doors. Rev. Marion Wright served as the
first pastor. In 1935 the original
building burned and was rebuilt at the
same location in 1936. The new building was of similar architecture but with only
one front door. In 1954 a Fellowship Hall was added and a few years later an educa-
tional building.
1982 Membership: 69
Members entering ministry: W.R. (Billy) Key, T.M. (Jack) Key
Members entering mission field: Bertha Nell Key Bagwell, Marjorie Key
CORINTH
Johnson County near Meeks, Georgia
In a brush arbor near the present site, Rev. Frank Flanders organized this church
with at least 17 members. John Drake, father of Rev. T. F. Drake and son-in-law of
Rev. Flanders, hewed the framing for the first building. Lumber for the siding and
floor came from Dr. Odums nearby sawmill. The church was described as a square
top building. The present building, built around 1900 on the land given by H. A.
Hutcheson for the cemetery, was on the Adrian Circuit with Rev. J. S. Jordan as
pastor, 1899-1903. Rev. G. W. Pharr,
pastor of the Adrian Circuit Dublin
District, in 1907, baptized 26 persons at
one time. In the 1970s, the church has
been renovated, a fellowship hall and
deep well added. It has an active United
Methodist Men. Jody Jones recently
served on the VIM team to Costa Rica.
1982 Membership: 82
Members entering ministry: T. F. Drake
KEAS
Norristown-Adrian Highway
Located four miles east of Adrian just
off Route 80 in Emanuel county is
historic Keas United Methodist
Church. Begun in 1820, it was named
for the founder and first minister, War-
ren Key. The earliest members wor-
shipped in a brush arbor and then a log
cabin. In 1888, Burrell Kea, eldest son of Warren Key, gave seven acres for the new
church building. Since Burrells name appeared on the deed and he had changed
the spelling of his name, the church was known as Keas Church. This wood frame
church built in 1888 is still in use. The Key/Kea family reunion in 1962 established
a permanent organization for administering funds to preserve the church and
historic cemetery and to erect a monument to Warren and Pollie Beasley Key.
There have been 22 ministers among the descendants of Warren Key.
1982 Membership: 47
POPLAR SPRINGS
US 80, Johnson County
Two and a half miles west of Adrian,
this church was founded in 1866, first
meeting in a brush arbor with services
conducted by Rev. Jim Drake. A log
building was erected in 1867 and called
Poplar Springs because of a nearby
spring of water surrounded by poplar
trees. The Rev. R. M. Walker was the
first pastor. In 1887 the log building was replaced by a wood frame sanctuary, and
50 years later a porch and three Sunday School rooms were added. In December
1947, fire totally destroyed the building. Preparation for a new sanctuary began im-
mediately with members of the congregation cutting and hauling trees to a sawmill
in Adrian and hauling brick and other materials to the church site. The red brick
building was dedicated in 1951. Poplar Springs is also the location of the oldest
203
church cemetery in Johnson County with over eight hundred marked grave sites.
The cemetery is nondenominational and is truly a landmark in the area.
1982 Membership: 131
Members entering ministry: G. W. Hutcheson, J. R. Webb, Morris P. Webb, M. Walter Flanders,
George Reid Smith, James Flanders, Jeff Snyder
ALAMO CHARGE
Charles Cravey, Pastor
FIRST
US Hwy. 80, Alamo, Georgia
The earliest available record of Methodist history in Alamo indicates that Judge
John McRae of Alamo, Montgomery County, gave the land for the building of the
church in 1898. The church was built of lumber, ceiled throughout. The Rev.
Euston Clements is believed to be the first pastor. In the early 1920s the church was
remodeled, brick veneer and Sunday School rooms added. Rev. R. W. Canon was
pastor at the time and his wife worked
deligently to raise funds for the
remodeling. Unfortunately she died
before it was completed and the work
was named in her memory: The Rebecca
Canon Memorial Church. An educa-
tional building was added in 1964. The
BAY SPRINGS
Wheeler County
The Bay Springs Church was organized
in 1904 under the leadership of Rev. L.
A. Snow and Rev. C. C. Hines. For the
first few years services were held only on
Sunday afternoons. Mrs. Charlie Hin-
son gave an acre of land for the church
building. The first church was an un-
ceiled building with glass windows; a woodburning heater sat in the center of the
church and gas lanterns were used for lighting. In the middle twenties the building
was ceiled and painted. Later in the 1940s three Sunday School rooms were added.
1982 Membership: 51
BARTOW CHARGE William Howell, Pastor
church is now in Wheeler County.
1982 Membership: 205
Members Entering Ministry: William L.
Strickland
BARTOW
US Hwy. 221, Bartow, Georgia
This church was organized in 1879 under the leadership of Rev. F. W. Flanders.
The original wooden colonial-style building was moved from South Bartow, a thriv-
ing business center of the day, into the city around 1890. The membership was 200
204
at that time. Sunday School rooms were
added to the original structure in 1924
and the interior remodeled and
beautified in 1946. Bartow is in Jeffer-
son County.
1982 Membership: 85
Members entering mission field: Miss Elizabeth
Murphy, teacher in a Methodist college in Sao
Paula, Brazil
MOXLEY
Jefferson County
The church is in the Moxley Communi-
ty, one half mile off U. S. )1. The church
first met in a wooden structure on old
U.S. #1. The present building was
erected in 1885 and is located in Jeffer-
son County. Moxley has been on the
Bartow Circuit through the years. In
1919, Rev. W. F. Burford had Bartow, Moxley, Parkers, Oak Grove and New Hope.
Rev. J. W. Hanco*ck had been the pastor of the Bartow Circuit including Moxley,
New Hope, and Pleasant Springs for six years in 1940.
1982 Membership: 116
Members entering ministry: James C. Moore
NEW HOPE
Heards Bridge Road, Washington County
In 1776 the New Hope Church, four and
a half miles southeast of Davisboro, was
begun. The wooden structure with
hand-hewn beams down the center of
the building is still being used for wor-
ship today. Sunday School rooms and a
new entrance and memorial windows
were added in 1945. In 1801 Francis
Asbury writes in his Journal of holding our quarterly meeting at New Hope. In
1865 General Sherman camped in the New Hope Church destroying church
records, hymn books, and most of the weather boarding. This was one of very few
churches that was spared by Sherman. The Social Hall was added in 1976 and a
great celebration held for the 200th anniversary of the church and the nation.
1982 Membership: 40
PARKERS CHAPEL
RFD Bartow, Georgia
In Jefferson County, between Bartow and Louisville is a parcel of land given by Mr.
Parker and known as Parkers Chapel. The church was begun about 1860 and was
205
BREWTON CHARGE
also used as a school when first built.
The congregation still meets in the
original building although in 1910 it was
moved closer to the road. Pews were
bought to replace hand-hewn pews and
the front of the church was changed.
1982 Membership: 55
W. E. Thompson, Pastor
BREWTON
Brewton, Georgia
In the area of Bruton Creek, a com-
munity grew up to be called Brewton. In
1889 a small frame church was built
there and used by both Methodists and
Baptists. But in 1895 the Methodists
organized and built a separate building.
This building was blown down in 1921,
replaced, and then torn down in 1936 to
make way for the present building.
1982 Membership: 53
fi
BOILING SPRINGS
Wrightsville Hwy., Laurens County
Located only a short distance from the
springs, noted for their purity of water,
this church was organized in 1851 on
land donated by Everard Blackshear.
The pews for the church were cut on the
Parsons Place and rafted down river.
The pews are the originals, and each
seat is made from a single plank. The floor and other essentials are also original.
The church has a restored Communion Service from the early years of the church.
This church is in Laurens County off of U.S. 319.
1982 Membership: 64
LOVETT
Lovett, Georgia
Between 1870 and 1875 a church called Pre-Domina was organized about a mile
from Lovett, Georgia, out in Laurens County. In 1899 the church was relocated in
Lovett. Twice during the construction at this new site tornadoes blew the church
down. The church officials decided God was not pleased with this location and pur-
chased another lot from Mr. A. B. Rogers. The original structure was a one-room,
206
30'x50', wooden building. During the
1930s the church experienced a decline
and the building fell into very poor
repair. By the 1950s a rebirth occurred,
and a real interest in repairing the
church was taken. One method used for
securing funds was called Gods Acre.
Three acres of land were given for
cultivation. The Sunday School
superintendent prepared the ground
and planted cotton. The W.S.C.S. did the chopping and hoeing. Two hundred
thirty-two dollars were realized from the project as well as the restoration of the
Lovett Church.
1982 Membership: 42
THOMAS CHAPEL
Scott Road, Laurens County
In 1900, the people of the community
met for services in the Pine Grove
School; after the school was destroyed
by fire, the people built a brush arbor
and held revival meetings led by Rev.
Billy Thomas. In 1907, a church was
built and named after Rev. Thomas. A
woods fire in the community got out of
control and destroyed the church. In 1948 the present church was built. The church
was renovated in 1977-78 and an annex added in 1980. This church is located on
Scott Road, Adrian, Georgia.
1982 Membership: 58
BUCKHORN CHARGE Floyd Mitchell, Pastor
BUCKHORN
RFD Dexter, Georgia
In 1824, a Methodist church was
organized near Buck Horn Creek in
Laurens County. At first it was called
Darsey Meeting House but then
changed to Buckhorn. The first building
was a log cabin. In the 1880s a frame
structure was erected. A number of ad-
ditions have been made during the years: Four Sunday School rooms in 1943, social
hall and kitchen in 1963, brick veneer in 1969, and an educational building in 1979.
Buckhorn became a station church in 1975. Buckhorn is the oldest church in
Laurens County.
1982 Membership: 168
207
CAD WELL
Walnut Street, Cad well
In 1913 this church was organized and
the present building erected on land
given by Mrs. Rebecca Burch in 1912.
The first pastor was Rev. Silas Johnson,
later President of Wesleyan College. In
1919, Cadwell was on the Dexter Circuit
with Rev. T. H. Tinsley as pastor. The
circuit included Dexter, Cadwell, Daisy,
Chester and Bronwood.
1982 Membership: 7
RENTZ
Ga. Hwy. 117, Laurens County
First organized in 1905 or 1906, this church was built in 1908 on land given by C. E
Rentz. This building is located on Bates Avenue in the town of Rentz. The first
pastor was Rev. I. K. Chambers. In 1918, Rentz was on the Dublin Mission with
New Evergreen, Minter and Pine Hill. Rev. J. B. Snyder was the pastor. Rentz has
been a part of a circuit since its beginning with many of the same churches, Lowery,
Cadwell and Cedar Grove. Since the mid 1940s un-
til 1983, Rentz had been head of the Circuit. For
nearly 20 years it has been known as the Rentz-
Cedar Grove Charge.
1982 Membership: 36
Highway 29, Toombs County
In 1882, this church began in a log
building eight miles south of Vidalia.
The first pastor was Rev. John T.
Sharpe. In 1919, Center was on the Hig-
giston Circuit with Hardens Chapel,
Ruth, Higgiston and Odum. Rev. W. E.
Scott was the pastor. In 1930, Center
was head of this circuit of churches and Rev. C. A. Griffith was pastor. The present
church was built in 1925-26. In 1940, Center was on the Toombs County Circuit
CENTER-MARVIN CHARGE
hM
Brice Litchfield, Pastor
CENTER
208
with Cedar Grove, Hardens Chapel, Marvin, New Branch, Pearsons and Ruth.
Rev. R. E. Brown was the pastor.
1982 Membership: 89
Members entering ministry: James E. Boyd, Ronald Register
MARVIN
Highway 107, Toombs County
From the Dasher Campground in 1884,
13 members started a church under the
leadership of Rev. Jessie L. Giles. The
name was chosen after Bishop Enoch
Marvin of the Methodist Episcopal
Church South. Located 16 miles south
of Lyons, Georgia, the present building
was erected in 1953 and is white with a
four columned porch. In 1919, Marvin was on the Altamaha Circuit with Mt.
Moriah, Oak Grove and Cedar Grove. Rev. C. B. Ray was the pastor. Altamaha Cir-
cuit was in the McRae District and then the Savannah District before it was re-
named. Rev. W. B. McGregor was pastor of Altamaha Circuit in 1920. In 1940, it
was on the Toombs County Circuit in the Dublin District. There were seven
churches at that time and Rev. J. C. Christian was pastor of the Toombs County
Circuit which had only four churches: Hardens Chapel, Marvin, Center and New
Branch.
1982 Membership: 73
CHESTER CHARGE James Boyd, Pastor
CHESTER
Ga. Hwy. 257, Chester, Georgia
Although its earliest location is uncer-
tain, a church had been organized here
by 1885. Its first pastor was George M.
Prescott. In 1886, it was the Frazier
Mission, Brunswick District, and from
1887 to 1889 on the Buckhorn Charge.
Between 1890 and the present, it was in
the Eastman, McRae and Dublin Districts. The present building was remodeled in
1938 and a social hall added in 1974.
1982 Membership: 147
Members entering ministry: Wayne McDaniel
CEDAR GROVE
Cedar Grove, Georgia
About 1886, Cornelius Clark wished to have a church in his community. He chose as
a site a spot where cedars were growing in a cemetery and decided to name the
church Cedar Grove. His neighbors, however, wanted the church nearer the center
of the community, and B. L. and Lamar
Lowery offered to build it if it were
placed on the present site. Mr. Clark
agreed but insisted that the church bear
the name he had chosen Cedar
Grove. Both this original building and a
later log structure burned. The first
pastor was Rev. T. I. Nease. In 1905,
Osfords mill sawed the lumber, and
David and Warren Pope built the building now in use.
1982 Membership: 124
COLEMAN CHARGE Burch Beckham, Pastor
COLEMANS CHAPEL
Route 2, Wadley, Georgia
During the Civil War there was no
school in this section until Mr. Lindsay
Coleman, who had a large plantation,
built a little school on his farm and Mr.
J. J. Johnson came to teach in Cole-
mans School. He began talking Sunday
School to the patrons so they decided to
build a brush arbor on one side of the school house. Methodists and Baptists came
to the school. In 1879, the church was organized by Dr. L. B. Boschell and asked ad-
mittance to the South Georgia Conference. Rev. C. J. Toole was the first pastor.
The present site is in Jefferson County, two miles southwest of Wadley.
1982 Membership: 106
Members entering ministry: J. W. Black, M. B. Watkins, E. J. Watkins
ST. JOHNS CHAPEL
East of Wadley, Georgia
With the removal of the Methodist
Church from the campground at
Bethany to its present site in Wadley, a
need arose for the community located
between Wadley and the Ogeechee
River in what is now called the Deep-
deen Community. The solution to the
problem was the one-room school
building known as Calhoun School. The pastors from Wadley Charge preached
once a month in the Calhoun School until a white clapboard building was erected in
1917-18 under the leadership of Rev. J. A. Roundtree. It became a part of the
Wadley Circuit with Coleman, Wadley and St. Johns. Rev. W. A. Tyson was
pastor, and Rev. J. P. Dell was the Dublin District presiding elder. In 1931, these
three churches and Greenway made up the Wadley Circuit with Rev. J. W. Tinley,
210
pastor. In 1940 these same churches were together on the Wadley Circuit. In 1956 it
became part of Coleman Circuit with Lambs Chapel and Coleman.
1982 Membership: 110
DAVISBORO CHARGE Stephen B. Grantham, Pastor
DAVISBORO
Davisboro, Georgia
With nine devoted people the Davisboro
Church was chartered in 1884 under the
direction of Rev. J. M. Loyett. The peo-
ple had been having Sunday School
since 1882. In June of 1884, the
Womens Missionary Society began.
The first building was erected in 1886
on land donated by Dr. A. T. Cheatham. The present brick building was built in
1926-27. The building had complete electric lights and extensive stained glass win-
dows. In 1982, these windows were repaired and covered with a protective shield.
The church, located in Washington County, celebrated its 100th anniversary
August 15,1982.
1982 Membership: 76
Members entering ministry: Benton W. Taylor, James Allen Northington
PLEASANT SPRINGS
Bartow-Dublin Road
The first congregation of Pleasant
Springs met in a brush arbor as early as
1874. Mr. Cone Edwards gave the land
in Washington County for a school and
church. The school was erected first,
and church services were held in the
school until a hand-hewn log structure
was built for the church in 1882. The school was later moved, but the church re-
mained on the Bartow-Dublin Road. In 1897, the present building was erected. Col-
ored glass windows were installed throughout the church. The adjoining cemetery
plot was given by Mr. Eli Wilson. The church had some renovation during 1938-40
and new church pews in 1962-64. The first minister of Pleasant Springs was Rev. J.
W. Domingoes.
1982 Membership: 13
DEEPSTEP
Charles Webster, Pastor
W. of Sandersville, Washington County
Between 1825 and 1835 the Deepstep Church in Washington County had its begin-
ning in a building of materials prepared by hand. The building was replaced after
the Civil War. The present building was completed about 1900. There was also a
211
school building on the same site. Its
condition deteriorated, and the church
served as a church and school. The
church experienced a great spiritual
revival from 1869 to 1899 when tents
and arbors were erected where the
present cemetery now stands and a
camp meeting started. Preachers from
all over the district attended and spent
the night at the church.
1982 Membership: 195
Members entering ministry: Loy G. Veal, E. G. Hutchings, Welles Moore, Griffin Thompson, Larry
Giles
Sonny B. Mason, Pastor
CENTENARY
Telfair and Saxon Streets, Dublin
On November 9, 1918, Centenary
United Methodist Church was organ-
ized by the Presiding Elder, Rev. N. W.
Williams, and by Rev. L. A. Hill, pastor
of First Methodist Church in Dublin,
Georgia. There were 31 charter
members, some coming from First
Methodist. The first pastor was the Rev. E. L. Wainwright. The present building of
Georgia brick was built in 1953. The name Centenary was given this church because
it was founded at the time of the Missionary Centenary, 100 years of organized mis-
sion work. This Centenary Campaign was to deepen the spiritual life of members,
assure a sense of stewardship, create a habit of proportional scriptural giving and
increase the missionary income of the Board of Missions. The causes included in
the Centenary were Foreign Missions, Home Missions, Conference Missions and
Church Extension. The establishment of a new church was a real celebration of this
event and noted by the Conference at the time. In recent years the church has
taken in Marvin Church in Laurens County when it closed and moved their
building to the Centenary site and made it a social hall. It is now called Marvin
Hall.
1982 Membership: 237
Members entering ministry: S. M. Dominey, W. L. Tipton, A. J. Bruyere
DEXTER
Ga. Hwy. 357, Dexter, Georgia
In 1890 Mr. J. W. Warren gave land for a church. By 1893 a church and Sunday
School of 50 members had been organized and a building had been erected. Rev. E.
M. Wright was pastor in 1895. In 1904 a winter storm partially destroyed the
building, and the following winter another storm completed the destruction. The
present white frame building was erected in 1906, but its bell is from the original
DUBLIN-CENTENARY-DEXTER
church. Dexter, located 12 miles west of
Dublin, was earlier part of the Empire
charge and from 1895 to 1905 in the
McRae District. In 1909, Mrs. H. I. King
founded the Church Aid Society.
1982 Membership: 90
Members entering ministry: William Beasley.
LOWERY
Glen wood Road, Lowery, Georgia
In the conference Minutes for 1919, this church is listed as part of the Alamo Cir-
cuit with Cedar Grove, Landsbury, Mt. Olivet and Oak Grove. Rev. E. M. Elder was
the pastor and this circuit was part of the McRae District. It is not known just when
it was organized but it closed in the 1920s. In 1943 it appears on the Centenary
Charge as Lelands Chapel; Rev. Ralph Brown was the pastor and Rev. Leland
Moore the superintendent of the Dublin
District. Rev. George Clary, Jr. is given
credit for helping to reactivate this
church and in 1947 the present building
was built. The Conference Board of
Church Extension gave Lowery a gift of
$150 toward the completion of this
building.
1982 Membership: 37
EAST DUBLIN CHARGE
Paul Sauls, Sr., Pastor
CARTERS CHAPEL
US 80, Laurens County
The present building for Carters
Chapel is in Laurens County east of
Scott, Georgia. The original church
building was located across the street
and was constructed of hand sawed
boards. The church, built in 1885, was
named for Mrs. Edith Calhoun Carter,
one of the first members.
1982 Membership: 13
EVERGREEN
Toombsboro Road, Laurens County
Located 15 miles north of Dublin, the church began in the 1880s in a brush arbor at
213
the old Evergreen School. In 1890,
meetings were held in the courthouse
polling place in the community. In 1892,
a wooden structure was erected and
called Evergreen Church after the
school. The first pastor was Rev. W. F.
Smith. The present building was built
in 1945.
1982 Membership: 63
GETHSEMANE
501 Soperton Avenue, Dublin
On December 24, 1850, three acres of
land were given in Laurens County for
the location of a Methodist church
about five miles southeast of what is
now East Dublin. The church was given
the name Gethsemane. The first
building was a small log building. In the
1880s the building had become too small; so another building went up. In the early
1900s another building was needed, and the new one was constructed across the
street at the present location. This building was destroyed by a twister in 1934, but
the congregation went right to work and a new building was ready for worship in
February 1935. The present structure was built in 1959.
1982 Membership: 263
SCOTT
US 80, Scott, Georgia
This church, begun in 1910, is in
Johnson County. The present wooden
building is their first building, erected
shortly after the church began. In 1919,
Scott was head of a circuit of three chur-
ches: Scott, Harmony and Oranna with
Rev. G. R. Stevens as pastor. Scott has
been on several circuits but has always
been in the Dublin district. In 1940, it was part of the Brewton Circuit, in 1943 the
Scott-Adrian Circuit and East Dublin at present.
1982 Membership: 20
DUBLIN, FIRST
T. M. (Jack) Key, Pastor
305 West Gaines Street, Dublin, Georgia
In 1852, the Rev. John McGehee, while passing through town, stopped with a
former classmate, Judge John B. Wolfe, and preached. From this meeting came the
present First United Methodist Church. In 1867, Rev. Daniel G. Pope became
214
pastor of the newly organized church
and preached in the Baptist Church. In
1891, the congregation began meeting at
the old academy, the present Dublin
City Hall. Captain Hardy Smith gave
the land on which the present sanctuary
was erected in 1894. In 1909, the church
was remodeled with educational
facilities added. A chapel, given in
memory of Lt. William Robert Werden,
Jr. was added in 1949-50. Dublin First has been host to the South Georgia Annual
Conference in 1899,1919, and 1937. This church was instrumental in the formation
of Centenary United Methodist Church in 1919 and Pine Forest United Methodist
Church in 1955.
1982 Membership: 880
DUBLIN, HOWARD CHAPEL
Oliver Thompson, Pastor
South Washington and Hudson Streets
Through the persistent effort of Mr.
Tom Howard, this chapel, named for
him, was begun in 1917 with 15 charter
members. Rev. A. E. Smith was pastor.
On land, given by Dr. J. H. Barton, at
South Washington and Williams Streets
a frame church was built and dedicated
by 1925. Rev. H. W. Kimball was pastor. A Sunday School, Epworth League,
Ladies Aid Society, the latter gave the first organ, were very active. Between 1924-
33, the church sent 6 girls to school, Haven Home in Savannah, sponsored by the
Womans Division of the M.E. Church. In 1959 the Howard Charge was formed
with the following churches: Howard Chapel, Dublin; Smiths Chapel, Gordon,
Nepsey Chapel, Ailey, and Warren Chapel, Mt. Vernon. During the pastorate of
Rev. Lenton Powell the old site was bought by Urban Renewal. In 1966 Rev. Harris
helped get the present site with ground-breaking for the first unit in 1967. With
help from the Georgia Conference and the National Board of Missions, services
began in the new building in 1969. The big year was 1976: in June, Howard was
named Charge of the Year for the Dublin District; November, the officials voted to
be a full-time church; December, the new sanctuary opened for services. Rev. Amos
Holmes was pastor. Operation R.I.B. (Religion in the Block) is a mission outreach
program of this church at 1512 Academy Street, Dublin. It attempts to met needs
of the people wherever and whatever it may be.
1982 Membership: 153
Members entering ministry: W. C. Watkins, Levi Wilson
DUBLIN, PINE FOREST
James A. McLendon, Pastor
Pine Forest and Woodrow Streets
This church was begun as an outgrowth of First Methodist and was organized in
were completed in 1970.
June 1958. Rev. Ben F. Williams was
the first assigned pastor. For the first
meetings the Moore Street Elementary
School was used, and then they moved
to the National Guard Armory while the
first unit was being erected. The
fellowship hall, offices and 14
classrooms were ready for service on
April 10, 1960. The sanctuary with five
more classrooms and a youth center
1982 Membership: 986
Members entering ministry: William C. Beasley, Ralph Haywood
DUBLIN, PINE HILL Gary Carter, Pastor
US Hwy. 441 and Pine Hill Road
In 1897, Rev. C. A. Moore started a new
Methodist Church in the Pine Hill
Community with approximately 40
members. The first meetings were held
in a two-room school house, but later a
wooden structure was built for worship.
Additions have been made during the
years, and it is now brick veneered. In
1919 this church was part of Dublin Mission with Rev. J. B. Snyder, pastor and
these churches, New Evergreen, Rentz, Minter and Pine Hill. In 1931 it was on the
Dexter Circuit with Dexter, Buckhorn, Cadwell, Chester, Rentz and Pine Hill with
Rev. Ruby L. Harris Pastor. It was on this same charge in 1940, but in 1968 it
became a station church with Rev. Monroe Yarbrough as pastor.
1982 Membership: 86
DUDLEY CHARGE Derek W. McAleer, Pastor
Billy Wicker, Associate
DUDLEY
Second Street, Dudley
The first building was built of wood in
the late 1800s near Haskins Crossing on
the Cochran Highway in Laurens Coun-
ty. This building was torn down and
material used to build the church in
Dudley in 1912. The present brick
building was built in 1952. This church
has beautiful stained glass windows and
chimes that ring out music to the community.
1982 Membership: 75
216
I
ALLENTOWN
US 80 and Ga. 112, Allentown
The church began in December of 1891
in an old school house with only eight
members. The minister was Rev. B. T.
Bales. In 1894, the first building was
erected of Allentown wood and located
near Cool Springs School. The present
building was built in 1956 in an early
Colonial Meeting House style. The church is featured in Architecture of Middle
Georgia by John Linley.
11982 Membership: 108
DANVILLE
Fourth Street, Danville
The church began in 1907 in a brush ar-
bor in Wilkerson County. Its present
building was constructed in 1907. In
1919, Danville was on the Dudley Cir-
cuit with Dudley and Montrose. Rev. E.
B. Sutton was the pastor. Since 1940 it
has been on the Dudley Circuit along
with the same churches: Dudley, Allentown, Montrose, and Wesley. It has been in
the Dublin District since it was organized.
1982 Membership: 37
MONTROSE
US 80, Montrose, Georgia
In 1905, the Methodists of the Montrose area began meeting in the old Montrose
school building. The pastor was Rev. W. M. Ketchum. The first building erected in
1905, was a small frame structure. A second building was somewhat larger and in-
cluded two Sunday School rooms and a balcony. The present building was erected
in 1958. It is made of tree-bark brick with 14 stained glass memory windows and
two Rose windows. In 1975,
Schulmerich Carillons were installed.
The site for the present church was
donated by heirs of the estate of Ed-
ward L. Wade, Sr.
1982 Membership: 69
217
corded pastor was Rev. Bascom
renovated in 1977.
WESLEY CHAPEL
Route 1, Danville, Georgia
In 1870, a group of 30 Methodists
organized a church which first met in a
brush arbor in Wilkinson County. In
1872, they erected a wooden building
which had a wooden partition down the
center pews. On July 12, 1879, John
Chapman gave acres of land for the
church, declaring in the deed that he
did so for and in consideration of the
love I bear for the cause of Christ and
from an earnest desire to promote his
heritage on earth. The earliest re-
11 in 1883. The current building was
1982 Membership: 32
GLENWOOD CHARGE Robert E. Foxworthy, Pastor
GLENWOOD
US 280, Glenwood, Georgia
In 1828, a group of Methodists met at
John Morrisons place. The building
was a log house and was used for a
school and meeting house. They called
this church Morrisons Church after the
Morrison Hill Settlement. Later they
moved a half a mile and changed the
name to Glenwood. The Akron frame
church burned in 1925 and the congregation met in the store room of a brick
building standing on Highway 19. They held tent revivals on the OQuinn property
on Highway 280. The present building was completed in 1931. The building is brick
with large stained glass windows. A fellowship hall has been added.
1982 Membership: 144
Members entering ministry: Lum Morrison, Edwin Barnhill, Carlton Anderson, Bob Norwood.
LANDSBURG
Ga. 19, Wheeler County
Around 1884 the Methodists north of Landsburg began to meet in a log building. In
1919, the first listing of individual churches in the conference MINUTES,
Landsburg was on the Alamo Circuit along with Cedar Grove, Mt. Olivet, Lowery
and Oak Grove. Rev. E. M. Elder had been the pastor, but he was moved and Rev.
E. P. Drake was the new man. This was in the McRae District and Rev. L. W.
218
Coleson was the Presiding Elder.
HARDENS CHAPEL CEDAR GROVE Earl McClellan, Pastor
HARDENS CHAPEL
Ga. 56, Toombs County
Hardens Chapel, originally Wesley
Chapel, was organized October 14,1863,
in what was at that time Tattnall Coun-
ty. The original name was after Charles
Wesley. During the Civil War the
church building was burned, and the
site of the building was abandoned.
Some time after this tragedy, the place
of meeting was transferred to another site two or three miles from the original loca-
tion. There are no records of how long services were held at this location. On the
fifth day of July, 1891, a new church building was begun on the original site. At this
time, the name was changed to Hardens Chapel in honor of Uriah Harden who
contributed to the construction of the building.
The present building was erected in 1947 of jumbo brick. It is 12 miles south of
Lyons and 1V2 miles east of U. S. 1. Adjoining the church grounds is one of the
largest cemeteries in this section of the state. Commemorating the organization of
Hardens Chapel in October, 1863, the church now observes an annual Homecom-
ing on the second Sunday in October.
1982 Membership: 116
CEDAR GROVE
State Prison Farm Road, Reidsville, Ga.
This church was organized at a meeting in a home around 1887. Soon a frame
building with wooden siding and very high ceiling was built. The windows are very
long and narrow with a center pivot so that they swing out horizontally, allowing
the breeze to circulate top and bottom. When it was built, screens were not
available. When organized this church was in the McRae District; it became part of
the Dublin District when the McRae was discontinued. It has been on several cir-
cuits, but most often on the Toombs County Circuit. Its membership has gradually
disappeared and in 1975 it was closed; reopened in January 1979, renovated, and
services begun by Rev. Bill Thompson. Rev. Bill Jones followed for about nine
months; again it is not having services.
1982 Membership: 2
JOHN WESLEY MEMORIAL CHARGE Elvin E. East, Jr., Pastor
ALSTON
Hwy. 135
This congregation was first called
Carolines Chapel after Caroline
Sharpe. They began meeting in 1900
under the oak trees. Then they built a
wooden structure. The name was
changed to Alston after the town. The
same 1900 building is still in use after
remodeling and brick veneering. In
1919, Rev. J. M. Hanco*ck served as pastor to Alston and five other churches on the
Uvalda Circuit. This circuit was in the McRae District and later became part of the
Dublin District. In 1968, Alston became part of the John Wesley Memorial Circuit
with Cedar Crossing, Smyrna, Charlotte and Sharp Memorial.
1982 Membership: 75
Members entering ministry: Al Clark, Vernon Grimes, Bobby Grimes
CEDAR CROSSING
Ga. Hwys. 56 and 107, Cedar Crossing
The church began in 1902 meeting in a
nearby school. Rev. H. C. Everitt was
the first pastor. The first building was
of wood built in 1902. This church was
destroyed by winds, but work was begun
immediately to rebuild. The present
wooden building was erected in 1926. In
1919, as well as 1940, Cedar Crossing was part of the six point Uvalda Circuit with
Charlotte, Alston, Smyrna and Uvalda. In 1919, Long Pond was the sixth church
and in 1940 Sharps Spur was the additional church. In the beginning this circuit
was in the McRae District but in 1930 became a part of the Dublin District when
the McRae District was discontinued.
1982 Membership: 14
CHARLOTTE
US Hwy. 221, Charlottsville
The Rev. J. F. Yancy started the Charlotte Church in Montgomery County in 1910
with 36 members. The first building, a wooden structure, was destroyed by a tor-
nado. The present building was built in 1925. In 1919, this church was listed as
Charlottsville on the Uvalda Circuit with five other churches. Rev. J. M. Hanco*ck
220
was the pastor. In 1940, it was still on
the same circuit, but listed as Charlotte
with four of the same: Uvalda, Cedar
Crossing, Smyrna and Alston. Sharps
Spur was on this circuit instead of Long
Pond. Rev. W. B. Taylor was the pastor.
In 1968, it was placed on the John
Wesley Memorial Circuit with Rev. Bil-
ly R. Wheeler as pastor.
1982 Membership: 76
SMYRNA
Ga. 56,3 miles E Uvalda
The first church was erected on what
was known as the Old McNatt Estate.
In 1887, it was moved to the present
location in Toombs County out from
Cedar Crossing and three miles east of
Uvalda. The building was a frame struc-
ture with two corner entrances. The
first pastor was Rev. J. C. G. Rabun. In
1934, the corner entrances were closed and a center entrance made. In more recent
years the building had a porch with columns added, four additional rooms built,
and the outside brice veneered. Also added were a Social Hall and Sunday School
rooms and a steeple. Smyrna was in the McRae District and on the Uvalda Circuit
in 1919 when Rev. J. M. Hanco*ck was the pastor. In 1940, it was part of the Uvalda
Circuit in the Dublin District of the Methodist Church. Since 1968, it has been part
of the John Wesley Memorial Circuit, United Methodist Church.
1982 Membership: 143
KITE CHARGE David M. Harris, Pastor
KITE
Holton Street and Bee Line Highway, Kite
This church was actually organized in
1914 although visiting Methodist
preachers had held services from time to
time in the Baptist Church or the Chris-
tian Church before that time. Rev.
Pompey Flanders was the first pastor,
and services were held regularly in the
Christian Church. The corner of Mixon Street and Holton Street was chosen for the
site of the first church. Before it was actually completed, the first services were held
in it in 1919. It was a white frame church. This building was used until 1953 when
the present church was constructed. It is a red brick building with sanctuary, Sun-
day School rooms, recreation hall and kitchen.
1982 Membership: 80
221
BETHEL
Pine Lucky Road Off Ga. 57
In the 1790s Rev. Francis Richard
Flanders, a Methodist, married Nancy
Jordon, a Quaker. They built a log cabin
and began to hold services in their
home, calling themselves Quaker
Methodists. Later services were held in
a brush arbor. Rev. Flanders and his
brother were presumed killed by In-
dians. In 1836, the Flanders and Sumner families erected the present frame struc-
ture. It is constructed of very wide boards put down with wooden pegs. The benches
constructed from the same wide boards also remain.
1982 Membership: 69
MOORES CHAPEL
Route 2, Wrightsville
Originally situated on the property of
Jasper Smith in Johnson Count, the
church was moved from this location to
its present location in May 1894.
Nathan Garnto deeded the land to the
church. Until 1914, the church was on
the Wrightsville Charge. Rev. Charles
A. Moore became the first regular
pastor. The church was then named
after him. In 1959, a new building was
erected for worship.
POWELLS CHAPEL
R.F.D., Kite, Georgia
Under a large oak tree on Crayton
Powells land the people of the com-
munity began to hold service in 1875,
Rev. Chess Flanders preaching. A brush
arbor was built with seats made from
anything available; here Rev. Joe Black
and Rev. Miles Watkins preached. In
1879, a wooden church was built on land given by N. A. Evans; destroyed by a storm
in 1909, the present building was built using much of the timber from the old
church. It was unceiled and the pews hand-made. In the late 1920s the roof caught
fire, Rev. T. J. Gilbert climbed up and put it out. Timber off the land was sold for a
tin roof and paint. In 1949, the back was extended to make classrooms, and
Wrightsville First gave them pews. In 1956, the altar area was renovated and the
church painted inside and out. In 1959, gas heat and new pews were installed.
1982 Membership: 56
222
1982 Membership: 56
LOTHAIR-ROCKLEDGE CHARGE
Kennedy L. Raley, Pastor
LOTHAIR
Ga. 199, Lothair, Georgia
The church was chartered in 1888 with
17 members. They met first in Miller
Institute, a newly discontinued school.
The minister was Rev. Isaac Cicero Gib-
son Rabun. The building was wooden
and built in 1888-90. Through the years
many improvements have been made,
including Sunday School rooms,
carpeting, front porch, red brick veneer, a social hall and kitchen, and a steeple.
1982 Membership: 113
Members entering mission Held: Mrs. Lillian McCrimmon VanFleet
ROCKLEDGE
Ga. 29, Rockledge, Georgia
The church was organized around 1908
when several smaller churches were
closed. These parent churches were
Salem, Harmony, Mt. Zion, and Minter.
Rockledge, so named for the rock ledge
that runs through the town, is
geographically about center of all these
former churches. The first building was constructed around 1908 by Mr. William
H. Smith, formerly of Salem. The present building was designed by Rev. C. L.
Glenn. The church has a very distinctive feature. There is a large cross in the ceil-
ing. The aisle ceiling is the standard and the wings form the cross bar. This building
was constructed in 1938-40. The old church, the parsonage, and an abandoned Bap-
tist church provided the building materials. Through the years the church has con-
tinued to make improvements including brick veneer and a steeple.
1982 Membership: 110
LOUISVILLE
US Hwy. 221 and 1, Louisville, Georgia
In the Conference MINUTES of 1806 is
the first listing of an appointed preacher
assigned specifically to Louisville.
However, Frances Asbury made several
references to Louisville and Jefferson
County in his Journal; the earliest date
was December 8, 1801. In 1810, the
Methodist, Baptists and Presbyterians
built a House of Worship, Union
Ed Deen, Pastor
223
Church. In 1820, the Baptists and Presbyterians left to build their facilities, and
the Methodist continued in the church at Seventh and Cherry Street. This church
was given to a Black congregation and moved to the country becoming Dixons
Chapel. In 1860, on land at Seventh and Peachtree Sts. a new building was erected
and used until 1893 when the present building was built. Under the direction of
Rev. George C. Thompson, who was also an architect, a distinctive building of
Romanesque and Gothic architecture was erected. The most outstanding features
are the two front windows, designed by Louis C. Tiffany. There are 15 other Tif-
fany windows in the building. The pulpit area is under a Roman arch with Gothic
arches on either side. Louisville was on a circuit at the first in the North Macon
District. By 1919 it was a station church in the Dublin District.
1982 Membership: 409
Members entering ministry: Burch Beckum, Charles L. Dennis
LYONS FIRST
Max Hill, Pastor
East Wesley Avenue, Lyons, Georgia
This church was formed in Toombs
County about 1890 when All Souls
Church, located near Jordans Bridge,
and Bascom Church, one mile north of
Lyons, were united. The church was
added to the Higgston Circuit and the
pastor was Rev. D. F. Miles. The first
building, erected near the present site, was destroyed by wind about 1894. The
church was soon rebuilt and faced North Lanier Street. In 1922, the wooden frame
structure was turned around, wings added and brick veneered under the leadership
of Rev. Herbert Ethridge. The present church structure was begun in March 17,
1975, with the building of Sunday School classrooms. Construction of the sanctuary
began November 1975 and was completed November 1976.
1982 Membership: 521
Members entering ministry: Easton Daniels
Members entering mission field: Dr. Susan W. Brown Med.-China, Miss Lucile Vail Music
M-Cuba.
MITCHELL CHARGE James Odum, Pastor
MITCHELL
Ga. 102, Mitchell, Georgia
Mrs. Rachel Kitchens deeded the land
in 1891 for the church to be built.
Formerly the congregation had wor-
shipped in a building located at
Scruggsville. That building was sold to a
Black congregation and became Shady
Grove Baptist Church. The present
church building is a white frame struc-
ture with four Sunday School rooms. The interior was redecorated in 1947-48 with
224
the addition of stained glass windows bought from the Swainsboro Baptist Church.
The Mitchell Church, located in Glasco*ck County, and the Warthen Church,
located in Washington County, have been on the same charge for over 60 years.
Both have served as head of the circuit at different times.
1982 Membership: 89
The Gibson United Methodist Church
was founded about 1880. At first this
congregation worshipped in the court
house in Gibson. The Bethel Church
had closed about 1861, and the timbers
from this church were brought to town
and used to build the Gibson Church. In
1954, with the money received from the sale of the E. P. Kent estate, the church
was remodeled. The outside was bricked and Sunday School rooms added. In 1903,
Gibson appears in the MINUTES of the Conference with Rev. J. N. Peaco*ck
assigned as pastor for the next year. Since 1940, Gibson has been on the charge with
Mitchell, Warthen and Pine Hill. Rev. E. R. Cowart was the pastor in 1940 and Rev.
Curtis Drake in 1968.
GIBSON
Church Street, Gibson, Georgia
1982 Membership: 136
PINE HILL
Route 1, Warthen, Georgia
In 1866, Rev. J. V. Morris began holding
brush arbor meetings. While on the
charge, Rev. Morris built the first
church, a large plain wooden building
with glass windows and two doors in the
end next to the road and one on the side
just a little further back than the altar.
Kerosene lamps were used and roughly made benches. In 1895, Rev. Herman G.
Jones, also a builder, made plans for the present church. In 1951, Sunday School
rooms were added. Again rooms were added in 1961. The Pine Hill Church has been
on a circuit with Warthen and Mitchell since 1919 when individual churches on the
circuits were listed the first time.
1982 Membership: 124
Members entering ministry: J. D. Ay co*ck, Sr.
WARTHEN
Ga. 15, Warthen, Georgia
In 1886, Mr. Tom Warthen gave the land and built the church so that his new bride
might have a Methodist church to attend. There had been no such church in the
town of Warthen when they were married and she moved there. There has been an
225
active Sunday School since the early
1890s. The church has been remodeled
twice in the past thirty-five years and
now has central heat and air-
conditioning. The number of churches
on the circuit is unknown but Warthen
headed the circuit in 1903 with Rev. I.
C. Robinson as pastor and in 1904 Rev.
F. L. (Lem) Stokes as pastor. In 1905,
Warthen Circuit was in the North
Macon District; Rev. T. C. Gardner was the pastor and Rev. Bascomb Anthony the
Presiding Elder.
1982 Membership: 62
MOUNT VERNON-AILEY CHARGE J. Hyatt Smith, Pastor
MOUNTVERNON
McGregor Street, Mount Vernon, Georgia
This church was organized several years'
before its members were able to have1
their own house of worship. Monthly
services were held in the Presbyterian
Church until the Methodists could:
build. The original church, built in the
1880s, is part of the present structure.
Shortly after the church was completed, it served as a school class room, since the
school, located directly in front of the church at that time, was over-crowded. The
first regular pastor of the Mount Vernon Church was Rev. T. C. G. Rabun. The
church has been remodeled twice since it was originally built. Four Sunday School:
rooms were added in 1922-25. A new church and educational building were com-
pleted in 1963. Rev. George F. Erwin was pastor in 1940 when the charge consisted
of Mt. Vernon, Ailey, Long Pond, Glenwood and Landsburg. By 1968, when Rev. C.
E. Smith was the pastor, the charge had become Mt. Vernon, Ailey and Long Pond.
1982 Membership: 177
AILEY
US 280 and Lee Street, Ailey, Georgia
The history of Ailey goes back to the
time when the railroad was extending
its line west from Savannah toward
Montgomery, Alabama. One hundred
miles from Savannah lay the town of
Mount Vernon in Montgomery County.
Some residents objected to the railroad
fearing the engines would scare the
livestock. They determined the tracks and depot would be a mile out of town. Mr.
Alex Peterson, feeling the railroad to be good for business, selected an area out of'
226
Mount Vernon and laid out the city of Ailey. As this community grew and pro-
spered, the need for a House of Worship developed. The services were held in the
homes, but soon the congregations became too large. The church building was com-
pleted in 1890, and Rev. J. S. Lewis assigned as pastor. The building is of native
pine painted white. In 1917, leaded stained glass windows replaced the clear glass.
In 1942, the building was raised to add a lower floor for Sunday School rooms and a
kitchen.
1982 Membership: 45
LONG POND
US 221, Long Pond Community
The history of Long Pond reaches back to the year 1850 making it one of the early
churches of Methodism in Montgomery County formed in 1793. It was in that year
that Salem Church was built in an area just a few miles east of the present com-
munity of Long Pond. In 1877, the church was relocated in the middle of the Long
Pond Community. The present structure was erected in 1901. In 1919, Long Pond
was a part of the Uvalda Circuit in the
McRae District. Rev. J. M. Hanco*ck was
the pastor for Alston, Charlottsville,
Smyrna, Long Pond and Cedar Cross-
ing. In 1940, it was part of the charge
with Mt. Vernon, Ailey, Glenwood and
Landsburg. From 1968 to the present it
has been on the Mt. Vernon-Ailey
Charge.
1982 Membership: 8
NEPSEY WARREN CHAPEL
The roots of this church reach back to
the 1872 organization of Old Wesley
Chapel on the plantation of William
James Peterson, 1V2 miles east of Ailey,
Georgia. In 1877, by the work of Rev.
George Harris a church was built on this
site and the name changed to Nepsey
for Mrs. Nepsey Johnson, of whom it was said, Sister Nepsey Johnson was a stead-
fast and immovable Christian. She was all church, through and through. Rev.
Samuel P. Bryant was the first pastor, and Rev. M. P. Moore completed the con-
struction and laid the cornerstone. During the pastorate of Rev. J. M. Strickland,
two young men were licensed as exhorters. A strong Christian education program
was begun by Sister Lula Lockwood, wife of Rev. W. M. Lockwood. Rev. U. C.
Dukes pastorate was during the loss of many older members by death. In 1959,
Nepsey Chapel became a part of the Howard Chapel Charge. During 1974-77 a
$32,000 improvement program was completed including remodeling, building a
Clarence Jackson, Jr., Pastor
Off US Hwy. 280 East, Ailey, Ga.
227
fellowship hall and kitchen and air-conditioning and heating. Rev. Amos Holmes
was the pastor.
1982 Membership: 99
Members entering ministry: John Ross, Samuel Ross, Joseph Robinson, Amos 0. Holmes, Peter Rock, I.
T. Griner
WARREN CHAPEL
Mt. Vernon, Georgia
Around the beginning of this century in
Montgomery County, this church was
begun. Land in downtown Mt. Vernon
was given by Mr. Warren C. Crawley, a
generous Black landowner. A white
frame building was erected about 1903
and has been in use by this congregation
until this February, when on the 15th
day of 1983 Warren Chapel congregation merged with Nepsey Chapel to be known
as Nepsey-Warren Chapel. In 1972 when the Coastal District of the North Georgia
Conference merged with the South Georgia Conference, this church became a part
of the Dublin District. It was on the Howard Circuit that year.
EBENEZER
Elza Community, Reidsville, Georgia
This church was organized in 1877 with
thirty members meeting in a home. The
members chose the name, Ebenezer, by
ballot. The first building, a wooden
frame, was erected in October 1877. In
1953 the present concrete block
building was built. This church was a
part of the Georgia Conference from 1940-1968, and during that time was host to
the district meeting of the women. In 1972 the Coastal District of the North
Georgia Conference merged with the South Georgia Conference. This church was
placed in the Statesboro District on the Reidsville Ct., and in 1983 it was placed on
the Nepsey-Warren Charge.
1982 Membership: 35
OAKEY GROVE
Route 4, Lyons, Georgia
Fourteen members organized this
church in 1870. The first pastor was
Rev. E. J. Kimble. The first building
was erected in 1918. In 1958 a block
building was added. In 1972 when the
Coastal District of the North Georgia
Confernce merged with the South
Georgia Conference, this church was
228
placed on the Reidsville Ct. in the Statesboro District with Rev. Lee Jones as pastor
and Rev. C. C. Edmundson as district superintendent. In 1983 it was placed on the
Nepsy-Warren Charge in the Dublin District.
1982 Membership: 71
PINEY MOUNT BAY SPRINGS CHARGE Jacob Lackey, Pastor
PINEY MOUNT
Piney Mount Road, Washington County
The original Piney Mount Church, a lit-
tle log cabin that sat near Mr. W. B.
Smiths fish pond, was organized about
1848. The oldest records of the church
were burned in 1865 by Shermans Ar-
my. The present church building was
built in 1858. In 1918, the left wing was
added to the building. In 1948, Sunday School rooms were added and new pews
bought. In 1969, an extension was added to the main church auditorium which
allowed three extra pews on each side, a vestibule, and porch.
1982 Membership: 128
Members entering ministry: Eddie Wallace
BAY SPRINGS
R.F.D., Oconee, Gerogia
In 1854, the land for the Bay Springs
Church was deeded to the Trustees. The
building had been built in 1852. The
church was named for the seven springs
under the hill. Preacher Culpepper was
the first pastor. The building is the
original although it has had numerous
remodelings. At first the structure had
four doors, one in each side. Later it had two in the front center. Still later there
was one on either side at the front with windows in between. The last remodeling
put the doors back on the center and added a porch and steps.
1982 Membership: 25
TABERNACLE
Ga. 24, Washington County
In 1900, the Harvey Roughton families
donated a building lot for Tabernacle
Church and cemetery about eight miles
west of Sandersville. A church was
erected on the lot between the present
church and the present school house. In
1914, Mr. Willis Evans bought the old
church, moved it on his property, and remodeled it for a dwelling house. The same
year a new Tabernacle Church was erected as it is today. The pastor was Rev. J.
Nelson Jones. After several years an annex was added for the Sunday School. In
1937, the community school burned, and a new school building was erected at the
left of the church. In 1939, when the school consolidated with the Sandersville
School, the school building was then used by the church for additional Sunday
School space. In 1963, the church was bricked and a steeple added.
1982 Membership: 105
Members entering ministry: Ira Chambers, Cleon Brooks
Michael A. McAfee, Pastor
202 West Church Street, Sandersville
The church was begun on or before 1806
with its pastors being early Methodist
Circuit Riders. The first known building
was around 1840 located on the out-
skirts of town on the Deepstep road. In
1859, a white frame church was built on
the present location, and this church
escaped the wrath of General Sherman on his visit to Sandersville, November 26,
1864. Rev. James D. Anthony managed to cool Gen. Shermans anger. Union
soldiers camped that evening in the church and parsonage yard, used the picket
fence for cooking fuel, dined courtesy of the Anthony turnip patch, and took his
cow with them when they left the following morning. Nevertheless, the church was
relatively undisturbed while a block distant the town square went up in flames. The
first brick building was built in 1902. It was struck by lightning on August 15,1938,
and was almost completely destroyed. The present building was erected largely on
the foundation of the prior building. The building is brick with marble columns,
steps, and trim and has 11 stained glass windows. Three sessions of the South
Georgia Annual Conference have been held in Sandersville in 1879,1887, and 1903.
1982 Membership: 619
Members entering ministry: Earl Garbutt, Jones Tyler, Hubert Dukes, Harvey Roughton, William
Roughton, Frank Roughton
Members entering mission field: Annie McLendon Mexican School in Laredo, Texas, Willie Park
Japan, Clara Park China, Laura Mitchell China, Sally Doris 5 Indian Territory
SOPERTON CHARGE Ronnie O. Howell, Pastor
Second Street, Soperton, Georgia
In 1903 the Methodists of Soperton
began a meeting in a log structure on
South Second Street. When Rev. J. E.
Sampley was assigned to the Soperton
Charge, in 1918, he found a large
wooden church in need of repair and
paint. Soperton had just become the
county seat for the newly formed county
of Treutlen so times were good. He had
230
SANDERSVILLE
four other churches to serve: Gillis Springs, Mt. Zion, Rockledge and Lothair, all on
sand and clay roads and at a distance even by car. In 1940 Rev. Frank Nalls, Jr. had
8 preaching places: Soperton, Lothair, Midway, Gillis Springs, Mt. Zion, Rockledge,
Rosemont and Orianna. In 1968 Rev. Don Proctor had just Soperton and Midway.
1982 Membership: 216
Members entering ministry: James Moore
MIDWAY
Route 1, Soperton, Georgia
This church had its beginning in
February 1920, the fourth Sunday after-
noon, when Rev. J. E. Sampley held the
first service in the home of J. G. Fowler.
Once a month the fourth Sunday after-
noon services were held in the Fowler
home. The first revival was held in a
tent pitched at Humphrey Cemetery; it lasted ten days and at the end Midway was
organized with 27 members. Mr. W. J. Fowler gave an acre of land for a church, but
the services continued in the J. G. Fowler home until a few days before the Third
Quarterly Conference of the Soperton Circuit, which met at Midway on June 17,
1921, when members and friends built a brush arbor. A Sunday School with 106
members was organized on June 26, 1921, Rev. W. S. Wainwright, pastor. In July,
logs were cut and hauled to the sawmill by members, and lumber was soon on the
lot. By the first of October 1921 the church was completed except ceiling and
painting.
1982 Membership: 30
STAPLETON CHARGE
STAPLETON
Ga. 296, Stapleton, Georgia
This church was organized September 3,
1902, in Jefferson County. The first
building was a one-room wooden struc-
ture. Rev. J. N. Peaco*ck was the
minister. The church was called Spread
Methodist Church after the town. In
1917, the town changed its name to
Stapleton and the church did also. The
building in use is the original structure with additions through the years including a
complete remodeling in 1970. Stapleton has headed a charge since 1919 at which
time Rev. E. A. Sanders was the pastor for Waldens, Zoar, Gibson and Stapleton. In
1940, the period of The Methodist Church, Stapleton Charge included Bethel,
Avera, Waldens, Zoar and Stapleton. From 1968 til present there have been just
Stapleton, Bethel and Zoar on this charge.
Paul Barrett, Pastor
1982 Membership: 41
Members entering ministry: Frank J. Terry
231
BETHEL
Steephollow Road, Glasco*ck County
The oldest Methodist Church in Glasco*ck Count, the original church was built by
Bicky Egnlish about one mile east of Gibson. This church was discontinued about
1861 and the timbers moved to Gibson. Soon thereafter a Bethel church was
established in the Hardin Settlement. The name was taken from the Old Testa-
ment. The present building was built in 1900. In 1940, there were four other chur-
ches on the Stapleton Circuit besides
Bethel-Avera, Waldens, Zoar, and
Stapelton. Rev. J. W. Cranshaw was
pastor. Since 1968, the Stapelton charge
has had only three churches: Bethel,
Zoar and Stapelton.
1982 Membership: 67
ZOAR
Glasco*ck County
Zoar Church takes its name from a place
in the Bible, whose name means little
Place. It was begun in 1846 in a log
cabin. Rev. J. W. Knight was the first
pastor. The present building is the
third. The men of the church made the
pews, pulpit, flower stands, and altar
rail. In 1956-57 new pews were bought. The handmade ones were given and
transported to the mountains of Kentucky for use in Rev. Lelia McConnels mis-
sion work there. Zoar headed a circuit in 1904 when Rev. I. K. Chambers was pastor
and in 1905 when Rev. P. H. Crumpler was pastor and Rev. G. W. Matthews was
the Presiding Elder for the Dublin District. In 1919 Zoar was on the Stapleton
Charge with Walden, Stapleton, Gibson, E. A. Sanders was pastor; in 1940, still a
part of the Stapleton Charge, except Bethel and Avera in place of Gibson. In 1968,
Rev. Ronnie O. Howell served a three point charge -JSjStapleton, Bethel and Zoar.
1982 Membership: 80
STILLMORE CHARGE W. L. Tipton, Pastor
STILLMORE
Third Avenue and Third Street, Stillmore
Shortly after the town of Stillmore was
organized, a group of Methodists began
to meet under the leadership of Rev. J.
Snyder in the early spring of 1892. In
September, George M. Brinson, founder
of Stillwell, gave the land and materials
for a building. This first building was
raised on brick pillars and had a high
232
steeple. The first pastor was Rev. C. E. Choate. In 1905 or 1906, lightning struck the
steeple; the resultant fire destroyed the church. In 1907, a second building was
erected, but again fire destroyed it in 1913. In 1914, the church was rebuilt within
the still standing brick walls and restored to its 1907 appearance.
1982 Membership: 49
EBENEZER
Emanuel County
Founded in 1794 in brush arbor
meetings, the church was first named
Green Leaf but changed to Ebenezer in
1877. The first building was built in
1800 three miles from the present site.
This building is still standing. The
building in use now was built in 1877.
All the trees were home grown and cut by the members. The approximately 50 pews
vary in length because each family used its own measuring device to make enough
pews to seat all members of that family. The Reubin Thompson, R. S. Family
Association honors the founder of Ebenezer and meets annually. The group is
dedicated to the upkeep of the building, cemetery, picnic area, and grounds.
1982 Membership: 32
OAK PARK
US Hwy. 1, Emanuel County
The Oak Park Church was organized in
1817 by two young ministers, W. F.
Bunford and T. H. Heath. They held a
revival meeting under a tent on the va-
cant lot. Twenty-five are listed as
charter members. Some members were
received by transfer and others chose to
be immersed in baptism. This service
was held at the spot known as the Bonnet Lake on the Ohoopee River. At a called
session of the Quarterly Conference on September 4, 1917, Trustees were elected
and then accepted a $500.00 loan from the conference to build a church. The pres-
ent building was erected in 1917.
1982 Membership: 79
WESLEY
Wesley, Georgia, Emanuel County
On June 2, 1908, this church was organized and held it s first services in a school.
The first building, a wooden structure, was built in 1908 and replaced by the
present building in 1920. This building was completely remodeled in 1983. In 1919,
it was on the Stillmore Circuit with New Beulah, Stillmore, Oak Park and Wesley.
Rev. C. B. G. Johnson was the pastor. In 1931 that circuit had Stillmore, Cobbtown,
233
Wesley, Wilcox Chapel and Oak Park,
with Rev. J. B. Ivey assigned as pastor
for 1932. In 1940 this circuit was
Stillmore, Wesley, Roxie Oak Park, and
Ebenezer.
1982 Membership: 43
Members entering ministry: Kenneth Youmans
SWAINSBORO CALVARY
CALVARY
South Main Street, Swainsboro, Georgia
The 4-H Club House was the setting for
the beginning of the Calvary Methodist
Church on December 5,1954. Rev. Bob-
by Gene Coleman was the pastor. The
first building was constructed of con-
crete block and is located on South
Main Street in Swainsboro. One of the
most exciting events in Calvarys short
history was a revival held in March 1975;
1982 Membership: 247
Leo Weaver, Pastor
led by Andy Gallman.
DELLWOOD
Route 1, Swainsboro, Georgia
In 1902, a group of Methodist people
decided to form their own church. At
the time they were members of the Pine
Grove Church. The members decided to
build in the rural community of
Dellwood, which was a fast growing
community with a railroad depot. The
land was given for the building by the S. V. Mullings family. Rev. Wiley Lamb
preached the first sermon. At the time the church was independent and did not
receive an appointed preacher. The preachers who happened to be in the area
would preach each Sunday whether Methodist or Baptist or other. They were paid
whatever was contributed each Sunday. In 1907, the church became a member of
the South Georgia Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. Since
this church was on the Swainsboro Circuit in 1919, the first listing of individual
churches in the circuits in the MINUTES, it was probably placed there in 1907.1.
K. Chambers was the pastor in 1907 and Q. J. Pierson in 1919.
1982 Membership: 45
Members entering ministry: Wade Scott, Donald R. Davis Minister of Music
Members entering mission field: Hilton Scott
234
SWAINSBORO FIRST
Ed Cadle, Pastor
319 West Main Street, Swainsboro, Georgia
Organized in 1863 during the Civil War,
this church held services in Clarks
Chapel, the Old Academy located at the
corner of North Main and Church
Streets, and in various homes of the
congregation. The first church was built
in 1865 on land donated by J. J. Moring.
In 1896, a new church was built on the property at the northwest corner of Church
and Green Streets. The church was enlarged and improved in 1911, and a new sanc-
tuary was built in 1937 on the same site. In 1956, Mrs. Frank Mitchell donated
three and one half acres for the new building to face West Main Street extending
back to Moring Street. Money was raised for the building by giving members one
dollar; then each tried to multiply his dollar into as much as possible in the alotted
time. The Gethsemane Window above the choir loft was brought from the old
church.
1982 Membership: 828
Members entering ministry: Bobby Gene Coleman, Donald M. Kea, Sonny Bernard Mason
Members entering mission Held: Fay Key
TENNILLE
Smith and West Adams Streets, Tennille
Shortly after the Civil War, a group of
Methodists conducted services at stated
intervals in an old school building.
Finally on December 8, 1884, Capt.
James D. Franklin deeded the lot for
the building. The Rev. J. R. McClesky
was pastor of the Sandersville Church
from 1883-85 and served the Tennille
Methodists. The Rev. George S.
Johnston saw the completion of the church and had it dedicated June 6,1886. The
original wooden building served for 55 years. In 1941, fire swept through the church
and parsonage. A committee was appointed to rebuild and solicit funds, but with
World War II the project was postponed. Services were held in the Club House,
tendered by the Womans Club, and in the Erin Theatre on the invitation of Mr.
and Mrs. W. B. Smith. Worship was sometimes conducted in the Christian and
Baptist Churches. In 1944, the dream to rebuild was finally realized. The Tennille
Church became a station church in 1941.
1982 Membership: 185
Members entering ministry: G. Ross Freeman
Don Youmans, Pastor
235
TRINITY CIRCUIT
David Hudson, Pastor
MOUNT MORIAH
Toombs County
Now located nine miles southeast of
Lyons one and one-half miles off
Highway 280, the church began in 1837
under the leadership of Rev. William
Harden, meeting in a brush arbor at
first and then in an old log school house.
The first church building was erected
about 1850. The old building is still in use as a recreation hall. It has much original
wood still in it. The present building dates from 1956. The church is one of the
oldest in Toombs County and a local landmark of faithful Methodism. In 1955, Mt.
Moriah was on the Toombs County Circuit with Cedar Grove and Pearsons. From
1956-1961, Mt. Moriah was head of the circuit made up of Cedar Grove, Mt.
Moriah, Pearsons Chapel and Sharpes Chapel. In 1962, these same churches plus
Ruths Chapel became the Lyons Circuit until 1969. In 1970, Mt. Moriah was on a
new Toombs County Circuit, made up of Center, Hardens Chapel, Morrison, New
Branch and Mt. Moriah. In 1976, Mt. Moriah, New Branch and Sharpes Chapel
became the Trinity Circuit.
1982 Membership: 35
NEW BRANCH
Hwy. 147, New Branch, Georgia
The church began on October 25, 1926,
in a tent meeting and is located 10 miles
south of Lyons, Georgia in Toombs
County. The church takes its name from
the New Branch Community where it is
located. The first pastor was Rev. Royal
Page, a recently converted young drug-
gist from Vidalia, Georgia, and this was
his first appointment. Mr. Page was skilled in carpentry, so he helped with the con-
struction of a wooden church in 1926.
1982 Membership: 56
SHARPES CHAPEL
State Farm Road at Johnson Corner Road
Toombs County
With 18 members meeting in a brush arbor Rev. John T. Sharpe began a Methodist
congregation in 1881. Later they would call the church Sharpes Chapel after this
devoted man of God. The first building was a wooden structure erected in 1882.
The second was a larger frame building. During a high wind, this church was lifted
off its foundation blocks and the entire building shifted the whole width of the
building with one side resting on the foundation and the other on the ground.
236
Members agreed that the Lord wanted
;he church there, so leaving the church
as it landed, they lifted up the side
touching the ground and brought the
pillars from which the building had
been lifted to the new side. The present
building is not that one, but was built in
1926.
1982 Membership: 114
TWIN CITY CHARGE
Griffin Thompson, Pastor
TWIN CITY
Twin City, Georgia
As early as 1898 there was an organized
Methodist society in what was known as
Graymont. On record in the Emanuel
County Courthouse is a deed for one-
half acre of land to the Trustees of the
Graymont Methodist Church. In 1900, a
building committee was appointed to
supervise the erection of the first church building. The building was completed in
1904. Rev. Robert McClung Wesley was the minister. A new building was erected in
1927. This is a two-story wood and concrete structure located across from the
Emanuel County Institute on the corner of South College and Short Streets. In
1952, the communities of Graymont and Summitt united to become Twin City, and
the church took the name also.
1982 Membership: 176
Members entering ministry: Jiles Parham
NEW BEULAH
Rosemary Road, Candler County
New Beulah is a re-location of a once ac-
tive church, Beulah, in the Monte com-
munity which is about three and a half
miles from New Beulahs present loca-
tion. Land for the original Beulah was
deeded December 31,1887. That church
was on the Eason Mission of the
Sandersville District. After several
years many of the members moved away and the churchs future was uncertain.
Finally it was decided to relocate. Land for New Beulah was deeded October 28,
1916. A one-room building was erected and named New Beulah. In 1953, the
building was renovated and four classrooms added. In 1919, New Beulah was a part
of the Stillmore Circuit with C. B. G. Johnson, pastor and Rev. Nath Williams,
^ 237
Presiding Elder. In 1940, New Beulah was on the Graymont-Summitt (Twin City)
Charge with Flanders Chapel, Rev. David Cripps, pastor.
1982 Membership: 19
UVALDA CHARGE Phillip Marklin, Pastor
UVALDA
US 221, Uvalda, Georgia
On December 10,1909, land was deeded
to the Trustees for a Methodist Church
in Uvalda. The deed was put on record
January 31,1911. The first pastor was J.
F. Yancey. The church was on the Cedar
Crossing Circuit. The first building was
erected in 1915. It was a wooden frame
structure containing a sanctuary and three small Sunday School rooms on the side.
The building was located on the corner of Myrtle and Warren Streets. The building
was dismantled to make room for the second building in 1955. Much of the material
in the first church was used for the framing in the new building. The present
building is of brick and includes a sanctuary, leurge recreation room, six classrooms,
pastors study, and kitchen.
1982 Membership: 80
PEARSONS CHAPEL
Star Route, Reidsville, Georgia
Pearsons Chapel is located in the
southwestern part of Tattnall County
between the Ohoopee and the Altamaha
Rivers. The church was named after
Elizabeth Richardson Pearson. It was
organized in 1868 under the leadership
of Rev. W. M. C. Conley. The original
building is still in use and in good condi-
tion. They used big pine trees that had never been drained of turpentine. The
boards are two inches thick and eight inches wide.
1982 Membership: 13
RUTHS CHAPEL
Vidalia and Zadee Roads, Montgomery County
The church was organized in 1889 by
the Rev. T. C. G. Rabun who was then
pastor of the Mt. Vernon Circuit. The
land was given for a building by Charles
S. Hamilton. The church building was
completed in early 1891 and named for
Mr. Hamiltons wife, Ruth. The church
238
continued at this location until the spring of 1934 when the building was badly
damaged by a storm. It was then decided to move the church about one mile east of
the old location. The old building was salvaged and used in the present building.
This one room auditorium was used until 1951 when work began on making the
church larger and adding three Sunday School rooms. In 1958, a dining and recrea-
tion hall and kitchen were added.
1982 Membership: 95
VIDALIA FIRST David Blalock, Pastor
311 Church Street, Vidalia, Georgia
The Vidalia Church was organized in
1891 and met in private homes and in
the Presbyterian Church. The first
pastor was Rev. S. H. Bryant. The first
building was a white frame structure
constructed in 1903. In 1919, a brick
sanctuary was built. An educational
building was added in 1949 and en-
larged in 1960. In 1974, a new brick
sanctuary was erected. Twenty-nine members of First Methodist formed the
nucleus of the organization of Grace United Methodist Church in 1968.
1982 Membership: 753
Members entering ministry: W. E. Thompson, Bobby Lynn, Royal Page, Gene Carroll, Roy C. Sampley
VIDALIA GRACE Wayne McDaniel, Pastor
209 Rigsbee, Vidalia, Georgia
Grace Church is an outgrowth of the
First Methodist in Vidalia. Discussions
began for its formation in January 1968.
The Irvin Hall property at the intersec-
tion of Hall Way and Aimwell Road was
selected as the location and was pur-
chased by the Conference Board of Mis-
sion and Church Expansion. Grace United Methodist Church had its first services
in a trailer on May 5, 1968. On June 2, 1968 the congregation was formally con-
stituted as a church. Rev. Tom Bowen was the first pastor. Grace has the distinc-
tion of being the first church in the United States to be organized after the merger
of the Methodist Church and Evanglical United Brethren Church. Charter day was
held September 29, 1968, with 105 members signing. Each member submitted a
name for the church and five were chosen to be voted on by this new congregation.
Services were held in the mobile trailer from May 1968 until 1970. Ground was
broken for a building on December 21, 1969, and occupied in 1970. The Sunday
School continued to meet in the trailer. In 1972, Sunday School addition was built.
In 1982, a wing was added for office space and additional Sunday School rooms.
1982 Membership: 201
239
WADLEY CHARGE
Don Proctor, Pastor
This church originally began at Bethany
Camp Ground. The date is unknown,
but church conference records that in
1861 there were 98 members. A church
was built in 1869, and Rev. S. S. Sweet
was the first pastor. In 1873, a station,
called Wadley, was built on the Central
of Georgia Railroad and the church at Bethany was torn down and moved to the lot
it now occupies because there was need for a church in this community. Stained
windows were put in in 1910. It has been renovated several times and is now brick
veneered. Rev. T. B. Kempt was pastor when the windows were installed. For twen-
ty years Wadley Charge had the same four churches: Wadley, Coleman, St. John
and Greenway (Lambs Chapel). Rev. Shannon Hollaway was the pastor in 1939.
WADLEY
West Calhoun Street, Wadley, Georgia
1982 Membership: 291
LAMBS CHAPEL
R.F.D., Wadley, Georgia
The winter of 1919 Rev. W. A. Tyson,
the pastor of the Wadley Charge,
learned of the acute need of an organ-
ized Methodist Church in Greenway
community. A revival was held in
Greenway School in the summer of
1920. There were numerous converts,
but no place could be found to house a
regular meeting. Mrs. Dean Lamb readily gave a plot adjoining the cemetery. By
September the church was organized with 62 members. This church became a part
of the Wadley Circuit with Coleman and St. John. In 1950, the entire inside was
remodeled. In the 1939 MINUTES, this church still is listed as Greenway along
with Wadley, Coleman and St. John as the Wadley Charge. By 1945, in the listing
the name has been changed to Lambs Chapel on the Wadley Charge.
1982 Membership: 55
WALDENS William Peed, Pastor
Route 2, Stapleton, Georgia
This church, located in Jefferson Coun-
ty near the towns of Avera and
Stapleton, was founded in 1854. A tract
of land consisting of seven and one-half
acres for the church and cemetery was
granted by Mitchell Walden on
September 13, 1854. The original frame
240
building served as the church until 1922 when the building was remodeled. During
the years other work has been done including brick veneering in 1948, connecting
fellowship hall in 1959, redecorating in 1981 and new pews and carpeting in 1982. It
is reported that at one time the church ground once served as a bivouac and train-
ing area for Confederate troops. It is also said that the wall of the cemetery was con-
structed of rock perhaps sandstone bearing traces of sea-life (shells, etc.) obtained
from a quarry on land adjacent to the church tract which was owned by an original
member. The wall still stands November, 1982.
1982 Membership: 229
Members entering ministry: W. E. McTier, Roy McTier, O. H. Rhodes, Felton Harden, Lamar Rabun,
Kennedy Raley, Harold H. Sheppard, Charles M. Smith, Jr.
WHEELER COUNTY CIRCUIT
BROWNING
Wheeler County
On the road between Alamo and Towns,
this church was organized October 21,
1943, in a school house converted into a
church. At that time, Rev. R. L. Harris
was the pastor assigned to the Alamo
Circuit and this church became part of
that circuit with Bay Springs, Oak
Grove, Shiloh, Springhill and Alamo. By
1968 the Wheeler County Ct. had been organized with Rev. Lamar Rabun as
pastor. There were three churches: Browning, Shiloh and Spring Hill, same as now.
1982 Membership: 67
Raymond L. Bittner, Pastor
SHILOH
Ga. Hwy. 19
This church, located 8 miles north of Lumber City, was organized on October 12,
1885. According to the 1918 MINUTES of the conference, Shiloh was one of the
churches on the Spring Hill Circuit, Rev. R. M. Dalton was the pastor. The other
churches were Towns and Bay Springs. They were in the McRae District then. By
1940 the McRae District had been dissolved and Rev. Bill Kelley was the District
Superintendent of the Dublin District;
Rev. J. Frank Snell was assigned as the
pastor of the Alamo Ct. with 5 churches:
Alamo, Bay Springs, Oak Grove, Shiloh
and Springhill. In 1943 Browning was
added to the Circuit. In 1968 Browning,
Shiloh and Spring Hill formed the
Wheeler Co. Circuit.
1982 Membership: 123
241
SPRINGHILL
Wheeler County
The name for this church comes from
the many springs and hills that sur-
round the area in Wheeler County. This
church began in 1840 in a log structure;
the present building was built between
1870 and 1880. In its early beginning it
probably had a large number of chur-
ches connected with it, for in 1918 and 1919 it was head of the Spring Hill Circuit
with Towns, Shiloh, Bay Springs, and Spring Hill; Rev. R. M. Dalton was the
pastor. Rev. 0. S. Smith was assigned for 1920. At this time the circuit was in the
McRae District with Rev. L. W. Coleson the presiding elder. Springhill was on the
Eastman District in 1884, the Brunswick District was dissolved. It was on the
Alamo Circuit and now the Wheeler County Circuit.
1982 Membership: 52
Members entering ministry: John M. Clements
WRENS CHARGE
WRENS
202 Russell Street, Wrens
In 1904, the need for a church in this
section of Jefferson County was greatly
felt. Rev. C. A. Norton, pastor of the
Lofton Church, helped organize this
church. A building was erected in 1904.
In 1939, five Sunday School rooms were
added. A two-story brick educational
building was added, in 1956, and a
fellowship hall, in 1966. The original sanctuary was bricked during Rev. Fred
Carters pastorate, in 1969. In 1919 Wrens Circuit had Mosley, Mt. Moriah, and
Wrens with Rev. J. P. Daughtry as the pastor. In 1921, it was the Wrens Mt.
Moriah Charge, Rev. J. M. Rustin as pastor. In 1957, it became a station church.
1982 Membership: 274
KEYSVILLE
Ga. Hwy. 305, Keysville, Georgia
The church was established in 1892
under the pastorate of Rev. William
Clark. The first building was a wooden
structure constructed in 1893. In the
late 1890s a tornado struck, and the
church roof was blown off but the
building was otherwise undamaged. The
building is still used. In 1955, a railroad shanty was purchased for Sunday School
242
Kendrick Tillman, Pastor
rooms. Both buildings were bricked during the 1960s. The original windows remain
in the building.
1982 Membership: 43
WRIGHTSVILLE CIRCUIT
ARLINE
Ga. Hwy. 57
In July 1871 following a revival the
church was organized. In 1872 a group
of people were gathering in the home of
J. M. Raines to hold worship services
led by Rev. F. W. Flanders. This group
began holding the services in Arline
-school building which was built in 1871.
A church was built in 1873-74 on land
[given by Judge Jethro Arline. The church was in turn named Arlines Chapel to
honor him. The first pastor sent by the Conference was Rev. Dennis O. Driscoll.
The present building was erected in 1938-39. The pews were donated by the Twin
City Methodist Church. In 1945 new pews were bought. In 1963, the building was
bricked and Sunday School rooms added. Additional Sunday School rooms were
added in 1970.
1982 Membership: 33
BETHEL
Balls Ferry Highway, Johnson County
Bethel Church was founded by Rev.
John Covington, a local preacher. He
gave the land for the first church which
was a hewn log house about 16' x 24'. He
also gave the land for the cemetery. The
second building was a framed building
30' x 40'. John Covington Webb, a
:grandson of John Covington, gave the land where the present church stands, a
frame house 30' x 62'. The church building was restored in 1970. In the late 1950s a
fellowship building was added.
1982 Membership: 23
MAPLE SPRINGS
RFD, Wrightsville, Ga.
Maple Springs church began in 1857 although some of its members had worshipped
previously at Snell Bridge. There being no sawmill in the county, the founders had
to make the timber with an ax and haul the flooring from Oconee with oxen. In
1893, a new church was built under the leadership of Rev. Simon A. Hearn, who was
also a carpenter. Maple Springs has been on several circuits in 1918, it was on
243
the Wrightsville Circuit and in 1919, on
Scott Circuit, then back to Wrightsville
Circuit 1920. In 1940, it was placed on
the Adrian Circuit. In 1941, returned to
Wrightsville Circuit.
1982 Membership: 51
PINEY MOUNT
Route 2, Wrightsville, Georgia
This church began from Maple Spring
Church. There was a school house where
Piney Mount Church was built. Sam
Whitfield gave the land for the church
in 1884. This was a frame building with
home-made pews. In the late 1920s
timber from the church property was
sold to make money for repairs to the building. In 1953, a new church was built.
The building is brick and consists of a sanctuary, fellowship hall, and three
classrooms. In 1918, E. R. Cowart and Pompeii Flanders were assigned to the
Wrightsville Circuit and Mission, Piney Mount, Maple Springs, Bethel, Arline,
Wesley Chapel and Red Hill.
WESLEY CHAPEL
Watermelon Road, Johnson County
This church, 12 miles west of
Wrightsville, was organized in 1866 and
its first pastor was Rev. R. B. A. Waters.
The first listing of the individual
churches on the circuits is in the 1919
MINUTES of the conference; Rev. R. E.
(Ridge) Cowart was the pastor, and this
church was on the Wrightsville Circuit then. In 1959, when the present building
was erected, Rev. Norman E. Booth was assigned as the pastor. Between 1972 and
1974 many improvements have been made, such as central heat and air condition-
ing, kitchen and rest rooms.
1982 Membership: 42
Members entering ministry: Douglas McArthur Brantley, Lowry Marcus Brantley
1982 Membership: 53
Members entering ministry: Fred Carter.
244
WRIGHTSVILLE FIRST
David Dickens, Pastor
FIRST
US 319, Wrightsville, Georgia
\ small wooden courthouse was built on
-.he Courthouse square in Wrightsville.
"n 1865-66, this was used as the meeting
aouse of the Wrightsville, Masons
Bridge, and Bethel Methodist Churches
vhich made up the Dublin Circuit with
ftev. Charles H. Moore, pastor. That is
-.he earliest official evidence of a
VIethodist society being in Wrightsville. At the Annual Conference in Fort Valley,
December 14, 1870, the Wrightsville charge was created. Rev. C. C. Hines was the
first pastor assigned to the charge. In 1881, a structure 35 x 60 feet was built. A sec-
ond building was erected in 1898. An educational annex was added in 1942 in-
duding a kitchen and recreation hall. In 1968, a new sanctuary was constructed and
n 1982 the stained glass windows from the early church were installed in the new
sanctuary.
(982 Membership: 339
Members entering ministry: Walter Anthony, Bill Brown, Glen Brinson, Caruey I. Deal.
CEDAR GROVE
Ga. Hwy. 15, Johnson County
This church is located four miles out on
the Wrightsville-Tennille Road. It was
begun September 25, 1883. In 1919 this
church was on the Wrightsville Circuit
in the Dublin District along with Arline,
Bethel, Maple Springs, Piney Mount
and Wesley. Rev. H. F. Roberts was the
oastor. In 1924 it was placed with Wrightsville, First Church, and except for a few
/ears when it was again on the Wrightsville Circuit, it has been with First Church,
Wrightsville.
(982 Membership: 38
245
MACON
Guy K. Hutcherson, Superintendent
4842 Wesleyan Woods Drive, Macon
In 1831, the Georgia Conference was
organized in Macon, Georgia with these
six districts: Augusta, Athens, Colum-
bus, Oconee, Milledgeville and
Tallahassee. By 1836 the conference
had grown so, that the districts were
realigned and the Macon District
formed. By 1898 it was divided into the
North Macon and South Macon Districts which lasted until 1906. At that time the
Macon District was re-established and the Cordele District formed. While the
churches near Macon have not had much district change, the churches around the
perimeter have been in several of the following, Eastman, Cordele, Hawkinsville,
Americus, Dublin and Columbus. In 1983 this district had 49 charges with 64
churches and 22,188 members.
ANDREW CHAPEL-BONAIRE CHARGE Tom Hall Ivey, Jr., Pastor
ANDREW CHAPEL
Ga. Hwy. 177 and Houston Lake Road
Kathleen, Georgia
This chapel, named for Bishop James O.
Andrew, first Georgian to be elected a
bishop, was organized during an 1848
quarterly conference in Perry. A large,
one-room wooden building with a
balcony for the slaves was built at
Houston Mill. In 1966, when the
original property was sold to the Houston Lake Country Club, it was moved to the
present site. The roof lowered and the building converted to a fellowship hall and
three classrooms. A brick sanctuary was built and added to the old structure.
1982 Membership: 43
Members entering ministry: James Foster, Ralph Howard
Members entering mission Held: Miss Clara Howard Korea, 41 years.
BONAIRE
Church and Elm Streets, Bonaire, Georgia
In 1894, members of Sandy Run Methodist Church organized this church in
Bonaire community, south of their community. Rev. R. A. Edmundson was the first
pastor. As the church grew Sunday School rooms and rest rooms were added to the
rear of the wooden sanctuary. Later the brick fellowship hall and classrooms were
built next to the sanctuary. The Sandy Run congregation also established a church
north of their community at Wellston Depot, which became the town of Warner
246
Robins. In 1919, this church was part of
the Elko Circuit with Rev. W. M.
Heywood pastor and included Grovania,
Wellston, Elko and Henderson. It was in
the Cordele District. In 1940, it was also
on the Elko Circuit but in the Macon
District.
1982 Membership: 152
Nathan C. Godley, Pastor
BYRON
West Railroad Street, Byron, Georgia
Methodism was in this area as early as
1825 when Shiloh M.E. Church was
built three miles southeast of the pres-
ent Byron community. A log structure
on Old Ft. Valley Road was the school
and the first Methodist church in Byron
with circuit riders holding services ir-
regularly. By 1887, the log building was
replaced by a white frame one; Rev. Ignatius Few Griffith was the pastor. In 1891,
Rev. T.D. Strong organized the first Sunday School and his wife, Annie Bagley
Strong, the Womans Missionary Society. In 1922, the church moved adjacent to
the business section and built a red brick church patterned after Mulberry Street,
Macon. Fire destroyed all but the walls of the sanctuary and seriously damaged the
education unit (built 1957) on Sunday, January 30, 1966. Eight months and five
days later they held service in the new sanctuary, the old becoming an education
unit.
BYRON CHARGE
1982 Membership: 336
Members entering ministry: Eugene Strange, Jody Smith
Members entering mission Held: Annie Peavy Japan, 40 years; Marie Crawford Cuba, 3 years.
JORDONS CHAPEL
4 Vi Miles west of Byron off Ga. Hwy. 42
This church was founded by Mrs.
William B. Jordon. The land, deeded
October 8, 1908, was given by John H.
Giles with two acres given by Tom Jor-
don. The cemetery adjacent to the
church was fenced as a memorial to Sara
Giles Williams. This church has been
with Byron through the years. In 1919,
the Byron Circuit with, Rev. J.M. Rustin, pastor, included Byron, Jordons, Shiloh,
247
Wesley Chapel, Liberty and Walden. In 1940, the Byron Circuit included Byron,
Jordons, Wesley, Shiloh and Powersville.
1982 Membership: 18
Members entering ministry: Allen Hardison
CENTERVILLE Richard G. Aultman, Pastor
102 Wilson Drive, Centerville, Georgia
In 1962, the conference purchased land for a new church in this area. May 13,1965,
in the Centerville Library 34 persons met. On, Sunday the first preaching service
was held; at Wednesday night prayer service a Sunday School was organized to
meet the next Sunday. A vacant office in Franklin Plaza was rented. A Riverside
Methodist class gave 12 hymnals; Aldersgate volunteered $300 of pastors salary,
and the Conference supplied chairs. June 9,1965, Rev. Tom Elder arrived as pastor
and by the 20th the church had moved
to the fire station to accomodate the
numbers. Constituted September 12,
1965, with 63 members, the church
began a building ($70,000) complex
which was consecrated January 15,
1967, debt free by February 1981,
dedicated by Bishop Joel D. McDavid.
1982 Membership: 421
Members entering ministry: Donna Frieson
CRAWFORD COUNTY CIRCUIT David L. Carter, Pastor
BETHEL
Off US 80, Crawford County
Rev. Carroll Pensiloy organized Bethel
on the second Saturday in October 1894.
Mr. Jack Nichols gave 10 acres in the:
Second Land District for a church and-
cemetery. With the shift in population
the church moved to a new site, four
miles north of the old site just off U.S.
Hwy. 80, to land given by Mr. W.A.
Smith in 1937. The church maintains both sites. This church has been on the
following circuits, Lizella, Roberta and Crawford County. In 1919, it was part of the
Knoxville Circuit with Bethel, Knoxville, Dickson and Macedonia. Rev. F.L.
Coleman was pastor.
1982 Membership: 65
248
KNOXVILLE
US Hwy. 80
Organized in 1898 it was one of several
ihurches on the Knoxville Mission in
the South Macon District. Rev. R.L.
Wiggins was the pastor and Rev. J.B.
VIcGehee the Presiding Elder. The next
year Rev. Wiggins reported this mis-
sion is doing well and promises soon to
oe able to run alone. In 1909, the seven
churches on the circuit had 510 members. In 1919, the Knoxville Circuit had four
churches, Bethel, Knoxville, Dickson and Macedonia. With population shifted, this
Church was closed 1982 with members merging with Roberta.
1982 Membership: 13
MUSELLA
US Hwy. 311
This church began first as Old Union in
1875 and was in the North Georgia Con-
ference until 1903 when it was moved to
the town of Muzella, nine miles north of
Roberta, and its name changed to that
of the town. Mr. John Harrison gave the
land for the church and Rev. W.M.
Wien, the first pastor of the church as
Muzella, dedicated the church in 1903. In 1919, it was on the Roberta and Hebron
Charge with Rev. N.H. Olmstead, pastor. The circuit included Hebron, Muzella
and Roberta. In 1940, Knoxville had been added to this circuit.
1982 Membership: 13
WALKERS CHAPEL
3V2 miles west of Roberta, Georgia
This church was organized first as a
Congregational Christ Church by Rev.
S.E. Basett, February 7, 1886, with 50
members. Rev. William H. Graham was
assigned as pastor. This church be-
longed to the Georgia Congregational
Conference until the 1940s. In 1944, the
membership transferred to the South
249
Georgia Conference of the Methodist Church. In 1945, Rev. T.H. Tinsley became
the pastor to the new church which was on the Roberta Circuit. In 1961, a new
building was finished.
1982 Membership: 40
DIXON Hugh F. Waldorf, Pastor
Third District, Crawford County
When Bryant F. Lane deeded three
acres for this church, December 10,
1830, with Benjamin Dickson, Josiah
Dickson, James Long, Perry McGee and
Henry Vincent, trustees, a Methodist
meeting house and graveyard already
existed for they were oriented in the
deed. In 1919, this church was on the
Knoxville Circuit and was spelled
Dickson. The other churches were Bethel, Knoxville and Macedonia. In 1939, a
tornado totally destroyed the building; so the new church was rebuilt facing thei
road using the timber that could be salvaged. Later this was brick veneered and an
additional wing added in 1976.
1982 Membership: 86
FORT VALLEY Burns Willis, Paston
401 Church Street, Ft. Valley, Georgia
Methodism in this area began with
campgrounds and camp meetings
followed by a large number of churches
on circuits. As early as 1836 upon the in-
sistence of James Everett and Walter
Campbell, the Georgia Conference sent
a missionary to the slaves of the area at
Wesley Manual Labor Training School.
The first church for the Ft. Valley area
was built at a camp meeting site near a pond. Old Pond was organized in 1840 in
a rectangular wooden building with shuttered windows. In 1847, the Ft. Valley-
Marshallville Circuit included 12 preaching places and responsibility for the
Wesley Manual School. Rev. David Kelsey, the circuit rider, was admonished by
the quarterly conference for wearing gold spectacles. In 1848, a new building was-
built on Everett Square and Old Pond was given to the Negroes. In 1901, a new
church was built on the present site. In 1918, classrooms were added, a chapel and
fellowship hall in 1954. In 1967, the new educational building was dedicated.
1982 Membership: 963
Members entering ministry: James E. Hamlin, Lawrence E. Houston, Jr.
250
GORDON
Richard F. Varnell, Pastor
Main Street, Gordon, Georgia
The first church building was a Union
Church used by all denominations. It
was organized in 1850 and stood where
the Gordon Cemetery is now. In 1866,
the Irwinton-Gordon Circuit was
created and Rev. W.C. Lovett was
assigned as pastor. In 1908 when the
present church was built, the bell from
the 1875 building was moved by ox-cart
and lifted to the new tower by a man who carried the bell on his shoulders up the
ladder. Bishop Warren A. Candler dedicated this building. Additions have been
made in 1946,1957, and 1971.. This church has been chosen Macon District Church
Wesley S. Jones, Pastor
GRAY
Corner of Madison and Jefferson Streets
When the Jones County seat moved to
Gray from Clinton a new church was
organized in Gray, April 1907. Rev. D.B.
Cantrell was the first pastor. The
original white frame building burned in
1915 and the present brick and stucco
Gothic style was built. This church has
been in the North Georgia Conference
and in 1970 was reassigned to South Georgia.
1982 Membership: 401
Members entering ministry: G. Lynwood Roberts
CLINTON
US Hwy. 129, Jones County
Land was apportioned for this church in
1810 and on July 14,1821, a deed to the
Clinton Methodist Church was made ef-
fective. This was the first Methodist
church in Jones County. The historical
marker states that it was a frame house
of good dimensions with substantial
stone steps of native granite. A gallery
of the Year three different times.
1982 Membership: 286
GRAY-CLINTON CHARGE
%
251
for use by the slaves, many of whom were members, was removed in 1897. Around
1900 this church was the first to organize a foreign missionary society which was a
male dominated society not to be confused with the Womans Missionary Society.
Rev. Lovick Pierce and Rev. James Payne were early pastors of this church before
1850. Clinton has been on the charge with Gray, so has been in the North Georgia
Conference before 1970 when it was reassigned to this Conference.
1982 Membership: 76
IRWINTON-TOOMBSBORO CHARGE Charles E. Zimmerman, Pastor
IRWINTON
US Hwy. 441
This church grew out of the camp
meetings held at Big Sandy Camp-
ground in the 1820s. Big Sandy Creek in
Wilkinson County near Irwinton was
the annual meeting place for
Methodists in this area. This church
was one of a circuit of preaching;
places and Rev. James B. Payne wasi
the first pastor. In 1899 MINUTES, Rev. S.A. Hearn was assigned to Irwinton
Charge, North Macon District. He would have 4Vi houses of worship with 292
members and a parsonage. In 1917, Rev. C.C. Boland was pastor and the Irwinton
Circuit had the following 6 churches: Irwinton, Toomsboro, Poplar Springs, Red
Level, Salem and Laurel Branch. In 1940, Laurel Branch was with Gordon.
1982 Membership: 74
SALEM
Griffin Militia District, Wilkinson County
In 1816, the Ocmulgee Circuit of the
South Carolina Conference included
Wilkinson, Twiggs and parts of Jones
and Pulaski counties. According to
tradition, Salem was the first church in
Wilkinson County after the Indian trea-
ty opened the area to settlers. Rev.
Charles Dickerson was assigned to this
territory with Revf James Dunwoody to assist. In 1863, William W. Wynn gave the
land for the church. The large frame building built in 1915 burned, in 1940. The
present church was built in 1941. In the 1800s Salem observed Homecoming on the
second Sunday in July with preaching followed by dinner on the grounds. This is
still the custom.
1982 Membership: 27
252
TOOMSBORO
Ga. Hwy 112, Wilkinson County
In 1904, a deed was given for land on which to build a school and church. The
school building was erected and used for church and Sunday School until 1907
when a one-room church building was built. On April 5, 1908, 41 members were
welcomed into the church; a large number were transfers from Poplar Springs four
miles away. Rev. Hamp Stevens was the first pastor and this church was on the Ir-
winton Circuit. In 1928, the old building
was replaced by the present building
which was permastoned in 1959, enclos-
ing the porch for a vestibule. The win-
dows were replaced also. Its said that
the ladies of the church wanted
carpeting so badly that not only did
they buy it, but laid it themselves. In
1968, an activities building was added.
1982 Membership: 70
JEFFERSONVILLE CHARGE Carlton F. Reid, Pastor
JEFFERSONVILLE
East Church Street, Jeffersonville
Jeffersonville has been part of the
Sandersville, Dublin, and Macon
Districts so its records are scattered.
Between 1839-41 this church was
established, and in 1841, Rev. Caleb W.
Key was assigned as pastor. Years later
on land given by Bob Wimberly, a plain
frame building with a large porch sup-
ported by columns at each corner was erected. Two doors opened from the porch
into the sanctuary so that the men and women entered separately. A four foot par-
tition down the middle separated the seating also. In 1918, Miss Ella Gene Beckam
began the present church as a memorial to her parents, but misfortune came and
she could not complete it. For five years it stood incomplete and the people wor-
shiped in the old Auburn Institute. Rev. J.W. Hanco*ck inspired the completion,
and it was dedicated November 4,1924. In 1953-58 the charge had two church and
community workers Mrs. J.D. Ryne and Frances Crawford.
1982 Membership: 95
ASBURY
Ga. Hwy. 18, Wilkinson County
This church, located between Jeffersonville and Gordon, began in a brush arbor.
Deeds for the land, given by Hardy Durham, are dated 1851. A wooden building
was erected. Rev. Charles C. Johnson was the first pastor. In 1919, Asbury was on
253
the Gordon Circuit, Rev. Moses
Register, pastor, with Gordon, Liberty
Hill and Griffins Chapel. In 1940, the
Gordon Circuit was the same except
Laurel Grove was added instead of Grif-
fins Chapel. Asbury and Liberty Hill
were a two point charge for several
years.
1982 Membership: 27
LIBERTY HILL
Twiggs County near Myrich Mill
Long before the two-story wooden
church was built in 1874, services were
held in a brush arbor. When a tornado
destroyed the original building in 1953,
the present brick building replaced it.
In 1919, Liberty Hill was on the Gordon
Circuit with Gordon, Asbury, and Grif-
fins Chapel. Rev. Moses Register was
pastor. Rev. W.J. Churchwell was assigned to the circuit for 1920, and Liberty Hill
and Asbury were a two point charge from 1973-1982.
1982 Membership: 39
ROSEBUD
US Hwy. 80, Fitzpatrick, Georgia
J.P. Mercer and B.S. Fitzpatrick
wanted a church in their community. In
1895, on land given by Mrs. Rose
Harwell, the church was built. Tradition
says that the church was named for Mr.
Fitzpatricks daughter, Rose. In 1950,
two Sunday School rooms were a gift of
two laymen from Centenary Methodist
Church in Macon. Additional classrooms
Camp Wheeler.
1982 Membership: 20
LAUREL BRANCH
were made from a budding secured from
Glen Kiser, Pastor
Eight miles NE of Gordon, Georgia
On 10 acres of land, given by Bryant B. Wood and Rachel Smith, a log church was
built in 1848. This church, parsonage, and several cabins were destroyed by fire. A
second church of undressed lumber and unceiled was built. In 1886 a third building,
from timber sawed by Mirabeau Lamar Byington and constructed by Anderson
254
McMuller, was finished. Classrooms
and a fellowship hall were added in
1970. On Sunday afternoon, September
21, 1975, this building burned to the
ground. Rebuilding began quickly.
Homecoming was held in tents that
year. Three months later the first ser-
vices were held in the new building.
March 21, 1976, it was dedicated. In
1919, Laurel Grove was on the Irwinton
Circuit and in 1940 and 1968 on the Gordon Charge.
1982 Membership: 89
LIZELLA Howard G. McCrary, Pastor
South Lizella Road, Lizella, Georgia
When the M and B Railroad was built,
an interdenominational chapel, no
longer used, was bought and moved
several miles up the railroad to a com-
munity of five families where land for
the church had been bought. November
2, 1897, this church was constituted
with 19 members. Rev. J.L. Lewis was
the first pastor. The first building, one-
room frame, was replaced by the brick building dedicated December 19, 1954, by
Bishop Arthur Moore. Early this church was on the Knoxville Circuit, then the
Bibb Circuit as well as head of the Lizella Circuit. In 1971, it became a station.
1982 Membership: 229
Members entering ministry: L.E. Williams, Nat Hamlin, Jr., C.F. McCook
MACON, ALDERSGATE
1982 Membership: 185
Members entering ministry: Michael W. Huling
John Richard Irwin, IV, Pastor
3495 OHara Drive, Macon, Georgia
This church began in a temporary frame
building and in less than a year were us-
ing the first of the permanent buildings.
The church was constituted on
November 3, 1963, with 89 members.
Rev. James 0. Langston was the first
pastor. During Mr. Langstons pastorate
the building complex was nearly com-
plete. The membership was over 265.
255
MACON, BASS
David L. Seyle, Pastor
4062 Vineville Avenue, Macon, Georgia
Dr. William Capers Bass, professor of
natural science at Wesleyan College and
later President, began holding services
in the one-room Lake Academy School,
site of the present church. On land that
had been given in 1821 for a school or
church, this church was built in 1879.
The academy was torn down and the
church built. Until 1947, when Bass
became a station, it had been on the Macon and Bibb Circuits. Its first listing in the
Conference MINUTES was Bass and Jones Chapel (Second Street). In 1947, while
Rev. W.E. Chappie was pastor, the church was brick veneered; the long wooden i
porch on the front converted into a narthex with circular brick steps at the front
and classrooms added. In 1959, the two-story educational building was constructed!
and the sanctuary renovated.
1982 Membership: 215
Members entering ministry: Calvin R. Ward, Jr.
MACON, BLOOMFIELD
5511 Bloomfield Road, Macon, Georgia
The Macon Methodist Board of Mis-
sions and Church Extension under
leadership of Rev. L.A. Harrell, District
Superintendent, bought a lot and held a
tent meeting March 27-April 9, 1955,
with Rev. Bill Kelley; the evangelist.
Charter Day was May 22, 1955, with 68
members, three of these being children
on profession of faith; Rev. Charles A.
Culbreth, Jr. was appointed as pastor. On August 14,1955, ground was broken fori
the first unit, a social hall/sanctuary, kitchen, and classrooms; six days later ai
W.S.C.S. was organized with 20 members. By December 1957, a parsonage was built
by the church; an education wing was added in 1958 and another in 1960. The
membership was now 364 and the church began supporting its first missionary
family. In 12 months time the church paid off $18,000 indebtedness on its various
buildings and May 5,1963, broke ground for the present sanctuary. The first serv-
ice held in the new sanctuary was May 22,1964.
1982 Membership: 695
Members entering ministry: Joseph Kelly, W. Paul Whitlock, Jr.
James W. Chester, Pastor
5 \
256
MACON, CENTENARY
L. Vaughn Foster, Pastor
1290 College Street, Macon, Georgia
Begun in American Methodisms
centennial year, 1884, as a Sunday
School mission by Mulberry Street
Church, this church had 16 members of
the Sunday School to join on profession
of faith at its organization. Rev. J.W.
Simmons began Sunday School in the
basem*nt of a house at corner of Ross
and Ash Streets. Here the first church, a
wooden building, was erected. When the name Centenary appeared for the first
time in MINUTES of the 1887 conference, the membership was 320. In 1891, a cor-
ner lot at College and Ash was purchased and by 1911 the present brick building
was dedicated being debt free. Over the years other facilities have been added,
educational units, youth and children centers. The sanctuary was remodeled and
redecorated and a sound system added. Recently an elevator has been added for
convenience of handicapped.
1982 Membership: 443
Members entering ministry: Charles Jordan, J.A. Wiggins, Ellick Bullington, Jr., W.A. Smith, Emmet
{Roberts, D.B. Alderman, Joe H. Bridges, Donald Clarke.
Members entering mission field: John and Theodora Atkinson Cobb; Arua and Ida Mallory Floyd,
James and Franses Watson Ellis
'MACON, CHEROKEE HEIGHTS
2590 Napier Avenue, Macon, Georgia
In the late summer of 1915 Rev. Arthur
JJ. Moore, the conference evangelist, was
invited by Dr. W.N. Ainsworth, then
pastor of Mulberry Street, to preach a
tent meeting on the recently purchased
lots at Pio Nono and Napier Avenues.
On Sunday afternoon of that meeting,
Cherokee Heights was organized with
127 charter members. The city Board of
'Missions and Church Extension of Macon Methodism chose a committee to erect a
suitable house of worship. A single story large, almost square, wooden structure
resulted. Rev. S.C. Oliff was assigned as pastor in 1915. In 1925, the first unit of the
three story brick educational building was completed. The wooden building became
the parsonage. On December 30,1928, Bishop W.B. Beauchamp preached the first
services in the new sanctuary. In 1944, this was dedicated by Bishop Arthur Moore.
Other additions have followed and when free of debt, dedicated. Bishop John Owen
Smith dedicated the childrens building in 1971.
1982 Membership: 771
Members entering ministry: Oscar Perry Sandifer, Clifford K. Wallace, James R. Webb, Jr., Phillip
Wiley
257
MACON, CROSS KEYS
Roy L. Dial, III, Pastor
1825 Jeffersonville Road, Macon, Georgia
The original plot of land was given to East Macon for a community church in the
Cross Keys section of Macon by Mrs. Anna Elizabeth Davidson, March 14, 1901.
Cross Keys church was the result of a three week-tent-revival held by the con-
ference evangelist in April 1917. There were 24 charter members. Rev. H.A. Bill-
ingslea was the first pastor. Cross Keys was on a circuit with three other churches.
In 1921, the first building was erected. On May 25,1952, the oldest charter member
turned the first spade for the ground
breaking of the new sanctuary. Seven
months later, December 19,1952, it was
open for services. Three educational
units, a chapel, and ball park have been
added and paid for between 1955 and
1979 when Bishop William R. Cannon
dedicated the buildings, May 13, 1979.
With parking facilities, a van, scouting
program, lighted ball field, etc., this
church has tried to meet the needs of its
community.
1982 Membership: 601
MACON-DOLES
Jesse E. Waller, Pastor
Thomasville Road, Macon, Georgia
Before the town of Macon was laid out,
settlers moved into the community nine
miles to the west and soon organized a
Methodist Society. In 1827, Mr. Doles
built a log church on his land. Called
Doles Meeting House, it had a split
board roof, shutter windows; and the
pews were backless split logs. In 1835,
three acres for a larger church and
graveyard were purchased for $30 from William Perdue. During an attempt, in
1835, to move the church a few feet, it fell down. In rebuilding, glass windows and a
flue for a wood stove were added. For the 100th anniversary, July 1935, the building
was painted and a basem*nt begun. Gradually electric lights replaced carbide gasi
lights and gas heat replaced the wood stove. In 1935, to make room for the new
building, the old one was moved to the back of the lot and continued in use until
destroyed by fire.
1982 Membership: 98
Members entering ministry:Archie G. Hay good
258
MACON, EAST MACON
W. Michael Huling, Pastor
404 Church Street, Macon, Georgia
According to the Macon Register of
Historic Buildings, this church is the
oldest wooden church in use in Bibb
County. It was organized in 1850 as a
Sunday School that met in homes. Rev.
J.W. Burke and Rev. S.S. Sweet con-
verted a school house into a church
which the federal troops burned in 1867.
On land given by Miss Anne Cutter of
the Protestant Episcopal Church, a building was begun but blown down, when par-
tially finished, it was rebuilt but not finished. In 1861, East Macon became a
separate appointment from Mulberry. Rev. J.W. Burke, the first pastor, was deter-
mined it would be finished, so he gave all his salary and more to that end. In 1873,
this church was the first to organize a Sunday School Missionary Society in the
Conference. This church organized a Sunday School mission at Swift Creek, 1882,
and a branch of the church, Crumpler Chapel in the Bibb Manufacturing Village
(1890). In 1902-3, East Macon had three Sunday Schools: 9:30 at East Macon, 2:15
Wesley Mission and 3:00 Cross Keys. The social event of the year was always the
Sunday School Picnic each May. In recent years, the church has been renovated
and restored and additional space added.
j 1982 Membership: 273
1 Members entering ministry: Albert L. Hall, W.H. Mattison
1 MACON, EBENEZER D. Craig Rikard, Pastor
'4600 Thomas ton Road, Macon, Georgia
In the spring of 1890 Richard Ervin and
T.A. Clay decided time to build a
church in their community had come;
Union school was being closed. On Com-
mencement night Mr. Clay went to the
stage and explained the need for a
church. Response was terrific. Ellison
(known as Ell) Edwards gave the land,
others money and work. October 1890,
Rev. W.C. Bass, President of Wesleyan College, preached and 13 became charter
members. Sunday School was organized. Rev. C.J. Toole was assigned to the new
church. In 1905, five ladies organized a Womans Missionary Society. An annex was
added in 1937, remodeled in 1942. A new educational building was completed in
1956. With the old church converted into a two story educational unit, a new brick
building was constructed in 1968. This church was on the Bibb Circuit for many
years before becoming a station.
1982 Membership: 275
259
MACON, FIRST STREET
J. Ellsworth Tucker, Pastor
859 First Street, Macon, Georgia
First Street began as a Sunday School in
the basem*nt of Bibb Manufacturing
Co. In 1854, it was moved to McGregors
Workshop with additional services in a
log hut near Mercer. In 1856, a building
committee was appointed by the
Mulberry Street quarterly conference
and a lot was bought but times were too
hard to build. In 1858, Rev. J.M. Arm-
strong was assigned to City Mission. The old lot was sold, and on a new lot at
Third, a plain brick church, 80' x 40', was built. April 2, 1859, the church was of-
ficially organized. Rev. W.P. Pledger resigned to become a chaplain in the Con-
federate Army. The church served as a sewing room for the Confederate Army dur-
ing the Civil War. The church burned and services were again held in McGregors
Workshop. Another lot with a house for a parsonage was bought, but burned before
the preacher arrived. In 1863, the church was worshipping in the basem*nt of the
present building on First Street, and so it was named. During the remodeling in
1905, the church worshipped in a tent. In 1951, an education annex was added.
1982 Membership: 139
Members entering ministry: Clyde Harvard, Wm Alfred Smith
Members entering mission field: Mary Knowles Korea, Mary Johnston home missions, Minnie
Cecil E. Hazen, Pastor
1217 Forest Hill, Macon, Georgia
In 1963, Macon District Board of Mis-
sions and Church Extension explored
the need for a new Methodist Church in
the Forest Hill-Glen Cove area of north
Macon. Rev. D.G. Mann conducted the
survey and a steering committee set to
work. With help from the Kingdom
Builders Fund a parsonage and six acres
of a former dairy were purchased. Rev.
William O. Powell was assigned as pastor. Services were held in the Science Lecture
Hall, Wesleyan College. The church was constituted, September 8, 1963, with 87
members, Rev. George Zorn, Macon District Superintendent presiding. A
fellowship hall was the first unit. The family emphasis in all of this churchs ac-
tivities led to church sponsored family camps. As the membership grew the
buildings expanded and organization for church needs spiraled.
1982 Membership: 912
Members entering ministry: Leonard Arnold, Sandy Giles, Joe Wilson
Rankin Hatcher home missions
MACON, FOREST HILLS
260
MACON, GLENWOOD HILLS
3357 Rice Mill Road, Macon, Georgia
Wayne Hamilton, Pastor
a
Macon District Board of Missions called
on people from Southside, Lynmore,
and Cherokee Heights to make a survey
in the Glen Haven, Grant wood and Jef-
ferson Hills area. The name of this
church was derived from the subdivi-
sions in the area. Rev. W.L. Sutton was
assigned as pastor without a church.
Southside Methodist laymen helped
Mr. Sutton pitch a tent on a rainy Saturday, October 14,1956. Rev. Bill Kelly, the
conference evangelist, preached a revival in the tent. On charter day, November 25,
1956, over 100 members were enrolled. After two chilly winters and a hot dusty
summer the first unit was complete. Services were held in the new sanctuary Oc-
tober 6,1962.
1982 Membership: 187
MACON, HILLCREST HEIGHTS
James C. Langston, Pastor
3350 Hillcrest Avenue, Macon, Georgia
Through the efforts of the Macon Board
of Missions, H.I. Bailey, a dedicated
layman, Dr. George Clary, Sr., Macon
District Superintendent, and Rev. T.B.
Stanford, a retired minister, this church
began. A house was bought at 1611
Hillcrest Avenue to be used as a par-
sonage and church. The church was
called Hillcrest Heights. Alvis A. Waite,
Jr., a ministerial student at Candler School of Theology, was the first pastor help-
ing to organize the church on October 4, 1943, with 24 members. The front two
rooms were thrown together for the sanctuary, and the remaining rooms were the
Sunday School rooms on Sunday and the parsonage other times. From November
1946 to the summer of 1947 the congregation worshiped in a tent, on the present
location, until the basem*nt could be used. In 1954, a major decision turned the ex-
isting basem*nt into the educational building and began the building of a sanctuary
facing Hillcrest Avenue and April 1955 it was ready. Recently the youth center
burned, and has been replaced by an activities building.
1982 Membership: 354
MACON, INGLESIDE
J. Gaston Pollock, Pastor
3187 Ridge Avenue, Macon, Georgia
In July 1909, Mrs. Sam Bayne organized a Missionary Society among the ladies of
Crumps Park with 10 charter members. The pastor of Vineville, Rev. J.A. Smith,
261
came out and held prayer meetings in
the homes. These were so well attended
that Sunday School was considered.
During the prayer service on September
23,1915, officers for a non-existant Sun-
day School were elected and on Sunday
the 26th, 74 pupils, nine officers and
teachers met for the first Sunday School
on the lawn of Mr. and Mrs. G.W. Fan-
ning. In December 1915, Rev. J.E.
Sampley came as pastor. Services were held in a vacant house in Crumps Park with
the preacher standing in the doorway with a congregation in two rooms. Building
plans began at once and a frame church was soon in use and dedicated in three
years. In 1956, a new sanctuary, part of an impressive building plan, was open for
service and consecrated by Bishop Arthur Moore.
1982 Membership: 371
Members entering ministry: Marshall Gamble, Gordon Rainey, Robert Marshall
Members entering mission Held: Ann Brake Marney
MACON, JOYCLIFF CHARGE
JOYCLIFF
Joycliff Road, Macon, Georgia
In 1972, when the Coastal District of the
North Georgia Conference merged with
the South Georgia Conference, Warren
Chapel on First Avenue, Macon, was
struggling to survive. A survey, con-
ducted in 1972, indicated that an area
off Shurling Drive was the best location
for a new church. The Macon District
Committee on Church Location and Building recommended the organization of a
predominantly Black United Methodist Church. With help from the Macon
District Board of Missions and the National Division of Global Ministries land
across from Shurling Road and Millerfield Drive was purchased. A double wide
mobile chapel was placed on the lot. The Warren Chapel Charge Conference voted
to become charter members of the new church. July 7,1974, a special service of con-
secration was held. Rev. Marvin Wilson was assigned as the first pastor. Then op-
portunity came to purchase a new church complex from the Missionary Alliance
Church. On December 12, 1975, the last service was held in the mobile chapel and
25 members moved to the new church building on Joycliff Road. Action of the
charge conference made Joycliff the official name.
1982 Membership: 183
Timothy Green, Pastor
SMITHS CHAPEL
Hill Road, RFD, Macon, Georgia
In 1910, this church began with six members in a home out in the country from
Macon. Rev. M. Dixon was a strong contributor to the success of this church and
262
the building of a frame building. Rev.
J.W. Brown was the first pastor. In
1927, it was replaced with a concrete
block building. This church has been
part of the Dublin Circuit of the Georgia
Conference. In its early years it was part
of the former Savannah Conference
Methodist Episcopal Church. In 1972,
this church became part of the South
Georgia Conference when the Coastal
District of the North Georgia Conference merged with the South Georgia
Conference.
1982 Membership: 28
MACON, LIBERTY H. Eugene Barlow, Pastor
6511 Houston Road, Macon, Georgia
Before 1834, little is known about this
church except that a log building
burned and a two-story wooden build-
ing similar to Midway Congregational
Church, Liberty County, Georgia, was
built. It was called Liberty for Mr.
Tinleys home in Richmond County,
Georgia. In 1869, the membership was
168, -iff 99 females, 69 males including
former slaves. In 1901, a new building was completed and the old one sold to the
Masons. It was torn down in 1950 to make space for the educational annex. The
new fellowship hall was dedicated in February, 1963, by Bishop John Owen Smith.
1982 Membership: 613
Members entering ministry: John Tinley Ryder, Fred Glisson, D.B. Alderman, Thomas H. Mason,
Gilbert L. Ramsey, Sr.
MACON, LYNMORE
687 Robert Henry Street, Macon, Georgia
Before 1908, Miss Minnie Hatcher, city
missionary, started a Sunday School on
the southside of Macon. It was called
Beulah Mission. Mr. J.H. Curry worked
steadily for a church in this area. In
record time a 50' x 36' building was built
and paid for in 90 days. The name was
changed to Newberg. Its nickname was
half cheese or needmore because of the odd shape of the building. Rev. H.M.
Morrison became the first full-time minister in 1922. During his fourth year, with
the building partially finished he died. The next year the building finished and
paid for was dedicated and the name changed to Morrison Memorial. In 1946, the
263
Ted Bass, Pastor
name was changed to Lynmore for the community which had developed around it.
In 1952, a new educational building was built and a wing added in 1954. In 1966, the
new sanctuary was begun.
1982 Membership: 444
Members entering ministry: C.R. Dent, Freddie
Webb, Harold Beaty, Harold Lumly, Jr., Rex Kaney.
Members entering mission field: Roy and Carolyn McCook Colombia
Timothy J. Bagwell, Pastor
Corner of Bass and Forsyth Roads, Macon
Martha Bowmans roots go back to Old
Damascus Church located north of the
present site near the Monroe County
line. Probably Old Damascus Church
began shortly after this area opened to
settlers in the 1820s. With the changing
times, a new church was built on the
corner lot given by Sarah Bowman
Johnson and Martha Bowman Howard.
Services had been held in a brush arbor until the white clapboard church was ready
in 1901. The communion table from Old Damascus, still used by Martha Bowman,
was used at the South Georgia Conferences annual session in 1976. This 1901
church was named Wilma for the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. C.M. Orr, but was later
changed as a memorial to Martha Bowman. During the first 40 years it was on
many circuits before growing to a station in 1949 with Dr. Samuel Akers, Dean of
Wesleyan College, as its first full-time pastor.
1982 Membership: 399
MACON, MULBERRY STREET
O. Perry Sandifer, Associate
719 Mulberry Street, Macon, Georgia
When the young town of Macon was
begun, a Methodist Society of 17 people
held regular services in a crude hut, the
courthouse. In 1828, 19 women and 8
men determined to build a church on
the lot set apart by the legislature for a
Methodist church. The building was a
plain wooden structure 40' x 60' with a
square belfry in the front and inside a large gallery for the slaves who were
members also. This was the first church of any denomination in the new town. In
this building in 1831 the first session of the Georgia Conference of the Methodist
Episcopal Church met. This conference was the one that would divide in 1866 into
the North and South Georgia Conferences. The second building, in 1859, was brick
with large columns across the front and inside a gallery along three sides. In 1882,
this one was dismantled and the third building built. In 1894 the annex was added.
264
V.L. Daughtery, Jr., Pastor
MACON, MARTHA BOWMAN
The remodeling of the sanctuary and erection of a new education building began as
i centennial celebration and were finished in 1929. An activities building and new
organ were added in 1957. Although fire demolished the sanctuary in 1965, the
stained glass windows were saved. The present building is the result of that
remodeling. This church has been the site of historic events for this conference. In
1939, it was the site of the last session the South Georgia Conference, Methodist
Episcopal Church, South and the first session of the South Georgia Conference of
The Methodist Church. In 1968, it was the site of the first session of the South
Georgia Conference of The United Methodist Church. In 1981 it was host of the
conference in honor of 150 years since the 1831 conference.
1982 Membership: 2,152
Members entering ministry: Charles Eugene Askew, Harold Beaty, Reuben Benson, Robert Allen
Brenner, Joshua H. Brinn, George E. Clary, Jr., Sam Crossley, Mrs. John A. Duryea, O.P. Fitzgerald,
David Hanco*ck, G.H. Hanco*ck, W.P. Harrison, Helen Henry, Christopher Hoover, Robert Howard,
Bert Gratigny, Samuel P. Lamback, Jr., Robert B. Lester, William A. McClellan III, W. W. Oslin,
Cherie Lynn Parker, Milton Richardson, David Robb, C. W. Smith, T.H. Simmons, H.B. Treadwell,
Robert Wade, Albert Macon Williams
Mission Field: W.B. Burke, Nettie Peaco*ck and Carlisle and Ruth Phillips
MACON, PARK MEMORIAL Ernest W. Seckinger, Pastor
5290 Arkwright Road, Macon, Georgia
This section of Macon was known as
Holton Community in 1890 when Cap-
tain R.E. Park built this brick church as
a memorial to his wife, Ella Holt Park.
It cost $5,000 when it was built and was
paid for when it was dedicated June 7,
1890, with Rev. William Park of
Sandersville preaching the special ser-
mon. Rev. Park was Captain Parks
brother. It was on the Bibb Circuit in 1919 with Rev. J.N. Hudson pastor. The other
churches were Ebenezer, Doles, Wilma, and Lizella.
1982 Membership: 129
MACON, PITTS CHAPEL
Route 6, Macon, Jones County
This church is named for Peyton T.
Pitts, the man that wanted a church in
his community so badly that he gave
generously to build the largest and
finest church in Jones County in 1860.
It was dedicated on August 4, 1861, by
Bishop George F. Pierce, one of South
Georgias native sons. The 116 members
of the newly organized church honored
the man whose generosity made the building possible by giving it his name. The
church was used by Shermans troops as they camped in the area, and it served as a
L.H. Lanford, Pastor
265
hospital for a short time. In 1919, this church was on the Bibb Circuit with Bass,
Holton, Ebenezer, Coles, Lizella, and Wilma; in 1940, with Cross Keys and Swift
Creek. In 1958, it became a station with Rev. Claude Cook assigned as pastor.
1982 Membership: 193
MACON, RIVERSIDE
Frank J. Terry, Pastor
735 Pierce Avenue, Macon, Georgia
The Macon City Board of Missions of
the Methodist Church sponsored the
organization of this church on April 21,
1957. Services were held in Burden
Chapel, the Methodist Childrens
Home, until the first educational unit
was completed December 1960. The
church, constituted on June 19, 1957,
with 71 members had 362 members by
Charter Day, November 3, 1957. For 17 years the Church worshipped in the
fellowship hall until the new colonial sanctuary, patterned after Bruton Parish
Church of Williamsbury, Virginia, was completed in November 1977. Rev. J.
Harold Beaty was the first pastor. A scout hut was the first building erected on the
site and served for many of the first group meetings.
1982 Membership: 1,042
MACON, SHURLINGTON J. Allen Brooks, Pastor
2060 Shurling Drive, Macon, Georgia
Interested persons from other Macon
Methodist Churches, First Street, East
Macon and Cross Keys, felt a church
was needed in this area. An old dairy
barn was converted into a rustic church
by members working at night. The
church organized April 1961 with 160
members. Rev. D.G. Mann preached un-
til Rev. Paul Harwell was assigned as
pastor in June at the Annual Conference. A year later nine Sunday School rooms
were added. A Womens Society of Christian Service, Methodist Men and Junior
and Senior M. Y. F. were organized. Mr. Francis Shurling gave additional land. On
August 20,1967, the final service in the original rustic sanctuary was held and the
next Sunday the new sanctuary was ready. In 1970, the fellowship hall was
completed.
1982 Membership: 339
266
MACON, SOUTH SIDE
Tommy E. McCook, Jr., Pastor
4116 Houston Avenue, Macon, Georgia
Five Wesleyan students conducted a
survey of homes in this area to see the
number of Methodists living there. Rev.
Simon Peter Clary, pastor of the Bibb
Circuit, was assigned to organize a
church. A lot was purchased at Houston
Avenue and Fulton Street, and a tent
pitched for the first service held April 4,
1949. On Easter Sunday the first 17
members joined this new church. Work began on the sanctuary in June 1949, so the
congregation soon left the tent. In 1950, the second unit was completed and the
third in 1952. In 1959, all debts being paid, it was dedicated by Bishop Arthur
Moore. In 10 years the three teachers and 15 members of the Sunday School had
grown to 50 officers and teachers and 447 members. At the 20th anniversary the
Simon Peter Memorial Window in the sanctuary was dedicated.
1982 Membership: 333
MACON, SWIFT CREEK Remer L. Brady, III, Pastor
Jeffersonville Road U.S. 80
Following a brush arbor revival held
near the creek in 1865, the church was
organized in 1867 with 122 members.
Dr. William Capers Bass, President of
Wesleyan College, served as the pastor.
The beginning membership was in-
dicative of the zeal of the two local
preachers from Wilkinson county, Rev.
Charlie Johnson and Rev. Bill Griffin.
From 1867 to 1942 the lights were kerosene lamps, the heat from a wood heater, and
any water was brought up from the spring. Although this is still the original
building improvements and additions have been made as needed.
1982 Membership: 201
MACON, VINEVILLE Sam G. Rogers, Pastor
2045 Vineville Avenue, Macon, Georgia
The village of Vineville was settled by wealthy planters a short distance from
Macon. In January 1846, this church was organized. Rev. William J. Sasnett was
pastor and by the end of the year the church had 99 members. Vineville is the
oldest church begun by members of Mulberry. As the parsonage was built first, ser-
vices were probably held there while the church was being built. It was a wooden
building almost square of severe architecture with a porch across the front and
steps extending the length of the porch. There were four, almost square, windows to
267
each side. In 1878, this building was so
badly in need of repair that only Sunday
School continued to be held. In 1897,
the new building was ready. The old
building had been moved to the back of
the lot, later sold to the Colored Church,
which tore it down and rebuilt it on the
Ocmulgee only to have a flood wash it
away the bell tolling as the building
rode down stream. In 1923, the 1897
building was remodeled for Sunday School and the present sanctuary built in front.
The Centennial program of 1945 resulted in a remodeling of the sanctuary and the
M. Creede Hinshaw, Pastor
4256 Hartley Bridge Road, Macon, Georgia
This modern brick building houses a
church congregation constituted as
Wesley on May 30, 1976, with 229
members. Rev. David Carter was the
first pastor. This church represents the
relocation of Second Street Church
built in 1904. But that churchs roots go
back to 1842 when a Sunday School was
begun on the Southside of Macon by
members of Mulberry. After 10 years the activities were shifted to the Presbyterian
mission church until 1866 when Rev. James Jones, a local preacher, conducted a
revival. As a result a one-room structure was built on Cedar Street and called Jones
Chapel. In 1887, a lot was bought and a brick church built at Second Street and
Jenkins. The name was changed to Second Street. Now it has moved again and the
name changed to Wesley.
1982 Membership: 283
Members entering ministry: John M. Oliver, W.M. Marshall, W.C. Bryant, Walter Williams, Harry
Waller, T.F. Waller, L.J. Mouzon, W.E. Chappie, A.C. McLendon, Nevil Hastings, Tom Ivey, C.E.
Smith, Joe B. Lanier
MARSHALLVILLE A. Ray Adams, Pastor
West Main Street, Marshallville, Georgia
In 1825, Methodism was spread through
a wide area known as Houston Mis-
sion. McCarroll Purijoy was the circuit
riding pastor. In 1835, Asbury church
was deeded; it stood about eight miles
from the present town toward Perry.
Another society was established west of
town called Flint River Society.
These two churches were part of the
268
building of a Centennial building.
1982 Membership: 1,991
MACON, WESLEY
new Ft. Valley Circuit in 1847. It appears that the Flint River Society moved to
Marshallville changing its name and erected a frame building which burned in 1879
and was rebuilt. In 1893, Marshallville became a station. By 1910, the second
building was outgrown and the present building erected. The annex was built in
1947. Marshallville has been part of the following other charges: Ft. Valley-
Marshallville Circuit, Marshallville-Montezuma Circuit. It has been in the Macon,
South Macon, Americus and Cordele Districts.
1982 Membership: 190
Members entering ministry: Gerald J. Smith
POWERSVILLE-WESLEY C. Benjamin Varnell, Pastor
POWERS VILLE
Ga. Hwy. 49,21 miles S of Macon, Georgia
At the time the railroad was completed in 1846 the post office moved to the railroad
and took the name of Colonel Virgil Powers, civil engineer of the Southwestern
Railroad Company. The church, Allen Chapel Congregational Church, began as a
mission of the Congregational Church of New England. By 1919, the membership
was 22 males, 34 females. With a $500 loan from the Congregational Building Socie-
ty of New York and land purchased, a
white board and shingle church was
built. It remained a Congregational
Church until 1920. The trustees decided
to change to a Methodist Church. After
the $500 loan was repaid on November
18, 1922, Allen Chapel Congregational
became Powersville Methodist on the
Byron Charge. Between 1944-1981
much renovation has occurred including
classrooms, kitchen and restrooms.
1982 Membership: 141
Members entering ministry: J.C. Wilson, E.M. Cooper, Jr.
WESLEY
Taylors Mill Road, Fort Valley, Georgia
Five miles north of Fort Valley is
Wesley Chapel, believed to be the sec-
ond oldest church in the Peach-
Crawford county area. It was organized
in 1848 with 34 members, three were
Black persons. The first two buildings
were log and the third, a large
auditorium style frame, had two front
entrances so men and women entered separately. The fourth building was erected
by Rev. M.M. Marshall in 1922 and has little alteration since.
1982 Membership: 62
269
REYNOLDS-CROWELL CHARGE
REYNOLDS
Ga. Hwy. 96
With the coming of the railroad in 1852
the Methodists and Baptists in this
village held services in a school house,
with the Methodist preacher coming by
train from Ft. Valley, once a month. In
1870, Henry H. Long gave land for a
Methodist Church. This one-room
frame building was used until in 1891 a
larger and more impressive one-room building was erected on the current site. In
1917, this building was moved to the side and used until the present Gothic-style
sanctuary and classrooms were finished in 1923. Bishop Ainsworth dedicated the
debt-free church plant on June 13,1936. Long remembered was a revival conducted
by the recently converted young railroad man, Arthur Moore, who returned in 1970
to help celebrate the churchs centennial; at that time Bishop Moore was one of the
senior bishops of the United Methodist Church.
1982 Membership: 200
Lowery M. Brantley, Pastor
CROWELL
W. of the Flint River, Taylor Co.
In 1806 Henry Crowell, the Agent for
Indian Affairs for the government, was
assigned to Old Indian Agency west of
the Flint river near todays Roberta, Ga.
His wife, a devout Methodist, was deter-
mined to have a church. Tradition tells
that she had only 5 adults and needed 7
to be a regular preaching point on the
circuit. Crowell offered himself and his overseer as probationary members for a
year, saying, If your religion is not good enough to gain 2 new members in a year,
its not the kind we want. As the new settlers moved into this area they found a log
church built by Crowells slaves on land that he gave. After a few years Crowells
Meeting House burned. In 1829 the present building was erected. It had 4 doors, a
front, back and one on each side, was unceiled and unheated. During the winter
they met in the school. Reflective kerosene lamps were attached to the poles that
held up the roof. Today aluminum siding protects the outside, and electric lights, in
1937, replace the lamps. The inside was updated in 1952. In 1933, Weyman
Huckabee, their pastor, left to be a missionary to Japan. Previously, Crowell had
been on the Butler and Howard charges, and since 1931 with Reynolds.
1982 membership: 113
270
ROBERTA
James E. Hamlin, Pastor
Agency Street, West, Roberta, Georgia
After having worshipped for half a cen-
tury in the Methodist Church in Knox-
ville, Georgia, members living in Rober-
ta organized a church of their own in
1899 becoming a part of the Knoxville
Circuit. The church had developed from
a Sunday School held in a home op-
posite the present post office. Rev. C.W.
Snow was the first pastor. The first
building consisted of a sanctuary, foyer, and belfry. The bell, now in the present
building, was used to alert the people to all community needs from fire to service!
In 1911, Roberta was head of the Roberta Circuit which included Dixon, Beaver
Dam, Macedonia, Knoxville and Roberta. In 1935, the street was widened, the
church was relocated and a new building erected. In 1941, it was dedicated by
Bishop Arthur Moore. An educational building was completed in 1975. This church
has been the Macon District Church of the Year in 1972 and 1974.
1982 Membership: 211
Members entering ministry: Michael A. McAfee
TWIGGS COUNTY CIRCUIT Ronald J. Casper, Pastor
BEECH SPRINGS
3 M. East Bullard, Twiggs County
In 1878 the location of this church was
at the site of Beech Springs, described
as a cold bubbling spring surrounded
by large beach trees at the foot of the
hill below the church. The building, on
an acre of land given by Dr. Wm.
ODaniel, was built by Mr. Millirons
with the help of two Negro carpenters,
Mr. Joe Sears and Mr. Uzell Sherman. At least two Baptist churches had stood at
this location between 1844-1878. Beech Springs Academy stood near the church not
far from the Indian Burial ground. In 1916 classrooms were added to the front of
the church; this church was the first on the circuit to have Sunday School rooms. In
1931 these were removed and placed at the side and back of the building. In 1919
this church was on the Jeffersonville Circuit with Rosebud, Prospect and Jefferson-
ville. It has been in the Sandersville, Dublin, and Macon Districts, perhaps even in
the North Georgia Conference at one time.
1982 Membership: 31
LUCY CHAPEL
Near Danville, Ga. Twiggs County
Thomas G. Hill gave the land for a church. Built in 1876, this church was named for
271
the daughter of Colonel Daniel G.
Hughes, who, with the Cool Spring
Masonic Lodge, helped to build this
two-story church building. The Masonic
Lodge was to use the second floor. Lucy
Chapel was on the Cochran Circuit until
1923 when it was placed with Jefferson-
ville as an afternoon appointment. In
1940 it was part of the Jeffersonville
Charge with Prospect, Jeffersonville,
Rosebud and Beech Springs.
1982 Membership: 18
PROSPECT
RFD Jeffersonville, Georgia
After the American Revolution between
1790 and 1810 the settlers, Floyds,
Sauls, DeFores, Johnsons, Vinsons, and
others, built the first log church on this
site. The material was virgin pine. The
sills, sleepers, walls, and flooring were
hewn to the desired shape with a foot
adz and broad axe. The boards for the
roof were riven with a frow and the use of a small wooden maul and finished with a
drawing knife. A large log building was placed across the road, followed by a plain
frame building. The present building was built in 1892. In 1950 four Sunday School
rooms were added; the sanctuary was remodeled and hardwood floors added in
1952. In 1958 an educational unit was added, everything completely renovated and
brick veneered. The story of Methodism around these early settlers involves
churches now gone: Ball, Church-Wilkinson Co., Marys Chapel named for Mary
Faulk Slappey in West Lake community, Concord, the campground near Jefferson-
ville where Bishop George Foster Pierce stayed, Liberty Hill, Macedonia and
others. Prospect Church has been with Jeffersonville through the years.
1982 Membership: 205
WARNER ROBINS, CHRIST
J. David Hanson, Pastor
511 Russell Parkway, Warner Robins, Georgia
This church is the result of the com-
bined efforts of the three Methodist
churches of Warner Robins, First,
Trinity, and Northview. Through Rev.
Carlton Carruth, Conference Director of
Church Extension, land was purchased;
and with Kingdom Builders Funds a
special modular building was designed,
trucked to the site, and bolted together
272
to form a unit containing 6 rooms (classrooms, pastors study, social hall, rest
rooms). A mobile trailer equipped as a sanctuary was given by Hawkinsville
Methodists. On April 30, 1972, the first service was held; Dr. G. Ross Freeman,
District Superintendent presided and Rev. Charles Buddy Conway preached.
May 21,1972, the church was constituted with 53 members. On March 17,1974, the
first services were held in the first permanent unit, a multipurpose steel and con-
crete block building, brick face.
1982 Membership: 602
WARNER ROBINS, FIRST Edward H. Carruth, Pastor
North Davis, Warner Robins, Georgia
In August 1941, the Wellston Church
was organized by Rev. Gordon King,
pastor of the Elko Circuit. In this com-
munity the U.S. Government estab-
lished an air base, and in March 1943
Warner Robins was incorporated. In
November, the Wellston Church
became the Warner Robins Church.
Rev. W.V. Dibble was sent as pastor.
Services were held in the community house until a sanctuary and educational unit
were ready. Fire destroyed the sanctuary the first Sunday it was to be used. In 1946,
a surplus Army Chapel was erected on the property and brick veneered. It served
until 1961 when the first unit of the long range building program was ready. A CCC
building had served for additional classrooms. Gradually the new plant was com-
plete, only the 1956 educational building had not been replaced. December 24,
1967, the complete facility was ready. In the meantime, this church, now called
First, had sponsored the establishment of Northview, Trinity and Christ Churches.
1982 Membership: 1,585
Member entering ministry: Rodney William Gottie
WARNER ROBINS, NORTHVIEW Ramus G. Freeman, Pastor
90 Tabor Drive, Warner Robins, Georgia
Beginning with the survey of this area
to determine the peoples religious af-
filiation, a two-week tent revival was led
by Rev. Bill Kelly. On March 18, 1956,
the church was organized and met in
Lindsey Elementary School until the
first unit was ready. Ground was broken
February 10, 1957, and on August 18,
1957, the first services were held in the
unfinished building. Mrs. J.O. Jacobs gave the land for this church. When the
church was constituted on April 1, 1956, there were 69 members. Rev. A.E. Gus
273
Jordan, a student at Candler School of Theology, was the first pastor. Debt-free,
the church plant and parsonage were dedicated by Bishop William R. Cannon,
September 30,1979.
1982 Membership: 318
Members entering ministry: Ray A. Powell
WARNER ROBINS, TRINITY
Ted P. Griner, Pastor
129 South Houston Hoad, Warner Robins
Even though he was supposed to be
retired, former conference evangelist,
Rev. Bill (W.A.) Kelly took a survey of
the people in this area and recom-
mended a new church. It was organized
July 10, 1960, with 109 members. The
other Methodist pastors in town were
Rev. Carlton Carruth, First, and Rev.
Frank Terry, Northview. Rev. Mack An-
thony was the Macon District Superintendent. Rev. Clarence Newton was assigned
as the first pastor. Quickly the modern church complex has developed keeping pace
with the program and membership growth.
1982 Membership: 1,080
Members entering ministry: Paula Lytle Cleghorn, Charles C. Conway, Jr.
274
SA VANN AH DISTRICT
From 1825-1830 there was a Savannah
District in the South Carolina Con-
ference. With the organization of the
Georgia conference in 1831, the
churches in Georgia were realigned into
six districts, Athens, Augusta, Colum-
bus, Milledgeville, Tallahassee and
Oconee. There was no Savannah district
until 1833. By 1835 the Savannah
District was described as compact,
covering Effingham and down as far as
Darien with 10 appointments, formerly
in the Savannah District, now in the
Augusta District. Again between 1858-1865, there was no Savannah District, but
from 1866 when the Georgia Conference divided into the two conferences, there has
been a Savannah District in the South Georgia Conference. Its shape and size has
varied with the creation of other districts. In 1983 this district had 38 charges with
48 churches and 17,976 members.
W. Hamp Watson, Superintendent
107 Lee Boulevard, Savannah
BETHESDA-GOSHEN
W. David Hendrix, Pastor
BETHESDA
Near Marlow, Effingham County
In 1915, the congregation organized this
church in the old Springhead school.
The first pastor was Rev. M.A. Shaw.
The first building was erected shortly
after, but was destroyed by fire in 1935.
The present building, built on four acres
of land bought from G.W. Hester, was
dedicated April 17,1938. A social hall was added in 1957 and an education building
in 1963. The church was a member of the Rincon charge when it was selected
Savannah District Circuit of the Year in 1951 and conference Charge of the
Year in 1957. The present charge was named Charge of the Year in 1968.
1982 Membership: 181
Members entered ministry: Willford Hinely (local preacher)
GOSHEN
Ga. Hwy. 17 Effingham County
First established as a Methodist church in 1820, this church began as a Lutheran
275
church. The first building was erected
in 1750 in Goshen Swamp about a mile
from the present site, but was moved
because of an epidemic of malaria. Once
a town, Goshen was noted for silkworm
culture and brick masonry; it is even
believed that George Washington once
visited the church trading post.
Salzburger pastors served this early
church and later Moravian missionaries
came to preach. Then the Lutheran building was deeded to the Methodists. The
first pastor was Rev. James O. Andrew. In 1919 it was on the Rincon Circuit with
Rev. T.I. Nease, pastor and these churches, Rincon, Meinhard, Clyo and Bethesda.
1982 Membership: 55
BLOOMINGDALE [ALPHA]
i
Meldrim donated three acres of land for
erected in 1954.
1982 Membership: 314
GUYTON-MARLOW
Steven W. Enterkin, Pastor
U.S. 80 at Church St. Bloomingdale
Established in 1841, this church was
first named Alpha because it was the
first mission organized by Trinity
Church. The first pastor was Rev. J.E.
White. The first building was erected at
Gravel Hill, midway between Bloom-
ingdale and Pooler, but moved into
Bloomingdale in 1879 after R.E.
the church site. The present building was
William B. Dowdy, Pastor
GUYTON
Ga. Hwy. 17 Guyton, Georgia
First named Andrew Chapel, this
church was organized in 1845 or earlier.
The first building was erected on land
given by Capt. Thomas Elkins and
located on River Road about one and a
half miles out from Guyton. A few years
before the Civil War the congregation
moved into town and in 1862 the name
of the church was changed to Whitesville. During the Civil War the church was
used as a hospital. In 1885, the name was changed to Guyton. When organized, the
church was part of the Springfield Circuit; in 1886 the Guyton Circuit was created.
1982 Membership: 225
Members entered ministry; Vernard Robertson, Ted Griner
276
MARLOW
Marlow, Georgia
In 1884, Edward J. Purse deeded one
acre of land in Marlow to five trustees to
be used as a place of divine worship.
Twenty-one years later in 1905 the
church was organized and the present
sanctuary built. There were approx-
imately thirteen original members and
the first pastor was Rev. J.B. Christian.
In 1918 Mrs. Annie B. Shearouse gave an additional acre to the church. In 1968 an
educational building was added and later a social hall and youth activities building.
The church, originally part of the Guyton Circuit, was placed on the Bloomingdale
Circuit in 1920, the Rincon Circuit in 1927, and returned to Guyton in 1962.
1982 Membership: 79
HINESVILLE J.D. Corbitt, Jr., Pastor
Wansik Joo, Korean Ministries
US Hwy. 82, Hinesville, Georgia
Though the exact date of the organiza-
tion of this church is unknown since
records burned in a parsonage fire,
Methodism was probably established in
this area by 1837, for in that year a plat
of the town of Hinesville shows a lot
reserved for the Methodist Church.
Before this time, Taylors Creek Church
and Taylors Creek Campground had established a Methodist presence in the area
as early as 1806. The first two buildings, the second built in the late 1800s, were
small frame structures. The present building was erected in 1942. Among the first
pastors were Capel Haiford and W.D. Bussee.
1982 Membership: 785
LUDOWICI-MIDDLETON MEMORIAL Thomas F. Williams, Pastor
LUDOWICI
US Hwys. 301 and 82, Ludowici, Georgia
Methodist beginnings date from the cir-
cuit rider preaching at Archibald Baggs
stagecoach stop before the railroad was
built in the mid-1800s. The village of
Four-And-A-Half soon became
Johnston Station, named for Allen
Johnston whose slave built the railroad.
Services were held in homes and other
buildings until a building was built on the old Macon-Darien Road. The land was
277
deeded to the church in 1894. With the discovery of a special clay people moved to
town, and the name was changed to Ludowici. The church building was moved to
the present location in 1929. Enroute trouble developed, so Sunday service was
held in the church in the middle of the street! The Ludowici Circuit of 1923 in-
cluded Mt. Olivett, Walthourville, Sand Hill (Middleton Memorial) and Ludowici.
The educational annex was built in 1935 and in 1949 a total renovation of the
church plant was done. Bishop Moore dedicated the building in 1951. In the long
history of this church it has been part of many districts, Hinesville, Brunswick,
Savannah, Waycross, as well as been on circuits of various church groupings. Some
of the churches were Pine Groove, Deans Groove, Reynolds Chapel, Wesley Chapel
and Jonesville.
1982 Membership: 154
MIDDLETON MEMORIAL
Ga. Hwy. 499
This church was organized sometime
before 1860 as Sand Hill and was
located on Old Kings Road west of the
present location. The first building was
of logs around 1864. The section of
country had such deep sand roads that
cars would stall in the ruts, so in the
1920s the second building, a frame construction, was taken down and moved to the
present location, the new paved county road. Tom Middleton led members and
friends in putting the church back together. The building, in its new location, was
renamed for him. In 1960 it was remodeled and brick veneered.
1982 Membership: 34
In 1897, ten Methodists meeting in the
home of Mr. and Mrs. H.C. Morgan
organized this church. Rev. Thomas M.
Thompson was the first pastor. The
first building, erected in 1897, was
struck by lightning and destroyed by
fire in 1912. When the first service was
held in the new building in 1913, the en-
tire cost had been paid off. Originally part of the Eden Circuit, the church has also
been on the Guyton and Bloomingdale charges.
MELDRIM-ELLABELL
Stephen Webb, Pastor
MELDRIM
Meldrim, Georgia
1982 Membership: 93
ELLABELL
Ga. Hwy. 204, Ellabell, Georgia
First named Bethany, this church was organized in 1854 and the first building
278
erected about 1860 in a location about a
mile from the present site. The present
church was erected in 1904. The pastor
at that time, Rev. J.H. Frisbee, was a
contractor and did the interior
finishing, including crafting the pulpit
and altar rail from heart-of-pine. A new
parsonage was built in 1977.
1982 Membership: 132
Members entered ministry: James Schley
MIDWAY-FLEMING CHARGE James Robert Beckum, Pastor
MIDWAY
US Hwys. 82 and 17, Midway, Georgia
In 1934, eight members organized this
church and constructed a sanctuary in
1935. The building was first sited on
U.S. 17 on land given by Ballard Jones.
The first pastor was Rev. E.F. Morgan.
In 1948 Mr. and Mrs. Harry Rogers gave
the two acres of land on which the
church now stands, and the building
was moved to this location and a social hall was erected. The pulpit in the church
came from Jackson Chapel at South Newport where Bishop Arthur J. Moore first
preached. In 1955 a brick education building was added.
1982 Membership: 190
First called Pleasant Grove or Mt.
Pleasant, this church was organized in
1768 or 1770. The first building was
erected immediately, on land given by
James Clark. When a forest fire
destroyed it, a second building was
erected in 1861. Both these structures
had galleries for the slaves, and long after the Civil War was over some of those who
had worshipped at the church as slaves returned to worship as freemen. When the
second building was also destroyed by a forest fire, the present building was erected
in 1881.
FLEMING-MT OLIVET
US Hwy. 82, Flemington, Georgia
1982 Membership: 73
NORTH EFFINGHAM CIRCUIT Steve Moreno, Pastor
CLYO
Clyo, Georgia
At Tuckasee King Landing on the Savannah River, a small group of Methodists
279
Hall was built. Previously the church has
charges and the Springfield Circuit.
organized this church in 1819. By 1843
it had 28 members. In 1852, the con-
gregation moved inland to Mount
Pleasant and in 1902 moved south to
Clyo, a growing town on the railroad.
The present frame building was erected
in 1948, but its altar railing is the
original from the churchs first location
in Tuckasee King Landing. In 1974, the
George A. Gnann Social/Educational
belonged to the Whitesville and Oliver
1982 Membership: 89
MIZPAH
Effingham County
Although it was not officially organized
until March 18,1860, this church began
in 1859 when a group of Methodists
bought four acres of land at $3 an acre
and paid a man $250 to build the church
on it. The church in 1860 had forty
members and two pastors, Rev. B.F.
Breedlove and Rev. L.L. Strange. Early
minutes indicate that the church had both Negro and white members. The original
building is still in use. The church was earlier on the Whitesville and Springfield
charges.
1982 Membership: 154
SILVER HILL
Clyo Road, Effingham County
Sometime between 1912 and 1914, this
church was organized in a school. Rev.
M.A. Shaw was its first pastor. In 1922
the first and present building was built.
In 1968 a classroom building and
fellowship hall were added. Before its
present assignment, the charge was a
member of the Oliver Circuit. The 1924 MINUTES show that the Board of Church
Extension made a donation of $175 to Silver Hill in the Savannah District for
their church building, which meant that they would speedily open for service free
of debt.
1982 Membership: 158
PEMBROKE Dan Overstreet, Pastor
College and Brukhalter, Pembroke
First known as Bryan Mission, this church was organized in 1880 with eight
members. For some time it met in a variety of places including a school house, court
280
house, and camp ground. Rev. W.F.M.
Conley was the first pastor. Then in
1903 a wooden sanctuary was1 built on
College and Smith Streets. In 1947 the
present brick "building was erected. It
has stained-glass windows given as
memorials.
1982 Membership: 284
POOLER, TRINITY
US Hwy. 80, Pooler, Georgia
This church was organized at a meeting
in the home of W.B. Biddenback in 1889
with Rev. T.E. Davenport, the first
pastor. The name of the church was
Trinity. It has been on the Eden Circuit,
Thunderbolt and Mission, and Bloom-
ingdale Circuit, which in 1919 had
Hubert, Pooler, Eldora, Meldrim and
Alpha with Rev. A.A. Waite, Sr., pastor.
In 1953, it became a station with Rev. C.E. Smith, pastor. The first building was
built in 1890-1 with four women making up the building committee. An annex was
added in 1948 and an educational building in 1955.
1982 Membership: 419
Members entering ministry: Tommy B. Nichols
PORT WENTWORTH
I "
Bobby G. Coleman, Pastor
Crossgate and Turnberry Streets, Port
Wentworth
In 1918, forty members meeting in a
warehouse and office building organized
this church. Their first pastor was Rev.
tii M.M. Marshall. In 1925 a frame
building was erected, and the present
brick structure was built in 1966. In
1919 Port Wentworth and Halycondale
were a charge with Rev. J.H. Wilson,
pastor. In 1931 it was on Savannah City Mission with Pierce Memorial. It had 126
members receiving 16 on profession of faith and 14 by certificate. In 1940 it was a
station church with 194 members and Rev. Oscar Bell was pastor.
1982 Membership: 709
Member entering ministry: Wayne Hamilton
RICHMOND HILL James E. Duke, Jr., Pastor
Richmond Hill, Georgia
This church was organized on April 26, 1942, by twenty-eight charter members,
most of whom came from the Clyde Methodist Church which was in the Ft. Stewart
281
area. The first pastor was Rev. P.T.
Holloway. The congregation met in a
high school auditorium. The first
building, still in use, was erected in 1947
on land given by Mr. and Mrs. J.W. Gill.
The bell was brought from the old
church at Clyde. In 1950, the Curry An-
nex was added and, in 1957, the Ivey
Educational Building. The church was
formerly on a charge with Silk Hope
and Wildwood.
1982 Membership: 447
RINCON Michael D. Jarvis, Pastor
Savannah Ave. at 8th St., Rincon
This church was first organized in 1894
and met in a house owned by Mr. Dave
Joyner. Most of the charter members
came from the Goshen church. The first
pastor was Rev. R.N. Booth. In 1896,
the congregation erected a one-room
frame building with a small steeple.
When it was destroyed by a fire caused
by lightning in 1918, the church was rebuilt the same year. The present building
was erected in 1968, and the first service was held on Easter Sunday. The church
when organized was on the Goshen-Clyo charge.
1982 Membership: 375
Members entering ministry: Madison Morgan, Jr.
SAVANNAH, ALDERSGATE
2020 Tennesse Avenue, Savannah, Georgia
On June 12,1938, a meeting was held at
Trinity Church under the leadership of
Rev. J.R. Webb, Sr. to discuss
establishing a church in the Avondale
community. After a survey indicating
sufficient interest, Rev. G. Reid Smith
conducted a revival in a tabernacle on
the corner of Indiana and Ohio Ave. in
August, 1938. From this meeting the
church was organized with Rev. Smith as its first pastor. The tabernacle which had
homemade benches and a sawdust floor was enclosed to become the first sanctuary.
In 1948 a new building was erected; a youth building was added in 1954 and ex-
panded in 1959. The present sanctuary was erected in 1956.
1982 Membership: 637
Members entering ministry: Donald R. Youmans
David Ayco*ck, Sr., Pastor
282
SAVANNAH, ASBURY
Lenton Powell, Pastor
1201 Abercorn Street, Savannah
The roots of this church extend to the
beginnings of Methodism in Savannah
with the early Societies, Wesley Chapel,
and Andrew Chapel. With the disrup-
tion of the Civil War, there was a period
when a small group of Blacks continued
services without affiliation with any ma-
jor body. In 1871, Rev. Charles O. Fisher
of the Methodist Episcopal Church organized Asbury with 50 members. First a mis-
sion, then a chapel it moved from a store front on Gwinnett and West Broad to a
church building near the old Union Station, then to the newly erected building on
Gwinnett and West Broad Sts. This was a simple frame construction with steps
leading up to a main entrance with a steeple overhead. The windows were replaced
by stained glass about 1900. In 1927, the church moved to the present site, which
was purchased from a Baptist congregation. It is brick with modern gothic design
and stained glass windows. Haven Home was begun in 1881 by the Womans Home
Mission Society of the Northern Church and the students and teachers of this
school were a vital part of this church. The first troop of Boy Scouts for a Negro
group in Savannah, organized by Mr. S.L. White, a member of Asbury, met in the
church. Mrs. J.H". Taggart, wife of the pastor of Asbury from 1948-56, started the
Bethlehem Center, a day care facility for Negro children. Later in cooperation with
the Womans Division of the Board of Mission and other churches womens
societies the center was enlarged and developed into the Wesley Community
Center. Bishop L. Scott Allen served as pastor of this church before he was elected
a bishop in 1967. This church became a part of the Savannah District when the
Coastal District of the North Georgia Conference merged with the South Georgia
Conference in June 1972. In the period of the Central Jurisdiction of The
Methodist Church, Asbury was host to the annual meeting of the Savannah Con-
ference in 1940,1944,1948 and the Georgia Conference in 1965.
1982 Membership: 558
Members entering ministry: Harry Gordon, Isaac Priester, Marvin Kirkland, Rev. Tinnell, Rev. Harrell
SAVANNAH, ASBURY MEMORIAL
1008 E. Henry Street, Savannah
This church began when a small group
of residents of East Side, Savannah, met
in a little storeroom at 1007 E. Park
Ave. to organize the Asbury Sunday
School. Their eventual objective was to
organize a church. Mr. C.P. Miller, a
member of Trinity, assumed respon-
sibility for the $6.00 per month rent for
the storeroom. On March 7, 1909, the
church was organized. The same year, the congregation erected a frame building,
283
Harold Jennings, Jr., Pastor
holding the first service on July 4. Additions were made during the next eight years,
and the present building was built in 1922.
1982 Membership: 413
Members entering ministry: C.E. Ned Steele, David C. Seyle
SAVANNAH, CLAYTON P. MILLER J. Scott Douglas, Pastor
2401 Elgin Street, Savannah
Organized as Tattnall Homes Com-
munity Church, this church first held
services in a tent. A revival was con-
ducted with Rev. W.A. Kelley preaching
which added new members. The church
was officially organized on Dec. 1, 1950,
in the home of Mr. and Mrs. H. J. Roun-
tree. The first pastor was Rev. John R.
Blackwell. The first building was erected in 1952, and the present building in 1968.
The church was named for an outstanding member of Trinity church. The first
woman to be granted a license to preach in the South Georgia Conference, Mrs. J.E.
Bazemore, was a member of this congregation.
1982 Membership: 328
Members entered ministry: C.H. Donaldson, W.E. Allen, J. W. Deas, Jr., C.R. Thomas, Mrs. J.E.
Bazemore, J.E. Bazemore, E.H. Brooks, Leonard Mincey, D.E. Pollette, James Marion Elder, Robert
H. Stalnaker
Fred Glover, Pastor
5411 Skidaway Road, Savannah
The first church of any denomination to:
serve this area, this church was or-
ganized on May 2, 1954. At first the 67
charter members met in a kindergarten.
The first pastor was Rev. Kermit Jones,,
who served as a supply; the first full-
time pastor was Rev. W. Raymond
Wilder. The sanctuary was constructed!
in 1955; an annex was added in 1957 and an educational building in 1960.
1982 Membership: 530
SAVANNAH, EPWORTH R.L. Herrington, Pastor
Bull and 38th Streets, Savannah
Started by members of Trinity Church, this church was organized in 1883 in the'
home of C.W. Winningham. It was at first named Marvin Mission sifter Bishop
Marvin and was later known as the Seventh Street Methodist Church. The first!
building was erected in 1883 and a second in 1890. While the second building was?
being constructed, the congregation met in a room on Whitaker and 35th Streets-
284
SAVANNAH, co*kESBURY
land in the Second Presbyterian Church.
The first pastor was Rev. J.M. Mather.
The present building was erected in
1912-1914, and additions were made
land the sanctuary remodeled in
1960-1961.
1982 Membership: 716
Members entering ministry: Marcus V. Tripp
SAVANNAH, GARDEN CITY
Merle Hill, Pastor
62 Vamedoe Avenue, Garden City
The meeting that led to the establish-
ment of this church was held in the
home of Mr. and Mrs. L.F. Johnston
with 18 people present. L.H. Smith gave
land for the church and a tent was
erected on it and the first service held
on September 18,1940. The church was
officially organized on October 13,1940,
and the first pastor was Rev. J.R. Blackwell. Although the church uses its com-
munitys name, its official name is Memorial because the building was built in 1943
with memorial gifts and much labor contributed by the members. In earlier days, it
was a member of the Wildwood charge.
1982 Membership: 315
SAVANNAH, GRACE
Bruce M. Wilson, Pastor
Waters Road at Cornell Avenue, Savannah
Originally named New Houston Street
Church, this church was established in
1877. The first frame building was
erected that same year by the manual
labor of the membership. The ladies
sold cakes and homemade ice cream to
raise funds. It was located at Park
Avenue and Jefferson St. The first
pastor was Rev. J.H. Caster. In 1890 a
second building was erected with the aid of Robert Mclntire and Savannah
Methodism. At this time the name was changed to Grace. A three-story, 38
classroom educational building was added in 1930. The present building on Waters
Road was built in 1961.
1982 Membership: 922
Members entering ministry: Derek W. McAleer
285
SAVANNAH, INNER CITY
James W. Smith, Jr., Pastor
Thomas Schley, Associate
522 E. Oglethorpe Avenue, Savannah
This church began as the result of a survey conducted by the Methodist Men of
Savannah under the direction of Rev. Frank Robertson, Savannah District
Superintendent, and Rev. William Whipple. In the fall of 1961 they visited through
the Fred Wessels Community and determined that a church was desirable. The
first service was held in an apartment at 552 E. Oglethorpe Avenue on December 3,
1961. At a revival held in December three people joined the church. Rev. Whipple
served the Inner City Mission part-time
until Rev. Sammy Clark was assigned as
the first full-time pastor in June 1962.
The church was officially organized
September 23, 1962, and by the end of
the year they had 50 members, 20 hav-
ing joined on profession of faith. Much
of the program was carried by
volunteers from other churches who
came to help. In May 1963 the church
moved into the two-story brick building
at 123 E. Broad Street. An educational and weekday program was instituted, and a
mission project was begun in Riverside Gardens, a housing project. In July 1968 the
Inner City Community Center Inc. began.
1982 Membership: 79
KING MEMORIAL
1629 Chester Street, Savannah
The movement to found this church was
led by Rev. Jackson S. Stripling, a
retired minister, Rev. Scott Allen,
pastor of Asbury, and Rev. Delpheno,
pastor of Palen. In 1945 the church was
organized and first met in a store at
1444 Augusta Avenue. In 1946, it met
for a while in a tent and then purchased a building on Augusta Avenue and Densler
Street. In 1963 the congregation bought the building which had housed West Side
Methodist and refurbished and remodeled it. An adjoining lot was also purchased.
Rev. Jackson S. Stripling was the first pastor.
1982 Membership: 28
SAVANNAH, ISLE OF HOPE James H. Rush, Pastor
Parkersburg Road, Savannah
Organized on the mainland in 1851, this church moved to Isle of Hope in 1859 to a
site given by Dr. Stephen Dupon. The building erected at that time remains in use.
286
It has a gallery originally used for
slaves. The original 5-inch door keys
hang outside the door as evidence of
hospitality to all who wish to worship.
During the Civil War, the church was
used as a hospital. Union troops melted
the church bell to make cannon balls.
The graves of thirty-three young
volunteers from Effingham County lie
in the cemetery. An educational
building was constructed in 1951.
1981 Membership: 1094
Members entering ministry: Charles L. Houston, Jr., Holland L. Morgan, Allison Rhodes Morgan
SAVANNAH, PALEN-MT. ZION CHARGE Frank Jenkins, Jr., Pastor
PALEN
1907 Burroughs Street, Savannah
Twelve members meeting in the home
of Mrs. Frances Shepard at Berrien
Street and Lumber Lane organized the
church in 1896. The church was named
in honor of Agnes Palen, Secretary of
the Georgia Bureau of Womans Home
Missionary Society. The first pastor was
Rev. Pompey Gibson. The first building of wood was built in 1913 by C.W. Pro-
thero and William Daniels. In 1920 the present building constructed of bricks from
native clay and featuring windows of heavy colored glass was completed by Willaim
Daniels. The Annual Conference met here under the leadership of Bishop J.W.E.
Bowen.
1982 Membership: 223
Members entered ministry: William Lockwood, Calvin Lawton, Lee Jones
MT. ZION
2911 Arctic Avenue, Savannah
This church was organized in 1864 and
first held services under a brush arbor.
Among its earliest pastors were Rev.
Black and Rev. Mabhey. In 1879 the
first building, a wooden structure, was
erected. The present brick building with
its unusually broad steeple was erected
in 1927. Mt. Zion was earlier on the
Speedwell charge.
1982 Membership: 31
287
SAVANNAH, ROBERT McINTIRE
1948. The first pastor was Rev. David A.
1982 Membership: 402
SAVANNAH, ST. LUKE
G. Grover Bell, Pastor
Bull and 54th Streets, Savannah
This church was established in 1947
with the help of Trinity Church and
named for a member of Trinity.
However, it had its beginnings in Pierce
Chapel which was organized in 1913 and
was located on W. 56th Street and later
at Barnard and 59th Streets. The
present brick building was erected in
Duck.
Bob Mark Moon, Pastor
9114 Whitefield Road
According to the 1964 MINUTES of the
conference, this church was officially
organized during 1964. The record for
the next year shows that 106 persons
came from other Methodist Churches to
help this church begin. Rev. J. Don Jor-
dan was assigned as the pastor. It had
both a church building and a parsonage
and reported no debt on any of it. The
Sunday School had 57 children from birth to 11 years of age. It had 37 baptized
children under 16 on its preparatory roll. 22 youth and 25 adults in the rest of the
Sunday School.
1982 Membership: 195
SAVANNAH, SPEEDWELL
Joseph Roberson, Pastor
7259 Skidaway Road, Savannah
In the 1880s, Miss Viola E. Baldwin, a
white missionary, held a Sunday School
under a tree, now called the Historical
Oak. As the group grew the classes
were held in the Hines Chapel African
Methodist Church, the Gospel
Messenger Society Hall, and a log cabin.
The church was organized from this
Sunday School in 1884 and the first building erected in that year or soon after. The
first pastor was Rev. J. Biggham. The first building burned in 1932. The congrega-
tion bought property and used the building standing on it as the church. The
present building was built in 1971 and consecrated in 1972.
1982 Membership: 187
Member entering ministry: Lee Jenkisn, Jr.
288
SAVANNAH, TRINITY
Sanford Brown, Pastor
127 Barnard at President, St., Savannah
On February 5,1736, Rev. John Wesley
landed in Savannah and held regular
preaching services on a lot fronting on
St. James Square, now Telfair Square,
where Trinity would be built. There
were preachers assigned to Savannah
from the beginning of Methodism in
America, but Rev. James Russell was
the assigned preacher who built Wesley Chapel, the first Methodist Chapel in
Savannah, in 1812-13. Mr. Russell cut the logs and floated them down the Savan-
nah, and personally went into debt, to actually construct the two-story wooden
building at the corner of Lincoln St. and Oglethorpe Ave. Bishop Francis Asbury
preached in this building and dedicated it. There were 27 white and 25 black
members. This was the beginning for Trinity and Asbury Churches. When this
building grew too small, it was decided to relocate, though for a few years a small
number remained at Wesley Chapel. The present location was chosen and the
present building, designed by architect John B. Hogg, was erected in 1848 with
dedication in 1850. On completion the church was renamed Trinity. An educational
building was added in 1927; the whole was renovated, restoring the sanctuary to the
original 1848 design in 1967. Trinity has been instrumental in founding these
churches in Savannah: Wesley Monumental, Epworth, Asbury Memorial, Grace,
Aldersgate, Wesley Oak, Robert Me Intire and White Bluff. It also had a hand in
helping with beginnings of churches in the surrounding area.
1982 Membership: 963
Members entering ministry: C. Rabon Stephens
SAVANNAH, WESLEY MONUMENTAL A. Jason Shirah, Pastor
Edwin Chase, Min. of Counseling
429 Abercom Avenue, Savannah
On January 19, 1868, 54 members
organized this church which first met in
Chatham Academy. The first pastor was
Rev. D.D. Cox. As a second building, the
congregation used a small church owned
by Trinity Church and called the Coffee
Pot Church. In 1874 Rev. A.M. Wynn
was assigned as pastor for the purpose
of building a monument to the Wesleys.
Money for the building was raised by
popular subscription from people all
over the U.S. and England. Trinity
\
i >
289
Church and Robert Mclntire, a prominent layman, had a great part in the effort.
The name Wesley Monumental was first used on the occasion of laying the cor-
nerstone, August 10, 1875. The congregation moved into the basem*nt of the un-
finished building on May 12, 1878, almost three years after the groundbreaking.
The building, which the Savannah Morning News called a magnificent monu-
ment, was dedicated on March 31,1890.
1982 Membership: 1201
SAVANNAH, WESLEY OAK J. LeRoy Hendrix, Pastor
Mechanics and Dale Avenues, Thunderbolt
This church was formed when the
Methodists who worshipped at the
Union Church asked the South Georgia
Conference to assign them a pastor in
1910. At that time the Meldrim-Wesley
Oak Charge was formed. The first:
pastors were Rev. T.D. Strong and John:
Swain, a supply. The congregation at:
first met in the Union Church and then constructed a tabernacle with sawdust oni
the ground. The present building was erected in 1913-1915. The church was named!
because of the large live oak tree near the river where John Wesley was said to have:
preached to the Indians and early settlers.
1982 Membership: 139
SAVANNAH, WHITE BLUFF
11119 White Bluff Road, Savannah
The Savannah Board of Missions
bought the property on White Bluff
Road in December 1958 for the purpose
of organizing a new church. In March,
1959, a revival was held with Rev. W.A.
Kelley preaching to launch the church.
And on March 29,1959, the church was
formally organized with 114 members.
Rev. Thomas H. Johnson was the first
pastor. The congregation first met in a block building, then on June 18,1961 broke
ground for the first unit of their plan, a social hall to be used initially as a sanc-
tuary. The second unit was built in 1971.
1982 Membership: 1701
Members entered ministry: Roy Smoak, Rentier L. Brady III, Joan Edington
William E. McTier, Jr., Pastor'
Jerry M. Woodbery, Associate:
290
SAVANNAH, WHITEFIELD
718 East 55th Street, Savannah
A. Carl Bishop, Pastor
This church was organized on Oct. 10,
1948, with 164 charter members. In that
year the Board of City Missions and Dr.
H.T. Freeman, District Superintendent,
secured the site and bought from the
United States Government the Main
Post Chapel at Hunter Air Force Base.
The building was moved to its present
site with difficulty it had to be sawed into two pieces, moved, and reconstructed.
The first pastor was Rev. Edward H. Carruth. The church was named in honor of
the evangelistic work in Savannah of Rev. George Whitefield, in 1740.
1982 Membership: 345
SAVANNAH, WILDWOOD-SILK HOPE Dwight Bishop, Pastor
WILDWOOD
5528 Garrard Avenue, Savannah
This church is the result of a Sunday
School begun by a Methodist lady and a
Baptist lady in the Wildwood area. It
began officially as an interdenomina-
tional effort to teach the many children
in the area. On a rainy Sunday after-
noon, Mrs. Wildes gathered 15
youngsters in her car and with 10 others
they had the first meeting in Mrs. Whites home. Though all denominations were
invited to the official start on September 23,1928, only Rev. B.A. Pafford, pastor of
Asbury Memorial Methodist and Rev. Mathis of Emmanuel Baptist Church came.
The church was organized from this start 11 years later. Meeting in the Wildwood
Community Center Wildwood Church was organized in 1939. Rev. James W. May
was the first pastor. An educational building was added to the original building in
1960.
Membership: 118
SILK HOPE
Ogeechee Road, South Savannah
The Silk Hope Community is on the site
of the old Silk Hope Plantation about 5
miles south of Savannah. In the summer
of 1939, Rev. James W. May, a theology
student, was assigned by the Savannah
District superintendent, Rev. James R.
Webb, Sr., to begin a Sunday School in
this community. On June 25, 1939, in a
borrowed building, Munns Tavern, all
41 persons in the community came to the
291
organizing of the Sunday School. Dr. Knight, from Trinity, had sent out 30 chairs
and later offered to pay for the lumber to build benches and buy hymnals. By the
end of the summer the enrollment of the Sunday School was 60. That fall at the an-
nual conference a pastor was assigned to the Pierce Memorial Circuit which in-
cluded Wildwood, Silk Hope, Pierce Memorial and Isle of Hope. Rev. P.T. Hollo-
way was the new pastor. By the end of the summer, the owner of the Silk Hope Sub-
division had promised a one acre lot across from the tavern for the church.
1982 Membership: 111
SAVANNAH, WILMINGTON ISLAND James B. Jensen, Pastor
John Beck, Associate
216-A Wilmington Island, Road, Savannah
In December 1959, under the sponsor-
ship of Aldersgate Methodist Church
with Rev. Harry Moore, pastor, and the
Savannah Methodist City Board of Mis-
sions this church was begun and official-
ly constituted on January 24,1960, with
41 members including children. Rev.
Robert E. Barnes was assigned as the
first pastor. Land was purchased and the first unit begun. By the report to the con-
ference in 1961, there were 110 members, 38 having come by certificate from other
Methodist churches with the average attendance of 65 at worship service. There
were 11 known tithers, 89 members of the Sunday School with an average attend-
ance of 55. The W.S.C.S. had 19 members and Methodist Men 22 members. The
church building was valued at $3600.
1982 Membership: 936
SAVANNAH, WOOD LAWN
U.S. 80 West and Talmadge Ave., Savannah
Rev. Tom Johnson, Rev. Gilbert
Ramsey, and Rev. Anthony Hearn met
March 1957 with laymen to discuss
establishing a church in the Woodlawn
Terrace subdivision. The first services
were held in the home of Mr. and Mrs.
Henry Murphy and the church was for-
mally organized on July 27,1957 with 70
members. Rev. J.E. Bazemore con-
ducted the first services, and Rev. Henry Thomas was the first full-time pastor.
The congregation first met in a tent until the church was finished in April, 1958.
The building was dedicated in 1965 and remodeled in 1971.
1982 Membership: 171
Robert E. Daniel, Pastor
292
SPRINGFIELD
John Deas, Jr., Pastor
This church may have been organized as
early as 1831, but was definitely in ex-
istence by 1835-1836. The conference
records show that Rev. T.C. Benning
was the pastor in 1835-36, though it is
believed that Rev. Lewis Myers was the
first and earlier pastor. These early
records also record 284 white members
and 166 black members in 1836-37. In 1919, this church was part of the Springfield
Circuit with Rev. S.W. Brown, pastor, and these churches: Springfield, Silver Hill,
Mizpah, Turkey Branch, and Union. In 1940 the circuit was composed of the same
churches except Union. Clyo replaced Union. In the 1962 Springfield became a sta-
tion church.
Ga. Hwy. 21, Effingham County
1982 Membership: 469
' Members entered ministry: James C. Varnell, Jr., Ernest Seckinger, Marion Edwards, William G.
i Edwards, Vernon Edwards
TURKEY BRANCH Richard N. Webb, Pastor
Middle Ground Road, 4 VI M NW Springfield
In 1785 in Effingham County this
church was begun by Gideon Mallette.
The first building was of logs and about
30 yards South of the present location.
The present church was built in 1858 of
lumber sawed by water mill. It was a
frame house just weather-boarded,
floored and ceiled overhead. In 1894 a
committee was named to complete the
church and paint it. In 1940 the pews were changed and a center aisle made. Sun-
day School rooms, a porch over the entrance, and a metal roof instead of shingles
were also added. In 1951 it was renovated inside and out with new pews and
funishings and new siding and steps outside. Additional classrooms and a social
hall were added. This later was enlarged in 1954. Among the first preachers serving
this church were Hope Hull, Hezekiah Arnold, Samuel Dunwoody and James H.
Millard. It was on several circuits, Savannah Town, Burke and Savannah Circuit
and Springfield Ct.
1982 Membership: 55
Members entering ministry: Tom Morgan, Thos J. Morgan, J.C. Giner, J.B. Griner, O.G. Mingledorff,
Clifford J. Mallette, Cooper Rahn, Loy Scott, Leon Edwards, George Giner
TYBEE ISLAND Enoch L. Hendry, Pastor
TRINITY CHAPEL
Butler Ave. at Tenth St., Savannah Beach
This church was organized in 1939 under the leadership of Robert Price, an Emory
293
student. The first pastor was Rev. Leon
Edwards. The first building, erected in
1924, was the first Protestant church on
the island and used by Methodist, Bap-
tists, Christians, and Presbyterians. It
was built by public subscription on a lot
given by the Tybee Beach Company. In
1947 the Methodists constructed the
present building. Just six weeks after it
was open for services, a hurricane
destroyed the original building, which had ceased to be used as a church and was
deconsecrated on October 26,1947. This church has gone by several names in the
records of the conference, Savannah mission, Tybee, Trinity Chapel, Savannah
Beach and in 1983 as Tybee Island.
1982 Membership: 159
294
STATESBORO DISTRICT
Elick S. Bullington, Superintendent
106 N. Edgewood Drive, Statesboro
This is the newest district in this con-
ference, having been created, in 1963,
from portions of the Savannah, Dublin,
Macon, Americus and Waycross
Districts. Some of the churches in this
district are among the oldest in the con-
ference and have had many districts
since the early Oconee and Ogeechee
Districts. Other churches in the area
have been in one or more of these
districts, Athens, Augusta, Mil-
ledgeville, Oconee, Altamaha,
Sandersville, Hinesville, North Macon, South Macon, Dublin, Macon, McRae,
Savannah and Coastal. Once in the early 1900s there was a Statesboro District for
one year. Since there were no district parsonages at that time, it is assumed that
this was the town where the superintendent was boarding. In 1983 this district had
44 charges with 93 churches and 15,534 members.
BAXLEY FIRST Henry K. Erwin, Pastor
FIRST
Main and Anthony Streets, Baxley, Georgia
This church was organized in 1881. The
first building was small and boxlike, and
Rev. J.W. Stallings was the pastor. In
1894, a frame building with stained
glass windows was built. In 1927, more
land was bought adjoining the church
and in 1929, during the pastorate of
Rev. M.A. Shaw, the present sanctuary and a three-storied educational building
were completed. In 1954, a new parsonage was completed. Under the pastorate of
Rev. Thomas H. Johnson a new chapel and educational building were completed.
The church was the Church of the Year in 1964-65 and 1967-68. This church was in
the McRae District until it was dissolved in 1931, then in the Waycross District un-
til 1963 when the Statesboro District was formed.
1982 Membership: 573
295
GRAHAM
Ga. Hwy. 289, Appling County
The Graham Methodist Church was
organized around 1885. The first
building was erected in 1885-86. In
1918, this church was head of the
Graham Circuit with Rev. S.W. Snead,
pastor. It had five churches: Graham,
Zoar, Philadelphia, Hearns Chapel and
Rocky Branch. In 1940, Graham was on
the Hazelhurst Charge, Rev. T.N. Tinsley pastor, with Hazelhurst and
Philadelphia in the Waycross District. In 1946, the church was put on the charge
with Baxley First, with Rev. A.W. Quillian, Jr., pastor. In 1962, with Baxley it
became a part of the newly formed Statesboro District and Rev. L.E. Williams con-
tinued to serve as the pastor for the fourth year.
1982 Membership: 127
NORTH BAXLEY CIRCUIT
Lamar Rabun, Pastor
ASBURY
North Baxley Drive, Appling County
Organized in 1912 in the Moody School
House, this church, was named for
Bishop Frances Asbury. When more
room was needed, a brush arbor was
added to a shelter on J.M. Hutchinsons
farm. In 1917, a one-room frame
building was erected. It was painted in
1941. In 1939, Rev. J.A. Godfrey held the first Vacation Bible School. He rode all
around the community picking up pupils until his car, running boards, and fenders
would be overflowing. He planted the seed for a concern for Christian education.
During the mid 1940s, a Methodist Youth Fellowship and WSCS were organized.
Five new Sunday School rooms were built and dedicated in 1948 and new pews
given as memorials.
1982 Membership: 178
Members entering ministry: Pearly Beasley, H.H. Edenfield, and J.B. Hutchinson.
MELTONS CHAPEL
Northern part of Appling County
Organized in 1886 as a Union Church,
the church first included Methodists
and Baptists. Later the Baptists
withdrew, and the church was named
Meltons Chapel for Mr. G.T. Melton.
In 1886, the first structure was
destroyed by a tornado. In 1904, a
perfect example of rural church ar-
296
chitecture was erected. Sunday School rooms, fellowship hall, kitchen, and shrub-
bery have been added. For several years the church has had a Lords Acre pro-
gram using the money for improvements to the church. In 1918, Meltons Chapel
was on the Baxley Circuit, McRae District with Rev. Ike Chambers pastor. There
were five churches: Crosby, Asbury, Meltons Chapel, Hopewell and Midway. In
1940, Zoar was added to the circuit.
1982 Membership: 134
ZOAR
Appling County
This church was the second established in Appling County. The little log building
was used for some time as a schoolhouse as well as a church. Old records show that
Negroes and whites were members. An old record states that in 1870 there were 56
infants baptized. The present building, the third one, was put up in 1897. The pews
were built in Macon, shipped to Graham, and hauled to the church in wagons. In
1918, S.W. Snead was pastor on the
Graham Circuit, McRae District. He
had Graham, Zoar, Philadelphia,
Hearns Chapel and Rocky Branch. In
1940, Zoar was on the Baxley Circuit,
Waycross District, with Asbury,
Crosbys Chapel, Hopewell, Melton and
Midway. Rev. J.G. Godfrey was the
pastor and Rev. F.M. Gaines the
District Superintendent.
1982 Membership: 52
SOUTH BAXLEY CIRCUIT Jack Taylor, Pastor
CROSBY CHAPEL
South of Baxley, Georgia
In 1916, a revival was conducted by Rev.
Horace Freeman in a brush arbor. The
result was a spiritual awakening. Ten
people organized the Methodist Church.
Mrs. Ada Crosby gave the land for the
church; so it was named Crosby Chapel.
Rev. R.P. Fain was the pastor on the
Baxley Circuit and Mr. Freeman pastor
at Baxley, First. These churches were in the McRae District. In 1918, Rev. I.K.
Chambers was the pastor with five churches: Crosby, Asbury, Melton, Hopewell
and Midway. In 1940, Zoar was added to these and the McRae District had been
dissolved. This circuit was now in the Waycross District. By 1968, these churches
had been divided into two circuits with Crosby, Hopewell and Corinth Churches on
the South Baxley Charge, Statesboro District. Rev. Tom Oliver was in his fifth year
297
as their pastor. In 1982, Corinth United Methodist Church merged with Crosby
Chapel.
1982 Membership: 50
Members entering ministry: E.D. Willard, W.R. Douglas
HOPEWELL
South of Baxley, Georgia
After the church was founded in 1860,
the original building was used as a
school as well as church. This burned in
1880 and a second building erected. The
present church was built in 1904, Rev.
J.P. Dickinson was the pastor. Hopewell
was a pioneer in the modern budget
system of the Baxley Circuit in 1943. In
1918, Rev. I.K. Chambers was pastor of the Baxley Circuit with Crosby Chapel,
Asbury, Meltons Chapel, Hopewell, and Midway. Zoar was added later. This cir-
cuit was in the McRae District until 1930 when it was dissolved and this charge was
placed in the Waycross District. In 1927, the MINUTES show a junior preacher,
Rev. Albert Outler, assigned to the Baxley Circuit; Rev. E.A. Sanders was the
pastor. In 1957, the Baxley Circuit was divided into two circuits: North Baxley Cir-
cuit Asbury, Melton, Zoar; South Baxley Circuit Crosbys, Johnson,
Bobby Norwood, Pastor
BELLVILLE
Ga. Hwy. 169 and US Hwy. 280, Bellville, Ga.
In 1891, twelve people organized the
church in a schoolhouse. A year later, a
frame building was built at a cost of
$1,000. Rev. E.A. Sanders was the first
pastor. In 1946, during pastorate of Rev.
R.E. Liorens a brick church was fin-
ished. During the four years that Rev.
C.H. Donaldson was the pastor a social
hall and steeple were added in 1961. Between 1975-80, stained glass windows have
been installed. In 1957, Bellville became head of the Bellville Charge with Sikes
and Union churches. Bellville was in the Savannah District until the Statesboro
District was formed in 1963.
1982 Membership: 113
Hopewell, Midway and Milligan.
1982 Membership: 157
Members entering ministry: Edward E. Deen
BELLVILLE CHARGE
SIKES CHAPEL
Off Ga. Hwy. 169
Sikes Chapel, in North Evans County, was organized in 1907 in a schoolhouse. It
298
was named for the E. Hamfie Sikes
family. The first building was a wooden
building which was blown down in 1932.
In 1961 a brick church was erected on
the same site. A porch was included for
after service fellowship. In 1968, dur-
ing Rev. Leland Collins pastorate, new
pews, piano, as well as, tables and chairs
for the fellowship hall, were purchased.
Sikes Church was on the Hagan Charge
before it was placed with Bellville, in 1957, when the Bellville Charge was formed.
1982 Membership: 89
BETHEL BRICK John Powell, Pastor
Route 1 near Burton Ferry, Sylvania, Ga.
Officially named Bethel when it was
organized in a plantation home, it is bet-
ter known as Brick, so called by the
slaves who built the church from native
clay. The brick building was erected to
replace the first building of logs. Prob-
ably these slaves who actually built the
building were also members, for the
1859 MINUTES of the Conference
members. The first preachers were the
evangelists and circuit riders who came this way to cross the river on Burton Ferry.
Bishop Francis Asbury preached here in this building, as did Bishops McKendree
and Andrews after him. This church has a long history on the circuits of this area,
and is probably the oldest church in Screven County with continuous services. In
1981, it became a station church. It is one of the Conference Historical Sites.
1982 Membership: 76
Members entering ministry: W.C. Lovett, James M. Lovett, W.C. Wade, Olan W. Stubbs, Jr.
BROOKLET-HUBERT Richard Earl Turner, Pastor
BROOKLET
US Hwy. 80, Brooklet, Georgia
In 1904, some of the members of Har-
mony Church who lived in the new town
of Brooklet organized a new church.
Later Harmony was abandoned. The
first building was of wood. The present
brick building was open for service on
January 27, 1952. In 1957, during the
pastorate of Rev. Ernest Veal, an organ
was purchased and, while W.E. Chappie was pastor, a Sunday School annex built.
During 1974, the church was redecorated and the stained glass windows added. In
299
1919, Brooklet was listed in the MINUTES as Brooklet-New Hope with Harwell as
part of the charge. In 1940, the Brooklet charge was Brooklet, New Hope, Egypt
and Oliver. In 1968, when Brooklet became a station, New Hope and Nevils formed
a separate charge. In 1969, they purchased a new parsonage.
1982 Membership: 248
HUBERT
River Road, Bulloch County
The roots of this church reach back to
1877 when the MacDonnell Church was
established on Old River Road at which
time Rev. G.G.N. MacDonnell was the
Presiding Elder of the Savannah
District. In 1884, he gave a Bible to the
MacDonnell Church as a token of ap-
preciation for the churchs name.
Hubert Church still has the Bible. Yet the 1898 Minutes of the MacDonnells
Womens Foreign Missionary Society tells of a letter from our own Mrs. Robb
MacDonnell in which she recounts her visit to Mexico and the work there. This led
members of the Hubert Church to believe that the church may have been named
first for this woman missionary from the area. In 1893, the MacDonnell church
building was moved to Hubert community and renamed for the community. In re-
cent years it has been completely remodeled, inside and outside, and a social hall
and educational unit added. Services are held each Sunday.
1982 Membership: 55
Aubrey Bishop, Pastor
BUCK CREEK
Hwy. 24, out from Sylvania, Georgia
Named for the nearby creek, this church
was organized in 1875. The first church
was a small log building. The first
pastor was Rev. J.W. Flanders. Lumber
for the second building was hauled from
town on two wheeled carts. In 1939,
Sunday School rooms were added. Later
improvements included deep well, gas
heating, piano, organ and new pulpit furniture. In 1968, the church was brick
veneered and more Sunday School rooms added. Music was always a joyful addi-
tion to the life of this church. In 1933, the Sunday School supported a singing
school for the community. They enrolled 40 pupils who paid fifty cents each. For
two weeks a schedule like public school was held in the one room church, the pupils
bringing their lunches. A Mr. Peavy from Jesup taught the notes, rote singing, and
a chorus.
1982 Membership: 248
300
McBRIDE
Hwy. 24
On April 21, 1870, sixteen men and
twenty-eight women met in a brush ar-
bor to organize this church. The first
pastor was a Rev. Adams. The church
was named for a Mr. McBride. The
present wooden structure has been
enlarged. In 1919, McBride was on the
Bascom Circuit with Trinity, Bascom,
Union, McBride, Wesley, Hiltonia, Harmony, and Alexander. Rev. F.J. Jordan was
pastor. In 1940, it was on the Hiltonia Charge with Hiltonia, Bascom, Harmony,
Trinity, McBride, Wesley and Union.
1982 Membership: 157
Members entering ministry: E.B. Joiner, Leo Weaver
BULLOCH COUNTY CIRCUIT
Jody Robertson, Pastor
EUREKA
Route 2, Statesboro, Georgia
After this church was organized in 1890
in a school, some of the teachers served
as pastors. In 1910, Eureka was head of
the Eureka Circuit; Rev. Jesse Ford was
the pastor. In 1949, the individual
churches on the Eureka Circuit are
listed as Eureka, Langston, Marion, and
Williams Chapel with Rev. E.L. Padrich
as pastor. In 1940, Eureka was on the Rocky Ford Charge.
1982 Membership: 25
LANGSTON
RFD, Statesboro, Georgia
In 1903, this church was organized
under a large oak tree near the site of
the present church. The first pastor was
Rev. John P. Bross. The first building
was erected in 1903 and burned in 1910.
The present building was built in 1912.
In recent years it has been renovated
with an annex added for classrooms and
a fellowship hall. In 1919, this church was on the Eureka Circuit, Savannah
District, and in 1940, the Bulloch County Circuit, Savannah District. It became
part of the Statesboro District when that District was created.
1982 Membership: 85
Members entering ministry: Horace Bird, Larry Bird, Gary Carter
301
UNION
Route 2, Old River Rd., Statesboro, Ga.
Tradition says that Francis Asbury, the first bishop of American Methodism
preached here, as well as the hell-fire and damnation preacher, Lorenzo Dow.
Both are known to have been in this very area. The roots of Union church go back
into the beginning of settlers in this area. Organized about 1790, Union was the
first Methodist church in Bulloch county. The present building is a white frame
structure. In 1919 Union church was
part of the Bascom Circuit, Savannah
District, with Trinity, Bascom,
McBride, Wesley, Hilltonia, Harmony,
and Alexander. Rev. H.G. Shearouse
was assigned as pastor for 1920. In 1940
it was on the Hilltonia Circuit, Savan-
nah District, and in 1968 on the Bulloch
County Circuit, Statesboro District.
1982 Membership: 9
CLAXTON Carroll Crosby, Pastor
US Hwy. 301, Claxton, Georgia
Twenty-five members from the Brewton
Church first organized this church in
1892 in a masonic building where they
had been having prayer meetings and
Sunday School. It is the oldest con-
gregation of any denomination in the
city. The first pastor was Rev. C.S.J.
Strickland. In 1912 the present brick
building was erected with the following additions: 1940 education annex, later addi-
tional classrooms, a game room recreation hall and pastors study. Claxton became
a station in 1912 with Rev. C.T. Clark as pastor. It was in the McRae District with
Rev. L.A. Hill, P.E. Sunday School was closed from October 6, 1918, to December
29,1918, on account of the flu epidemic. The Senior Citizens of Evans County were
organized and sponsored by the Claxton Methodist Church. Claxton was the
Church of the Year for the Savannah District in 1961 and the Church of the Year
for the Statesboro District in 1971.
1982 Membership: 603
Members entering ministry: W. David Blalock
COBBTOWN-COLLINS Lucien Miller, Pastor
COBBTOWN
Ga. 23-121, Cobbtown, Georgia
On June 1, 1897, in a tent revival in Quince, Georgia (later to become Cobbtown)
five charter members formed a church. They were Mr. and Mrs. J.I. Davis, and
daughter, and Dr. and Mrs. J.H. Bowen. The first pastor was Rev. C.B. Cashwell. In
302
1897, the first church building and par-
sonage were built. In 1911, the present
church was erected. The first parsonage
was destroyed by fire and a new one was
constructed in 1948. In 1953, an educa-
tional building was completed. A new
sanctuary was built adjoining the educa-
tional building in 1965. A new par-
sonage was completed in 1970. In 1974,
a Fellowship Hall was added. In 1902,
Rev. Thomas Williams was pastor of the Quince Circuit, Dublin District, at which
time the Collins Church was organized. In 1919, Cobbtown Circuit, McRae District,
has five churches: Hebron, Cobbtown, Eason Chapel, Rogers Chapel and Roxie;
Rev. J.E. Channell, pastor. In 1940, Cobbtown was on the Tattnall Circuit, Savan-
nah District, with Collins, Mt. Moriah and Oak Grove and 1968 Cobbtown-Collins
with Roxie Memorial, Statesboro District.
1982 Membership: 108
Members entering ministry: Jerry T. Lott
COLLINS
Ga. 121-23, Ward and Holland Streets
Collins, Georgia
In 1902, eight people organized the
Methodist church in a Baptist church
which was used until a new church was
built. Rev. Thomas Williams of the
Quince (Cobbtown) Circuit preached.
The first building was frame. The
lumber was given by Uncle Luda
Walling, a lumberman in Collins. In 1950, extensive repairs were made to the
church. In 1956-57 a new two-story educational building was constructed. In 1964-
65 the sanctuary was remodeled. Collins has been on the same charge with Cobb-
town (Quince) since it began. It has been in the Dublin, Savannah, and Statesboro
Districts.
1982 Membership: 77
Members entering ministry: William A. Ellenwood.
EMORY CHAPEL-HARPERS CHAPEL David L. Rooks, Pastor
EMORY CHAPEL
Second Street, Jesup, Georgia
This church was organized under a
brush arbor in 1880. The first building
was on Hwy. 301. Later this was torn
down and moved to its present location.
This church was part of the Coastal
District of the North Georgia Con-
ference and in June 1972 merged with
the South Georgia Conference and
303
became part of the Statesboro District with Rev. D.L. Rooks as pastor and Rev.
C.C. Edmundson as district superintendent. This church was in the Georgia Con-
ference, Central Jurisdiction of the Methodist Church prior to the 1972 merger.
1982 Membership: 149
HARPER CHAPEL
207 Allen Street, Baxley, Georgia
In September 1873, twenty-five people
organized the church which was named
for Mrs. Haggi Harper who gave the
land. The first building was blown down
twice by storms. Each time the twenty-
five trailblazers rebuilt it. On April 25,
1967, due to urban renewal the church
moved. At this time it was brick
veneered, and mosiac windows, organ, piano, pew cushions, and carpeting were
added. This church became a part of the Statesboro District in June, 1972, when
the Coastal District of the North Georgia Conference merged with the South
Georgia Conference. Back in 1940 when the Methodist Episcopal Church,
Methodist Episcopal Church South, and the Methodist Protestant Churches
united to become the Methodist Church, this church became part of the Georgia
Conference.
1982 Membership: 192
Members entering ministry: N.H. Horne, H.R. Formay, Sr., John Peyton, C.A. Clark, W.M. Beaton,
David Rooks, Burlester /. Tillman, Jr.
FAIR HAVEN-HABERSHAM
Douglas H. Mays, Pastor
FAIR HAVEN
Jenkins County near Millen, Georgia
After this church was organized early in
the nineteenth century, the first
building was dedicated on November
29, 1857, by Bishop George F. Pierce.
The present building is the third to
house the congregation. When first
organized, services were held once a
month. In those horse and buggy days,
the preacher and his family came and stayed a week with one of the members. In
1919, this church was on the Midville Circuit, Dublin District, with Rev. A.P.
Segars, pastor. The churches on the circuit were: Fair Haven, Almire, Summer-
town, and Midville. In 1940, it was in the Savannah District on the charge with
Millen. In 1968, still with Millen, Rev. W.H. Ansley was the pastor.
1982 Membership: 89
304
[IS
HABERSHAM
Perkins, Georgia
Although the church was organized in
1860, the first building was not erected
until 1864. When they began the
building, it was the beginning of the
Civil War, and this partially built
building was one of the few not burned.
It was thought the church was spared
because the contractor left a masonic
symbol on his work. That building burned in 1949 and was replaced by the present
one. In 1979, a steeple was added to the church. A new parsonage was built in 1952.
In 1919, this church was on the Lawtonville Circuit, Savannah District, with Ellis
Chapel, St. Mark, Lawtonville, Rev. J.C. Griner, pastor. In 1968, it was on the Sar-
dis Charge with Sardis and Ellis Chapel in the Statesboro District.
D.R. Parker, Sr., Pastor
GARFIELD
Ga. Hwy. 23, Garfield, Georgia
In 1905, this church was organized and
Rev. E.C. Wills was the first pastor. Ac-
cording to the 1905 MINUTES of the
Conference, Garfield was a circuit with
three preaching places, but only two
houses of worship. It had one Epworth
League with 10 members; three Sunday
Schools with 18 officers and teachers
and 183 pupils; one Foreign Missionary Society with 16 members; and one Home
Missionary Society with four members. 29 persons joined on profession of faith
with 10 adults being baptized; 32 joined by certificate; 10 were removed by death or
otherwise. They had no parsonage and owed $65 on one of the houses of worship.
1982 Membership: 83
PAYNES CHAPEL
RFD, Garfield, Georgia
The beginnings for this church go back
to the first Methodist Societies in this
area, perhaps to meetings before
American Methodism was organized in
1784. Tradition says that Lorenzo Dow
probably preached at Jones Church
around the early 1800s and this church
was moved to Skulls Creek. This is the
third site of this early group of Methodists
and perhaps the third name. Paynes
1982 Membership: 109
GARFIELD CHARGE
305
Chapel, named in honor of Rev. Lewis B. Payne, appears in the 1919 MINUTES of
the Conference as being on the Garfield Circuit, Dublin District, along with Gar-
field, Union Grove and Mt. Pleasant, Rev. T.E. Murry was the pastor. (When Gar-
field was organized in 1905, it became the head of a circuit that already had two
churches with buildings; one of these probably was Paynes Chapel, though no
names are given.) In 1921-24, Paynes Chapel, was on the Rocky Ford Circuit in the
Savannah District. In 1925, it was placed again with Garfield and has been on that
charge since. In 1940, Canoochee Modoc and Pleasant Hill, Garfield and Paynes
made up the Garfield Circuit. Rev. Chester Gilbert was pastor.
1982 Membership: 94
GIRARD CHARGE Dan C. Wilson, Pastor
GIRARD
Ga. Hwy. 23, Girard, Georgia
In the MINUTES of the Conference
there is a Girard Circuit in the late
1800s before there is a church by that
name. This community between the
Savannah River and Brier Creek was an
important relay station during the
Revolutionary War, and after the war,
the station was renamed Girard, for a
Revolutionary leader. In 1909, the year that the Girard Church was organized and
its first building erected, the Girard Circuit had 567 members, 24 additions on pro-
fession of faith, 17 adults baptized, four houses of worship, one parsonage, and
$1,750 spent on a church building and/or parsonage. One member of the church
building committee gave the benches for the church, another the brick, and another
hauled everything to the site. The building committee became the first trustees of
the church. Rev. C.W. Littlejohn was the first pastor. In the late 1950s the church
was remodeled, the bell being put in the front steeple. The sanctuary was renovated
in 1980. This church has been head of the Girard Circuit with Bethany and
Bethesda since 1909; and with Bethel until 1981, when Bethel became a station.
1982 Membership: 35
BETHANY
Girard, Georgia
The deed to the land on which to build
this church is dated June 30, 1830; so
the organization of this church was near
this date. The first building was made of
logs. In June 1856, a new building was
erected for $1600. In 1945, the need for
more space activated a building pro-
gram that included a basem*nt,
classrooms, kitchen and social hall. Colored glass windows, carpeting, and heating
306
and cooling systems have been added, also. Another addition is being planned. In
1919, the first listing for the churches on circuits, the Girard Circuit had: Bethel,
Bethany, Bethesda and Girard. Rev. H.J. Graves was pastor, and Rev. Osgood F.
Cook was the Presiding Elder of the Savannah District. These four churches were
on the same charge for more than three-quarters of a century.
1982 Membership: 102
BETHESDA
Burke County near Waynesboro, Georgia
Although this church was organized in 1827, no records of its early building and
beginning were kept. In 1856, 2.5 acres of land was given for a new church, and a
wooden building was erected. In 1924, fire destroyed this building, and for several
years services were held in the school building. Since the school building had been
given to the church, they tore it down and used the material to build the present
building. This was in 1935 during the
four year pastorate of Rev. Roy L. Gard-
ner. The records for this Conference
show that this church has been on the
Girard Charge since 1919 and probably
before that time, but the records do not
give individual churches earlier.
1982 Membership: 34
GLENNVILLE CHARGE Leland C. Collins, Pastor
GLENNVILLE
116 S. Caswell Street, Glennville, Georgia
In 1890-91 in a school, twenty-seven
members organized the church. Rev.
S.F. Weitman was the first pastor. The
first and present wooden building was
erected in 1891. The Report of the
Board of Missions at Annual Con-
ference in 1899 gave this account:
Glennville Mission, served by Rev.
J.M. Rustin reports a successful year, 21 additions, paid pastor $215, and for all
purposes $788. An elegant new parsonage has been built. The Mission is con-
tinued. Glennville has been in the Dublin District, McRae District, Savannah and
Statesboro Districts. In 1919, the Glennville Circuit had three churches, Glennville,
Harmony and Hopewell with Rev. C.R. Phillips pastor. In 1940, there were the
same three churches and Mt. Pleasant; in 1968, only Glennville and Hopewell.
1982 Membership: 317
Members entering ministry: Terry DeLoach (Glennville-Hopewell Charge)
307
HOPEWELL
RFD, Glennville, Georgia
The Hopewell Methodist Church grew
out of a prayer meeting conducted by
Mother Stafford. Ezekiel Stafford and
his wife, Mary Jane, were born in South
Carolina about 1800. About 1825, they
came to Georgia and settled on the
banks of the Altamaha River, six miles
from the nearest neighbor. Ezekiel was
an infidel. Mother Stafford was raised
decidedly Christian. She saw the religious needs of her distant neighbors and began
prayer services among them. She would walk the distance, often alone. On one oc-
casion a forest fire was sweeping through the community and their humble homes
were doomed. After they fought until exhausted, with no success, Mother Stafford
said that they had done what they could and now must call on God. Down on their
knees they went. In less than thirty minutes a heavy rain was falling and the cabins
were saved. Eventually Ezekiel was converted and joined the church. A log home
was built in 1860. The present building was erected in 1890. Hopewell and Glenn-
ville have been on the same circuit for nearly 90 years.
1982 Membership: 53
HAGAN CHARGE Clarence Cawthon, Pastor
HAGAN
US Hwy. 280, Evans County
The roots of Methodism in this area go
back to 1835, when Ben Brewton, at the
request of his mother, built a log chapel
near Shumans Pond. Called Free
Church, it was open to all denomina-
tions. In 1854, the Methodists in Free
Church joined others to build a new
building in Brewtons Cemetery. Ben-
jamin Brewton gave the lumber. In 1899, when 40 members moved from Brewtons
Chapel to organize a church nearer their homes, Hagan Church was started and a
building erected. Rev. R.M. Booth was the pastor. In 1944, the old building was
torn down to make way for the new one, but during the eight years before it was
finished, the Methodist held services in the Hagan Baptist and Christian Churches.
Hagan has been in the McRae, Savannah, and Statesboro Districts. In 1940, the
Hagan Circuit had seven churches: Hagan, Bellville, Daisy, Eason, Manassas, Sikes
and Union.
1982 Membership: 125
Members entering ministry: H.C. Brewton, Asbury Brewton, M.C. Conley, Joe Parker
308
DAISY
US Hwy. 280,5 miles east of Claxton
This congregation was organized in 1894
in a Presbyterian Church. When they
later bought the old Daisy School for
$4,000, they named the church for it.
Rev. R.C. Norman was the first pastor.
The school was renovated, and the first
services were held in the sanctuary in
December. Today, the church is brick
with large white columns in front. Stained glass windows, an organ, and Memorial
Fellowship Hall have been added. In 1919, Rev. S.A. Hearn was pastor of Claxton
and Daisy. In 1940, Daisy was on the Hagan Circuit of seven churches including
Hagan, Daisy, Easons Chapel, Manassas, Sikes, Union and Bellville. It was in the
Savannah District and Rev. G.R. Partain was pastor.
1982 Membership: 192
EASONS CHAPEL
RFD, Hagan, Georgia
On February 14,1880, in a log cabin this
church was organized. When the first
church building was completed, the log
cabin church was turned into a par-
sonage. The frame building burned in
1927 and was replaced by another frame
building. In 1961, the present building
was built. Rev. J.D. Ayco*ck was the
pastor. Easons Chapel was on the Cobbtown Circuit in the McRael District in
1919, on the Hagan Circuit, Savannah District, in 1940 and in 1968 on the Hagan
Circuit, Statesboro District. Easons Chapel was Charge of the Year for the
Statesboro District in 1965.
1982 Membership: 104
Members entering ministry: H. Justin Eason, Henry Eason
HARMONY-MANASSAS CHARGE
HARMONY
Tattnall County
This church was begun in a brush arbor
in 1815. It is located two miles east of
Mendes, Georgia. The earliest listing of
individual church in circuits appears in
the 1919 MINUTES. That year Har-
mony is on the Glennville Circuit in the
McRae District with Hopewell and
Glennville. In 1940, it is on the Glenn-
Lyndal C. Hurley, Pastor
309
ville Circuit in the Savannah District with Mt. Peasant Church added to the three
others, Rev. J. Loy Scott, the pastor. In 1957, the Shiloh-Harmony Circuit was
begun and in 1968 the Shiloh-Harmony Charge with Rev. John G. Ivey had Har-
mony, Manassas, Mt. Carmel, and Shiloh. From 1963, the charge was in the
Statesboro District with the Harmony Circuit being made in 1973 including Mt.
Carmel, Harmony, and Manassas. Rev. Don Sparks was pastor.
1982 Membership: 203
MANASSAS
Ga. Hwy. 292, Tattnall County
In 1897, 30 people gathered in the
Eudora school to organize this congrega-
tion. The first pastor was Rev. I.C.
Jenkins. In 1902, the church moved to
Manassas just west of town. Manassas is
the only Methodist church in the county
tfSjifiiiliiii ~r ' "i i i 'ifr---Pf with an Indian name. Rev. J.T. Budd
was the pastor of the Hagan Circuit in
1919 when Manassas is listed as one of the three churches on that circuit. Bellville
and Hagan are the other two. For one year in 1926, Manassas was placed on the
Cobbtown Charge with Rev. J.S. Willis, pastor. In 1940, the Hagan Circuit was
placed in the Savannah District; there were seven churches: Hagan, Bellville, Daisy,
Manassas, Sikes, Easons Chapel, and Union. In 1957, the Shiloh-Harmony Charge
was formed with four churches: Harmony, Manassas, Mt. Carmel, and Shiloh, Rev.
R.L. Carter, pastor. In 1973, in the Statesboro District, it was on the Harmony Cir-
cuit with Mt. Carmel, Harmony and Manassas.
1982 Membership: 37
HAZELHURST CHARGE Robins Dorsey, Pastor
FIRST
US Hwys. 341 and 221, Hazelhurst, Georgia
Until they formed their own church in
1871, the Methodists were worshiping in
an old building called the Old Union
Church with the Baptists and
Presbyterians. Since the Methodists
owned the old Union Church, in 1880
they tore it down and built a new
wooden church. By 1910, this building
was too small and delapidated to serve. While the present brick Gothic style was
being built, services were held in a tent. In the mid-1970s this building was heavily
damaged by fire. Hazelhurst has been a station church since its early organization;
in 1919, Rev. C.W. Hutchinson was the pastor and the church was in the McRae
District. In 1940, it was in the Waycross District, Rev. T.H. Tinsley the pastor.
Graham and Philadelphia were attached as afternoon appointments. In 1968, Rev.
310
W.H. Hurdle was pastor, and in his sixth year. Since 1963, this church has been in
the Statesboro District. It was the home church of Rev. Silas Johnson, President of
Wesleyan College for a time.
1982 Membership: 623
Members entering ministry: Silas Johnson, Homer Taylor
PHILADELPHIA
Jeff Davis Comity
On August 4, 1849, this church was
organized. It was the second Methodist
church in Appling County. The first
building was erected in 1850. Since the
building was in bad shape after the Civil
War, they built a new one. At the time
this church began, the county was Appl-
ing and the first work was Appling Mis-
sion established by the South Carolina Conference in 1822. Rev. Jeremiah Freeman
was the first circuit rider to serve this mission. This church has been on several cir-
cuits, but most of its years it has been associated with Hazelhurst Church. In 1919
it was on the Graham Circuit, McRae District, with Graham, Zoar, Hearns Chapel,
and Rocky Branch. Rev. S.W. Snead was pastor. In 1940 it was in the Waycross
District with Hazelhurst and the Statesboro District in 1963.
1982 Membership: 75
HILLTONIA CHARGE Rodney Body, Pastor
HILLTONIA
Ga. Hwy* 24, Screven County
In 1915 Rev. Robert Rouse, pastor of
the Bascom Church, saw the need for a
church in Hilltonia, so plans were made.
A frame one-room building was erected.
In 1950 Sunday School rooms were
added. In 1958, as part of the National
Board of Missions U.S.-2 Program, Ms.
Jane Keesling (Mrs. Russell Jacobs) was
assigned to the Hilltonia Charge to assist Rev. R.E. Harvey. Under her leadership
the Sunday School outgrew the space. A new lot in the heart of Hilltonia was given
to the church. In June, 1961, with $2,500 in the building fund the members voted to
launch out in faith and build. With much material given and much work done by
dedicated members, the first service was held in the social hall, December 30,1962.
The final payment on the church, furnishing, piano and organ was made November
26,1966. Together with the other churches on the charge a new parsonage was built
in 1968.
1982 Membership: 143
311
HARMONY
North Screven County
Before 1845 a group of families felt the
need for a place to worship and set up a
brush arbor on the banks of Brier Creek
about one-half mile from the present
town of Hilltonia at Meeting House
Landing. On May 15, 1845, Mrs. Sara
Nicholson gave land to build the church.
In later years the Christian Church of
Sylvania has had a camp at the arbor site. About 1913 the church was moved from
the landing site to U.S. Highway 301 about 10 miles north of Sylvania. In 1919 Har-
mony was on the Bascom Circuit with Trinity, Bascom, Union, McBride, Wesley,
Harmony, Hilltonia, and Alexander. Rev. F.J. Jordan was pastor and the circuit
was in the Savannah District. In 1940, still in the Savannah District, this church
was on the Hilltonia Circuit with Bascom, Wesley, McBride, Trinity, Hilltonia,
Harmony, and Union. Now in the Statesboro District the Hilltonia Charge has Har-
mony, Wesley, and Hilltonia.
1982 Membership: 156
WESLEY
Near Hilltonia, Georgia
Sometime before 1900 this church was begun in a home. The first building was of
logs. About 1903 the church was moved to its present site, and a big one-room, high
ceilinged, frame church was built. In 1956 this church was taken down and the
material used in the present building. Since Bascom church building was not in use,
Wesley bought it and moved it to use
Bascom Circuit, Savannah District,
with Trinity, Union, McBride, Hill-
tonia, Harmony, and Alexander. In
1940, it was on the Hilltonia Ct. with all
the same churches except Alexander;
Rev. Simon Peter Clary was pastor. In
1968 the Hilltonia Charge was in the
Statesboro District and had only
Hilltonia, Harmony, and Wesley, Rev.
Jack Bentley, pastor.
1982 Membership: 66
JESUP, EPWORTH CHARGE
an annex. In 1919 Wesley was on the
Willis H. Moore, Pastor
EPWORTH
Jesup, Georgia
For a time, Bishop Arthur Moore, asking for a nucleus of 100, had urged First
Church to establish a new church on the west side of town. Land was bought; a tent
borrowed from the conference, sawdust placed for the floor, chairs, piano.
312
songbooks borrowed from First, they
started a revival. Rev. Bill Kelley came
and preached. Rain and wind tore the
tent, so services were moved to Orange
Street School. March 1956 the new
church was organized with 56 members.
By ballot the congregation chose the
name, Epworth, for John Wesleys
birthplace. The first unit was built in
1957 with Rev. Burns Willis, pastor.
The sanctuary with a beautifully designed altar, long narrow red glass windows,
and laminated beams was finished in 1966. Each building was paid for as it was
built. In 1982, Satilla Church, organized March 17,1912, in the home of J.P. Shedd,
merged with Epworth. Satilla was first built in the southwest part of Wayne Coun-
ty in 1914 and moved to the Empire community in 1925. They had 6 members in
1981.
1982 Membership: 239
AKIN MEMORIAL
US Hwy. 341,5 miles S. of Jesup
In the eastern part of Wayne County a
church was organized in 1888 and
named Mt. Pleasant for the community
it served. A building of virgin-heart,
yellow pine was erected in 1892. The in-
terior described as one of the most
lovely county churches in this section.
When, in 1945, the building was
restored by the Akin family, the church was rededicated, October 7, and named
Akin Memorial. An educational unit was dedicated in 1961 and a new assembly
room added in 1966. In 1919 this church was on the Granberry Ct., Waycross
District, with Rev. J.A. Cook the pastor for Mt. Pleasant, Taylors Chapel, and
Everett City. In 1921 it was on the Darien-Townsend Charge with Rev. L.E.
Williams, pastor. In 1929 it was on the Brunswick Ct. with 5 churches, back to
Darien Charge in 1946, and in 1961 it was placed on the new Epworth Charge. In
1963 the Epworth Charge received the Circuit of the Year Award.
1982 Membership: 53
Members entering ministry: Samuel V. Taylor
JESUP, FIRST Julian Tucker, Pastor
Jesup, Georgia
This church was organized in 1872 two years after the town was incorporated. The
first pastors were Rev. John I. Willis and Rev. William Kennedy. In 1873 a Sunday
313
School was organized by the Methodists
and Baptists together. The church
served for a public school also. The first
church was a square wooden building
with a steeple. An old letter written by a
member told of moving to Jesup in 1889
when the new church was being built.
She wrote, There were not many peo-
ple and money was scarce, so there was
scarcely a week but we had ice cream
festivals, oyster suppers or cake and pie sales. When the congregation outgrew this
building it was converted to use for the parsonage. In 1924-5 a Sunday School an-
nex was added, and in 1930 the old sanctuary moved to build the new sanctuary.
Early after its organization Jesup became a full-time (station) church. In 1919 Rev.
J.H. House was pastor and they paid him $200 above his salary; there were 229
members.
1982 Membership: 727
Members entering ministry: Frank H. Harris, Jr.
METTER
Metter, Georgia
In 1903 fourteen members organized
this church in the town of Metter. Serv-
ices were held on the second floor of a
blacksmith shop. Rev. John Broun was
the first pastor. In 1904-05 with
members giving the logs and the work of
sawing and carpentering, a church was
built. Hired laborers were paid
seventy-five cents a day. In the panic of
1930-31 this church made its greatest achievements when it launched a building
program to build an annex. In the conference MINUTES, Metter Circuit appears
for the first time in 1916 with Rev. Silas Johnson as pastor. In 1919 the circuit had 4
churches: Metter, Register, Adabell, and Sikes. Rev. M.M. Marshall was pastor and
it was in the Dublin District. In 1940 it was a station, Metter and Portal, in the
Savannah District with Rev. Bernard Brown as pastor.
1982 Membership: 381
MIDVILLE CHARGE Eugene Cochran, Pastor
James C. Kenney, Pastor
MIDVILLE
Ga. Hwy. 17, Burke County
This church was organized on March 18, 1876, in a masonic hall. There were
twenty-nine members. The first building, a rectangular frame, was built in 1878. In
1932 Sunday School rooms were added and remodeling done. It was brick veneered
in 1939, and a new fellowship hall was added in 1976. In the 1917 MINUTES the
314
Midville Circuit appeared for a first
time. Individual churches were listed in
1919 as Fair Haven, Midville, Almire,
and Summertown. It was in the Dublin
District and Rev. A.P. Seagers was
pastor. Between 1940 and 1968 the Mid-
ville Charge had three churches, Union
Grove, Summertown, and Midville. Rev.
J.E. Wilson was pastor in 1940.
1982 Membership: 153
SUMMERTOWN
Ga. Hwy. 56, Summertown, Georgia
In the mid-1800s people who lived in
towns, especially those near swamps
and lowlands, built summer homes and
established seasonal villages on higher
land to escape the deadly fever, malaria.
Such was the beginning of Summerville,
its original name, in the 1850s. Well-to-
do families in Burke county built
elaborate homes, established the Summerville Academy, the post office, and
church in this community. The first church was probably a union church. In 1881
the Methodists established the Summertown Church. In 1919 it was one of four
churches on the Midville Circuit in the Dublin District; the other churches were
Fair Haven, Almire, and Midville, Rev. A.P. Segers, pastor. From 1940 to 1983 it
has been a part of the Midville Charge with Midville and Union Grove. When the
Statesboro District was formed in 1963, the Midville Charge was placed in the new
district.
1982 Membership: 33
A small group of pioneer families began
this church in 1885. The present
building was built in 1918. In 1950, dur-
ing the pastorate of Rev. L.R. Lancaster
it was carefully restored. This church
first appears on the conference
MINUTES in 1919 when it is on the
Garfield Circuit with Paynes Chapel,
Mt. Pleasant, and Garfield. Rev. T.E. Murray was pastor. Since 1940 it has been on
the Midville Charge.
UNION GROVE
Emanuel County
1982 Membership: 147
Members entering ministry: Fred Roberts
315
MILLEN
Charles Conway, Jr., Pastor
US Hwy. 25, Jenkins County
In 1869 Methodism began in this area as
a mission which included a number of
young struggling churches. Millen
church was organized prior to 1882. In
1909 a beautiful church edifice of
pressed brick with stone trimmings in
the Gothic style was built. The
corner-stone for the church was the first
one laid in Millen. A large crowd at-
tended the ceremony. The same sanctuary is in use today, and other buildings in
the appropriate style have been added. In 1954 a large educational unit was built.
By 1919 Millen was a station church with Rev. W.W. Joiner as pastor. This church
was placed in the Statesboro District in 1963 when the new district was formed.
1982 Membership: 336
Members entering ministry: R.E. Boone, Ed Reeves, John R. Bargeron
Mission field: Dr. R. Sasser; Ardelia Robinson, Deaconess
MT. MORIAH Harold Sheppard, Pastor
Keysville, Georgia, Jefferson County
In the early 1800s Rev. Pharah of the
Carolinas preaching in Jefferson county,
established a church in a one-room
school. A church was built in 1826 and a
camp meeting begun under a brush ar-
bor in 1827. Fire in 1829 destroyed
church, tabernacle, and tents; the
church was rebuilt and the camp
meetings continued; again, fire
destroyed all buildings. By 1857 the church was rebuilt, but destroyed by a tornado
in 1875. Again they rebuilt. By 1911 Wrens and Mosely Chapel had been added, so
the parsonage was moved to Wrens. In 1940, Keysville was added to the charge. In
1947 the church was remodeled and in 1952 the Sunday School reorganized. In
1956, when Wrens became a station, a new parsonage for the Mt. Moriah, Mosely
Chapel, and Keysville Charge was built at Matthews. To celebrate the 175th An-
niversary of Methodism, Rev. W.W. Flournoy re-enacted services in the homes
complete with the circuit rider on horseback. In 1962 Mosely Chapel was forced to
close as its membership was gone. Mt. Moriah added an annex in 1963 and
redecorated and added new furnishing to sanctuary in 1968.
1982 Membership: 98
Member entering ministry: Herbert T. Parker
316
Burlester L. Tillman, Pastor
MT. ZION
Ga. Hwy. 46, Pulaski, Georgia
In 1895 this church was organized in a
brush arbor meeting. There were twieve
members. Rev. G.H. Chole was the first
pastor. In 1910 a wooden building was
constructed. It was destroyed by a
twister. In 1964 a new building of ce-
ment blocks was erected. In 1972, the
Coastal District of the North Georgia
Conference merged with the South Georgia Conference and this church was as-
signed to the Reidsville Circuit. The Circuit included Dixie Grove, Ebenezer, Mt.
Zion and Oak Grove, Rev. Lee Jones as pastor. In 1983 Mt. Zion and St. Marys
became a 2 point charge.
1982 Membership: 71
Members entering ministry: Prince Johnson, Sherman Hanes, Blitch Holloway, W.R. Boney
Entering mission field: Lear McClain
ST. MARYS
East of Brooklet, Georgia
In 1868 this church was organized while
meeting in a brush arbor. After that
they met in homes for a while. The first
church that they built burned. The
present church was built in 1907. In
1972 when the Coastal District of the
North Georgia Conference merged with
the South Georgia Conference, this
church was assigned to the Statesboro District and the Brannen Charge with
Charlestown, Goloid, and Springhead. In 1973 it was placed on the Reidsville Cir-
cuit, and in 1983 with Mt. Zion for a two-point charge.
1982 Membership: 18
NEW HOPE-NEVILS CHARGE Donald N. Fogal, Pastor
NEW HOPE
Statesboro-Oliver Rd., Bulloch Co.
Organized in 1801, this churchs first pastors were Samuel Mills, Samuel Cowles,
and Lewis Myers. In 1804 a small wooden building was erected on the present
Brooklet-Clyo Road. This building was sold for $418 to the county for use as a
school in 1904 and a beautiful painted building with plaster walls, sloped floor in
the sanctuary and early glass windows was erected. The building included six
Sunday School rooms. Upon its dedication, Dr. Lovett wrote in the ADVOCATE,
this is the best country church I have seen in this or any other state. An early en-
try in the records noted we have had no preaching this year and it shows in the
317
MT. ZION-ST. MARYS CHARGE
lives of the members. In 1885 the
Milray Circuit with New Hope and 3
other churches entertained the District
Conference. For that meeting the
preacher and his family moved to a va-
cant house near the church for the
meeting, which lasted 3-4 days. Two
churches have grown from New Hope:
Harmony and Brooklet.
1982 Membership: 184
Members entering ministry: William A. Kennedy, W.M. Kennedy
NEVILS
Ga. Hwy. 250, Bulloch County
In 1938, in an old abandoned railroad
station, twelve people organized this
church, which was placed on the
Bulloch Circuit, Savannah District. At
the conference session, Rev. Carl
Sampey was assigned for the circuit
which included Nevils, Langston, and
Register. In 1939 a brick church was
erected. Additional class rooms, kitchen, and fellowship hall were added about
1979. In 1948 Nevils was placed on the Brooklet-New Hope Charge, Savannah
District, with Rev. J.B. Hutchinson, pastor. As part of the Brooklet Charge it
became a part of the Statesboro District in 1963.
William W. Flournoy, Pastor
1982 Membership: 100
NEWINGTON CHARGE
NEWINGTON
Ga. Hwy. 21, Newington Georgia
In 1909, the same year that a charter for
the town of Newington was issued, the
railroad was built. Since there was no
church in town, the few Methodists held
Sunday School in a shack until it
burned and then on the platform of the
depot. By 1913 with the growth of the
town, the Methodists decided to build a
church. Mrs. Jean Carter, in charge of
getting donations for the church, asked Mr. Brinson, owner of the railroad, for the
first donation. Thinking it a joke, he gave a dime. Mrs. Carter published all dona-
tions in the county paper. When Mr. Brinson realized the entire county knew of his
ten-cent donation, he was embarrassed and made a sizable gift. The brick church
was built and memorials and individual gifts have furnished it. In 1919 Newington
318
was on the Oliver Circuit; in 1940 on the Newington Ct. with the same churches:
Newington, Black Creek, Blue Springs and Lee Memorial. In 1968, Rev. Charles
Dennis was pastor of Newington Charge which included Newington, Black Creek,
Blue Springs, and Oliver.
1982 Membership: 159
BLACK CREEK
RFD Sylvania, Georgia
In 1854, in an old Baptist church that
had been bought for $70, this church
began. The church, as well as the com-
munity that grew up around the grist
mill on the creek, were named for the
creek. Rev. T.R. McMichael was the
first pastor. In 1919 Black Creek was on
the Oliver Circuit, Savannah District,
along with Blue Springs, Newington, Lee Memorial, Mizpah, and Oliver, Rev. J.D.
McCord, pastor. When the Statesboro District was formed in 1963, Black Creek
was on the Newington Charge with Blue Springs, Lee Memorial, Newington, and
Oliver, Rev. Fred Glover pastor.
1982 Membership: 91
BLUE SPRING
RFD, Newington, Ga.
The land for this church was given by
Miss Evelina Downing, October 1,1888.
She asked that no cemetery be on the
land for as long as she lived. This re-
quest was honored. The first building
used was an old cotton gin. Once during
a service in the old building, a wind
storm came up and rocked the church
on its pillars. The preacher said, Ive been telling you we need a new church, now
the Lord is telling you. In 1944-45, the building that had replaced the gin was torn
down and the present building was built and brick veneered. In 1951 class-rooms, a
kitchen, and central heating and air conditioning were added.
1982 Membership: 71
Members entering mission field: Miss Lizzie Pryor ^deaconess
OLIVER
Ga. Hwy. 17, Oliver, Georgia
In 1898, when Mrs. Columbia Powell Huggins with her two children moved to
Oliver from North Carolina there was no Methodist Church in Oliver. Together
with a fellow Christian they started services in a vacant wooden building. This
church was organized with five members. By 1907 the membership had increased
enough for them to build the present church, a painted wooden structure. It is still
319
in use but has been modernized. Oliver
Circuit first appears in the 1904
MINUTES in the Savannah District
with Rev. N.S. Kemp, pastor. On 1919
Oliver Ct. had Oliver, Blue Springs,
Black Creek, Mizpah, Lee Memorial,
and Newington. In 1963 it was placed in
the new Statesboro District on the New-
ington Charge with all the same
churches except Mizpah.
1982 Membership: 35
ODUM CIRCUIT
W.A. Alsobrook, Pastor
ODUM
US Hwy. 341, Odum, Georgia
This church was organized in 1888. Rev.
W.T. Rea was the pastor. The first
building was erected about 1890. In
1930 the present building, a wooden
frame, was finished. The annex was
added in 1967. In 1919 Odum was on the
Surrency Circuit, McRae District, with
Neva, Surrency, Piney Grove, Bethel,
and Satilla, Rev. C.A. Morrison, pastor. In 1940 Odum was head of the Odum Cir-
cuit, Waycross District, with Bethel, Odum, Neva, Piney Grove, and Surrency. Rev.
S.J. Brown was assigned as pastor for 1941. In 1968 the Odum-Piney Grove Charge,
Statesboro District, was composed of Odum, Piney Grove, and Screven. Rev. Ralph
Spivey was pastor.
1982 Membership: 50
PINEY GROVE
6 Miles from Odum, Georgia
Organized in 1860, this church was
located in a pine grove. Its first building
was log and its second building was
made of lumber pinned together with
large wooden pegs. A block building has
been added for a fellowship hall and
kitchen. This church has been on
various charges with Odum across the
years. It has been in at least three districts: 1919 Surrency Circuit, McRae
320
District; 1940 Odum Circuit, Waycross District; and 1968 Odum-Piney Grove
Charge, Statesboro District.
1982 Membership: 20
SCREVEN
US Hwy. 82, Screven, Georgia
About 1880 this church was organized
and the first building was where the
Screven Cemetery is now. In 1902 that
church was sold and a new church
relocated closer to the members. This
church burned February 14, 1940.
Following the fire a new brick building
was erected in 1941 with an educational
building in 1961. A new parsonage had been built in 1949. Screven has been on
several circuits in the Waycross District and was placed in the Statesboro District
when it was formed in 1963. In 1919 Screven was on the Ludowici Circuit with
Ludowici, Wesley Chapel, and Fleming, Rev. W.W. Meeks, pastor. In 1940 Screven
was head of the Screven Circuit with 6 churches Bristol, Broadhurst, Effies
Chapel, Mershon,. and Patterson, Rev. F.E. Linder, pastor. For 11 years 1955-66
Screven was a station; then in 1967 it was placed on the present charge.
1982 Membership: 58
PORTAL Kenneth Odum, Pastor
US Hwy. 280, Portal, Georgia
There were twelve members when this
church was organized in the home of
W.E. Parsons in 1909. Rev. Harry
Stubbs, pastor of the Graymont Circuit,
was the first pastor. In 1910 a wooden
church was built. In 1970 a new brick
church was erected in the wooden
churchs place. In 1919 Portal was on
the Graymont Circuit, Dublin District,
with Graymont and Zion, Rev. C.B. McDaniel, pastor. By 1940 the charge was Met-
ter and Portal, Savannah District, with Rev. Bernard Brown, pastor. In 1956 again
in the Dublin District, Portal became a station. Rev. David Hudson was the pastor.
1982 Membership: 162
i Members entering the ministry: Ben Williams, Donald J. Sparks
IREIDSVILLE-SHILOH CHARGE Clarence F. Knight, Pastor
REIDSVILLE, FIRST
US Hwy. 280, Reidsville, Georgia
Organized in 1858, the congregation held services in the courthouse until 1885. The
first pastors were Rev. W.F. Conley and Rev. J.L. Gilmore. After the Civil War in
321
1885 the present building of red brick
with stained glass windows was erected.
In 1919 Reidsville was on the
Chauncey-Milan Circuit, McRae
District. The charge included
Chauncey, Mt. Zion, Milan, and
Reidsville, Rev. J.W. Domingos, pastor.
In 1940 Reidsville-Shiloh Charge was in
the Savannah District, Rev. T.H.
Thomson, pastor. In 1963 this charge
was placed in the newly formed Statesboro District. In 1979 Mt. Carmel Church
was merged with the Reidsville congregation. Mt. Carmel was organized in 1808
and its first building was 18 x 20 feet of unpeeled pine, and Rev. William Eason was
their first pastor. In 1889 Mt. Carmel built a frame building. It has been on several
circuits in 3 districts.
1982 Membership: 499
Members entering ministry: W. David Hendrix, Wayne E. Moseley, James W. Smith, Jr.
SHILOH
4 Miles South of Reidsville, Ga.
This church was organized about 1812.
The first building was a log chapel
about 20 x 30 feet. Rev. William Eason
was the first pastor. In 1858 a painted
wooden building was erected. In 1919
Shiloh was on the Spring Hill Circuit
which included Shiloh, Towns, Bay
Springs, and Spring Hill. This was in
the McRae District. In the 1920 MINUTES, the appointment listing reads i
Reidsville and Shiloh, R.F. Dennis. From then on the two have been together as a
charge. In 1963 when the new Statesboro District was formed, the charge wasi
placed in that district.
1982 Membership: 33
Members entering ministry: Raymond L. Bittner (Shiloh-Harmony), S.L. Mayo
ROCKY FORD CHARGE Glenn Martin, Pastorr
ROCKYFORD
Ga. Hwy. 17, Screven County
In the late 19th century the people of the Rocky Ford community worshipped
together in a small school house. Services were occasional. Rev. C.T. Clark con-
ducted a revival out which the Methodist and Baptist churches developed. In thej
one-room school the services resembled a spelling bee. Rev. Clark stood on on
side of the room and the Methodist lined up by him. Rev. Arnett stood on the otheij
side and the Baptist lined up by him. A church was built and dedicated in 1900. AJ
Sunday School had begun in 1898. The parsonage, built in 1892, was rebuilt in
1959. In 1966, an educational building with a fellowship hall was completed. In
1967, the sanctuary was remodeled with addition of stained glass windows and ar
322
organ. In 1919, Rocky Ford Circuit with
Oak Grove, Woodcliff, Scarboro, Mt.
Carmel, and Rocky Ford, With Rev.
J.W. Patterson, pastor, was in the
Savannah District. In 1940, the Rocky
Ford Circuit included Rocky Ford, Oak
Grove, Union, Eureka, Goloid, and
Woodcliff, Rev. Leon C. Edwards,
pastor. In 1968, Rocky Ford was in the
Statesboro District.
1982 Membership: 70
GOLOID
South of Sylvania, Ga.
This church was organized in the 1890s
in the Goloid community in Screven
County. The G.H. Sharpe family gave
the land for both the Methodist and
Baptist Churches in 1892. Today the
churches continue to stand side by side
with a joint cemetery between them. In
1919 Goloid was on the charge with
Sylvania, First, and Buck Creek. Rev. R.E. Bailey was pastor. In recent years it has
been on the charge with Rocky Ford.
1982 Membership: 67
OAK GROVE
US Hwy. 17 near Dover, Georgia
In 1854 this church was founded and a
building was built on this site. The
present building was built in 1923. Dur-
ing the 1950s two additions were made
that included classrooms, fellowship
ball, and kitchen. Recently, in 1982, the
sanctuary and fellowship hall have been
renovated with the addition of paneling
land new carpeting. In 1919 Oak Grove was a part of the Rocky Ford Circuit with
IRev. J.M. Patterson, pastor. The churches on the circuit were Oak Grove,
Woodcliff, Scarboro, and Mt. Carmel. This circuit was in the Savannah District. In
1930 the charge had Eureka, Goloid, Oak Grove, Rocky Ford, Union, and
Woodcliff; Oak Grove reported a hundred and one members, four less than Rocky
IFord, the largest church.
11982 Membership: 83
323
ST. ANDREWS-HORSE CREEK
Henry Joyner, Pastor
ST. ANDREWS
Sylvania, Georgia
When some members of Simpson
Church found that Simpson was too far
from their homes, they organized St.
Andrew. Simpsons Chapel is one of the
older churches in this section and was
probably organized by Bishop Matthew
Simpson while he was at the home of
Mrs. Matilda Crawford for preaching
services. In the early days of heavy burdens and non-freedom, the people wanted a
place to sing and pray. They first met under a tree, then a brush arbor. When they
outgrew the brush arbor, they built a larger arbor with logs rolled in for seats. A log
cabin was followed by a small wooden building in 1904. In 1970 present brick
veneer church, consisting of sanctuary, social hall, kitchen classrooms, office, and
pastors study, was built. In 1972 when the Coastal District of the North Georgia
Conference merged with the South Georgia Conference, this church became a part
of the Statesboro District. Rev. Raymond King was pastor.
1982 Membership: 227
HORSE CREEK
Screven County, Georgia
This church was organized in 1867 in
Brother Dembo Kittles home. The first
pastor was Rev. Tom Baker. When the
congregation outgrew the Kittles home,
they were allowed to build a brush arbor
on the Bud Miller place. They held day
services in the arbor and night services
in the Kittle home. In 1872 they started
building a church, but in 1880 it was destroyed by fire. But a child of God never
knocks off till God says no. With this in mind they built another brush arbor. In
1883 with $50 from the Board of Church Extension they started another church. In
1974 when Grace Chapel merged with this church and the new rooms added to
Horse Creek, it was agreed that Grace Chapel members would help tear down the
old Grace church, if Horse Creek would provide the meal. They tore down Grace
and added space to Horse Creek, which the 4-H Club landscaped. A bus has been
purchased to bring children to Sunday School. These churches were formerly
members of the Georgia Conference and in 1972 with the merger of the Coastal
District of the North Georgia Conference with the South Georgia Conference, this
church became a part of the Statesboro District.
1982 Membership: 170
324
SARDIS CHARGE
Charles W. Sampley, Pastor
SARDIS
Ga. Hwy. 24, Sardis, Georgia
In 1901 thirty-six members of the Mt.
Pleasant Methodist Church started St.
Marks nearer Sardis, so that they would
not have to travel for far. Rev. A.H.
Bazemore was assigned to Mt. Zion-Old
Church which was close enough for him
to help start this church. In 1919 the
MINUTES lists St. Marks as on the
Lawtonville Circuit with Habersham, Lawtonville, Ellis Chapel, Rev. J.C. Griner,
pastor. In 1923 the movement to relocate the church in Sardis was successful. The
church name was changed to Sardis. Even before there was a church at Sardis,
there was a circuit named for the area, for the 1923 MINUTES note that Alexander
and Munnerly and Habersham are taken from Greens Cut and placed on the Sar-
dis Ct.
1982 Membership: 253
Members entering ministry: George W. Herndon
ELLIS CHAPEL
SW Side of Beaver Creek Dam, Screven Co.
Mt. Pleasant Church was organized
about 1900 in a brush arbor with about
a dozen members. In 1905 a wooden
building was erected across from the
brush arbor. The name was changed to
Ellis Chapel. With the help of neighbors
and a carpenter, Mr. Mobley, the
members salvaged the usable lumber
from the Old Mt. Pleasant Church to build the new frame building. When the
building was finished in 1906 the members had failed to pay Mr. Mobley in full, so
he put a padlock on the door. On Saturday afternoon, one of the stewards passed
the church and saw the lock. He was so furious that he visited the members and by
that night had raised the money and paid Mr. Mobley. Services were held on Sun-
day as planned.
1982 Membership: 64
Member entering ministry: B.H. Smith
SIMMONS CIRCUIT Miss Essie Simmons, Pastor
LEETS CHAPEL
RFD, Hilltonia, Georgia
In the early 1800s this church was organized in a home. Later land was given for a
building to be used as a church and school. The first church was called Old Mt.
Zion. In 1892 a wooden building was erected. The lumber from the first church and
325
an old house were used in this building.
About 1912 the church was moved to
Hilltonia and renamed Leets Chapel.
This building has been renovated with
lights and windows changed and a small
social hall added. At present a new en-
trance and steeple are being added. In
1972 when the Coastal District of the
North Georgia Conference and the
South Georgia Conference merged this
church was placed in the Statesboro District and the charge was called Leets
Chapel-Oak Grove Charge. Rev. Miss Essie Simmons was pastor and Rev. C.C. Ed-
mundson district superintendent. In 1974 Nan Williams Memorial was added to
this charge.
1982 Membership: 29
Members entering ministry: George Comer Zeigler, Levi Wilson
NANNIE B. WILLIAMS MEMORIAL
Old Waynesboro Road, Millen, Georgia
This church, originally called Trinity,
was organized in a home in Belcher
Quarters by two members and a
preacher. They had 2 plank buildings
and the foundation for a third building,
which was to be brick, laid in 1877.
Eight years later the rest of the church
was complete. Then they discovered
that some of it was on the wrong land, but the owner of the land, gave it to the
church provided the church would be named Nannie B. Williams. That building is
still in use but has been brick veneered. In 1974 a social hall was built with the help
of the South Georgia Work Team. Recent improvements include furniture,
carpeting, a new piano and new lights. In 1972 this church was placed on the
Waynesboro Ct. in the Statesboro District when the Coastal District of the North
Georgia Conference merged with the South Georgia Conference. In 1974 it was
placed on the Simmons Circuit.
1982 Membership: 61
OAK GROVE
RFD Sylvania, Georgia
This church started under a brush arbor
in 1876 and organized in a home with
five members. The first pastor was Rev.
E.D. Giddens. The first building was
completed in 1919 near Millhaven,
Georgia. That building is still being
used. In 1978 it was painted, and new
heating, lights, and furniture have been
added. In 1977 the Leets Chapel-Oak Grove Charge changed the name of their
326
charge to Simmons Circuit in honor of their pastor, Rev. Essie Simmons. This
church had been placed on the Leets Chapel-Oak Grove Charge in 1972 when the
Coastal District of the North Georgia Conference and the South Georgia Con-
ference merged. This church is a former member of the Georgia Conference of The
Methodist Church.
1982 Membership: 122
STATESBORO, FIRST
?!
r
Carter Berkeley, Pastor
William G. Neely, III, Associate
Diane S. Neely, Min. of Edu.
US Hwy. 301, Statesboro, Ga.
In 1886 or 7 nine Methodist organized
this church. Rev. J.L. Gilmore was the
first pastor and services were held in the
courthouse until the church was built. It
was a frame building with a steeple
completed in 1888. In 1902 during the
pastorate of Rev. Whitley Langston a
brick building replaced the frame one.
Then in the fall of 1959 the first service
was held in the present Gothic building
designed around the three-part plan of the Biblical Temple in Jerusalem. It has
been in three districts; it began in the Dublin, then in 1907 it was placed in the
Savannah and in 1963 when the new Statesboro District was created it became the
head of the district with Rev. Tom Watson as the district superintendent. Rev.
Dewitt Shippey was the pastor. In its fellowship hall in 1956 the new church, Pitt-
man Park, was organized.
1982 Membership: 1,026
STATESBORO, PITTMAN PARK
William W. Oliver, Jr. Pastor
US Hwy. 301, Statesboro, Georgia
This church was organized in May 1956
in the Fellowship Hall of First Church,
Statesboro, with 104 families. Rev.
Lawrence E. Houston, Jr. was the first
pastor. The first services were held in
the Marvin Pittman School. Rev. An-
thony Hearn was superintendent of the
Savannah District at this time. On May
31, 1959, the church was completed. In
1963 when the new Statesboro District was formed, this church was changed to that
district with Rev. Gilbert Ramsey assigned as pastor.
1982 Membership: 879
Members entering ministry: Richard F. Varnell
327
STATESBORO CIRCUIT
BRANNEN CHAPEL
Statesboro, Georgia
James E. Swanson, Pastor
In 1892 in a private home, fifteen people organized this church. The first pastor was
Rev. S.H. Jordan. A wooden building was built in 1892 and served until the present
building was built in 1977. This church is an A-frame building with split chancel,
stained glass window and a large cross over the altar. Two sessions of the Georgia
Conference of The Methodist Church met at this church in 1940 and 1948. In 1972
when the Coastal District of the North
Georgia Conference merged with the
South Georgia Conference this church
was placed on the Statesboro Circuit in
the Statesboro District. The other
churches on the charge were
Charlestown, Goloid, and Springhead.
Rev. James White was assigned as
pastor and Rev. C.C. Edmundson was
the district superintendent.
1982 Membership: 119
CHARLESTOWN
Ga. Hwy. 17, Screven County
In 1868 this church was organized under
a brush arbor. Charles Evans gave the
land for the church, so it was named in
his honor. The first pastor was Rev.
Thomas Baker. The present wooden
building was erected in 1909. In 1972
when the Coastal District of the North
Georgia Conference merged with the
South Georgia Conference this church was placed on the Statesboro Circuit in the
Statesboro District. The other churches on this circuit were Goloid, Springhead,
and Brannen, Rev. James White, pastor.
1982 Membership: 54
GOLOID
US Hwy. 301S. of Sylvania, Ga.
The church was organized in 1900 just
off the road from Statesboro to Sylvania
in the Goloid community. A wooden
church was built, but it was destroyed
by fire in 1941. The members were
determined to have a church so they
worked to rebuild it. In 1979 the present
building was remodeled, the walls
328
paneled, new seats, light fixtures, and carpeting added. Restrooms were built, also.
This church was placed on the Statesboro Circuit, Statesboro District, in 1972
when the Coastal District of the North Georgia Conference merged with the South
Georgia Conference. The other churches on this charge were Brannen Chapel,
Springhead, and Charlestown. These churches were all part of the Georgia Con-
ference of The Methodist following the 1940 merger of the Methodist Episcopal,
Methodist Episcopal Church, South and Methodist Protestant Churches.
1982 Membership: 96
SPRING HEAD
Near the Ogeechee River, Sylvania, Georgia
In 1868, this church was organized in
Oak Grove Church. Since they were
without a building of their own, the Oak
Grove pastor and trustees allowed them
to worship in the Oak Grove Church
once a month. Since this was not
satisfactory, they held services beside
the Louisville Road with the women sit-
ting on logs and the men on the fence. Though discouraged, the members continued
to trust in God. They asked Mr. Warner to sell them two acres, instead he gave
them four acres for a church and cemetery. They worshiped under a brush arbor
until cold weather, they they built a log cabin with a chimney of clay and sticks.
This was 1870 and Rev. Thomas Baker was their pastor. Later they built a bigger
building. In 1981, a dream came true, a new brick church! When the Coastal
District of the North Georgia Conference merged in 1972, this church was placed in
the Statesboro District on the Statesboro Circuit. Previously it has been part of the
Georgia Conference, The Methodist Church before 1968.
1982 Membership: 81
Members entering ministry: E. W. Williams, S.A. Burns, R.L. Nunnaly, Jr., O.A. Burns, Joshua
Reddick, Roy Roberts, Harmon Kent, W.R. Robinson, John Robinson, Charlie Grant, R.F. Nunnaly,
Issac Benton, W.M. Benton.
SURRENCY-BETHEL CHARGE
Randolph E. Sayre, Pastor
SURRENCY
US Hwy. 341, Appling County
In 1903 this church was organized by
Maggie Eason Middleton who came to
this community when she married John
Overstreet. The first building was of
logs which the members gave, cut, and
laid to build the chapel. The building
that followed is the present one. In 1919
Surrency Circuit, McRae District, had
Odum, Neva, Surrency, Piney Grove, Bethal, and Satilla with Rev. C.A. Morrison
pastor. When the McRae District was dissolved in 1931, Surrency was placed in the
329
Waycross District and in the new Statesboro District in 1963.
1982 Membership: 31
BETHEL (Crooked Branch)
Surrency-Lane Bridge Road, Appling Co.
The Crooked Branch Methodist Church
was organized as part of the Appling
Mission in 1830 by the South Carolina
Conference. Rev. Jeremiah T. Freeman
was the first pastor. The first crude
building was the first church in Appling
County. In 1840 the name was changed
to Bethel, the house of the Lord. This
church is located 8 miles from Surrency. In May 1840, Felix Eason organized a Sun-
day School. Since then Sunday School has been held at Bethel for 133 years.
Church services were held once a month until about 1960 when a parsonage in Sur-
rency was bought for the charge and preaching is held twice a month. From the
earliest listing in the MINUTES of the conference of the individual churches on
the circuits, Bethel has been listed with Surrency, 1919 being the first such listing.
1982 Membership: 152
MILLIKIN
9 Miles South Surrency, Ga.
This church was organized with ten
members in 1957. The name, Millikin, is
for the family cemetery; this family was
one of the early settlers and gave the
land for the church. Rev. Howard
Sanderford was the first pastor. In 1960
this church was on the Surrency Bethel
Charge with Rev. Homer Taylor as
pastor.
1982 Membership: 27
SYLVANIA-FIRST
Joseph R. Porterfield, Pastor
US Hwy. 301, Sylvania, Georgia
In the beginning the Methodists in this
area attended Jacksonboro Church,
where Lorenzo Dow in the early 1800s
preached and placed a curse on the com-
munity because of the evil he saw. When
Sylvania became a town in 1847, they
began to have services in their homes.
The church in Sylvania was organized in
1853 with Rev. Albert Rowland as the
330
first pastor. The first building was frame with a tall spire. The present sanctuary is
brick with tall columns in front, constructed in 1935-38. A steeple was added in
1982. An educational unit was built in 1959. In 1900 Sylvania Circuit appears in the
conference MINUTES with Rev. R.R. Norman, pastor; the Sylvania Ct. in 1919
had Buck Creek, Goloid and Sylvania. In 1940 Wesleyana was an afternoon ap-
pointment along with First, Rev. J.B. Smith, as pastor.
1982 Membership: 620
UNION H. W. Stephens, Pastor
Near Claxton, Georgia
In the early 1900s in a tent near Smiths
Pond, this church was organized, and
called Union because of the mixture of
Methodists and Baptists in the con-
gregation. The first pastor was Rev.
Hamp Stevens. Services were held in a
tent until a storm demolished it; then
services were held in Deloach School
nearby. In 1919 a church was built at the
present location. In 1959 this building was moved to one side as a fellowship hall
and class rooms when the present brick church was built. In 1965 a brick fellowship
hall was completed. This church was on the Springfield Circuit in 1919 with Spring
Hill, Mizpah, Springfield, and Turkey Branch, Rev. S.W. Brown, pastor. In 1940 it
was on the Rincon Charge with Bethesda, Goshen, Marlow and Rincon, Rev. M.M.
Pierce, pastor. In 1963 when the new Statesboro District was formed it was on the
Bellville Charge. Placed with Claxton in 1977, it became a station in 1982.
1982 Membership: 116
VIDETTE CHARGE James A. Cason, Pastor
VIDETTE
Ga. Hwy. 24, Burke County
This church was organized on March 13,
1908 in a home. There were eleven
members. Rev. Coleman was the first
pastor. The original building is still in
use. In 1919 Vidette Circuit was Dublin
District with the following churches,
Vidette, Keysville, Clarks Chapel, and
St. Clair, Rev. C.L. Rogers, pastor. In
1940, Vidette was with Louisville and in 1963 in the new Statesboro District the
Vidette Charge included Vidette, Clarks Chapel, Greens Cut, and Friendship,
Rev. C.L. Mincey pastor.
1982 Membership: 59
331
FRIENDSHIP
Burke County near Vidette
In 1940 some members of co*kes Chapel
formed Friendship Church closer to
their homes. For several years it met in
the homes. Rev. L.W. Walker, pastor of
Louisville was the first pastor. In 1940
co*kes Chapel with Greens Cut were on
the Burke County Ct., Savannah
District, and by 1943 this church was on
the charge with Louisville, Vidette, Oak Grove, and Clarks Chapel in the Dublin
District. In 1968 Vidette Circuit had 4 churches, Friendship, Vidette, Clarks
Chapel, and Greens Cut.
1982 Membership: 57
GREENS CUT
Route 4, Waynesboro, Georgia
Greens Cut was a place where the
railroad had cut through hills on land
owned by Mr. Green, hence the name.
On November 19, 1901, this church was
organized during a meeting in a home.
There were fifteen members. The
present building is that original
building to which an educational unit
was added in 1958. The priginal pews were hand-hewn. In 1919 Greens Cut Circuit
had five churches: Greens Cut, Mt. Zion, Old Church, Ciles Chapel, and Smiths
Chapel. In 1940 Burke County Circuit had co*kes Chapel and Greens Cut. In 1963
when it was placed in the new Statesboro District, it was part of the Vidette Circuit
with Friendship, Vidette, and Clarks Chapel.
1982 Membership: 74
WAYNESBORO CIRCUIT Comer Zeigler, Pastor
ASBURY
6 Miles West of Munnerly, Ga.
This church, organized in 1867 in a brush arbor, is located in Burke County out
from Waynesboro and is among the oldest Black congregations with Methodist
roots. In its beginning it had twenty members: Rev. Bell was the first pastor. In
1891 a wooden building was built. The present building, built in 1896, has colored
glass windows, a brick foundation, and steps. For years camp meetings were held
in October each year, and families and members camped at the church for a week or
more attending services day and night. In June 1972 the Coastal District of the
North Georgia Conference merged with the South Georgia Conference. This church
was placed in the Statesboro District on the Waynesboro Circuit with Haven
Memorial, Munnerly and Nan Williams Memorial. In 1974, Nan Williams was
332
placed with Leets Chapel in this same
HAVEN MEMORIAL
Waynesboro, Georgia
With fifteen people in 1866 this church
was organized while meeting in a brush
arbor. It is named Haven for Bishop
Gilbert Haven, who was the presiding
Bishop at that time. The first pastor
was Rev. James Jackson. Very near this
church a school, Haven Institute, was
built to educate teachers and preachers.
In August, 1888, the first wooden hut was erected. In 1891 the present wooden
building was finished. It has stained glass windows and the ceiling is elevated to
allow for a balcony. This church has hosted District conferences and Sunday School
Unions. In 1972 the Coastal District of the North Georgia Conference merged with
the South Georgia Conference. This church was placed in the Statesboro District
on the Waynesboro Circuit with Asbury, Munnerly, and Nan Williams. This
Church was in the Georgia Conference of The Methodist Church prior to merger in
1968.
1982 Membership: 87
MUNNERLY
Burke County, Munnerly, Ga.
In 1874, five people meeting in a brush
arbor organized this church. Rev.
Samuel Williams was the first pastor.
The present church is a wooden
building of simple design built many
years ago. In 1972 when the Coastal
District of the North Georgia Con-
ference merged with the South Georgia
Conference, this church was a part of that District. It was placed with Haven
Memorial and Asbury on the Waynesboro Circuit in the Statesboro District.
1982 Membership: 30
district.
1982 Membership: 215
333
WAYNESBORO-FIRST
Tegler Greer, Pastor
US Hwy. 25, Waynesboro, Ga.
Between 1812 and 1815 two families
established this church. The first
building was an unsightly unceiled
shell of a house which was soon aban-
doned, the services being held in the
Presbyterian Church. In 1858 a self-
constituted committee of one decided
to build a new church. He did this, using
his slave laborers to cut logs, saw the
timber, and erect the church. It is said that in the 1880s the Sunday School teachers
gathered at the church on Tuesday night to study the lesson for the next Sunday.
In recent years a brick church has replaced the early wooden church buildings and
in 1980 the chapel was dedicated. This church has long been a station church; in
1919 Rev. J.P. McFerrin was pastor and they raised $3,165.50 for the Centenary
Fund, the campaign to raise funds for missions and church extension to celebrate a
hundred years of missionary giving.
1982 Membership: 672
Members entering ministry: Becky Veal, R.O. Edenfield, Thomas F. Oliver, J. Hyatt Smith
ALEXANDER
Ga. Hwy. 24,9 Miles Waynesboro
This churchs beginning is not known,
but is believed to be in the early 1850s.
It was organized at services being held
in a masonic lodge. The pews in this
church were first in an Anglican church;
when it burned, all the pews were saved
and have been used by the Methodist
ever since. Across the years this church
has been part of many circuits, in 1919 on the Bascom Ct., in 1940 on the Sardis
Circuit, 1963 with Habersham, with First since 1969.
1982 Membership: 23
Members entering ministry: Grover G. Bell
334
THOMASVILLE DISTRICT
Thomas H. Johnson, Sr.,
Superintendent
817 N. Dawson Street, Thomasville
The oldest churches in this area were
first a part of the Tallahassee District of
the South Carolina Conference and, in
1831, of the Tallahassee District of the
Georgia Conference. When the Florida
Conference was organized and the
southern part of Georgia was placed in
that conference, the churches in this area of Georgia were in the Ft. Gaines and
Tallahassee Districts. Then in 1862, for the first time Thomasville becomes one of
the five Florida Conference Districts along with Madison, Tallahassee, Jacksonville
and Tampa. In 1863 the two districts in Georgia were Thomasville and Quitman,
and in 1864 the three districts in Georgia were Thomasville, Bainbridge and
Waresboro. Then in 1866 when the churches in Georgia were reasigned to the
Georgia Conference, there were seven years before Thomasville became a district in
the South Georgia Conference. For many of those years the churches, now in the
Thomasville District, were part of the Bainbridge, Americus, Brunswick or Colum-
bus districts. In 1983 this district had 40 charges with 83 churches and 17,208
mem bers.
ALBANY, AVALON C. G. Haugabook, Pastor
1100 Whitney Avenue, Albany
After a series of tent meetings with Rev.
W. A. Kelley preaching, this church was
organized on August 24, 1952. 110 peo-
ple became charter members. Rev.
Harold A. Raines was the first pastor.
The present congregation first met in
William Binns Recreation Hall until a
church complex was built in 1952.
Mem bitTenti^i'ng ministry: Thomas Lee Curtis, R L Herrinton, Cecil E. Hazen, Steven Ray Lloyd,
As bury B. Walton
CHRIST Edwin M. Cooper, Jr., Pastor
2405 Byron Plantation Road, Albany, Georgia
-~ars ago, during Rev. Frederick Wilsons pastorate at First Church, Dr. C.
-ve land for a new church. It had been held in trust until this new
I -vr, October 13, 1979. Additional land was given by C. R
Hodges, Jr. In the fall of 1980 an after-
noon service was held on this site and an
altar of promise was erected from stones
gathered on the property. The men
walked the land and claimed it for the
Lord. The new unit was dedicated on
December 5, 1982. The progress of this
new church is due to the financial sup-
port of First Church, the Albany
Methodist Mission Board and Porter-
field and the sizable contributions available for the new building. There were 132
members at the organization. While the building was being built services were held
in Deerfield-Windsor School. Rev. Edwin Cooper, Jr. has been the pastor for this
beginning.
1982 Membership: 300
JohnE. Horton, Pastor
Cynthia Ann Hooks, Associate
Glenn A. Martin, Associate
301-311 Flint Avenue, Albany
This church was organized in 1841 in a
Meeting House at the corner of Jackson
and Residence Streets. Rev. George W.
Farabee was the first pastor, and
Albany is listed in the Fort Gaines
District of the Georgia Conference with
263 white members and 41 black
members. When the Florida Conference was created in 1844, Albany was in the
part of Georgia that was needed to make a new conference. In 1845, Albany was in
the Quincy District. By 1866, Florida had grown large enough to support its own
conference, and the lower part of Georgia was returned to the Georgia Conference
and the subsequent division into the North and South Georgia Conferences. In
1844, in the 100 block of Washington St. a frame building was erected and used un-
til a new church was built on Flint Avenue in 1854. This church was used until 1901
when a new brick church was erected on the corner of Flint and Jackson Streets; in
1960 it was torn down to build the current fellowship hall and chapel. The present
sanctuary is a masonry construction of modified Gothic design. In 1966-7 new
stained glass windows, designed by H. L. Wise Associates, were given in honor of
living members and as memorials. Construction on this building began on
November 13, 1950. This church has hosted the annual session of the South
Georgia Conference in 1868, 1882, 1917, 1932, 1954, 1964 and 1978. In missionary
effort, this church has helped with the beginning of these churches: Grace now
Palmyra, Trinity and Asbury, now Trinity, Avalon, Morningside, Porterfield, and
Christ. In 1982 it began a television ministry.
1982 Membership: 2,447 ^
Members entering ministry: A. E. Hanco*ck, David F. Cripps, Benjamin R. W. Knowles, Paul
Wohlgemuth, C. W. Hanco*ck, J. Parke Renshaw, W. H. Littleton, Paul L. Harwell, Jr., L. E. Roan, Jr.,
James McCoy Calhoun, W. Max Hill, Roy Dial III, Dale Dorman, Joe Porterfield, Gary Starrett,
336
ALBANY, FIRST
James Hughes, Greg Berquist, Thomas Curtis, John Lough, Richard Bragg, Thomas Hill, Charles
Harper, Cynthia Hooks, Beverly Arnold, Charles A. Culbreth, Jr.
Entered Mission Field: Dr. Marvin Harper, Parke Renshaw, Thomas H. Curtis
ALBANY, MORNINGSIDE Paul W. Dupree, Pastor
South Mock Road at Five Points, Albany
Following a period of services and a
revival held in a tent, this church was
organized on November 2,1952, with 71
members. Rev. Robert E. Wilcox was
the first pastor. The first church,
erected in 1952, was frame and addi-
tions were made in 1953 and 1955. By
1958 the plant was inadequate for the
growing congregation. In addition, the
location was in the flight pattern of Turner Air Force Base. Mrs. Spencer Walden
and her sister, Miss Loretta Haley, gave a new lot as a memorial to their father, J.
T. Haley. The present building was built in 1958.
1982 Membership: 318
Members entering ministry: Clarence E. Knight, Clarence Gardner
ALBANY, PALMYRA ROAD
1600 Palmyra Road, Albany
Organized as a mission of First Church
in 1925, the church was originally
named Grace. It met in a community
house owned by Flint River Cotton Mill
until the first building with sanctuary
and five Sunday School rooms was com-
pleted in 1926. A. C. Knight was con-
tractor. In 1952 the church voted to
move, and in 1953 a new church was constructed at the present location. In 1955 a
new classroom building and kitchen and recreation hall were added. The church
was brick veneered in 1964 and expanded in 1967. The steeple was built in 1974, a
gift of Mrs. C. D. McKnight as a memorial to Mr. Joel T. Haley.
1982 Membership: 247
ALBANY, PORTERFIELD Gilbert L. Ramsey, Pastor
Frank M. Parr, Associate
Nancy Jane Scarbrough, Associate
2200 Dawson Road, Albany
Organized on September 11, 1955, this church first met in the Air Force Reserve
Center on North Slappey Drive and then in the Masonic Temple on Pine Ave. The
church was named in memory of Rev. Ralph W. Porterfield. Rev. C. W. Hanco*ck
was the first pastor. Ground for the first building was broken on Easter Sunday,
1956; the five acre site was given by Mr. and Mrs. J. T. Haley, Sr. The first unit, the
educational building, was completed
and dedicated in 1957; and services
were held there until the completion of
the sanctuary in late 1965. It was
dedicated on December 19, 1965. A
chapel was constructed in 1970 and
named the Mabel Haley Chapel. The
church hosted the South Georgia An-
nual Conference in 1972.
1982 Membership:'2,516
ALBANY, PUTNEY Richard Chandler, Pastor
Putney, Georgia
This church was organized in 1960
under the leadership of Franklin
Springer, a certified lay speaker and
member of Morningside church. Feeling
that Putney community would be a
good location for a new Methodist
church, he stopped one day and talked
to some of the people about the need for
a church. As a result of the interest
generated, a tent was erected in a grove owned by Mr. and Mrs. R. C. Williamson
and services were held. Ground was broken for the first building on an acre of land
given by Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Giddens. The first pastor was Rev. Earle E. Hart. In
1973 the Kingdom Builders gave the money to purchase additional land and sup-
plied a portable building to use while the new sanctuary was completed. The pres-
ent building was occupied on November 7,1976.
1982 Membership: 326
ALBANY, TRINITY
Guilford C. Prickette, Pastor
1012 Moultrie Road, Albany
This church was organized on June 10,
1973, as a result of the merger of Trinity
Church and Asbury church. The older
of the two congregations, Trinity was
first organized in 1925 and A. E. Han-
co*ck became the first pastor. First
known as East Side Church, Asbury was
organized in 1961 in a V.F.W. club.
1982 Membership: 147
Asbury Walton was the first pastor.
338
ARLINGTON CHARGE
J. Ralph Foster, Pastor
ARLINGTON
Ga. Hwys. 216 and 62
First organized in 1873 in a school
house, this church erected its first
building, a white wooden structure, in
1876. Its first known pastor, in 1902,
was Rev. G. W. Thomas. In 1908, the
cornerstone was laid for the present
brick structure; its art glass windows are
original. An organ was installed in 1947,
a new parsonage built in 1957, and a fellowship hall added in the mid-sixties. The
church was named Rural Charge of the Year in 1957-58. In 1978, there were 20
members who had been members for fifty or more years.
1982 Membership: 189
1982 Membership: 15
ATTAPULGUS CHARGE
ATTAPULGUS
US Hwy 27, Attapulgus, Georgia
In 1818, John Slade, a missionary from
South Carolina, was sent to Early Coun-
ty. It is believed that some time around
1830 he organized this church and
served as its first pastor. The first
building was erected on or by November
10, 1869. On July 18, 1927, ground was
broken for the present brick building
which was dedicated on April 17, 1928,
Ainsworth was a member of this church
CHRIST CHURCH
Bethany and Arlington Road, Arlington, Ga.
Organized in 1899 in a brush arbor, this
congregation built its present building,
a wooden structure, in 1900. The first
pastor was Rev. N. H. Wiliams. Later
asbestos siding was added. Before join-
ing its present charge in 1937, the
church was a member of the Newton
Charge.
E. Larry Land, Pastor
by Bishop William N. Ainsworth. Mrs.
when they were married. An educational
339
building was dedicated on March 4,1956. The church at one time was a member of
the Decatur County Circuit.
1982 Membership: 130
Members entered ministry: M. O. Williams, N. H. Wiliams, Theo Gee
HANNATOWN
RFD, Attapulgus, Georgia
Organized in 1940, this church met in a
brush arbor for about a year until it con-
structed its first building in 1941. The
timber for this building was donated by
members from this property. The pres-
ent concrete block building was erected
in 1947. The first pastor was Rev. B. K.
W. Knowles. The pews of this church,
which were purchased from a church in Tallahassee, Florida, are over 100 years old.
The church was formerly a member of the Facevile Charge.
1982 Membership: 17
BACONTON
Greg Bergquist, Pastor
Walton and Church Streets, Baconton
Organized at Raiford, now Lester, in
1870, this church was earlier known as
Shiloh. Its first wooden building,
lighted by beef tallow candles placed on
wooden strips around the walls, also
served as a school. In 1875, the site was
moved and a large log church and school
building was built. Preacher Russell
was the first pastor. In 1882 the site was
moved four miles west of the 1875 site and a wooden building was erected and fur-
nished with long benches with solid backs and lighted by oil chandeliers. In 1902
the present gothic structure was erected. A fellowship hall was added in 1967.
1982 Membership: 104
BAINBRIDGE, FIRST James T. Trice, Jr., Pastor
Shotwell and Florida Sts., Bainbridge
This church was organized in 1823. Dr. David L. White, a physician and local
preacher from Quincy, Florida, was the first minister. In 1840 a first building was
erected on the present site; it was replaced by a larger building in 1854. That year,
the charge hosted the Florida Annual Conference. In 1899 a new brick building was
erected. When it burned in 1906, the present sanctuary was built. The South
Georgia Annual Conference met here in 1911, 1924, and 1946. In 1964 a new par-
sonage was built, and later the J. O. Smith Activities Building was added. In 1977,
340
the church was named Church of the
Year of the Thomasville District.
1982 Membership: 1020
Members entered ministry: Mercer B. Ingram,
Jerry M. Woodbery, Hugh L. Davis, Eugene C.
Cochran, Marcia J. Cochran, Charles A. Jackson,
{Jr.
BLAKELY CIRCUIT
Russell A. Elkins, Pastor
CENTERVILLE
Three Notch Road, Centerville, Georgia
Organized in 1860 in a brush arbor, this
congregation built its first log structure
that same year on land given by Ezekiel
DuBose. The church was first called
DuBose Church in honor of the donor.
The first pastor was Rev. J. T. Lowe.
From 1860 to 1885, the Methodist
| shared the building with the newly
formed Baptist Church. In 1896, the congregation chose a site nearer the center of
the community and during 1896-1898 erected the present building. Built of wood
sawed in the area, the church has floor joists and ceiling trusses made of whole pine
logs. In 1976 a new social hall was added and the original building was given vinyl
siding and new windows. The church has been a member of both the Jakin and Ear-
ly County Circuits and was formerly in the Americus District.
1982 Membership: 39
HILTON
Hilton, Georgia
This church was organized in the 1860s
by a group of Methodists from Pleasant
Grove. It first met in a brush arbor. On
November 1, 1889, E. Hilton gave land
for a building stating in his deed that
the land belonged to the church so long
as no intoxicating liquors of any kind
were allowed on the premises. Any
breech of contract would return the land to his heirs. The present building was
erected on this land in the 1890s. A social hall was added in 1973.
1982 Membership: 57
341
WESTVIEW
Westview Drive, Blakely, Georgia
1982 Membership: 165
BLAKELY, FIRST
John L. McGowan, Pastor
During the pastorate of Rev. W. E. McCord, Sardis, Pleasant Grove, and Langston
Chapel churches were consolidated into a new church, Westview. A red brick
building was erected in 1963 and Rev. Harold Jennings was assigned as pastor. In
his HISTORY OF EARLY COUNTY Joel Perry states that Pleasant Grove was
the first church built in Early County. All three existed before 1919 and are listed
in the Minutes of that year as being on
the Blakely Circuit with Rev. M. M.
Pierce, pastor. Hilton and Freemans
Church were also on this circuit. In the
1930s Langston Chapel had an influx of
persons who came to work for the mills
and enjoyed a period of new life.
301 College Street, Blakely, Georgia
Organized in 1840, this church first met
in a building erected in 1852-53 and
shared with the Presbyterians. The first
pastor was Rev. Hilliary Phillips, and at
that time the church was in the Florida
Conference. In 1866, it was returned to
the Georgia Conference when that con-
ference divided into the North and
South Georgia Conferences. In 1871, the
first church building was torn down, and between 1871 and 1873 a new wooden
building was erected. This sanctuary had a wooden partition down the middle to
separate the mens and womens seating. The EARLY COUNTY NEWS, in 1878,
noted that Blakely had both a Methodist and Baptist preacher resident for the first
time. The present brick church with stained-glass windows was built in 1901. It was
renovated in 1938 with an educational annex added in 1948.
1982 Membership: 580
Members entering ministry: George Pullen
BOSTON-BARWICK CHARGE Thomas H. Newberry, Sr., Pastor
BARWICK
Barwick, Georgia
This church was organized in 1904 and the first building erected the same year.
Rev. John M. Outler preached the dedicatory sermon, and the first pastor was Rev.
Tom Kemp. In October, 1904, following a revival meeting, a young man, M. J. Bar-
rett, announced that a prayer meeting would be held in the church on Wednesday
night. Prayer meeting has been held every Wednesday night since that first one.
342
The present brick building was erected
in 1939 and dedicated on August 20,
1940. An educational building was
added in 1954. In 1973, the Boston-
Barwick charge was named Charge of
the Year for the Thomasville District.
1982 Membership: 48
BOSTON
Main Street, Boston, Georgia
The exact date of organization is not
known, but this church erected its first
building in 1872. The first pastor was
Rev. Watts. After the first building was
destroyed by storm in 1876, a new
wooden structure was built. Members
worshipped in the Presbyterian church
during construction. In 1909 the
building was brick veneered, but was partially destroyed by fire in November, 1945.
Under the leadership of Rev. Albert W. Ray, the present brick building was erected
in five months. The congregation worshipped in the Primitive Baptist Church dur-
ing this time.
1982: Membership: 152
GROOVERVILLE
Brooks County
In 1833, William H. Ramsey organized
this congregation under a brush arbor
on his home place. Later the members
built a log church on the main road to
St. Marks, Florida. The first church was
called Lebanon and was served by the
circuit rider from Albany. In 1856, the
church moved to Grooverville (then
called Key) which was on the Stage line from Tallahassee to Troupville and to
Thomasville. That same year, the present wooden structure was built of wide
planks handsawn from heart pine and hand planed. The pine was cut on the prop-
erty of Mr. M. W. Linton. In 1933, the church observed its centennial during the
pastorate of Rev. J. O. Stanaland, a great grandson of the founder, Mr. Ramsey.
1982: Membership: 16
Members entered Ministry: Thomas Kemp, Ralph Ramsey, Guernsey Ramsey, J. 0. Stanaland.
(Gilbert Ramsey (S.GA) and Robert Ramsey (N.Ga) are sons of Guernsey Ramsey.)
343
OAK GROVE
Dixie-Morven Rd., 11 miles east of Dixie
This church was first organized in 1830
in a brush arbor and was originally part
of the Tallahassee District. Rev. Isaac
Boring was the first pastor. In 1832, a
wooden building was erected at a loca-
tion 2 miles west of the present site.
During the early 1870s, fire destroyed
the original building along with the
academy at the same location, and the church became inactive. In 1904, Rev. Wal-
steen McCord held a tent revival near Mule Creek School and reorganized the
church. Church services were held in the Mule Creek School until 1906 at which
time one acre of land was given to the church by the Hodges family and the present
building was constructed. Mr. Carter Johnson built the church with funds and
lumber contributed by the local citizenry.
1982 Membership: 29
Members entered ministry: J. Neely Peaco*ck
BRINSON CHARGE
BRINSON
Brinson, Georgia
This church began as the Spring Creek
Mission and was organized in 1867 in a
field with 20 members. Rev. Willis M.
Russell, a local preacher, was the first
pastor and served for the four years the
church was known as Spring Creek. The
first building was constructed of logs
and had no window shutters or doors.
The church was next named Mt. Zion, and at some time a second building of frame
construction was built. During this period, the people came to church in wagons
and buggies, and the ladies dismounted on a special Stepping Stone, hewn from ai
rock for this purpose. This stone has been moved to the present church yard. The
present building was built in 1901; the pulpit and choir loft were remodeled and:
Sunday School room were added in 1933. In 1963 a social hall, named Wade Hodges'
Hall, was built and dedicated on the 100th anniversary of the church, August 20,
1967. The first parsonage burned in 1918, but was rebuilt as a gift of Mr. C. S..
Hodges.
1982 Membership: 36
IRON CITY
Iron City, Georgia
In the office of J. L. Dickensons store, this church was organized with nine
members on Feb. 14, 1897. That same year land for building was purchased from
344
the Trustees of Iron City School, and in
1899 a building was begun. The first
pastor was Rev. E. E. Rose. In 1928, the
building was re-roofed and electrical
fixtures were installed. Sunday School
rooms were added in 1933 and 1945.
The steeple was added in 1950-51. The
church was earlier on a charge with
Donalsonville.
1982 Membership: 28
JAKIN
Jakin, Georgia
Organized about 1894, this congregation
met in a small frame building erected
that same year by Messrs. Duke and
Bivins. Rev. Street and Rev. Johnson
from Dothan, Alabama, were brought
by the Flowers, owners of a large lumber
mill in town, to hold periodic services.
In 1898 Rev. I. P. Tyson was appointed
ipastor. In 1899 a larger frame building with Sunday School rooms was erected. In
11959, it became necessary to move the church from its noisy site between the
irailroad and the busy highway. The new concrete block building was dedicated on
August 9,1959. In late 1965 and early 1966, an annex housing dining room, kitchen,
land classrooms was erected. A heating and cooling system was installed in 1970.
IThe church was earlier on charges with Cedar Springs and Donalsonville, but has
been on its present charge since 1929.
1982 Membership: 65
CAIRO CIRCUIT
BOLD SPRINGS
This church was organized in 1863 in
the home of Robert B. McCord, and the
building was erected in 1867. The
church was named for the founders
home church in Walton County. In 1888
Bold Springs had more than 800
members; and three churches were
organized out of its membership ^9
Ochlochnee, Pierce Chapel, and
Woodland.
James D. Ayco*ck, Jr., Pastor
1982 Membership: 62
Members entered ministry: Howard McCord (youngest son of founder)
345
FRIENDSHIP
llth Ave. and Ochlochnee Rd., Cairo
Started as a mission Sunday School
sponsored by some of the members of
First Church and begun in March, 1958,
this church was formally organized on
May 1,1959, with 27 members. The first
pastor was Rev. James E. Odum. It met
in a large tent for nine months until the
building was completed in 1960. The
building had a chapel for 4 classrooms; subsequent additions have created a plant
that has a large sanctuary, social hall, adequate classrooms, and playground. The
church was composed primarily of children in the beginning and continues to offer
special service to them through a full-time day care center.
1982 Membership: 83
Members entered ministry: Mike Dollar, Leland Collins, W. A. Collins, Mary Rineer
WOODLAND
Woodland Church Road, Grady County
The first services in the community
were held by Rev. L. B. Wilson, a Con-
gregationalist Methodist minister, in
the school building that was erected in
1885. In 1887, Mr. Will Ison gave the
land for a church and a wooden building
was erected. In 1893 the congregation
reorganized as a Methodist Episcopal
church. Older members remember that in the early part of the century revivals
lasted two or three weeks, and the church would be so full that children were lined
up in the aisles and men sat in the window sills during services. The present
building was completed by September 13,1953, and dedicated in 1961.
1982 Membership: 48 '
CAIRO, FIRST William G. Brown, Pastor:
300 South Broad St., Cairo, Georgia
This church was first organized as a Sunday School in 1867, which met in the home
of Mrs. Julia Hall and had twenty
members. In 1873, the first building, a
one-room white frame structure with
arched windows, was erected. The first
pastor was Rev. T. J. Colquitt. A second
building was erected in 1902 and re-
placed with the present building in
1927. The sanctuary has a rose window
behind the pulpit. In the seventies a
large fellowship hall which contains a
346
dining room, recreation room, classrooms, and chapel was built under the leader-
ship of Dr. Loy Veal. In 1959 the church helped to organize Friendship Church in
(northeast Cairo. A number of members of the church have participated in
'Volunteers in Mission since 1980. Until 1900 the church was a member of the Bold
Springs charge; it became a station in 1904.
11982 Membership: 773
.'Members entered ministry: H. Eugene Barlow, Maxwell Eldridge Barlow, Edge Dixon, William L.
'Oliver, Jr., Charles B. Whatley, Jr., Ike Powell, Jeffry Daniel Jones.
lEntered Mission Field: Ike Powell (Egypt)
TIRED CREEK
2 miles north of Cairo, on old Hawthorn Trail
Since the early records of this church
were destroyed in a parsonage fire in the
early twenties, the exact date this
church was organized is not known.
However, it was in existence and on the
Bold Springs charge at the time Cairo
First was organized in 1867. The first
building was also erected prior to 1867.
In 1875 the old building was torn down, moved by wagon to the present site, and
reassembled. The original site was near Tired Creek, south of the Cairo-Bainbridge
Road, about three miles from the present site. The move brought the church closer
to the homes of the majority of members. The church has previously been part of
the Cairo Circuit and Bainbridge District.
1982 Membership: 18
Members entered Ministry: Russell Reid
Members entered Mission Field: Rev. Samuel A. Belcher (Brazil, 1907-1937)
CALVERY-BETHEL
CALVARY
Calvary, Georgia
Organized in 1908, this church began in
a tent meeting. 91 members joined B 38
on profession of faith and 53 by transfer
of membership. The first pastor was
Rev. R. W. Cannon. The first building
was also erected in 1908. The trees were
given by Joseph Herring and were
sawed by H. I. Clay without charge. In
1944 the building was remodeled and 5 Sunday School rooms were added. In 1951,
the extension of S.R. 179 necessitated moving the building. This was done in 1952
and an annex added. The present building was erected in 1958-1959.
1982 Membership: 71
Members entered mission Held: Rev. E. W. Anderson went to Korea from this appointment.
(Brazil, 1907-1937)
Marshall K. Singletary, Pastor
347
BETHEL
Reno, Georgia
This church was organized in 1882 and
erected its building in 1885. The
original structure is still in use. The first
pastor was Rev. J. S. Johnson. The
Womans Society of Christian Service
was organized in 1945 with 9 charter
members, all of whom are still active.
Though small, the church has been very
active in this work; in 1983, a member, Mrs. Tom Hopkins, is President of the Con-
ference United Methodist Women. The church has previously been a member of
the Cairo Circuit, Attapulgus Charge, and Metcalf Charge, and Whigham-Bethel
Circuit.
1982 Membership: 41
CENTENNIAL
Grady County, 6 V2 miles south of Cairo
First known as Possum Schuffle, this
church was organized in 1872. Its first
building was a log structure used also as
a school. The first pastor was Rev.
William Powell, who was assisted by
Sam Cassels, a layman. Rev. Walter C.
Jones was the first ordained minister of
the Metcalf Circuit, this churchs earlier
charge. In 1884 the present building was erected across the road from the log struc-
ture by the laymen and named in honor of the 100th anniversary of the first
Methodist Conference in America, 1784. The sanctuary was divided by a lattice
rail, men sitting on one side and women on the other. Nail holes are still visible
down the backs of center pews where the rail was attached. Before 1961, the
building was heated by wood; each member brought a few pieces for each service.
The outside walls have been covered with cypress shingles.
1982 Membership: 38
CAMILLA Frank H. Harris, Jr., Pastor
39 S. Harney Street, Camilla
Begun as a mission appointment by the Florida Annual Conference, this church
was organized in 1859 in a little wooden county courthouse. The first pastor was
Rev. James W. Jackson. The first building, a square frame structure painted white
with green blinds and two front doors, was located in the center of what is now
Harney Street, a little northeast of the present building. A second building was
erected in 1897; it was brick veneered. The present building with balcony and
stained glass windows was erected in 1928. This was the home church of Bishop
William N. Ainsworth, who came home to preach the Methodist SequiCentennial
348
Celebration, September 18,1897.
1982 Membership: 499
Members entered ministry: William Newman,
Ainsworth, Leon 0. Lewis, William S. Heath,
James H. Wilson, George McDonnell Acree,
Millard Carson Cleveland, James Frederick
Wilson, John Elbert Wilson, Weyman Reeves
,Cleveland, Thomas Acree Whiting, Pledger
Wilson Parker, Joe K. Dunagan
COLQUITT CHARGE
Claud S. Cook, Pastor
COLQUITT
453 E. Main Street, Colquitt
The first available record of this church
was reported in the 1857 Florida Con-
ference. That year Rev. John M. Hen-
dry was assigned as. pastor. In 1878, a
one-room structure was erected at 206
W. Main St. In 1903-1904, a new frame
church was built at the current location
at a cost of $175.00. In 1938-1942, the
building was brick-veneered. On July 26, 1976, this building was completely
destroyed by fire. The work of the church continued in temporary quarters while
the present building was built. It was finished in 1978 and dedicated in 1980; it is
built of Old South Range II brick. In 1956, the church was named Church of the
Year in the Thomasville District; that same year the giving to missions exceeded
the pastors salary. It was also Church of the Year in 1963 and 1978.
1982 Membership: 487
Members entered ministry: L. De Witt Shippey, Sarah Ann Wilkin
Members enter mission field: William Elmo Tubb
HARMONY
Phillipsburg Road, Colquitt, Georgia
First called Mt. Harmony, this church
grew from Coleman Hill Church and
was organized around 1900. The first
services were held in a tent across the
road from the present site, which is
about five miles northeast of Colquitt.
Pews for the tent were made by placing
wide boards from one round block to
another; kerosene lanters provided light. In 1905 the building was erected on an
acre of land purchased for $10.00. The first known minister was Rev. T. A. Mosely
in 1910. About 1914 the church became inactive. Then in 1920 during June and
July, the laid-by season for crops when farmers could take some time off, a
349
month of protracted meetings were held. All denominations attended the
meetings held in succeeding weeks at Macedonia, Mt. Olive, Mt. Hebron, and Har-
mony. Services were held at 11:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. As a result of a spiritual
revival, the church became active again. The building was renovated in 1936-38 and
1942-46. A dining room and kitchen were added in the mid-fifties and brick veneer
in 1976.
1982 Membership: 114
DIXIE-OZELL Don J. West, Pastor
DIXIE
Highway 364, Dixie, Georgia
This church was organized in 1876 with
12 members under the leadership of
Rev. Templeton. A building was erected
on property which adjoined the Dixie
cemetery and was given by Jacob
Moody, Jr. It was frame, with a steeple,
a bell, and circular steps. When the
second larger building was erected in
1891-92, this church became home for the Baptists. The new church was also frame
and was built on a lot given by Mrs. S. E. Winter and adjoining her property. Fall
1925, this building was destroyed by fire; the Baptists invited the Methodists to
worship in their former building during rebuilding. The present structure was
erected in 1927-28; a fellowship hall was added some years later.
1982 Membership: 60
Members entered ministry: Orson Branch, Tom Kempt, Tom Stewart, George F. Austin, Stewart
Austin, Ralph Ramsey, Henry Stipe, Warren Stipe.
OZELL
Ozell Road, Thomas County, Georgia
This church was organized in 1909 in a
tent meeting. The, same year it erected
the present building from pine siding
given by area members. The original
wooden ceiling and the original altar are
still in place; the tin roof was replaced in
1982. The original pews, still in use,
were manufactured in Thomasville. The
first pastor was Rev. F. A. Ratcliffe. Previously, the church has been part of the
Dixie-Barwick and Barwick charges.
1982 Membership: 20
DONALSONVILLE, FRIENDSHIP Albert C. Joiner, Pastor
US Hwy. 84, Donalsonville, Georgia
This church began with 4 members, Mr.
350
and Mrs. James Jackson Harris and Mr.
and Mrs. Stephen Pitts, in 1850. Rev.
James C. Stafford served until Rev. Ira
Potter was assigned. This church was in
the Florida Conference until 1866 when
those churches in the lower part of the
state were returned to create the South
Georgia Conference in the division of
the Georgia Conference. The earlier log
building was replaced by a larger log
building in 1870 which also served as
the school. In 1922, the frame building was replaced by the present brick building.
It has been renovated and remodeled several times; the most recent was in 1971.
During the pastorate of Rev. Clyde Harvard, 1945-48, Friendship sponsored the
establishment of two churches in the county, Trinity and Reynolds Chapel.
1982 Membership: 434
Members entering ministry: Ted Marsh, Marshall K. Singletary
EDISON CHARGE Richard Trawick, Pastor
EDISON
Edison, Georgia
In the mid-1850s some families moved
from South Carolina to the newly
created Calhoun County. The
Methodists and Presbyterians built a
church at Dickey which was later moved
across the creek and called
Philadelphia. In 1902, when the com-
munity of Edison was incorporated, the
Methodists built a new church and called it Friendship because other denomina-
tions also used it. The pastor at that time was Rev. N. H. William. A new church
was erected in 1905 but was destroyed by fire in 1926. The present brick church was
then erected. An educational building was built in 1969. In 1975, the church was
named District Charge of the Year. Also on the Edison Charge until it was closed
in 1959 was Carnegie Church, founded in 1906. The building, which was erected in
1913 with funds donated mainly by Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Andrews, was sold to a
black congregation and is still in use in a new location.
1982 Membership: 99
BLUFFTON
Bluffton, Georgia
After organizing in 1870, the Methodists of the community jointly with the Baptists
and Presbyterians built a church building. When the Presbyterians moved to north
Georgia, the building was sold to the Baptists, and the Methodists erected a new
building in 1880 and dedicated it in 1886. The earliest pastor remembered was Rev.
Charles L. Hayes. In 1891 after a tent meeting, sixty new members joined the
church. In November 1917, however, the church building was destroyed by a storm;
the present building was erected in 1918 and the bell from the old church placed in
it. Additions were made in 1946 and
1951. Central heating and cooling were
added in 1976. In 1959 the membership
of Lovett Church was added to Bluff-
ton, when Lovett closed. Lovett was
organized on August 17, 1924, following
a 10-day protracted meeting held in a
tent at Farrells Crossroads. Named for
Rev. W. C. Lovett, the church built its
first building in 1925 with lumber from
an old house; and after a storm destroyed it in 1943, the congregation rebuilt with
the help of a grant from the Board of Church Extension.
1982 Membership: 75
MORGAN
Morgan, Georgia
After organizing their church in about
1886, the congregation erected the
present frame building in 1888. The
pews, floors, and altar are all as they
originally were though the building has
had to be turned because of a change in
the highway. The building was remod-
eled and refurbished in 1958. The first
pastor, in 1892, was Rev. 0. B. Chester. The high steeple was once the site of a
heroic deed. When a man painting the steeple slipped from the scaffolding, George
Dozier, who was helping, caught and held the heavier man until help arrived, thus
saving his life.
1982 Membership: 78
VINCENT
3 miles east of Bluffton, Bluffton-Edison Rd.
This church was organized in 1923 as
the result of a brush arbor meeting.
First named Lucile Chapel Church in
honor of the youngest daughter of Mrs.
Mills from whom the land was pur-
chased, the church was later named
Vincent in honor of its founder and first
pastor, Rev. Marvin Vincent. The first
building was erected at the forks of the road near Spring Creek; in 1954 the present
building was erected. Its art glass window above the pulpit was a gift from Mrs.
Ramus Freeman, wife of the pastor. During the pastorate of Rev. Bob Dorsey, the
church received the Rural and Small Town Church Award.
1982 Membership: 60
352
FACEVILLE CHARGE
Edwin B. ONeil, Pastor
FACEVILLE
Faceville, Georgia
When the Greenshade Methodist
Church was disbanded, one group of
members went to Fowltown and one
group came to Faceville and in 1887
organized this church under the shelter
of a turpentine still. The congregation
worshipped in homes and with the
Presbyterians until they erected their
building later that same year. Rev. J. T. Ainsworth was the first pastor. The
wooden structure was destroyed by fire in 1904, but another frame building was
erected the same year. In 1926, that building was torn down and replaced with the
present stucco building which was built by members working with their hands and
small tools. Two women members remember carrying the mortar mix in buckets to
the men who were laying the block and applying the stucco. In 1956-57, a
fellowship-recreation hall with kitchen was added. During 1978, a complete renova-
tion included the addition of a steeple, brick veneer, and stained galss windows.
1982 Membership: 63
HOPEWELL
Bettstown Road, Decatur County
Originally located in Florida, this
church was organized as early as 1892. It
held services in Hopewell School until
1904, when the congregation voted to
move the church across the Florida line
into Georgia and to unite with another
church. At this time the Quarterly Con-
ference asked the Presiding Elder to ar-
range to have the pastor give a regular monthly Sunday Morning service and
pledged $60 a year for the pastors support. In 1904 the present church of Dutch
Gothic Colonial design was erected. The first pastor was Rev. C. B. Ames. The
Church school annex was added in 1946. In 1980, a large pine extensively damaged
the church when it fell across the roof but repairs were immediate. The church was
earlier part of the Concord Charge and the Tallahassee District.
1982 Membership: 32
RECOVERY
Recovery Road, Decatur County
Organized in the late 1800s, this congregation first met in Whiddon School House.
In 1901, John R. Gholson deeded one acre of land for the church building which was
built of prime lumber. The sills were pure fat lightered; the blocks were chipped
off rocks at Hutchinson Ferry on the Flint River. This church was sold in 1951 and
353
services were moved to the Recovery
School House, which had been built in
1923. This building is still in use.
1982 Membership: 60
SYLVANIA
Organized before 1890, this church first
met in a log school house. The first
building, erected in the mid-1890s, was
built with funds solicited by Billy Gray
as he travelled his turpentine work over
south Georgia and north Florida. In
1953-54, this structure was replaced by
the present brick building. Rev. J. B.
Smith preached the first sermon on
March 7,1954. In the late 1950s a steeple was added, and in 1971 a social hall was
built by the men of the church who worked on Saturdays. The women brought din-
ner to the workers. The church has a cemetery.
1982 Membership: 74
FORT GAINES CHARGE Asbury B. Walton, Pastor
FORT GAINES
Fort Gaines, Georgia
Under the leadership of Elder Samuel
Johnson, this church was organized in
1822 in the home of General Dill. The
South Carolina Conference assigned
Rev. John J. Trigg as its first pastor. In
1830 a house of worship was built for
use by all denominations; it burned in
1836. In 1840 first wooden building was
erected by the Methodists, a year after the church was incorporated under Georgia
law.
1982 Membership: 172
COLEMAN
Coleman, Georgia
Founded in 1875, this church erected its first and present building, a frame struc-
354
ture, in 1887. From the beginning it has
been on the Fort Gaines Charge
together with New Lowell. In 1919 the
pastor was A. W. Quillian. In 1931, the
church was the second largest on the
charge with 95 members and that year
added 9 new members by profession of
faith. It has been with its charge part of
the Americus, Columbus, and
Thomasville Districts.
1982 Membership: 8
NEW LOWELL
15 m. N. Ft. Gaines, Clay County
Organized in 1840, Old Lowell Church
was destroyed by fire in about 1865 and
the property passed from church owner-
ship. From 1865 to 1898 there was no
place to worship; then the Methodists
and Baptists built a union church, Mid-
way. The Methodists in 1890 began to
worship at Salem Church where they
continued until New Lowell was built in 1900 on property given by W. T. Credille,
Sr. The site is that of Old Lowell. In May, 1951, Sunday School rooms were added.
Mr. G. K. Reeney of Columbus gave the art glass window, The Good Shepherd.
In 1963 when the waters of the Walter F. George Lock and Dam came within yards
of the church and cemetery, the road to the church had to be moved five miles. As
farms of many member families were flooded by the lake, they moved and member-
ship declined.
1982 Membership: 44
WESLEY CHAPEL
Ga. Hwy. 37, Clay County
First called Bald Hill after its location,
this church was organized in 1840 by
nine families and for 28 years was
served by a group of loyal local
preachers. In 1872 Rev. H. Stubbs was
the first conference appointed pastor.
Although the first church was built on
the Bald Hill site, in 1852 Simon Tyner
gave 5 acres of land for a new building. When it was erected, the name of the church
was changed to Wesley Chapel. In 1885 a second building was erected on the
present site; the pulpit, still in use, and altar were made of native walnut by Irwin
S. Saunders. In 1897 a camp meeting, known as Tyner Springs Camp Ground in
honor of the family who gave the land, was organized, a tabernacle built, and ser-
vices held until 1913. Early church records show strict standards of living; atten-
dance was kept at monthly meeting, and some were expelled for the crime of
1982 Membership: 60
LEARY CHARGE John S. Mathis, Pastor
LEARY
N. Morgan Hwy. and Arlington Hwy., Leary
This church was organized in 1877 in a
room at the Leary Hotel as a study
group. Eleven members then built a
brush arbor for services on two acres of
land. Lumber for seats was brought
from Dawson, Georgia, and sawdust for
the floor. The first preacher was Un-
cle Billy Stewart. He was followed by a
Mr. Culpepper, a traveling evangelist, and Miss Annie Bagley, a sanctified woman
who prayed and spoke in the church, though records show that many members did
not approve of a woman speaking in the church. The first church, nailed together
with wooden pins 3 inches in diameter, was completed in 1878. In 1908, the first
building was sold, and another lot was given for a new building which was built,
paid for, and dedicated in four months. Rev. E. W. Gray was pastor then. When this
building burned in 1956, the present building was erected.
1982 Membership: 66
Members entered Ministry: James McLendon 9sg
-
CORDRAY
Gillionville Road, (S.R. 234)
Although the exact date of organization
is unknown, conference records indicate
that the church was active by 1924, for
in that year the Conference Board of
Church Extension was helping them
build a church. The church is named
after Cordrays Mill, a grist mill located
nearby. The present church was built in
1974 and dedicated in honor of James Suddereth. Though not a member, James at-
tended services regularly; during his senior year in high school, he was killed when a
tractor overturned. Many memorial gifts were sent to the church and used to build
the present building.
1982 Membership: 62
DAMASCUS
North 45, Damascus, Georgia
The exact date of organization for this church is unknown. It first appears in the
Conference records in 1906 on a charge with Colquitt which Rev. E. M. Overby was
appointed to serve. In 1912 it became head of the Damascus Circuit. The first
building, which was sited on a block with the Baptist Church and the Methodist
356
parsonage between, burned. The fire
also destroyed the parsonage and Bap-
tist church. The churches were rebuilt
but the parsonage was not.
1982 Membership: 46
MILFORD
Leary-Milford Road, Milford, Georgia
This church was organized on
September 19, 1900. The present
building, formerly, a Baptist school
building, was purchased from the Bap-
tists in 1921. Many of the older
members learned to read and write in
the building where they now worship.
1982 Membership: 61
MEIGS-OCHLOCKNEE CHARGE Ernest W. Bass, Pastor
MEIGS
East Marshall Street, Meigs
Organized in 1889, this church first met
in members homes, then with the Bap-
tists under a mill shed, and then in a
one-room school. There were nine
charter members. The first pastor was
Rev. E. M. Mahone. In 1895, the con-
gregation erected a one-room frame
building which was renovated many
times and served the congregation until it burned on September 14,1977, after be-
ing struck by lightning. All the efforts of area firemen could not save it. The con-
gregation met in the old parsonage, then vacant, for two years while the new church
was built on a new site. It was consecrated October 28,1979. The old parsonage was
then renovated and made available as a home for a retired minister. The present
building includes the sanctuary, 10 Sunday School rooms, social hall, and offices.
1982 Membership: 127
OCHLOCKNEE
S.R. 3, Ochlocknee, Georgia
In October 1883, twenty-four members organized this church which first met in a
small log school. The first pastor was Rev. L. B. Bouchelle. In 1884 a one-room
white frame building was erected. It underwent expansion and extensive renova-
tion until 1949 when the present
building in a new location was built.
The old building was sold. The first ser-
vice in the present building was held
April 10, 1949, and it was dedicated
November 12,1950.
1982 Membership: 121
Members entered ministry: H. P. Stubbs, J. M.
Clark
NEWTON CHARGE Charles J. Harper, Pastor
NEWTON
Old Highway 37, West, Newton, Georgia
In the same year that it was organized,
1871, this church erected its first frame
building on an acre of land given by W.
D. Williams to the trustees of the
Methodist church to be used as a
meeting house for all Faiths. This lot
was probably located in what is now the
southeast part of the Newton Cemetery.
The building featured a steeple and bell. It was sold and used as a tenant house
when the Methodists moved into a building on the Flint River which had been
vacated by the Presbyterians. This building was built around the turn of the cen-
tury, and the Methodists began to hold services there around 1902 although the
property was not deeded over until January 2, 1924. The first known pastor was
Rev. S. D. Clements iii 1882. In 1925, a flood carried water four feet up into the
church severely damaging pews and pulpit which were restored. In 1967 the church
was moved to its present location on a lot given by Mrs. Suzanne Odom; a complete
renovation at this time added Sunday School rooms, Fellowship hall, and brick
veneer. In August 1979, lightning set fire to the sanctuary destroying the roof,
decorative ceiling, and walls. The building was rebuilt and restored; the decorative
ceiling was restored and the original pews refinished.
||982 Membership: 33*
BETHANY
R.S.R. 112, Mitchell County, Georgia
First called Bradfords Meeting House
after its first pastor, Rev. Joseph J.
Bradford, this church was organized in
1857. It met in homes and brush arbors
for ten years until a log church was built
in 1867. The present church was built in
188341884 and is located on The
Hawthorne Trail blazed in 1814 by
William Hawthorne. In the la fifties, a benefactor, Lawrence J. Montgomery,
358
gave a generous endowment for the upkeep of the church and cemetery which has
made possible many improvements and additions. On the 110th anniversary of
establishment, the youth of the church erected a historical marker commemorating
the organization. The church has previously been part of the Meigs-Ochlocknee,
West Bainbridge, Sale City and Baconton Charges.
1982 Membership: 38
BRANCHVILLE
Branchville, Georgia
First called Turkey Pen Church, this
congregation was established in 1868;
land for the church was donated by
Steve Hurst. The first pastor was Rev.
W. M. Kennedy. In 1874 Wyche Mc-
Elveen and B. H. Gee built an arbor at
the present location given by Mr. Gee.
Due to controversy about the location, it
was decided to build the church one mile north on land given by Mr. McElveen.
The man who lived across from the proposed location opposed it bitterly, saying
that a church should not be built in front of a gentlemans house, J. M. Bell then
gave land V2 mile northeast of the present location and a building was started;
before completion a tornado destroyed it. A church was then built on the present
location and used until it burned in 1884. The church again moved to a site given by
Mr. Bell and Dr. Faircloth; this building was used until 1914 when it was razed and
a new building erected. Shortly after completion, the building was blown down by a
tornado; rebuilt immediately, it was again blown down. Deciding that the location
was not right, the members relocated to the present property given by Mr. Gee and
erected the present church in 1915. Sunday school rooms were added in 1945 and a
social hall, library, and other improvements at later dates.
1982 Membership: 69
Member entering ministry: Albert L. Joiner
SUTTON CHAPEL
Vada Road, Bainbridge, Georgia
Under the leadership of Rev. Louis Sut-
ton, its first pastor, this church was
organized in 1898. It first met in a brush
arbor until it erected the present church
later that same year. Sunday School
rooms were added in 1941, a Social Hall
was built in 1969, and in 1979 a com-
plete renovation of the sanctuary which
included new pews and pulpit furniture was finished.
1982 Membership: 58
359
PA VO CHARGE
James E. Davis, Pastor
PAVO
Pavo, Georgia
This church was organized in 1869 in a
brush arbor under the leadership of
Rev. Nicholas Moses Reddick. First
called Lebanon Church, it erected a
wooden building in 1870-71. When the
town changed its name to Pavo, the
Latin for peaco*ck, in honor of pioneer
citizen D. D. Peaco*ck, the church name
changed. In 1902, the present building was erected on land given by Dr. J. Frank
Harris. It was remodeled in 1941 and 1945; an educational building was added in
1942. The first reported Quarterly Conference in 1905 noted that powerful revivals
held in Pavo and Barwick had added 26 new members to the Pavo church.
1982 Membership: 99
Members entered ministry: Olin C. Cooper
COOLIDGE
1 block south of S.R. 188, Coolidge, Ga.
This church was organized in a tent
meeting in either 1901 or 1906. Its first
pastor was Rev. Otis Smith. In 1907-
1908, the first building was erected. It
was damaged on three different occa-
sions by wind; that property was sold
and a new church and parsonage were
1982 Membership: 21 built on the present location.
IONE
lone Community, Brooks County, north of Pavo
This church was organized in 1909 as
the result of a three weeks revival tent
meeting conducted by Rev. R. P. Fain.
The first building, a wooden structure,
was erected the same year. Rev. Reese
Griffin was the first pastor. In 1946 a
day was set aside to begin work on a new
church building. Members met and tore
down the old building, stacked usable lumber, and burned all trash in one day. It
took several months of hard work to erect the present building, during which time
services were held in lone School and an old dwelling house. A Social Hall and
kitchen were added in 1963 and extensive renovations made to the sanctuary and
Sunday School rooms in 1965.
1982 Membership: 80
360
PATTEN
GA 122, Patten Community, Thomas County
This church had its roots in the Sunday School organized in the 1890s in Martin
School and in subsequent Sunday Schools. In 1909 the church was organized as a
result of a six-weeks revival held under a tent by Rev. F. A. Ratcliffe. During the
meetings, 231 joined the church and 123 were baptized. At a later revival, 84 more
joined. The church was erected in 1909 and is still in use, though it originally had
two front doors which have been
remodeled into a double central door.
Rev. Reese Griffin was the first pastor.
The church has earlier been part of the
Coolidge Mission and the Barwick-
Preston Charge. Since the community
of Patten has disappeared,, the member-
ship of this once large church has
dwindled.
1982 Membership: 13
PELHAM, HAND MEMORIAL
Hugh L. Davis, Pastor
398 Hand Avenue, Pelham, Georgia
This church was organized following a
protracted meeting conducted in a
brush arbor by Rev. J. T. Ainsworth in,
it is thought, 1878. The first pastor was
Rev. S. W. Stubbs. The same year a
rough, unceiled wooden structure, 30 x
50 feet, was erected on Castleberry
Street. It was later sold to a black con-
gregation and moved to Cotton Street,
where it is still in use. In 1918, the present building was erected; Mrs. J. L. Hand
gave half the funds in memory of her husband, Judson Larrabee Hand, for whom
the church is named. On September 29, 1981, fire destroyed the roof and ceiling of
the building. Since renovation was already underway, scaffolding inside caught the
collapsing roof and saved the floor, walls, and stained glass windows. The organ and
furnishings had also been removed. The church sent the insurance refund check to
the building fund of the new Christ Church in Albany.
1982 Membership: 429
Members entered ministry: Gus Jordan
SALE CITY CHARGE
Herman A. Howell, Pastor
ANTIOCH
Pebble City, Georgia
In 1860 this church was organized and first met in a log school house. Its first pastor
was Rev. Moses Smith, a local preacher. In 1881 J. L. Hand gave the land on which
361
the present church was erected in 1882.
It was remodeled in 1892. In 1980, the
membership of Sale City Church
merged with this church when it was
closed. The Sale City Church had been
organized in 1905 and Rev. J. W. Wells
served as its first pastor. The building
was erected in 1906 on land given by A.
T. and H. H. Jones and W. T. Barnes.
The sanctuary was remodeled and Sun-
day School rooms partitioned from it in 1937.
1982 Membership: 38
Members entered ministry: S. R. Bractcher
This church was organized in 1946 to
replace the Cotton Church whose
members had disbanded after a wind
storm destroyed the church in 1923.
The twenty charter members first met
in the Assembly of God church and then
moved to the school until the building
was erected. The first pastor was Rev.
G. W. Bates with Nathan Williams assistant. During reorganization, Rev. Bernard
Brown came from Pelham one Sunday afternoon a month. The church was named
to honor the memory of Dr. M. M. Burns of Pelham who gave much time and
money to the organizing of the church and erecting the building. In 1961 when hail
extensively damaged the building, additions were made when it was repaired. The
church was completely renovated in 1969.
BURNS MEMORIAL
Old Stage Rd., off S.R. 93, Cotton, Georgia
1982 Membership: 92
Members entered ministry: Jeffery Beasley
HARTSFIELD
Hartsfield, Georgia
The exact date of organization is
unknown, but on September 20, 1908,
Mrs. Florence Hartsfield deeded the
property for the church to the Trustees.
Rev. C. A. Norton was the first pastor.
In 1908, the present building was
erected; through the years it has been
extensively remodeled. Electric lights
have replaced the oil lamps which hung from the ceiling, and the entrance had been
remodeled. In 1952 a library, social hall, kitchen, and more classrooms were added.
1982 Membership: 56
362
THOMASVILLE, DAWSON STREET
Virgil R. Lee, Pastor
1132 North Dawson Street, Thomasville, GA
This church was organized in 1944 with
63 charter members. Sponsored by First
Church, it met there until it erected its
first building, a small frame structure
with white asbestos siding. Rev. A.
Jason Shirah was the first pastor. The
present building was begun in 1953; it
includes sanctuary, education, ad-
ministrative, and fellowship facilities.
1982 Membership: 541
Members entered ministry: Jack Smith, Timothy Bagwell, William Bagwell
THOMASVILLE, FAIRVIEW
W. Edward Huff, Pastor
218 Law Street, Thomasville, Georgia
Organized on November 7,1951, with 40
charter members, this church first met
in a tent. Its first pastor was Rev. J.
Ralph Foster. Ground was broken for
the church on March 16, 1952, and the
building was complete by June 1. The
building was dedicated on March 29,
1953. A Sunday School Building was
added in November, 1965.
1982 Membership: 48
THOMASVILLE, FIRST
Lawrence E. Houston, Jr., Pastor
Broad Street, Thomasville
Organized in 1840, this church was the
first of any denomination in town. The
first pastor was Rev. James Woodie.
Built in 1840, the first building was a
plain wooden structure with two front
doors, one for men and one for women.
This church hosted the Florida Con-
ference in 1851 and 1857. In 1867, the
building was torn down and a new frame church with a steeple built. Though later
bricked, this building is still in use. In 1848, Fletcher Institute, sponsored by the
Florida Conference, was built on 100 acres and became part of the churchs ac-
tivities. The church and Fletcher institute were used as a hospital for the overflow
of Union soldiers from Andersonville. The dead are buried under the present
church and front sidewalk. In 1901, the Methodist women organized the other
churches to secure a social worker for the city; Miss Annie Heath, who filled the
363
position, was one of the first 5 women consecrated Deaconess by the Womans
Home Mission Board. In 1903, the Womans Home Missionary Society was given a
thirteen-room house and four acres on which they established the Vashti Blas-
ingame Home to provide a home for girls whose home conditions were unbearable.
The present Vashti School grew from this. In 1872, 1916, and 1930, the church
hosted the South Georgia Annual Conference. In the fall of 1949 the church was ex-
tensively renovated and the J. L. Turner Memorial Organ was installed. The large
educational building was erected in 1957-1958.
1982 Membership: 1,073
Members entered ministry: Jimmie Allen Callahan, Reese Turrentine, Jack Inman
THOMASVILLE, METCALF-BETHPAGE R. V. Sneed, Pastor
METCALF
Metcalf, Georgia
This church, organized on December 1,
1890, was an offshoot from Spring
Hill Church. The first pastor was Rev. J.
T. Ryder. A frame building was erected
in 1890-91 on the present site. In 1934,
or early 1935, a tornado blew down the
original church leaving only the pulpit
standing. The church was rebuilt im-
mediately with gifts from members and much help from Mr. L. S. Thompson,
owner of Sunny Hill plantation, who furnished his carpenters. The church has
previously been on the Spring Hill, Ebenezer, Bethpage, Bold Springs, and
Metcalf-Fairview Charges.
1982 Membership: 89
BETHPAGE
Thomas County
First organized about 1830, this church
was a member of the Florida Conference
until 1867. The first listed pastor was
Rev. Robert W. Flourney in 1866-67.
The first building of logs and hand
hewn timbers was built on a hill. After it
was gone, services were held in the
two-story Masonic lodge. The Masons
gave the building to the church in 1875, and it was converted into the present struc-
ture. It too has hand hewn timbers and hand planed wide boards. Since 1949 when
a Sunday School building was added, a front porch and a new altar have been
added. The pews and floors are original. Behind the church is the Spring from
which several generations have drunk, using goards and glasses and even magnolia
leaves as dippers.
1982 Membership: 27
364
THOMASVILLE, MORNINGSIDE
S. Benson Parker, Jr., Pastor
MORNINGSIDE
2007 Smith Avenue, Thomasville, Georgia
Originally named Sunrise for a year,
this church was organized in 1965 with
105 members. It met in an old two-story
house located on the lot until it built the
first unit of its plant, the educational
building, in 1968. The sanctuary was
built in 1980. The first pastor was Rev.
Arthur Fussell.
1982 Membership: 210
Members entered ministry: Larry.Sauls, Edward Huff
EBENEZER
Nine Mile Post Road, 5 miles of U.S. 19, Thomas
County
This church was organized in 1905 with
55 members. It first met in a school, but
erected its building the same year. Rev.
W. C. Embry was the first pastor. The
church was originally part of the Met-
calf charge.
1982 Membership: 29
TRINITY-REYNOLDS CHAPEL
TRINITY
Hebrew Road, Donalsonville, Georgia
First organized in 1856, the church relocated in 1910. Then due to the decline of
turpentine and lumber business, the population dwindled and the second structure
was abandoned and the congregation disbanded in 1922. Rev. L. Clyde Harvard
began to hold services in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Bragg in late 1946; in
February the present site was donated and a block building was erected. The
church was formally organized in the
Bragg home on May 22, 1947. The
present building was erected in 1968.
Like the 1947 building most of the labor
was done by the members themselves.
The 1968 building was constructed
under the leadership of E. D. (Bob)
Fiveash, chairman of the building com-
mittee. In 1979, on land given by Bar-
365
tow Gibson, a parsonage was constructed and the church became a full-time
church.
1982 Membership: 91
Members entered ministry: Graton Helms, Richard Trawick
REYNOLDS CHAPEL
Ga. 374,12 miles south of Donalsonville
A church called Lake Hinton was first
built in this area on August 31, 1891.
However, that congregation disbanded
and the site is now under Lake
Seminole. The present congregation was
organized in 1945 under the leadership
of its first pastor, Rev. Clyde Harvard.
The church met in the old R.D.R. school, until it erected its present building on
that site in 1949. A fellowship area and dining room and many other improvements
have been added since. The church was earlier on the Donalsonville Charge.
1982 Membership: 47
WEST BAINBRIDGE CHARGE
William K. Bagwell, Pastor
Jeffery D. Jones, Associate
WEST BAINBRIDGE
Dothan Road, Bainbridge, Georgia
Under the leadership of Rev. J. A.
Smith, pastor of First Church, this
church was organized in 1906 with 37
charter members transferring from
First Church. That same year a wooden
frame building with Sunday School
rooms was erected on Miller Avenue in
what was known as Digger, Georgia. Rev. D. B. Meritt was the first pastor. In 1955,
construction started on the present building which was finished in 1957 during the
pastorate of Rev. R. C. Kale.
1982 Membership: 83
COOKS UNION
Rt. 3, Colquitt, Georgia
Though formally organized on September 7, 1947, the roots of this church go back
to 1868. In that year William Henry Cook and his wife Annis Kelley Cook were
building a new home when their twelve-year-old daughter died and was buried in
the yard of the new home, the beginning of Cooks Cemetery. Through the years,
though the family moved away, they returned to inter family members in the
cemetery. They often spoke of the need for a church on the spot and twice started.
366
On July 4, 1946, Charlie Willis Cook
suggested to a family gathering that
another start be made; when the com-
munity learned the family was serious,
they too contributed. The Babco*ck
Brothers Lumber Company, which then
owned the land, gave the site. During
building, Rev. J. W. Patterson and Rev.
Nath Williams came from Colquitt to
hold services under the pines. Rev.
James W. May was the first pastor. In 1963 a new sanctuary was built and the old
converted to Sunday School rooms, Social Hall, and kitchen. In 1973 a parsonage
was built. In June, 1982, a full-time pastor was appointed and an associate for West
Bainbridge. The charge was chosen Charge of the Year in 1970.
1982 Membership: 105
WHIGHAM-CLIMAX CHARGE
WHIGHAM
U.S. 84, Whigham, Georgia
This church was organized in 1869 with
8 members in a school. A wooden two-
story building was built the same year
on land given by W. W. and John T.
Harrell; the top floor was to be used by
the Masons who never did so. Instead,
the Grangers used it until they dis-
banded. In 1875, this building was
blown down by a storm and its remains sold to a local Methodist preacher and
teacher, Mr. Latamore, who used the timber to build a house. The present building
was erected in 1876 and originally had a steeple with bell which was torn down. The
church was earlier on the Bainbridge-Whigham charge.
1982 Membership: 99
Charles B. Whatley, Pastor
CLIMAX
Church Street, Climax, Georgia
In 1902, the Cedar Grove church spon-
sored a brush arbor meeting in Climax.
At the close of the meeting, July 7,1902,
the members voted to move the church
to Climax. In 1903, a one-room struc-
ture large enough to seat 600 was con-
structed; during building the members
met in a blacksmith shop. The first
pastor was Rev. E. L. Patrick. In 1937, the old building was torn down and the
present one erected on the same lot.
1982 Membership: 88
367
SPRING HILL
8 miles north of Whigham on the Bainbridge
cutoff road
Named for its site atop a clay hill with a
spring at the foot, this church was
organized in 1873. On land unofficially
given by Robert E. Whigham, the first
log building with wooden shutters and
one center door was erected. When it
rotted away, a larger partitioned sanc-
tuary with two entrances was built; it also served as a school. In the 1890s, a new
building was erected across the road of hewed logs and sawmill timber, pegged
together. The entrance had two doors and high steps. During the pastorate of Rev.
Marvin Vincent, the present building was begun with faith and $1.00, and the
members contributed the labor. It has two stories with the lower one used for Sun-
day School and recreation activities. More Sunday School rooms were added during
the early fifties. The sanctuary was renovated in the late sixties.
1982 Membership: 78
368
VALDOSTA DISTRICT
C.E. Ned Steele, Superintendent
806 Millpond Road, Valdosta
The district line for the older churches
in this area constantly changed until the
Valdosta District was formed in 1889.
Between 1844-1866 these churches were
in the Florida Conference in one or
more of these districts, Tallahassee, Ft.
Gaines, Bainbridge, Thomasville,
Brunswick and Quitman. For example,
in 1863, the Quitman District had these churches Quitman, Valdosta, Nashville, Ir-
win, Waresboro, Holmesville, Doctortown and Brunswick. The next year these were
divided between the Bainbridge and Waresboro Districts with other churches
added. In 1866 these churches became a part of the South Georgia Conference. The
district lines changed often, and those, churches adjacent to other districts were
swapped back and forth until 1889 when the Valdosta District began. In 1983 this
district had 49 charges with 71 churches and 17,067 members.
ADEL CHARGE
Thomas F. Oliver, Pastor
ADEL
214 S. Hutchinson Ave., Adel, Georgia
The Methodists were having services in
this area before Adel became a town. In
1886 the Stella Circuit of 6 churches
held its quarterly conference at Antioch,
five miles from the present city of Adel.
The other churches were Trinity,
Salem, New Hope, Wesley Chapel, and
Shiloh. With the coming of the railroad
and a large sawmill, the Methodists began services in a railroad shanty. Rev. J.M.
Hendry organized Adel Church in 1888. The first building was erected in 1889, and
painted in 1891 with a bell and new seats added. Two buildings in different loca-
tions were built before the present building was begun in 1916, but not finished un-
til 1925. The flu epidemic of 1918 was so severe that those who gave themselves
without thought for their own safety were very rare, such was the Methodist
preacher, Rev. A.H. Robinson. He ministered to all races and kinds as doctor,
nurse, maid, and priest. In 1949 the educational building was erected and later
enlarged. In the 1970s much of the church was renovated with new equipment
purchased.
1982 Membership: 505
Members entering ministry: V.L. Daughtrey, Thomas E. Barrett, Vance Mathis, Emily Sessions
369
CECIL
Main Street, Cecil, Georgia
In the latter part of 1891 in the town of
Oxmoor, known today as Cecil, this
church was organized. The original
church was a large wooden building
erected by the members. The pulpit fur-
nishings were all handmade as was the
altar rail. A pot-bellied stove gave heat,
and kerosene wall and hanging lamps
gave light. In 1949 the original building was torn down and a new sanctuary built on
the same site, moving the original altar and pulpit furnishings. In October, 1972
these were replaced as a memorial to Mrs. Maude Kennedy Byrd, a life-long
member. This church has been part of the following charges: Hahira, Lenox and
Adel. In 1977 the church received a World Parish Citation and the Four Lane Ad-
vance Certificate for missionary giving and financial support.
Marshall B. Strickland, Pastor
ALAPAHA
US HWy. 82, Berrien County
The date for the organization or
building of this church is not known,
but the property for the present loca-
tion was deeded in 1882. In the 1888
MINUTES of this conference, Rev. J.G.
Ahern was assigned as pastor of the
Alapaha Circuit. The parsonage was in
Alapaha. Except for two one-year
periods, 1894-5, 1907-8, Alapaha was the head of a circuit until 1926, at which time
the parsonage was sold and the funds used to repair the circuits churches. Since
1944 Alapaha, Enigma and Glory have been on the same charge, with Alapaha head
of a charge again in the 1950s. During the pastorate of Rev. J.C. Ivey this church
has had services twice a month. A Womans Missionary Society began in 1933. In
the 1940s an annex was built from lumber purchased from the old Baptist church as
it was torn down. In 1960s a tornado damaged the sanctuary, so it was remodeled. A
fellowship hall and parsonage have also been built. In the very early beginning
there were few men members; so the lady stewards went from store to store asking
for donations to pay the preacher on each preaching day.
ENIGMA
US Hwy. 82, Berrien County
In 1886, a Mr. Foster laid the foundation for the first building of this church, a
rough-board structure. On August 10,1887, an acre in front of the first building was
given by Mrs. Mary A.S. Ball and a second church of simple design with stained
1982 Membership: 28
ALAPAHA CHARGE
370
glass windows was built by John C.
Hires, a Canadian architect. Rev. J.G.
Ahern was the first pastor in 1888. This
church has rotated between the
Willacoochee, Chula, and Alapaha
Charges. During Rev. N.H. Olmsteads
pastorate a tornado demolished the
church. Although much lumber was
salvaged, the original beauty was not
recovered. In 1957 remodeling began
with the members and pastor doing the work. The building was moved back from
the street, new interior walls, ceiling and indirect lighting were added along with
new pews. With the growth of the Sunday School again the members, with aid from
the Conference, added classrooms. Recently a fellowship hall, kitchen and rest
rooms were added.
1982 Membership: 53
GLORY
Off US Hwy. 82 East of Alapaha
In July, 1915, Rev. F.A. Ratcliff, one of the conference evangelists, brought a tent
revival to the farming and sawmill community not served by any church. By the
end of the revival eighty-two persons had taken vows of the church. The church
enthusiastically organized itself. With the donation of an acre of land by Mr.
Shade Dorminy construction of the tall wooden building began. Rev. S.S. Kemp,
Alapaha Ct. pastor, preached once a
month until conference when Rev. J.Q.
Pinson was sent to serve Willacoochee,
Beulah, Glory and Roberts churches. He
lived 8 miles away and came by horse
and buggy once a month for afternoon
services. People moved away when the
sawmill closed and Glorys numbers
shrank. In 1949 under pastoral leader-
ship of Rev. Earl Duke, in a new loca-
tion three miles away next to Gopher
Hill Cemetery a new church was built from the old lumber. Land for this was given
by Mr. Elijah Brogdan. Services are held twice a month and an increasing number
of young people are again attending.
1982 Membership: 62
Members entering ministry: Louis Dubose, James A. Brooks, Harold Tucker A. Brooks, Harold Tucker
BERLIN-WESLEY CHAPEL CHARGE Howard T. Moody, Jr., Pastor
BERLIN
Ga. Hwy. 33, Colquitt County
The original New Hope Methodist Church, located three miles southeast of Berlin,
was a log structure erected in the 1800s and replaced in 1890 by a wooden frame
371
building. In 1910 the church was moved
into Berlin, enlarged and remodeled
with four Sunday school rooms added.
On September 18, 1952, ground was
broken for a new church which was
dedicated on April 5, 1953, by Bishop
Arthur Moore. That year Berlin was
chosen Charge of the Year for the
Valdosta District. The earliest known
pastor was Rev. J.W. Wells, the supply
pastor appointed to Moutrie Mission, Waycross District, in 1881. This church has
been in the Valdosta District since 1911. In 1918 the 5 point circuit included Lens
(Berlin), Oak Grove, Wesley Chapel, Barney, and Evelyn. In 1939 it was the same,
and in 1968 only three: Evelyn, Wesley Chapel, and Berlin.
1982 Membership: 72
Member entering ministry: Howard T. Moody, Jr.
WESLEY CHAPEL
Route 2, Pavo, Georgia
The deed to Wesley Chapel was made in
1880, and it was named in honor of John
Wesley, founder of Methodism. Rev.
R.B. Bryan was the pastor of this
church in 1882 and it was a part of the
Morven Circuit, Thomasville District.
In 1953 the church was remodeled and
three Sunday school rooms added. Rev.
W.A. Sedwick was the pastor. During the pastorate of Rev. James Harris additional
renovation was done including a new roof and siding, kitchen and rest rooms.
Recently additional classrooms have been added in the attic, and new pews and
carpeting installed in the sanctuary. Since the 1930 Wesley Chapel and Berlin have
been on the same charge.
1982 Membership: 123
Members entering ministry: Claud Croft, C. Heyward Heirs
BROOKFIELD J. Dan Robinson, Pastor
US Hwy. 82, 5 miles East of Tifton
In 1878, Rev. J.J.F. Goodman organized
a church on land given by Mr. Mat-
thews. It was named Bethesda and
served as a school as well as a church. A
cemetery was started adjacent to the
church. Then in 1903, when Rev. S.S.
Kemp was pastor, it was decided to
move the church three miles into the
village of Brookfield, the boyhood home
of Bishop Arthur Moore. In the 1940s a new church was built with help from many
people and memorial gifts. In 1958 Brookfield, which had been on the Chula Charge
for years, became head of a circuit that included Herring Memorial and Mt.
Calvary. The lot next to the church was purchased from the railroad and the sec-
tion house where Bishop Moores parents had lived was bought and moved in for
the parsonage. In 1969 the parsonage and all the records were burned. The
parasonage was immediately rebuilt and dedicated May 16, 1971. In 1970 Mt.
Calvary was placed with Trinity, Tifton and the new charge for 1970 was
Brookfield, TyTy and Oak Ridge.
1982 Membership: 137
CHULA CHARGE
Charles E. Wallace, Pastor
CHULA
1-75 5 Miles North of Tifton
This church began in a school building,
built by A.B. Hollingsworth, first as a
Sunday School and then later with
services conducted by Rev. J. Shirah. In
1904 the church was built by the
members with timber given by Mr.
Hollinsworth. In 1919 Chula Circuit in-
cluded Chula, Bethel, Harding, Mt.
Calvary, and Damascus with Rev. W.D. Rabun, pastor. In 1921 a parsonage was
built across the street from the church. It burned in 1943 and was immediately
rebuilt. Rev. Joe H. Bridges was the pastor, and the charge included Chula,
Enigma, Harding, Mt. Calvary, Brookfield, and Oak Ridge. In 1968 the charge in-
cluded Chula, Harding and Oak Ridge, and in 1972 only Chula and Harding.
1982 Membership: 31
HARDING
Route 4, Tifton, Georgia
In May 1915, Rev. F.A. Ratcliffe,
district evangelist, began a three week
tent revival. The result was 44 persons
joined the church, and this was Har-
dings beginning. At first they wor-
shipped in a building at Paulks Cross-
ing, but by 1916 the present sanctuary
was built on land given by Captain H.H.
Tift. Later a vestibule and steeple were added. A building fund was started at
Harvest Day in 1959 to remodel the sanctuary putting in new pews and pulpit fur-
niture. In 1962 the old classrooms were torn off and a new two-story block unit con-
taining classrooms, social hall, and library were added. The well-stocked library
honored a teacher and leader, Mrs. Atella Caudill Sutton. Brick veneered in 1972,
the church is surrounded with dogwood trees planted to honor the local service
men. In 1915, Rev. R.W. Cannon, assigned to the Poulon Circuit, was the first
373
pastor. The newly created circuit had 6 churches: Chula, Damascus, Mt. Calvary,
Bethel, Wrights Chapel, and Harding.
1982 Membership: 63
MT. CALVARY
4'/2 Miles NW Tifton, Georgia
Deed for this churchs property is dated
November 4, 1914, and a building was
begun shortly after the organization of
the church following a brush arbor
revival by Rev. F.A. Ratcliff, the district
evangelist. In 1919 Mt. Calvary was on
the Chula Circuit and in 1940 but on the
Brookfield Circuit in 1968. It was placed
with Trinity Tifton in 1970-80, on the Ty Ty Charge for 1981, and to the Chula
Charge in 1982. With the change of charges in 1970 it became possible to have
services each Sunday at 9:30 from 1972. A Sunday School was organized in 1973
and renovation of the sanctuary began. By 1974 a new multi-purpose building had
been completed.
1982 Membership: 63
Members entering ministry: James Walker, S.V. Taylor
W. Anthony Collins, Pastor
CLYATTVILLE
Ga. Hwy. 31, Lowndes County
Shady Grove was located just off the
Valdosta-Madison, Fla., highways at
Horns Ferry Bridge over the
Withlacoochee River and had 65
members in 1902, the first building hav-
ing been built by Sidney J. Cook in
1898. Just when this church moved to
Clyattville is uncertain, but the two
babies who were baptized according to the records of Shady Grove are the oldest
members of the Clyattville Church. The 1912 MINUTES note that $25 was given to
Clyattville for its church building. In 1919 Clyattville was part of the Lake Park
Circuit with Rev. E.C. Dowdy pastor and included Lake Park, Wrights Chapel and
Mt. Zion. In 1957 a new building was ready for service; additional improvements
were made in 1960 and a new education building in 1975. The first parsonage was
built and Rev. Reed Sessions family were first to use it. It was damaged by fire in
1981, but was redone and enlarged.
1982 Membership: 137
Members entering ministry: Richard Soper, Brett Cantrell
CLYATTVILLE-MT. ZION
374
MT. ZION
6 Miles SW, Route 2, Valdosta, Georgia
This churchs first register shows 17
members in 1842. The first church was a
one-room log cabin between the spring
and cemetery which was replaced by a
larger wooden frame building. In 1928
John H. Bray gave the land for the
present church which he built as a
memorial to his parents. The Mt. Zion
Campground, 6 acres deeded in 1862, was at the head of Pines Wood Creek
bounded on the north by Old Mt. Zion Road. A tabernacle, on the northeast of the
cemetery, was surrounded by 8-10 frame tents, where members lived the two
weeks in August during the annual camp meeting. These were discontinued in 1928.
In 1882 Mt. Zion was part of the Lowndes and Echols Circuit, Thomasville District,
including Wrights Chapel, Ocean Pond, St. John, Wesley Chapel, Antioch, and
Olivet. In 1953 Mt. Zion was placed on the Clyattville Ct. Beginning in 1958 ser-
vices were held morning and night each Sunday instead of twice a month. Im-
provements were made gradually; the social hall begun in 1958 was finished inside
in 1968. For years an annual event occurred here until 1980; each second Sunday in
November the Lowndes Singing Convention was held.
1982 Membership: 114
DOERUN
Frank A. Appel, Pastor
Ga. Hwy. 133, Colquitt County
Rev. H.C. Jones helped to organize this
church in 1899 in the home of Mrs. E.M.
Adkins with about a dozen members.
That first year it was a mission on the
Camilla Charge, Thomasville District.
In 1900 it was part of the Bold Springs
Ct., Thomasville District. Rev. John
Swain assisted with the building of the
church in that year, and in 1901 Doerun
Circuit was formed with a parsonage being built under the guidance of Rev. C.A.
Norton. In 1936 this church became a station. In 1952 during the pastorate of Rev.
Albert Hall a new church plant was built on the present site. A brick veneer par-
sonage was built in 1954. A fellowship hall was added in 1964.
1982 Membership: 163
FITZGERALD, CENTRAL Donald J. Sparks, Pastor
West Central Ave. and N. Lee Street
On November 12, 1939, this church became the first united church in this con-
ference following the 1939 Unification of the Methodist Episcopal, Methodist
375
Episcopal, South, and Methodist Pro-
testant Churches to form The
Methodist Church. Zion M.E. Church,
S. begun in 1888 in a school house was
the first Methodist church in what was
to be Fitzgerald. In 1895 it had a one-
room building with a three-room par-
sonage with a cemetery behind the
church. Rev. J.M. Glenn was pastor with
a membership of 25. 1895, the year of
colonization, saw Rev. J.F. McGregar preaching to members of First Methodist
Episcopal first in a tent, then school, then room over a store. By 1901 a larger and
more substantial building had been built. The church was organized with 5
members. Meantime, during the summer the M.E. Church, South held services in a
tent, then a crude wooden structure until the brick building was built in 1898. The
present sanctuary was built on that site in 1926. In 1959 a new education building
was finished and dedicated in 1963. In 1974 the sanctuary was renovated and the
educational building in 1976.
1982 Membership: 845
Members entering ministry: Julian Tucker
FITZGERALD, ST. PETERS
N. Merrimac and W. Sultana Drives
In May, 1966, following a survey by Rev.
F.J. Beverly, director of the conference
Board of Church Extension, plans for a
new church in Fitzgerald were an-
nounced by Central Methodist officials.
The first worship service, Sunday, May
15, 1966, was conducted in a mobile
Chapel, a gift to the conference by
Hawkinsville Methodists. The chapel
was used until October, 1967. Rev. Zephoe Belcher was assigned as the first pastor
in June, 1966 and September 25, 1966, the church was constituted and named St.
Peters at suggestion of Rev. Albert Trulock, district superintendent. The first
building was in use by October 1,1967. It was constructed out of Mystic Methodist
Church, which was moved in and renovated. The sanctuary is that of Providence
Methodist Church, moved in and renovated by 1968.
1982 Membership: 60
Mrs. Judy White, Pastor
FUNSTON
Robert L. Coleman, Pastor
Ga. Hwy. 37, Colquitt County
Begun in 1905, a one-room frame building was erected adjacent to the Baptist
Church with 33 charter members. Rev. G.F. Hendry was the first pastor. In 1919
Funston and Ellenton were listed with Sigobee, Rev. R.A. Coleman, pastor. In 1950
376
the church property was sold and a new
building erected on the Moultrie-
Camilla highway. By 1955 all in-
debtedness paid, it was dedicated by
Bishop Arthur Moore, February 13,
1955. A Sunday School and Womans
Missionary Society have continued
through the years.
1982 Membership: 44
Members entering ministry: Henry Ellis Wells, Peter Manning, Hoyle Pitchford
HAHIRA Madison Morgan, Jr., Pastor
1-75, Lowndes, County
Three years after the town of Hahira
was chartered, the Macon Construction
Co., a contracting firm for the Georgia
Southern and Florida Railroad, donated
a lot for this church. Shortly after it was
built, it burned and rebuilt the same
year. Three years later it again burned.
It was relocated to the present corner of
North Church and East Stanfill Streets.
The 1896 structure was modified in 1931 to add classrooms, making an L shape.
The material used came from Webbs Chapel which had closed in 1900. The addi-
tion of an additional wing turned the shape to a U in 1954. It was brick veneered
in white with a steeple added in 1956. A new brick parsonage was finished in 1960.
Rev. J.O. Branch was the presiding elder and Rev. John M. Hendry and Rev. J.D.
Clark the first pastors of Hahira. This unusual name is for a river in Liberia.
1982 Membership: 362
IRWINVILLE R.G. Middleton, Pastor
Ga. Hwy. 32, Irwin County
This church is the 1965 union of the
congregations of the former Irwinville
and Mystic Methodist Churches. Both
begun in the late 1880s, they are 4 miles
apart. Mystic began as Bethel in a
blacksmiths shop near Bussells Pond.
The first services were joint ones with
the Baptist in a one-room log cabin. The
first building was called Bethel; later
when the church began in town, Bethel members transferred to the new church. In
1935 old Georges Chapel, Ben Hill County, was moved in to make an annex to the
church. In 1967 Mystics building became the educational building for St. Peters,
Fitzgerald. Irwinville began as a mission in March, 1891 started by the presiding
377
elder, Rev. J.O. Branch. The first church, built in 1902, was enormous so as to hold
the annual singing convention. In 1937 a new church was built on the highway. As
the courthouse had just been torn down, they got the lumber free, but the hired
carpenter left, so the members had to finish it. It was completed in 1939 and
remodeled in the 1960s with new furniture, heating, and pews. An annex had been
added too. In 1945 the two churches had organized a joint W.S.C.S.
1982 Membership: 71
Randall B. Nease, Pastor
KINGS CHAPEL
Ga. Hwy. 122
The land for this church was bought
and the church built shortly after
November, 1894. This church was on
the Hahira Circuit in 1919 with Rev.
R.P. Fain, pastor. The churches on the
circuit were: Hahira, Salem, Shiloh,
Webb, and Kings. In 1930s the present
building was built. When the highway
was paved through this section, it passed right behind the church; so the pulpit and
door were changed to face the highway. In 1943 class rooms were added, in the
1950s the inside was remodeled, and in 1980 the outside repaired and painted. In
1940 this church was on the Ray City Charge with Ray City and Community. In
1968 it and Community were one charge.
1982 Membership: 21
CAMP TYGART
Route 1, Ray City, Georgia
This is a campground for the Valdosta
District. It was given by J.D. Tygart of
Nashville as a center for Methodist
adults, youth, and children to worship
and play together in district and church
groups. There is a tabernacle, cabins,
guest house, dining hall and kitchen,
pool and restrooms, and a prayer
chapel. The parsonage that serves this and Kings Chapel is located at the entrance
to the grounds. It is IIV2 miles south of Nashville on the old Valdosta Hwy. Woody
Jackson was the superintendent for 12 years.
LAKELAND W. Eugene Allen, Pastor
KINGS CHAPEL/CAMP TYGART
332 West Main Street, Lakeland, Ga.
This churchs first building in 1856 was on the site of the City Cemetery. At that
time, the town was called Milltown, Ga. When a tornado destroyed the building,
the church met in the school behind the courthouse. A second building was erected
on Church Street in 1884. At the 1939
Vacation Bible School the children
began the building fund for the present
church by bringing a brick (donation)
a day. This building, completed in 1949,
was dedicated by Bishop Arthur Moore
in the 1950s. In 1967 a library was
established as a memorial to Geo.
Emory Swindle. The present parsonage,
the fourth, was dedicated by Bishop
John Owen Smith in 1968, Rev. W.G. Brown the pastor. The second parsonage had
become Rev. L.D. McConnells retirement home. Since 1907 the women have been
actively organized through each organization to the present. In 1867 as Milltown,
this church was in the Brunswick District. In 1882 on the Nashville Ct. Waycross
District, with Shiloh, Naylor, Antioch, and Salem. Since 1894 it has been in the
Valdosta District and a station since 1959.
1982 Membership: 376
LAKE PARK
Cotton Street, Lake Park, Ga.
When John M. Glenn was pastor of the
Lake Park Circuit in 1894, it included
Wrights Chapel, Statenville, Mt. Zion,
Clyattville, and Lake Park. At that time
members of the church, called Ocean
Pond, moved the building with mules
and logs to its present site from the oak
grove site in Oceana nearby. There had
been a church in this area since the 1840
for the many circuits Troupville, Gra
as well as the districts Tallahassee, Madison, Thomasville, Quitman, Brunswick,
Waycross and Valdosta indicate earlier records of a church in this area. It even
indicates that for a time it was in the Florida conference. Since 1900 the church has
had an active Sunday School and womans group, first a Missionary Society and
now a United Methodist Women. In 1938 it organized a Charge Laity Group which
had Laity Day each fifth Sunday. A recent fellowship hall was named Mac Pierce
Hall in honor of a former pastor. The portico on the front was added in 1978. In
1974 Lake Park became a station church.
John M. Barrett, Pastor
Bay, Valdosta, Lowndes and Echols H
1982 Membership: 204
Members entering ministry: William A. Howell
LELIA-WEEKS CHAPEL CHARGE Saunders E. Pinckard, Pastor
LELIA
Route 1 near Omega, Georgia
This church, named for the wife of an early pastor, was first located in a log school 2
miles north of the present site on a hill between Warrior and TyTy Creeks. Rev.
Flournoy Clark is probably the first
pastor. A second building was 2 miles
north and used for 22 years before mov-
ing to the present site. The 1902
building was replaced by the new brick
building in 1951. In 1892 when Rev. J.J.
Williams was the pastor of Worth Cir-
cuit, Valdosta District, he received a
donation of $50 for this work from the
Board of Church Extension. Lelia has
been on several circuits: 1919 Omega Ct. with Lelia, Paulks, and Crossland; 1931
Norman Park Ct. with Crossland, Ellenton, Lelia, Norman Park, Omega, Paulks
Chapel, and Weeks Chapel; 1939 Omega Ct. with Ellenton, Paulks Chapel, and
Lelia.
1982 Membership: 98
Members entering ministry: Paul Sauls, Sr.
WEEKS CHAPEL
E. Colquitt County off Moultrie-Lenox Rd.
In 1854 a few settlers peeled pine logs to
build a public meeting house. It served
as the church and courthouse until a
frame building replaced it in 1885. For
13 years the new church was called
Lost Ball, because a young boy, J.W.
Weeks, lost his ball in the construction
while the members were working on the
building. The late Minnie Weeks declared she didnt approve the name. One Sun-
day, as the people gathered, behind the pulpit they saw a fresh sign, Weeks
Methodist Chapel. In 1925 that building was razed and the present building
erected. Additions have been made since then so that it has five class rooms and a
social hall. In 1940 it was on the Norman Park Ct. with Norman Park, Crossland,
and Kimball. Since 1951 Lelia and Weeks have been a charge, with Ellenton with
them for 1953-55.
1982 Membership: 110
LENOX-ANTIOCH CHARGE
George D. Fuller, Pastor
LENOX
Off 1-75 on US Hwy. 41, Cook County
From a union Sunday School at Mogal,
a sawmill camp, this church began
March 22, 1891. The Adel Pastor, Rev.
J. Shirah, preached once a month; the
first building was erected in 1898. In
1902 it was part of the Worth Circuit. In
1924 times were hard. A new piano was
needed; so to pay this big $300 debt, the
ladies took to the streets selling ice cream, candy and cakes. A new church, begun
in 1930, was dedicated in 1932. The Womans Society was organized in 1938 and in
1946 the ladies again bought the needed new pews and pulpit furniture. Classrooms
were needed; Curtis Roberts, the Sunday School Superintendent, spearheaded the
drive. As the rooms were added, a new roof was needed for the sanctuary, a gift
from R.H. Robinson. In 1951 the first resident pastor, Rev. Zephoe Belcher, had to
live in rented rooms. With the help of the Lords Acre program, a new parsonage
was built and dedicated in 1960. In 1968 the sanctuary was remodeled and a
vestibule with a very special stained glass window added. Lenox has been on the
following circuits, Worth, Eldorado, Sparks, Omega, Hahira. In 1960 it became a
two-point charge.
ANTIOCH
Antioch Road, Adel, Georgia
Originally in Berrien, now Cook, County
in a brush arbor meeting Antioch was
organized in 1874. First in a log building
north of this site, then in a wooden
frame structure built in 1880, services
were held once a month. In 1913 the
church was enlarged, a choir loft, spank-
ing room and steeple added. Rev. C.W.
Curry was the pastor. While Brother Theo Pharr was pastor, a carbide light plant
was installed, replacing the kerosene lamps. In 1921, Rev. Herbert Ethridge taught
Bible at Sparks College as well as served this charge; he asked for help and John
Shell, a ministerial student at Sparks, helped out. After an earlier building fund
failed to raise enough, a former carpenter turned preacher arrived. Rev. Tyler
Rauls saw a new sanctuary built from the actual cutting of the timber for lumber to
the service of dedication in March, 1949. Bishop Moore preached the sermon, but it
was the preachers triumph. Antioch has been on many charges: Good Hope,
Barney, Hahira, Adel, Berlin, Sparks, and with Lenox since 1960. In 1968 it was
Circuit of the Year for the Valdosta Dist.
1982 Membership: 197
Members entering ministry: Jim Handco*ck, Emmerson Crosby, Nathaniel Griffin, Clayton Griffin
MORVEN CHARGE Kirk G. Loyless, Pastor
MORVEN
Ga. Hwy. 94, Brooks County
The town of Morven is 17 miles
northwest of Valdosta, and the church
organized here in 1907 with 30 members
has been in the Valdosta District ever
since. In 1907 Rev. Paul Kendall was
assigned to the Morven Circuit and Rev.
W.W. Stewart in 1908. According to the
MINUTES of the conference, in 1906
Member entering Ministry: Curtis Roberts
381
and 1907 grants were made by the conference to Morven in Brooks County for com-
pletion of a church. One member writes in 1908, Morven has nearly completed a
beautiful church, comfortable in appointments and is quite creditable to the people
there. Another remembers that before they got pews, they sat on boards laid
across boxes. A Morven Circuit, but not a church called Morven, appears in the
records of the Georgia Conference before 1867, first in the Brunswick District, then
to the Thomasville, then Valdosta District. The pastor to that Morven Circuit in
1867 was Rev. J.J. Giles. In 1882 the Morven Circuit had the following churches:
Pine Grove, Concord, Bethlehem, Mt. Zion, Wesley Chapel, Tallokas, and Lebanon
but no Morven. In 1919 it had Morven, Union, Mt. Zion and Concord.
1982 Membership: 111
BARNEY
Junction of Ga. Hwys. 76 and 122
Barney, in Brooks County, is 20 miles southeast of Moultrie. It was settled in 1897
and Rev. J.O.A. Cook, Valdosta District Presiding Elder, sent Rev. W.W. Webb to
see about a church for the new town. In 1898 Rev. W.C. Glenn, appointed to
Morven and McDonald, organized Barney Church on August 1, 1899, with 13
members. Later 17 transferred from Mt. Zion when the church was built. While the
church was being built, services were
held at Mr. and Mrs. T.A. Roziers, who
gave the land and lumber for the
church. A storm destroyed it when par-
tially built, but it was rebuilt and ready
for service on November 30, 1900. This
building with added classrooms and
other improvements is still used. The
first pews, a gift from Bethlehem
Church, were replaced in 1952. The
curly pine pulpit, made by Jim
Chambers, is still used. In 1901 Barney
was part of the Morven-Pavo Circuit with Mt. Zion, Concord, Lebanon, Oak Grove,
and Pleasant Grove. In 1909, 1910, 1913 it was head of the Barney Circuit. Since
1931 it has been on the charge with Morven.
1982 Membership: 72
Members entering ministry: Lloyd Rogers
Mission field: Mrs. Frances Rogers Zellers
382
MT. ZION
Ga. Hwy. 761 mile N. Morven, Ga.
Methodist activity in this area began at
Mt. Zion Campground in Lowndes
County, now Brooks, in 1828 as an an-
nual campmeeting. When this began the
Indians had just moved leaving their
tent pole and mortar in which they
mixed their sofkas scattered over the
campus. In 1831 the land was deeded
to the church and a building was erected after fire destroyed the brush arbor. The
annual camp meeting continued until 1881 when the present church was organized.
In 1881 it was on the Morven Circuit, Thomasville District, with Concord, Pine
Grove, Bethlehem Tallokas, Wesley Chapel, and Lebanon. In 1919 Rev. T.F. Drake
was pastor with Concord, Union, Mt. Zion, and Morven. In 1940 it had the same
churches but with Barney added. In 1968 Concord was not on the charge, but the
others have been the Morven Charge since.
1982 Membership: 50
UNION
Ga. Hwy. 33 5 Miles NW Morven, Ga.
This church, located in Brooks County,
began with services held in a tent. In
1904 Rev. R.P. Fain was appointed to
the Morven Circuit. That same year the
conference Board of Church extension
made a $100 gift to Union Church in
Brooks County with the understanding
that it will speedily open the house free
of debt. That wooden frame structure is still in use today, having been added to
and improved over the years. Ever since its organization this church has been on
the Morven Circuit. Mrs. Myrtle Morrison Bethea, who joines Union in 1909 at the
age of nine, writes, have been a faithful member ever since.
1982 Membership: 46
Member entering ministry: Stephen Lee Webb
R. V. Williams, Pastor
Spence Field Road, Moultrie, Ga.
Old church minutes indicate that this
congregation was once Oak Grove
Methodist Church when it was located
in Kingswood, a sawmill center east of
Moultrie. About 1905 it was moved to a
triangle of land at the junction of
Hopewell Road and Quitman Highway.
Evelyn claims 1905 as its date of
organization with Rev. W.T. Rouse the
first pastor. In 1916 after a storm blew down the building, it was relocated to the
east side of Spence Field Road. In 1940-41 when military flight training was
established at the base, the building was moved V? mile to the west side of Spence
Field Road. New pews were the gift of Rev. H.E. Wells; the pews were made from
lumber sawed from trees on his farm. In 1976 a gift from the Strozier Harris Estate
made many improvements possible. In 1919 Evelyn was on the Berlin Circuit with
Oak Grove, Berlin, Wesley Chapel, and Barney. Except for 1921 it has been on the
MOULTRIE, EVELYN
383
Berlin Circuit until it became a station in 1973. Across the years it has had the help
of the ministers from First Church when it was without a preacher.
1982 Membership: 131
MOULTRIE, FIRST Weyman R. Cleveland, Pastor
John E. Brodess, Associate
US Hwy. 319, Colquitt County
This church celebrated its 100th an-
niversary in 1970, but the name
Moultrie appears in the conference
MINUTES in 1868 with Rev. Mather H.
Fielding assigned to Moultrie,
Brunswick District. The other districts
have been Altamaha, Thomasville,
Brunswick, Waycross, and Valdosta
since 1898. As a mission this church
began and in 1878 a group, led by Mrs. Caroline Culpepper Cooper, put the church
on a more permanent basis, from the crude wooden structure of the first to this
second building on this site in 1900. This building was the first brick church
building in Moultrie and drew 5,000 to the laying of the cornerstone. In 1916 the
present building was built on the site of the Piney Woods Hotel, the land a gift of
Mr. and Mrs. M.M. Kendall. The parsonage built by the side has been replaced by
an educational unit. In 1918 during the flu epidemic, the Sunday School rooms
were a temporary hospital. In 1920 Moultrie was host to the annual meeting of the
South Georgia Conference. In the 1950s the sanctuary was remodeled and a balcony
added; an educational building was completed in 1965 and a chapel in 1962.
1982 Membership: 1,272
Members entering ministry: Diane S. Neely, William Glenn Neely, III.
S. Luanne Childres, Pastor
Sylvester Drive, Moultrie, Georgia
In 1925 North Moultrie Church at
North Main and Ninth Avenue was
disbanded after only 5 years; its
members merged with First. Rev. I.P.
Tyson, pastor of First, saw this as a
mistake. So upon retirement in 1939 he
returned to Moultrie to live. Deter-
mined to reestablish a church in that
area, he began a building fund, giving
much of his own money. After his death in 1949, First Church voted to sponsor a
new church. In June, 1950 Rev. Clarence Weeks was assigned to the North Moultrie
Charge which was composed of the new site, Funston and New Elm Churches. With
a rented parsonage, a meager amount of donated furniture, and a tent for a revival,
the new church began. At the end of the revival 35 members joined. An improvised
384
MOULTRIE, TYSON MEMORIAL
church in a store served until the first unit was built. At the opening of the building
54 more joined. It grew and improvements were made, then in 1976 fire destroyed
the sanctuary. Immediately clearing the rubbish began. Many worked and many
gifts were given; in seven months time a new sanctuary, without debt, was ready for
services.
1982 Membership: 156
Members entering ministry: J. Brooks Partain, Eric Sizemore
NASHVILLE John Bagwell, Pastor
306 S. Berrien St., Nashville, Georgia
Union services in the courthouse for all
denomination began in 1860 and were
moved to the Hansell Hotel where a union
Sunday School was started. In 1868 the
Methodists constructed a crude building
of hand hewn lumber with some of the first
glass windows in this section. In 1901 the
present sanctuary was built on the present
location, Rev. M.B. Ferrell, pastor. It was
remodeled in 1943 while Rev. A.A. Waite, Sr. was the pastor. A modern educational
building was completed in 1952 and dedicated in 1954. In 1965 the sanctuary was
completely rebuilt inside and refurnished; a larger entrance was constructed, Rev.
James Agee, the pastor. All indebtedness was paid in 1967 and dedicated February
11, 1968, Rev. A. Ray Adams, pastor. The Womans Missionary Society was
organized in 1892. In the MINUTES for 1870, Nashville and Allapaha Mission was
in the Brunswick District, W.H. Thomas, pastor. In 1872 it was in the Hawkinsville
District, 1873 the Altamaha District, 1874 Thomasville District, 1876 Brunswick
Jack G. Atkinson, Pastor
NORMAN PARK
US Hwy. 319, Colquitt County
Norman Park, Georgia, was originally
Obe, Georgia. In 1902 the town was in-
corporated and re-named Norman Park.
Methodism is the outgrowth of Old
Shiloh Church. The land on which the
church was built in 1903 was given by
Mr. and Mrs. R.L. Norman. Rev. J.W.
Wells was assigned to the Colquitt
(county) Ct. in 1903 in the Valdosta District. Members of the church cut the timber
for the church. In 1918 four classrooms were added. In 1925 the church was
renovated and new pews and chancel furniture added. In 1958 a new fellowship hall
and classrooms were added. Across the years they have been repaired so as to main-
385
District with Rev. B.S. Key pastor.
1982 Membership: 657
NORMAN PARK-KIMBALL
tain the buildings as fresh sis possible. While the Lamar Glenns were serving here,
they felt called to go to China as missionaries (1917). In 1919 Norman Park was a
station church. In 1940 Kimball, Crosslands, and Weeks Chapel were on the
charge. Since 1956 Norman Park and Kimball have been a two-point charge.
1982 Membership: 99
Members entering ministry: J. W. Herndon, Richard Mitchell, Sr.
KIMBALL
Ga. Hwy. 33 Anderson City
In 1816 a log building served for a school
during the week and a preaching
place on Sunday in the community
around the present Kimball church. It
was served by circuit riders and was a
link between Brunswick and Camilla.
With the growth of the turpentine in-
dustry and the coming of a sawmill, in
1886, a wooden church was built on land given by Mr. F.C. Kimball. Rev. J.H.
Taylor was the first pastor. In 1902 a larger church was built; then a storm, in 1936,
damaged it so it was rebuilt using as much material as could be saved. Four
classrooms were added at that time. Rev. John Lough was the pastor and Kimball
was on the Doerun Charge. In 1937 it was on the Bridgeboro Charge until 1939
when it came to the Norman Park Charge. In the 1940s this church grew from 54 to
154 members; so a new wing was added. In 1965 a new sanctuary was ready for ser-
vice on June 20th. The old sanctuary was kept and brick veneer to complement the
new buildings. It is the fellowship hall. In 1973 a new parsonage was built for the
charge near Kimball Church. It was dedicated Nov. 18,1973.
1982 Membership: 105
OCILLA Curtis C. Roberts, Pastor
4th Avenue at Beech Street, Ocilla, Ga.
In the 1890 Ocilla was a turpentine
camp and two stores, but in 1897 Mr.
J.F. King and five families had begun a
Sunday School in a small school. The
next year the church was organized.
Rev. N.T. Pafford, pastor at Irwinville,
began preaching once a month in 1897
and the next year Rev. E.F. Register was
sent to Mystic Circuit and he continued
the services Rev. Pafford had begun. The first church was a commodious frame
building, and it served until 1912 when the present brick and granite building was
erected at a new site. Although classrooms had been built in the first unit, an addi-
tional annex was built in 1950 and dedicated by Bishop Arthur Moore. In the early
history of this county the 1840 Richardson Methodist Campground was incor-
porated by the legislature. It was named for Rev. Simon Peter Richardson whose
386
leadership had been felt in the early years of history in this area. He was the
presiding elder of a district that reached from Brunswick to St. Augustine, Florida,
and across to Albany, Georgia. 50 years later this church was organized.
1982 Membership: 259
Members entering ministry: H. Levy Rogers II.
OMEGA Thomas M. Field, Pastor
US Hwy. 319, Tift County
The church in Omega has its roots in
the Shiloh church that began in the
1800s about 3 miles from the present
town of Omega. The first building was
wood and the first building in Omega
was wood. In 1952 the present brick
building was built at Maple and Florida
Streets. In 1960 classrooms and a
fellowship hall were added. A brick par-
sonage next door to the church was built in 1960. In its history five persons have
entered the ministry and one has gone into the mission field.
1982 Membership: 214
Members entering ministry: Bill Harris
Mission Held: Elena Slayton
PINE LEVEL
Old Minnie Road, Irwinville, Georgia
In Irwin County in Bishops School this
church was organized in 1883. The
school was a crude building with sawed
log seats and earthen floor. Here
services were held until the frame
building was built in 1904. Rev. B.
Erasmus Ras Willcox, a local
preacher, was the first preacher. It was
on the Mystic Circuit around 1900
which included Mystic, Irwinville, Pine Level, Wesley Chapel, Georgias Chapel,
Osierfield, and Reedy Creek. Rev. R.M. Booth was one of the first pastors assigned
by the conference. The MINUTES for 1884 states that the Board of Church Exten-
sion assisted Pine Level, Eastman District, with $33.20 toward the completion of
their building. In 1979 the interior was repainted and new pews and cushions
added. The fellowship hall, built in the 1960s, was too small; so it has been con-
verted to a nursery and classrooms. A new fellowship hall has been built, a choir loft
added, and the front remodeled and paid for.
1982 Membership: 178
John C. Miller, Pastor
387
POULAN
Thomas R. Cotton, Pastor
US Hwy. 82, Worth County
In 1893 Rev. E.L. Padrick was appointed to the Sumner and TyTy Circuit, Cordele
District, which included five churches: Sumner, Ty Ty, Damascus, Poulan,
Damascus, and Shingler. Poulan is located 21 miles west of Tifton and 3 miles east
of Sylvester and became a station church in 1983. The church was begun in 1895
and a wooden building first constructed. The present brick church stands at the
corner of Cotton and Church Streets, on property donated by Mrs. T.L. Ousley.
The Board of Church Extension in 1895
made a grant of $70.15 to Poulan as to
other churches that will speedily open
the house to use free of debt. Another
grant was made in 1895 for $50. There
has been a Poulan Circuit in the
Valdosta District since 1910, in which
year the circuit had Poulan, Ty Ty,
Sumner, and Shingler. In 1931-1948
Bethel was added to this circuit. Since
1965 this circuit has been composed of
Poulan, Sumner, Damascus, and
Shingler.
1982 Membership: 120
Members entering ministry: S.A. Douthit, Kenneth Odum
C. Graton Helms, Pastor
PROVIDENCE
Ga. Hwy. 94, Brooks County
Providence is located between Valdosta
and Morven. In the early 1900s services
were held under brush arbors and later
in a schoolhouse. In 1906, following a
fruitful tent-revival, Providence Church
was organized with 20 members: 8 on
profession of faith and 12 by transfer of
certificate. Aleph Simmons (Harrell)
suggested the name Providence; others
agreed that the church had come through Divine Providence. The first pastor, Rev.
W.S. Heath, was on the Remberton Circuit, Valdosta District. He was followed by
Rev. M.A. Shaw, who was on the Morven Circuit 1909-12. The building completed
in 1907 was given a grant of $75 provided they would speedily open the house free
of debt. In 1959 this old building was torn down so that a new one could be built
on the same site. The regular services continued under the trees until in February,
1960 they met in the unfinished sanctuary. In 1963 more improvements were made
and the church was the chosen the Church of the Year for the Valdosta District.
Recently a fellowship hall has been added. In 1979 this church became a station
after 77 years on the Remerton Charge.
1982 Membership: 170
388
QUITMAN
Aaron Sellers, Pastor
Screven Street at Clay
The Brooks County courthouse was a
small frame building of rough un-
painted lumber situated on the site
where the Methodist church now stands
when, in 1859, this congregation began
holding services. They purchased the
building from the county with Con-
federate money on March 3, 1864. Rev.
R.W. Flournoy was the pastor of the
Brooks Circuit and he preached in Quitman once a month. Rev. O.L. Smith, after 6
years as President of Wesleyan, moved to Brooks County and preached in the
courthouse once a month until 1869. Quitman was the first church between Savan-
nah and Thomasville to become a full-time station. This was 1868. In 1895 a new
sanctuary replaced the courthouse. The high vaulted ceiling, intricately built,
enhanced the sound of the pipe organ installed in 1911. In 1935 the church was
brick veneered. In the 1950 it was renovated and a brick education building and
chapel added. It was the Valdosta District Church of the Year in 1963 and 1968.
The Mite Society, begun in 1874, changed its name to Nickle Club and then to the
Parsonage Aid Society. In 1908 Quitman was host to the South Georgia Conference
Annual Conference.
1982 Membership: 560
Mission field: Ruby Lilly Hitch Korea
RAY CITY-COMMUNITY CHARGE Thomas W. Davis, Jr. Pastor
RAY CITY
US Hwy. 129 and Ga. 37
On land, given by R.D. Swindle, a tent
was pitched and Rev. F.A. Ratcliff,
district evangelist, held a revival. Five
persons joined the church during the
meeting and 21 more when the wooden
church was built. For some time prior to
the revival, the pastor from Remerton,
Rev. W.E. Hightower, had been holding
services in the Masonic Hall in Ray City. On October, 10, 1910, the church was
organized. This was replaced, in 1955, with a new building which had a sanctuary,
three classrooms, and a kitchen. In 1964 Swindle Fellowship Hall was added. A
porch and two more classrooms were added in 1973 and other improvements have
been done since. Ray City was on the Milltown Circuit (Lakeland) in 1919 with
Concord, Ray City, Stockton, Milltown, and Trinity; Rev. John S. Sharpe was
pastor. In 1940 Ray City became the head of the charge which included: Kings
Chapel and Community. Later Bemiss and Unity were a part of this charge.
1982 Membership: 184
389
COMMUNITY
Cecil Road South of Nashville
This church is located six miles south of
Nashville on the Old Coffee Road, now
the Cecil Road. When services began
they were using the Old Parrish School
deeded to Berrien County Board of
Education by W.J. Parrish in 1918. A
Sunday School was held regularly on
Sunday evening with preaching when a
preacher was available. Rev. W.A. Kelly organized the church in June, 1926. A
revival in September added 48 persons to the 7 who had joined in June. The prop-
erty was bought from the county in 1935 and became the Community Methodist
Church; Bishop W.B. Beauchap was the bishop of the area and Rev. C.W. Curry the
presiding elder. Rev. C.L. Nease served the first year. This church has been on the
Ray City Charge since 1940.
1982 Membership: 50
SALEM C.V. BillyPowers, Pastor
Cecil-Folsom Bridge Road, Hahira
This church, located about 3V4 miles
west of Cecil and 5 miles west of Hahira,
was organized in 1856. Land for this
church was deeded by Eli D. Webb.
When the school, located in front of the
church, was moved, the Board of Educa-
tion deeded that land to the church.
The original building is still in use with
added Sunday School rooms and a
fellowship hall. In 1919 Rev. R.P. Fain was pastor on the Hahira Circuit which in-
cluded Salem, Shiloh, Hahira, Cecil, Webb, and Kings. In 1940 the Hahira Charge
had Hahira, Salem, Shiloh, and Cecil. In 1959 Salem was part of the Lenox-Antioch
Charge.
1982 Membership: 95
SHILOH Randall E. McLain, Pastor
4Vfe M. SW Hahira, Lowndes County
The actual date for the beginning of this church is not known, but land, given by
John Bradford, was deeded in 1879 for the use of a school or church. A school was
built and there the church was organized. A later deed shows that Frank and John
Hall sold the same land to the church for $5 an acre; this deed was recorded Oc-
tober 15, 1903. The oldest grave in the cemetery is 1894. This building was
destroyed by a tornado in 1948. The sale of pines on the property helped with the
cost of rebuilding. In 1965, after a 20 year absence, Sunday School was again being
390
held. Since March, 1968 the church has
been remodeled with new classrooms,
kitchen and social hall added. In 1960s
Shiloh and Salem became a two-point
charge. In 1980 it became a full-time
station.
1982 Membership: 80
SPARKS-ELLENTON CHARGE
Ralph Spivey, Pastor
SPARKS
US Hwy. 41
A small group meeting in a school
organized this church in 1888, but it was
not until 1890 that the first building was
erected. Rev. J.W. Wells, then serving at
Bayboro a sawmill town between Sparks
and Moultrie, was the first preacher.
Rev. J.M. Foster was assigned in 1889
and stayed 8 years. This early building
had stained glass windows and classrooms added in the early part of the 1900s. At-
tendance increased with the building of Sparks Collegiate Institute in 1902. Dr.
Comer Woodward was the first president. Rev. A.W. Reese, the third president,
was also the pastor of the Sparks church. In 1925 the college, as it had grown to be,
closed. In 1960 a large educational unit was begun containing 11 classrooms, kit-
chen, and social hall. In 1971 a new sanctuary was begun and completed in 1972.
Rev. Truman Thomas was the pastor.
1982 Membership: 280
Members entering the ministry: Charles Davis
ELLENTON
Colquitt County off Ga. Hwy. 37
This church had begun sometime before
1919, for it was on a three-point circuit
with Rev. R.A. Coleman, pastor. The
charge was Funston-Ellenton with
Sigsbee. In 1921 that circuit was
dissolved and Ellenton was placed on
the Berlin Ct. until 1924 for a year with
Norman Park, then back to the Berlin
Charge. This church has been on many circuits across the years. In 1940 it was on
the Omega Charge with Omega Lelia, and Paulks Chapel; on the Funston Charge
in 1968 with Funston and New Elm. From 1972 it has been on charges with a single
church: Omega, Ty Ty, and since 1979 with Sparks.
1982 Membership: 20
391
STATENVILLE-FARGO
Larry W. Sauls, Pastor
STATENVILLE
Ga. Hwy. 94, Echols County
This town is located on the Alapaha
River near the Georgia-Florida line
about 20 miles southeast of Valdosta.
The church is believed to have begun in
1885 while Rev. J.M. Foster was pastor
of the Lowndes-Echols Ct. which in-
cluded Wrights Chapel, Ocean Pond,
Mt. Zion, St. John, Wesley Chapel, An-
tioch, and Olivet in Echols County. This last church was only about 2 miles from
the present town. In 1885 this circuit was in the Waycross District. In the
MINUTES for 1887, Statenville received $54.76 from the Board of Church Exten-
sion, which required that a church should speedily open free of debt. On the site
of the present post office, a frame building was used for services before the church
was built. In 1912 land was given by Samuel Staten for a new church. In 1948 a
brick church replaced the one completed in 1915. A fellowship hall was added in
1961 and other recent improvements began in 1973. This church has been in at
least three districts, Waycross, Brunswick, and Valdosta. It has been on the Lake
Park and Remerton Circuits and since 1969 with Fargo as a charge. During Rev.
Ralph Spiveys pastorate it was the Church of the Year.
1982 Membership: 152
FARGO
US Hwy. 441 and Ga. Hwy. 94
Fargo, near the edge of the Ga.-Fla. line
in Clinch County, is the western en-
trance to the Okefenookee Swamp.
Records of Methodism in this area are
few, but it is said that in the 1830s just
after the Indians were driven out by the
U.S. government and homesteading was
permitted, there were Methodist
meetings, but no records have been found. In the late 1890s the Baxter (Timber)
Company built the Hamby Masonic Lodge, named for the company doctor, and the
community and church used the lower floor. When the depression came the Baxter
Company turned the lodge into a hotel. The church moved to the school; when the
hotel failed, the church moved back into the lodge. Until the fifties when paved
roads came, the train was the link with the outside world. The preacher arrived by
train on Saturday p.m., preached, took the noon train to St. George, preached and
returned to preach at Fargo again at night. During the 1940 Sunday School Atten-
dance contest between Statenville and Fargo, the superintendent had to wire
Statenville when Fargo hit the 100 mark, as there were no phones.
1982 Membership: 69
392
SUMNER CIRCUIT
William O. Harris, Pastor
SUMNER
US Hwy. 82 6 M West of Sylvester
In 1839 or 1840 Rev. William (Uncle
Billy) Clements, a local Methodist
preacher, settled in Worth county about
a mile northeast of the present site of
Sumner. The house he built for worship
was also used as a schoolhouse, and,
perhaps, was the first Methodist church
built in Worth County. The original
building served until 1880, when the building for the Sumner Church was relocated
in Sumner. The lumber for this church was a gift from Dan Garrett. In 1956 the
present church building was remodeled after the chapel at Epworth-by-the Sea,
Lovely Lane Chapel, St. Simons Island. The name Sumner Circuit appears in the
Conference Minutes from 1884 to 1909. In 1882 Sumner was on the Worth Ct.
which included Shiloh, Antioch, Sumner, Pucketts, Wrights, Ty Ty, and Frame. It
was in the following district: Waycross 1881-1889; Thomasville, 1890-92; Cordele
1893-94; and Valdosta 1895-1983. It has been on the Poulan Circuit 1909-1983
when it again heads a circuit.
1982 Membership: 45
DAMASCUS
Damascus Community, Worth County
This church was organized by Rev.
Robert P. Fain, one of the five district
evangelists for the conference. It was
July, 1909 and they met in the
schoolhouse. This church was one of the
seven Rev. Fain reported as organizing
during the year. Rev. W.T. Belvin was
the first pastor sent by the conference to
serve the Sumner Ct. on which
Damascus was a new mission. In 1914 in a two-week revival preached by Rev. F.A.
Ratcliffe 63 members were added to the Damascus church. In 1915 the newly
created Tifton Mission had 6 churches: Chula, Damascus, Mt. Calvary, Bethel,
Wrights Chapel, and Harding. In 1919 the circuit, with the exception of Wrights
Chapel, was the same churches. Since 1948 Damascus has been on the Poulan Cir-
cuit until 1983 when the Sumner Circuit was formed.
1982 Membership: 62
SHINGLER
Ga. Hwy. 112,5 M. NE Sylvester, Ga.
In 1904 this church was organized in a building moved to Shingler from Oak Grove.
This church iis located in Worth County on Old Shingler Road, 12 miles southwest
of Ashburn. In 1919 the South Georgia Conference MINUTES show Shinger on the
Poulan Circuit with Sumner, Ty Ty, and Poulan, Rev. E.O. Heath, pastor. In 1931
393
Bethel Church was added to this charge,
otherwise these same 4 churches have
been the same charge until 1983 when
Poulan became a station.
1982 Membership: 34
TYTY
Church Street, Ty Ty, Georgia
In Worth County there is a town named
Ty Ty which probably came from a cer-
tain shrub called by the Indians ti ti.
The church is named for the town. Its
earliest beginning is not known, but the
conference records show that the Worth
Circuit in 1882 had 7 churches: Shiloh,
Antioch, Pucketts, Sumner, Wrights,
Ty Ty, and Frame with Rev. James E. Rorie, pastor. In 1919 Ty Ty was on the
four-point Poulan Circuit with Poulan, Ty Ty, Sumner, and Singler. It has been at
other times on the Sumner Circuit, Brookfield Ct. and Poulan Ct. In 1979 it became
a station, except for 1980 when the charge included Mt. Calvary. Beside the
Valdosta District, it has been in the Waycross District in 1888-89, and Cordele
District 1893-94.
1982 Membership: 34
SYLVESTER CHARGE C.E. Cariker, Pastor
PINSON MEMORIAL
Main and Pope Streets, Sylvester, Ga.
This church, named for T.J. Pinson
whose heirs donated half the cost, was
dedicated on March 3, 1913, by Bishop
W.A. Candler. In 1893, when Rev. E.L.
Padrick was sent to the Sumner-Ty Ty
Ct., Cordele District, a small group of
Methodists in Sylvester asked him to
preach for them one evening a month.
In a school, on the site of Sylvester Banking Company, the first services were held.
In 1894 the church was organized by Rev. W.C. Glenn. It was part of the Sumner-
Ty Ty Circuit with Ty Ty, Sumner, Beulah, Wesley Chapel, Isabella, and Poulan,
then in the Valdosta District. The first building was completed in 1898 and later
sold to the Presbyterians. Today it is the Worth County Library. In 1949, the
educational building, a memorial to those who served in World War II, was
dedicated by Bishop Arthur Moore. Other additions and a complete redecorating of
394
the sanctuary were done in 1969. In 1970 and 1982 it was Church of the Year for the
Valdosta District. Sylvester became a half-station in 1900, and a full station in
1905. In 1982 reconstituted Beulah Church became part of the charge.
1982 Membership: 588
Member entering ministry: Thomas P. Watson
BEULAH
County Line Road, S. of Acree
This church is located on the Worth and
Daugherty County line, one mile off the
County Line Rd. south of the Acree
community, U.S. Hwy. 82. This church
has had a rebirth. Originally organized
in 1903, it was discontinued in 1969; the
building was rented to the Free Will
Baptists and later the Primitive Bap-
tists. In 1978 some former members including Rev. Allen M. Booker, who had
retired to his home community, met and decided to reorganize the church. In July,
1979 Beulah was reconstituted with 30 members. Rev. Aaron Sellers, Pinson
Memorials pastor, served as pastor. When the first Beulah was organized it met in
homes before a building was built. It was on the Bridgeboro Circuit for many years.
In 1961 it was placed on the Morningside Charge, Thomasville District, until it was
Ben F. Williams, Pastor
Central Avenue at 12th Street
Before the church was organized a
group met in a shanty east of Tifts
lumber yard. In March, 1882, with 7
members, J.J.F. Goodman, a Justice of
the Peace, later a local preacher,
organized the church in a two-story
building used for church and school on
the lower floor and mason on second
floor. The first building, begun in 1888
was hit by arson three times and finished in 1889 by members standing guard. A
brick building was next built in 1901 on Love Avenue. In 1947 the church was too
small; so they began building two units on the present site. August 31, 1962, the
first services were held in the new facility. In 1882 Tifton was part of the Brookfield
Ct., Rev. W.P. Babco*ck, pastor, which included Alapaha, Bethesda and Brookfield,
Grange Hall, Pine Grove and Tifton and Riverside. In 1896 Tifton became a station
church. This church has been host to four sessions of the South Georgia Con-
ference: 1921,1943,1967,1979. In May, 1955, reaching out in a mission project, this
discontinued in 1969.
1982 Membership: 46
Member entering ministry: Allen M. Booker
TIFTON, FIRST
church purchased lots for a new church, Trinity, which started with 92 members,
many of whom came from First. In 1963, it helped Herring Memorial relocate.
1982 Membership: 1,486
Members entering ministry: Charles Zimmerman, Jr., J. Sedwick Wetzel
TIFTON, HERRING MEMORIAL CHARGE E. Steve Bullington, Pastor
HERRING MEMORIAL
901 Lower Brookfield Rd., Tifton
In the early 1930s the Woodlawn Mis-
sion was conducted by lay persons.
One of those was John Green Herring
and in recognition of his devotion the
name was changed. In 1945, Rev. J.A.
Roundtree took charge for a year,
holding services twice a month. It was
placed on the Sycamore Charge in 1945
and Rev. Kell Hinson was the first assigned pastor. It has been on the Chula Ct.
and the Brookfield Ct. and for a period was served by the associate pastor of First,
Tifton. The original wooden shelter in which the mission began was replaced with a
wooden sanctuary located at Bellview Ave. and Poplar St. until 1941 when it moved
to present location on a lot given by Miss Pat Martha Fulwood. Its characteristic
has been an outreach program of children and youth in the Woodlawn community,
and in 1973 in outreach to an isolated nearby Black community.
1982 Membership: 68
OAK RIDGE
Eldorado Road and Oak Ridge Church Rd.
Following services in a brush arbor, this
church was organized in the Oak Ridge
School in 1912 and took the name of the
school for their name. The Board of
Church Extension granted $100 to the
building of the church provided it would
speedily open the house for use free of
debt. In 1917 it was ready and Rev.
Aaron Kelly, the pastor. This church has been on the following circuits: Lenox,
Chula, and Brookfield. The original building was torn down in 1976 and the con-
gregation is using a mobile chapel on loan from the conference. A member recalls
the big tent revival that the Cochran brothers, Leonard and Charles, held back in
1928, and the time that Mr. Will C. Ireland talked so effectively to the Lord that
the Presiding Elder stood up only to say, Mr. Ireland has said all that is needed.
1982 Membership: 24
Members entering ministry: Roy McTier, William McTier Sr., Sam Douthit, Emory Buchanan, Henry
Abbott
396
TIFTON, TRINITY Charles L. Ricks, Pastor
6th Street and Belmont, Tifton
In 1955, First Methodist, under leader-
ship of Rev. Claude Fullerton, made
plans for a new church in Tifton. Lots
were purchased. Rev. W.A. Kelly,
Secretary of Evangelism for the con-
ference, pitched a tent and began
revival services. In April temporary of-
ficers were selected and in May the Sun-
day School began under Jack Ratcliffes
direction. On May 22, 1955, Rev. Nor-
man Lovein, Superintendent of the
Valdosta District, organized the church
with 92 members. By popular vote the
church was named Trinity. While Rev. George Coppage was assigned as the first
pastor, Rev. Vernon Edwards arrived in time for the ground breaking for the first
unit, a fellowship hall with classrooms. The first services were held on Christmas
Day and the tent was lowered and returned to the district. The building was paid
for and dedicated on March 4, 1956. Ground was broken for the sanctuary on
November 9, 1958; Rev. Bernard Brown, the district superintendent, preached the
first service, March 6,1960, Rev. Aaron Sellers, pastor.
1982 Membership: 285
UNITY-LIVE OAK CHARGE
UNITY
East of US Hwy. 221, Lanier County
Unity Church is located four miles
northeast of Lakeland. In 1926 it was
formed by the consolidation of two
older churches: Bridges Chapel, dated
from 1888, and Concord, 1890. In 1911
Bridges Chapel was on the Pearson Ct.,
Waycross District, with Wesley Chapel,
Live Oak, Sweetwater, and Kirkland.
Concord was on the Milltown (Lakeland) Ct. with Ray City, Trinity, Milltown and
Stockton. From 1920-26 they were part of the same circuit. A grant of $500 by the
Board of Church Extension in 1927 indicated a new building being completed. In
1931 Unity was a part of the Lakeland Ct. with Kings Chapel, Ray City, Lakeland,
and Live Oak. In 1955, by a memorial gift from Adelbert Greene, son of Rev. A.L.
Greene, in honor of his father renovation on the church began. In 1956 the aban-
doned Crisp School lunchroom building and equipment was moved to the church.
397
Robert W. Poston, Pastor
In 1960 as memorials a steeple and lighted cross were added. The old fellowship
hall was sold and removed and replaced by a new and more adequate hall, com-
pleted in 1968. In 1961 Unity became a station church building a parsonage in 1962.
1982 Membership: 220
LIVE OAK
Off US Hwy. 221, Atkinson County
This church is located in a setting of live
oak trees about 15 miles southwest of
Pearson. This is the original building
used both for church and school as
directed in 1896. Probably the first
preacher to hold services there was Un-
cle George Hadsock, a local preacher.
It has been part of the Lakeland and
Willacoochee Charges and since 1963 Unity and Live Oak have been a charge. A
new fellowship hall with classrooms has recently been finished.
1982 Membership: 37
Members entering ministry: James W. Herndon, Sr.
VALDOSTA, BEMISS
Ga. Hwy. 125 Moody Field Road
Located in Lowndes County, about 10
miles northeast of Valdosta, Bemiss
Church was first known as Antioch and
located in Piney Woods 2Vi miles
southeast of Bemiss community. The
church, organized in 1840, was a one-
room structure which doubled as a
school and church. Two brothers, An-
tioch members, cut timber from their
land and built a larger building with pews of hand-cut and dressed yellow pine. By
1920, after the railroad came to Bemiss in 1911, Antioch was torn down and moved
to Bemiss. As Bemiss, in 1935, a one-room building, ceiled, with electric lights, and
painted was erected on a new site. In 1961, on this present site with members doing
most of the work, the concrete block building was built. Improvements have
followed. Since 1840 this church has been in 4 districts: Brunswick 1868,
Thomasville -1873, Waycross 1885, and Valdosta since 1890. In 1882 it was on
the Lowndes and Echols Ct. with Wrights Chapel, Ocean Pond, Mt. Zion, St. John,
and Wesley Chapel. For over 20 years Bemiss was on the Remerton Ct. In 1942 it
was on the Ray City Charge until 1971 when it became a station.
1982 Membership: 203
Members entering ministry: Douglas Mays, Roger Mays
William B. Willis, Jr., Pastor
398
VALDOSTA, FIRST
C. Wilburn Hanco*ck, Pastor
John A. Haney, Associate
220 N. Patterson at Valley
Since 1842 Troupville had been served by Methodist preachers of the Georgia Con-
ference. In 1859 the citizens of Troupville moved their town to the newly arrived
railway and changed the name to Valdosta. The Methodists held services in the
Masonic Lodge and courthouse until 1866. In the 1861 MINUTES, Valdosta ap-
pears for the first time with Rev. Samuel E. Randolph appointed pastor of the cir-
cuit. Associated with the early days are Rev. Wilkins of Naylor, and Major A.J. Bes-
sant, a lawyer and lay preacher, who
began the Sunday School. In 1896 the
original wooden building was replaced
by a brick building which burned in
1904. Immediately the present sanc-
tuary with classrooms and bell tower
were begun. The Strickland Memorial
Education Building was completed in
1941, later expanded. In 1960 the
church was renovated and an additional
unit added. After 23 years as part of a
circuit, in 1882 First became a station. It has hosted the annual session of the South
Georgia Conference in 1896, 1906, 1918, 1927, 1941, 1958, 1969, and 1980. This
church has given leadership to establishing missions and churches: Center Hill
1898, Remerton 1901, Wesley Memorial 1904, Forrest Street 1941, Park
AvenueB-1954, Westview 1957, Kelley 1962.
1982 Membership: 2,049
Members entering ministry: T. W. Ellis, Bascorn DuBose, B.E. Whittington, B.F. Smith, W.J. Noyes,
James R. Webb, Sr., L.A. Harrell, Jr., Herbert Land, J.D. Barnes, C.H. Driver, Ernest Coffee, John L.
McGowan, Samuel G. Rogers, William W. Oliver, Jr.
Harold E. Brinson, Pastor
301 N. Forrest Street
This church was organized as the result
of a mission of Valdosta, First. In 1941
David R. Dixon was appointed assistant
pastor of First. After five years work, on
June 2,1946, Forrest Street Church was
constituted with 101 members. In the
beginning weekly prayer meetings were
held in homes until a building was
rented. The building, called East Side
Tabernacle, was given by Mrs. E.Y. Fry of Quitman to the First Church mission as
a gift. The first worship service was held November 30, 1941. With help from
members of First, a Sunday School was begun in January of 1942. These first
members sacrificed to build a sanctuary, educational unit, and fellowship hall. In
399
1948 Naylor and Stockton were on the Forrest Street Charge. In 1950 Providence
and Forrest Street were a charge. In 1957 it became a staion.
1982 Membership: 332
Members entering ministry: Thomas W. Davis, Jr.
VALDOSTA, KELLEY
South Troupe and Conoley Avenue
Kelley bears the name of Rev. W.A.
Kelley by vote of the congregation as a
special tribute of love and affection to
the man who founded the church in
1962. The church building was a gift to
the South Georgia Conference from the
Presbyterians who from 1944-1962 had
sponsored a church known as Southside
Presbyterian Chapel then renamed
Cecil Thompson Chapel. Like the Presbyterians, Kelley Methodist was known as
Southside from 1962-1964. It has been a station charge except for 1974-76 when
Westview was part of the charge. Since 1976 Dr. John Curtis, Professor of Sociology
at Valdosta State College and a minister in this conference, has been serving them
part time.
1982 Membership: 64
Marion M. Edwards, Pastor
James W. Hughes, Associate
Park Avenue at Patterson Street
In 1953i-4 the pastor of First Church,
Rev. Mack Anthony, challenged his of-
ficials to begin a new church on the lots
purchased in north Valdosta. 70
members accepted. The birth of Park
Avenue Church was witnessed by a
capacity crowd of 130 in the Garden
Center on Sunday Evening, June 27,
1954. Rev. George Zorn was assigned as
pastor. By January,B955 the membership was 285, of whom 235 were transfers
from First. The lots were deeded to the new church in Jan, 1955, and by December,
1955, the educational unit containing classrooms and a fellowship hall for worship
use as well was opened for service. Other additions followed and on November 22,
1970, the new sanctuary was open for service; First Church joined them for the ser-
vice and more than 800 attended. Rev. Frank Robertson, pastor of First, preached
and Rev. Thomas Johnson, Sr. was the host pastor. In 1974 this church was host to
the South Georgia Conference for its annuallsession. Rev. William 0. Powell was
pastor.
1982 Membership: 1,801
Members entering ministry: Crai^ Cleland, Wayne Brown, Dennis Wilkinson, Benjamin Varnell,
Charles P. Adams
VALDOSTA, PARK AVENUE
John Curtis, Pastor
VALDOSTA, REMERTON
Randy J. Mosley, Pastor
Suburb of Valdosta, Ga. Hwy. 94
Remerton is an incorporated suburb of
Valdosta, lying south of Bay Tree and
west of Jerry Jone Road. In 1900 land
on Strickland Cotton Mill property was
given by B.F. Strickland to build a
church. First Church, of which Mr.
Strickland was a member, began raising
funds for a church. On February 10,
1901, Stricklands Chapel or Factory
Church was organized. Services were held in a school until the first one-room
building was ready. In 1930 a new church was built on the same site. Two of the six
classrooms could be turned into a fellowship hall. In 1950 additional rooms were
added. Rev. John Wesley Conners is considered to be the first pastor, although he
was assigned as the associate to First. Remerton Circuit appears in the MINUTES
for the first time in 1906 with Rev. W.S. Heath appointed to Wesley Memorial and
Mission, presumably the Mission was Remerton. In 1919 Remerton Ct. included
Remerton, Antioch, Providence, and Naylor. To these, in 1931, were added Staten-
ville and Stockton. Since 1978 Remerton has been a station church.
1982 Membership: 144
Members entering ministry: David R. Dixon, Heyward W. Stephens
Mission Field: Miss Agnes Malloy Cuba
VALDOSTA, WESTVIEW Fred Foster, Pastor
St. Augustine at River Road
Rev. Bill Kelley, retired minister, saw
the need for a church on the west side of
Valdosta. With the assistance of the
Fishermens Class of First Church, Bro.
Bill erected a tent on the recently
cleared lot and held a three-week tent
revival. Out of this meeting Westview
Church was organized under the tent on
October 20, 1957, with 69 members.
Within less than five months ground was broken for a new church building with
classrooms, and on May 11,1958, the first worship service was held in the new sanc-
tuary. By the annual conference in June, the members had paid off the indebtedness
and it was dedicated by Bishop Arthur Moore. Rev. V.L. Daugherty, Jr. was ap-
pointed as the first pastor. Fire destroyed the pulpit area on January 18, 1967, but
repair began immediately. A new sanctuary was built and the old converted to
classrooms. Most of its 25 years Westview has been a station except when in 1973-74
it shared charge with Camp Tygart and Kelley 1974-77 and Providence 1977-79.
1982 Membership: 209
401
WRIGHTS CHAPEL-NAYLOR CHARGE
O. Kenneth Williams, Pastor
WRIGHTS CHAPEL
5 Miles NW of Statenville
Wrights Chapel, located in Echols
County, probably was begun while Rev.
Alexander P. Wright traveled the newly
formed Echols and Lowndes Circuit,
Thomasville District, during 1873-74.
For, in 1880, seventeen acres, more or
less were deeded to trustees of
Wrights Chapel. At first they met in a
brush arbor; then Jim and Lewis Kinsey built a pine log church with a peaked roof
and shutters. This building proved too small when the Prines, Sowells, Culpeppers
and Smiths began attending the church. The second building, of logs also and
without windows, doubled as a school. In 1889 the conference Board of Church Ex-
tension granted $50 to Wrights Chapel, which indicated a nearly completed new
building. This building had glass windows and was used until the present building
was begun. In 1952, using what material they could from the old building and doing
the work themselves the present building was built. Later improvements include an
enclosed shelter for dinner on the gounds, restrooms and a cleared area for a
cemetery.
1982 Membership: 62
Member entering ministry: Robert Arthur Sowell
NAYLOR
Off US Hwy. 84 on Ga. Hwy. 135
In 1870 in a log schoolhouse this church
was organized in the town of Naylor on
the side of the railroad towards Grand
Bay. Naylor, named for a Captain
Naylor of the Atlantic and Gulf
Railroad, is in Lowndes County about 5
miles west of Stockton. The first
building was erected on land, given by
Mrs. Asa Rooks, near the business area. Naylor shares its history with the Stockton
Church which merged with Naylor in 1957. In 1870, when Naylor was begun,
Stockton was on the Brunswick District with Rev. L.C. Peek as pastor. In 1882
Naylor was on the Nashville Ct., Brunswick District, with Shiloh, Milltown, An-
tioch, and Salem. A grant of money toward a new building made by the Board of
Church Extension indicates that Naylors church was build about 1884. The pres-
ent building was being constructed with additional classroom between 1922-1925,
as grants were given in those years. Over the years Naylor has been on the following
circuits: Milltown, Remerton, Lakeland, Lake Park, Naylor-Stockton, Valdosta
Forrest Street, Clyattville, and since 1975 with Wrights Chapel.
1982 Membership: 28
402
WAYCROSS DISTRICT
William H. Hurdle, Superintendent
1401 Cherokee Drive, Waycross
Although some of the churches in this
district are among the oldest in the con-
ference, the Waycross District was not
formed until 1894. Earlier districts for
this area include Ogeechee, St. Marys
Hinesville, Altamaha, Jacksonville
(Fla.) and Brunswick. Between 1844-
1866, all this section was part of the
Florida Conference, with various district lines. For example, in 1864, the
Waresboro District included Waresboro, Doctortown, Holmesville, Brunswick,
Centrevillage, Coffee Mission, Ocmulgee, Irwin, Clinch, Argyle and Blackshear
Mission (Black). The next year, these same churches plus a few more became the
Brunswick District. In 1866 the Brunswick District was transferred to the Georgia
Conference to become part of the South Georgia Conference. Although the size and
shape varied, most of the churches in the Brunswick District in those years became
part of the Waycross District when it was formed. In 1983 this district had 45
charges with 81 churches and 14,829 members.
ALMA John M. Clements, Pastor
Comer of Dixon and Fifth Streets
This church was organized in 1902 at a
service held in a turpentine still shelter.
The first building, a one-room wooden
frame, was built on 12th Street and
moved in 1920 to Church Street. The
second building, erected in 1940 at the
present site, was traditional brick with
frosted windows. The present building
erected in 1976 is modern in style with
hand-made brick and stained glass windows. The marble within the chancel is im-
ported from Italy. In 1903 the pastor was Rev. T.D. Strong and this church was in
the McRae District. In 1919 Alma was head of the Alma Circuit, Waycross District,
Rev. F.A. Ratcliffe, pastor, with the following churches: Marys, Springfield, Camp
Ground, and Elizabeths Chapel.
1982 Membership: 524
Members entering ministry: Bobby Coleman, Thomas Stroud, Kendrick Tillman
Mission Field: Mrs. Geraldine Stout Kalso.
BLACKSHEAR Freddie L. Wheeler, Pastor
US Hwy. 82, Pierce County
Meeting in the Old Pierce County courthouse in late 1859 or early 1860 this church
403
was organized. It met in homes and the
community hall until the first building
was erected in 1872. R.B. Reppard gave
the material to build the church, a
frame wooden building. The second, of
brick, was built in 1904. Rev. R.E.
Bailey was the pastor in 1904 followed
by Rev. T.W. Tinley. In the 1950s this
building was remodeled. The second
parsonage built in 1913 became Sunday
School space when a new parsonage was purchased in 1957. A screened recreation
pavillion was built by the Methodist Mens Club and a new education building and
fellowship hall was built in the 1960s. The pastor of the Blackshear Circuit in the
early years began services for many of the neighboring towns, such as Waycross in
1873. It was a station church in 1919 with Rev. J.R. Webb, Sr., pastor. In 1912, the
conference bought Presbyterian Institute for a conference high school and college,
renaming it Pierce Institute.
1982 Membership: 400
Members entering ministry: C.M. Infinger, J.A. Thornton, G. Reid Smith, J. Dean Milton
J.R. Hanco*ck, Pastor
BROXTON
US Hwy. 441, Coffee County
This church was organized as Pine
Grove in 1870 and services were held in
a log cabin. The name was changed to
Monroe Chapel when the first building
was built near J.L. Palmer home, now
Dolly Barwick place, in 1886. The
second name change was to honor Rev.
J. Monroe Wilcox. The church moved to
the present site in 1906. In 1919 the Broxton Circuit had three churches: Broxton,
Oak Grove, and Union with Rev. M.B. Boykin pastor. The ground was broken for
the new building on October 14, 1956, and by Oct. 10, 1965, it was free of debt and
dedicated. The church bell, given by T.M. Wilcox, is still used. It weighs nearly a
ton and is tuned to the key of E-flat.
1982 Membership: 76
Members entering ministry: Tharpe Byrd, Milton Leggett, R.A. Davis
MARYS CHAPEL
Broxton Hazelhurst Highway, Ga. 268
When this church started at Mobleys school, there were too many people to get in
the building. Rev. Rich conducted a revival and more than 50 joined the church.
This was in 1911 and the wooden church, built in 1911-12, is still in use. In 1975 the
interior was paneled; wall to wall carpeting and new windows were installed. The
name Mary was for Mrs. Mary Newbern Smith. In 1919 Marys Chapel was on the
Alma Ct. with Alma, CampGround, Springfield, and Elizabeth Chapel, Rev. F.A.
BROXTON CHARGE
A
Ratcliffe, as pastor. In 1940 it was on
the Broxton Ct.
1982 Membership: 45
OAK GROVE
Ga. Hwy. 107, IV2 M North of Pridgen
This church was organized in 1846 in a brush arbor. A log church was built in 1850
and burned in 1910. Captain J.W. Boyd gave the land for the church and cemetery.
The church served for a school during the week. In 1910 the present church was
built by the Boyds, McLeans, Wilcoxes, and Dickeys and their descendants helped
with the 1960 remodeling. Among the early pastors were J. Monroe Wilcox, W.K.
Turner, W.F. Roberts, and Moody
Booth, who held a conference in this
church in 1886, as its pastor. This was
probably the charge-wide quarterly con-
ference. In 1919 this church was on the
Broxton Ct. and Rev. M.B. Boykin was
the pastor.
1982 Membership: 19
Members entering ministry: Charles Paul Bush,
Jr.
BRUNSWICK, ARCO
Thomas H. Johnson, Jr., Pastor
12 Ross Road, Brunswick, Georgia
This church is the outgrowth of a Sun-
day School that met in a bunk house of
the Atlantic Refining Company Plant,
which was a few blocks from the present
church. The church was organized
March 1925 and named for the com-
munity, which took its name from the
plants initials ARCO. The first building
was wood; the old church at Cresent was
dismantled and moved to this present site and rebuilt. Sunday School rooms were
built in 1942 and the sanctuary later by the side of the old building. These were
renovated in 1963 and the early 1970s. In the days of the very active refinery, there
were many people living in this area. Rev. J.E. Sampley, a visiting evangelist, in
1930 received 38 new members at one service and Rev. Dan Williams in 1947 re-
ceived a class of 66 new members. At the beginning of this church it was part of the
Brunswick Circuit and later with St. Simons. At present it is a station.
1982 Membership: 148
Members entering ministry: George Perry
405
Oscar Bell, Pastor
BRUNSWICK, BLYTHE ISLAND
US Hwy. 17 S. of Brunswick
This church began in the home of Mrs.
Mary Strickland on June 21, 1961, with
16 members. Rev. I.L. Bishop, retired
minister living on St. Simons, was the
first pastor and organizer. The first
service was held July 30, 1961, with 22
in attendance. The present building, ce-
ment block, was begun in October, 1961,
and the first service was held Easter
Sunday 1962 with much of the labor and materials furnished by members and
friends. A parsonage was built in 1962. Classrooms were added in 1964. New
lighting, windows, carpeting, and pews were installed in 1977.
1982 Membership: 59
Members entering ministry: Richard E. Dukes, Marshall B. Strickland
BRUNSWICK, COLLEGE PLACE
Ray A. Powell, Pastor
3890 Altama Avenue, Brunswick, Ga.
One hundred and one members of
McKendree Methodist Church con-
stituted the charter members of this
church, which began with services held
in the YWCA building on Union Street.
The organizing service was October 28,
1962. Various ministers supplied the
pulpit until Rev. L.D. McConnell was
assigned as the pastor. The first unit,
brick, was a fellowship hall/sanctuary and classrooms; the south unit of the church
was completed in 1964 and unit three in 1966. In 1982 services were held in the new
permanent sanctuary. This unit contained a choir room, nursery and foyer. Stained
glass windows are a special feature. Rev. Richard Altman was the pastor during the
building of the sanctuary.
1982 Membership: 392
BRUNSWICK, EMANUEL E. Monroe Bennett, Pastor
Emanuel Church Road just off US Hwy. 84
This is the oldest continuous Methodist congregation in Glynn County having been
begun in 1800 on Laurel Grove Plantation with services in a home. New Hope was
the name of the church until one of its moves at which time it became Emanuel.
Rev. George Clark on the St. Marys and St. Ilia Ct. probably organized this con-
gregation. Rev. William Gassaway also served at the beginning. The current
406
building has kept the original small
building constructed after its move to
this site. It has been incorporated into
the building with care. Class rooms and
a fellowship hall have been added in re-
cent years. The cemetery was moved
back from nearer the river for safety
long years ago. The oldest record is that
of June 20, 1829, Quarterly conference
at New Hope Church. This church had
the first Missionary Society organized in Glynn County in 1856. This was NOT A
WOMENS organization but MEN! (The womens organization began later; this
was an official body of the church that had no women officers, even if allowed to at-
tend.) This church is one of the Conference Registered Historic Sites.
1982 Membership: 175
Members entering ministry: W.H. Lawton, W.G.M. Quarterman, Francis A. Ratcliff, R.G. Middleton,
Gordon Dukes Jr., Randy Moseley
Carlton Anderson, Pastor
1400 Norwich Street, Brunswick
Organized in 1838 in the original
wooden building of Glynn Academy, the
city school, this church had 171 white
and 60 black members. Rev. Henry T.
Ritchford was the first pastor. In 1844
when the Florida Conference was
formed, the lower part of Georgia was
included. Brunswick was head of the
Brunswick-St. Marys Ct. in the new conference. In 1866 the Georgia and Florida
Conferences were realigned, and Brunswick was returned to the new South Georgia
Conference as head of the Brunswick District. The wooden building, built in 1861,
was enlarged in 1895. The present brick building was completed in 1907 and
remodeled in 1967-68, at which time the sanctuary was redesigned with a split
chancel. The front of the altar is an illuminated wood carved reproduction of de
Vincis Last Supper. Centered behind the altar is an inset Cross of Passion done
in facet glass. In 1953 fire destroyed the educational annex. The first unit, enlarged
and rebuilt, was occupied in 1955. Bishop Arthur Moore consecrated the second
unit in 1960. This church has been called First since 1886 when it became the
sponsoring church for McKendree, which was the name of the First Church pastor,
McKendree F. McCook. This church has hosted the South Georgia Conference in
1885,1907,1933 and 1947.
1982 Membership: 1,107
Members entering ministry: Robert Wilcox, James E. Odum, Jr.
Missionfield: Diane Ramsey Criss Deaconess
BRUNSWICK, GRACE Robert N. Reeves, Pastor
1707 Albany Street, Brunswick
This church was organized in the old Glynn Academy School Building on
BRUNSWICK, FIRST
November 16, 1868. It was the first
known as the Church on the Ditch as
well as the Albany Street Methodist
Church. The first building was wood
and built in 1904. The present building
was built in the early 1960s and is a
modern brick with sanctuary and
classrooms. Rev. J.C. Cruse was its first
pastor. A member of this church, Mrs.
Mary E. Dent, was the first Savannah
Conference President of the Womans Home Missionary Society. In 1940 this
church became part of the Central Jurisdiction of The Methodist and in 1972 when
the Coastal District of the North Georgia Conference merged with the South
Georgia Conference, this church became part of the Waycross District.
1982 Membership: 182
Nat Hamlin, Pastor
Riverview Drive, Jekyll Island, Georgia
This church was organized in the in-
terdenominational chapel, Faith Chapel
in the Millionaires Village, in
September 1962. Rev. James T. Pennell
was the first pastor. When enough per-
manent residents settled on this island,
this church was begun and the A-frame
brick building was erected in 1965. The
exposed beams and suspended wooden
cross complement the woodsy setting on the western, riverside side of the island.
By the end of 1963 the membership had grown from the original 19 to 42. Members
of this church led in the effort to have the ecuminical sunrise Easter service for the
Brunswick-Jekyll area held on the beach of this island. This church shares its
building with St. Richards Episcopal Parish.
1982 Membership: 119
Samuel V. Taylor, Pastor
US Hwy. 341, New Jesup Highway
This church was organized in a tent
pitched on the Jesup Highway near a
lake on May 29,1960, with 75 members.
The day that this church was con-
stituted, Bishop Arthur Moore and all
the District Superintendents of the
South Georgia Conference for 1960 were
present. This is probably the only
church to have the Bishop and the en-
BRUNSWICK, LAKESIDE
BRUNSWICK, JEKYLL ISLAND
408
tire Cabinet of the conference present when it was officially constituted. The lake
from which the church took its name has since been filled in, but by January 1961 a
small building, the Youth Building, was ready for services. The rest of the church
was erected later that year and the first services were held in August 1961. The
building is of yellow brick and block construction. In 1978 a social hall and outdoor
deck were built and in 1982 a new entrance for handicapped persons was added.
Rev. James J. McLendon was the first pastor. For the first two years this church
was sponsored and financially helped by First Church. In 1967 it was selected as
Church of the Year for the Waycross District.
1982 Membership: 300
Members entering ministry: Charles Ricks, Richard Mitchell, Pam Ledbetter
BRUNSWICK, McKENDREE James Thomas Gray, Pastor
905 K at Norwich Streets, Brunswick
In 1891 this church was begun as a mis-
sion effort of First Church with a Sun-
day School in the rapidly growing sec-
tion of Brunswick. The pastor of First,
Rev. McKendree F. McCook, preached
at both places following the organiza-
tion of this church on February 8, 1891,
with 4 members. The first building was
erected in 1890-1 and remained in use
until during the preaching service the pastor, Rev. A. A. Waite, Sr., looked toward
the rear of the sanctuary and saw daylight streaming in between the corner of the
church and the entry where the steeple was. He quietly dismissed the congregation
and asked the officials to remain. He pointed out the crack. This unexpected need
to build caused the church much work, but in 1942 the present building replaced
the old wooden sanctuary. The educational annex was added where the parsonage
stood. During the flu epidemic of 1893, Rev. Edmund Cook, the pastor, and one
other pastor stayed to minister to the sick and dying. McKendree bought land to
relocate near the new college, but the decision was made to remain in this location.
Some of its members became the charter members of the new church, College
Place.
1982 Membership: 320
Members entering ministry: Alvis A. Waite, Jr., Scott Douglas
BRUNSWICK, TAYLORS Rudolph Starling, Pastor
326 Old Jesup Road, Brunswick
This church was organized in 1810 by Rev. John Collingsworth. Through the years
it has had several names: Chapel, Brunswick Chapel, The Chapel, Burnetts,
Taylors Chapel, and now shortened to Taylors. In 1864, Silas W. Taylor erected
and presented a new building to the church, hence the name change. This building
was brick veneered when the educational unit was remodeled. This church has been
on several circuits before it became a station church. In 1919 it was part of the
Granberry Ct. with Everett City and Mt. Pleasant, Rev. J. A. Cook, pastor. In 1930
409
it was part of the Brunswick Circuit
with Arco, Darien Emanuel, Everett
City, Mt. Pleasant, and Wesley
Memorial, Rev. Roy Sampley, pastor. At
this time the parsonage was on The
Ridge at Darien. It was during this
time that the first services were
preached in a tabernacle on St. Simons.
In 1939 it was Arco-Taylors with Arco,
St. Simons, Emanuel and Taylors. The
parsonage was at Arco, and Rev. I. L. Bishop was pastor.
1982 Membership: 314
Members entering ministry: Joseph B. Andrews, Vardy Woolly, JohnE. Brodess, E. Floyd Mitchell
DARIEN-MORGANS CHAPEL W. Raymond Wilder, Jr., Pastor
DARIEN
US Hwy. 17, McIntosh County
In the beginning of the colony of
Georgia John Wesley, the religious
leader of the new colony, visited the
Highlanders and stayed two days in
January 1737. Methodism came to this
area as a campground in 1802 and by
1835 this church was being served on a
circuit. Rev. Thomas Williamson is
among the first pastors. The early circuits were Liberty, St. Marys, and Savannah.
It has been in the Brunswick, Hinesville, and other districts since its start. A
wooden building, begun in 1841, was remodeled in 1874. Blown down by a storm in
1883, it was rebuilt in 1884 probably using as much of the yellow pine from the old
building as possible. The ladies, having organized into a Ladies Sewing Society
with 8 members in 1878, made money for the construction and furnishing of the
new building by piecing quilts. The pastor assigned to Darien rowed over and
preached on Sunday afternoon at the newly finished St. James Chapel, St. Simons
in 1880, now Lovely Lane, Epworth-by-the-Sea. In 1919 the Townsend and Darien
Ct. was made up of Darien, Townsend, Reynolds, Barrington, Davis Memorial, and
Jones, Rev. J. E. Barnhill, pastor. In 1940 it was Darien, Crofton Memorial, Mid-
way, Morgans, Mt. Pleasant, and South New Port.
1982 Membership: 151
MORGANS CHAPEL
Off US Hwy. 17 toward Shellmans Bluff
Before the turn of the 20th century all through the small settlements in McIntosh
County there were small Methodist churches. When paved roads came, these
churches disappeared. Reynolds Chapel before 1851, named for Rev. Andrew
Reynolds, closed in 1920; Jones services discontinued in 1920s; Barrington begun in
1890 became inactive in the late 1930s. These churches were on Bishop Moores
410
first work out of Townsend. This
chapel, named Morgans, has its past
entwined with these churches. The
wood for this churchs first building in
1925 was donated by Duke M. McIn-
tosh. Fire destroyed that budding and
another was built and later moved to
the present site. This was dismantled
after the present concrete block
building was built in the late 1960s.
Sunday School rooms were added after
the old building was removed in the 70s. Rev. R. F. Owens was the pastor on the
Townsend Darien Ct. when this church was begun. In 1933 Rev. E. F. Morgan
began serving the Darien Mission, although he was retired and in ill health. The
name of the chapel was for him in honor of his service to them.
1982 Membership: 60
DOUGLAS, FIRST Terry DeLoach, Pastor
300 Block of North Peterson Ave.
With 5 charter members this church
was organized at a service in the court-
house in August 1888. Rev. Carey M. In-
finger, pastor of the Broxton Circuit,
was the first pastor. The old wooden
courthouse was purchased and used for
services for 5 years. About 1895 Mr. B.
Peterson built and furnished a new
building on East Jackson Street. In 1906
a brick building was erected on North Madison Street, Rev. L. A. Hill, pastor. In
1953 the whole block was purchased and work was begun on the complete new
plant. While Rev. Frank Robertson was pastor, the educational building and social
hall were completed and services were held in the social hall while the old sanctuary
and education building were torn down. In 1959 work began on the new sanctuary,
chapel, offices and classroom, and they were in use in April 1960, Rev. McCoy
Johnson, pastor. Additional improvements have been made to the Social Hall
building with additional class rooms, outdoor storage, and a playground. A porte
cochere has also been added at the office area. This has been done during pastorate
of Rev. Carlton Church.
1982 Membership: 814
Members entering ministry: Ira Dent, Joel Dent, Emory Cartrett, James Spooner
Mission Field: Johnny Kitchens Chili
DOUGLAS, ST. MARK W. Carl Howard, Pastor
N. Gaskin and E. Walker Streets
This church was a mission begun and supported by First Church. Services were
411
begun in a tent and on May 23,1954, the
church was organized with 12 members.
A house on College Avenue was pur-
chased and the interior wall removed to
provide space for worship. This present
building was erected in 1961 with the
educational unit being used for the
sanctuary to begin with. Additional
rooms and sanctuary were built in 1962.
Rev. Louis O. Puckett was the first
pastor, followed by Rev. L. P. Mingledorff.
1982 Membership: 228
Members entering ministry: Ralph S. Bailey, John S. Mathis
Regina Santos, Pastor
BETHEL
Off U.S. Hwy. on old Homeland Road
West of Folkston on the west side of
post road from U.S. 23 to old Homeland
Road is located this church called
Bethel. It is on the site of Alligator
Creek Church. It was organized before
1872 in a log building. In 1872 the pres-
ent building was built; the lumber from
a sawmill in Kings Ferry, Fla., was
brought up the St. Marys River to Traders Hill and hauled to the present site by
ox team. The sills were put together with wooden pegs. It is still in use. For a period
of time it served as the school during the week. Bethel Cemetery is adjacent to the
church. Among the circuits to which it belonged is Traders Hill and Folkston. It has
been in the Brunswick District.
1982 Membership: 13
Members entering ministry: Bailey Gay
HOMELAND
Cotton Street, Homeland, Georgia
In 1906 the town of Homeland was set-
tled by a company from the north as a
colony town and provisions were made
for a church in the town plans. This
church began in 1908 in the 1906 Colony
Company Building. On February 6,
1914, 21 members from Ottumwa, Iowa,
living in Homeland joined the
Homeland Methodist Church. Rev. I. B. Kelly was the first pastor of the first
building erected in 1912 and shared with the Baptist Church. The present wood:
frame building was built in 1916. The interior was remodeled and five classrooms
added in 1948. Additional rooms were added in 1979-81. When the school building
412
FOLKSTON CIRCUIT
was torn down, the bell that had been used regularly for school was given to the
church. During the 1930s and 40s a layman and leader of this church, Cyrus W.
Waughtel and his family, organized several community Sunday Schools and a mis-
sion church.
1982 Membership: 57
PROSPECT
Ga. Hwy. 1216 miles S. of Folkston
In 1870 this church was organized with
12 members. The first building, of logs,
was located near Chesser Island on the
edge of the Okefenokee Swamp. This
building was moved to the present site,
but was destroyed by fire in 1896. When
it was rebuilt, the rafters and windows
came from a church in Folkston
destroyed in a hurricane. Rev. Emory Frank Dean served as pastor at least four dif-
ferent times, beginning in 1875, and was responsible for most of the renovation. In
1918 a steeple was added to the church. Up until 1939 this church was part of a
small conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church in Georgia and Florida. While
in that church it was in the St. Marys River Circuit. In 1940 it became a member of
the South Georgia Conference. Classrooms were added as well as electricity in 1946.
In 1959 the sanctuary was enlarged with new pews added. More classrooms were
added then too. The parsonage for the Folkston Ct. was built beside this church in
1954.
1982 Membership: 60
Members entering ministry: G. Harrison Jacobs
TRADERS HILL
Off Ga. Hwy. 121 near St. Marys River
About 5 miles south of Folkston and off the paved road there is a cemetery where
once a church stood and where a thriving community served traders from across all
of Georgia, even as far west as the early towns near Columbus. This church was
begun before the middle of the 1840s, and revival services were always planned in
the week of the full moon because everyone walked to church and it was easier with
the light of the moon. The first church was a square, unpainted, wooden, shingled-
roofed structure set high upon hewn lightwood foundation logs. Six kerosene lamps
with metal reflectors along the wall were lit for evening services. In 1931 a new
wooden building was erected across the road where the most recent church stood.
There is no church building, but there are members on this circuit and trustees of
this property. St. George is another church on this circuit that is now closed. It has
had two beginnings 1908-67 and in 1975.
1982 Membership: 16
413
FOLKSTON, FIRST
William E. Harrell, Pastor
Corner of Oak and Third Streets, Folkston
This church was organized in 1886 in
the Masonic Lodge hall. The first
building, built on Mills Street, was
destroyed by a storm in 1896. It was
rebuilt. Rev. J. M. Boland was the first
pastor. During the 1880s and 1890s
there was also a Methodist Episcopal
Church in Folkston. In 1913 this church
was moved from the first location to the
present site on Third St. In 1924 classrooms were added and the outside stucco
finished. This was dismantled in 1951 to make way for the current brick building.
In 1919 Folkston had two other churches on the charge: Traders Hill and
Homeland. Rev. L. W. Walker was the pastor. In 1946 Folkston was a station.
1982 Membership: 420
Members entering ministry: T. E. Pickren, Elmer Lamar Wainwright, Eustice L. Wainwright, David
Karlbom, Emory C. Gilbert
HOMERVILLE Hugh E. Shirah, Pastor
US Hwy. 441 and 84
This church was organized in 1875 with
services in the courthouse. The first
building was on a lot called Railroad
Square, given by the railroad. On this
lot in 1878 the Methodists built a taber-
nacle for revivals and camp meetings. It
was round, open-air building that would
seat 2,000. It was torn down in 1907.
The Sunday School began in 1876 as an
outgrowth of an interdenominational Sunday School led by Mr. and Mrs. Robert
Crum. The present building was built in 1913-14. In 1945 the educational building
was built. The fellowship hall was built and the present building remodeled be-
tween 1963-68, the outside of the church being covered with Georgia marble. A par-
sonage was purchased in 1883 and used until 1914 when the present one was built.
This was remodeled in 1956. Homerville was the head of the Homerville Circuit in
1919 with Rev. O. B. Talley, pastor, and the following churches: Shiloh, Manor, An-
tioch, Argyle, Homerville, and Dupont Chapel.
1982 Membership: 247
Members entering ministry: Michael Jarvis
KINGSLAND F.J. Beverly, Pastor
William and Satilla Streets
In 1896 Henry King, for whom the town was named, deeded a lot for the Methodist
414
church. Members of Zion Methodist
Church transferred their membership
to this new church, a one-room wooden
building. As the membership increased,
the Kingsland school, across the street,
was purchased and used for a church.
1939 Mr. W. Chester King gave the land
for the present church. While this was
under construction, the Kingsland Mer-
cantile building on Railroad Ave. was
used for services until the building was completed in 1941. A memory chapel for
members who served in World War II was included with pews from the first church,
and a section of Zion Churchs altar rail was used. A two-story educational building
was built in 1954, and building a kitchen and offices and renovation of the sanc-
tuary took place in 1980-81. A new parsonage was built in 1978.
1982 Membership: 339
MANOR CIRCUIT
Jack McCall, Pastor
MANOR
US Hwy. 84, Ware County, Manor, Ga.
This church was organized in a newly
completed church building on
September 30, 1894, with 15 charter
members. Rev. J. T. Ainsworth, father
of Bishop Ainsworth, was pastor of
Waresboro Ct. at the time; so he began
preaching at Manor one Sunday after-
noon a month. In November 1894 it was
placed on the Waresboro Circuit and Rev. John Foye was assigned as pastor. The
wood for the first building came from the nearby forests, hauled by mule and wagon
to a sawmill, twelve miles away, and back to the site. The roads were trails through
the woods. In 1944 the current building was built. It is designed in a T-shape and
will seat 125. The chancel is raised and furnished with pulpit, communion table,
chairs and pedestals for flowers. These plus the panels to enclose the choir and
altar rail are made of matched oak of a shade so to absorb the refracted light from
the three sectioned frosted windows. The pulpit furniture was custom made from
antiques from the home of Mr .and Mrs. W. S. Booth. In 1919 Manor was on the
Homerville Circuit, as well as in 1940. It has been head of a circuit for twenty plus
years.
1982 Membership: 32
ANTIOCH
9 Miles South of Argyle, Ga.
In Clinch County near the edge of the Okefenokee Swamp among tall pines, is a
small one-room, high-arched-roof building, painted red with white trim. There is
no electricity or modern comforts and there is silence all about. This is Antioch,
415
begun in 1844 by a Methodist local
preacher, Rev. Irwin R. Booth, who had
settled in Clinch County after moving
from South Carolina. For nearly 50
years he ministered in this area. The an-
nual Christmas celebration is a time
when everyone brings a lamp or lantern,
Christmas goodies, and a gift to ex-
change. There is an old fashioned tree
and singing of carols.
1982 Membership: 8
ARGYLE
US Hwy. 84, Clinch County
When the railroad came through this
section of the state, at every section a
small settlement developed, and into
these came Methodists beginning a
church. Homerville was the end of the
line at one time. In 1919 Argyle was on
the Homerville Circuit with Antioch,
Homerville, Argyle, Shiloh, Manor and
Dupont Chapel, Rev. O. B. Talley, pastor. In 1930 it had 60 members with 3 adults
being baptized on profession of faith. In 1940 the charge was composed of Homer-
ville, Argyle, Cogdell, Glenmore, and Manor, Rev. L. C. Harvard, pastor.
1982 Membership: 35
NEW PROSPECT
Millwood Road, Manor, Ga.
This church was built in 1860 with)
about 35 members meeting in a log:
school house. Since this says New'
Prospect, there must have been ai
church prior to this whose beginnings
have been lost. The first building was:
log. Among the earlier pastors was Rev.
Bascom Anthony who served the:
Waresboro Ct. when he was a young preacher. In 1919 New Prospect was a part ofi
the Waresboro Ct., Rev. J. G. Hardin pastor, with these churches: Fairfax, Glen-
more, Ruskin, Axson, Milwood, and Waresboro. In 1933 Rev. S. P. Clary was the1
pastor of the Waresboro Charge with New Prospect, Fairfax, Roxie Mae, Glenmore,.
and Waresboro. It was in that year that the present building was built. In the early
1950s the inside was remodeled and pews were secured by Rev. F. J. Beverly from a
courthouse near Columbus when they replaced theirs. The seats all have a star
design in the backs.
1982 Membership: 40
Members entering ministry: David L. Inman
416
NAHUNTA CIRCUIT
To be Supplied
NESBY CHAPEL
Old Jesup Highway, Nahunta, Georgia
This church is located in the town of
Nahunta, Brantley County, Georgia. It
was begun about 1940 with a meeting in
a house. The first building was one-
room wood built to the left of the pres-
ent building and used until a mobile
chapel was placed on the site in 1975. At
which time the old building was torn
down and services conducted in the mobile chapel until the present building was
finished in 1979. This church was named for Mrs. Eliza Nesby, a charter member.
This church had been in the Georgia Conference and the Savannah Conference
before that. In 1972 when the Coastal District of the North Georgia Conference
merged with the South Georgia Conference, this church on the Nahunta Ct.
became a part of the Waycross District. The conference helped this church to com-
plete its new building with plans and help from Kingdom Builders Fund.
HAVENS CHAPEL
US Hwy. 341 at Sterling Community
This Church was organized in 1870
with 15 members. It is in Glynn
County just beyond the intersec-
tion with Ga. Hwy. 99. The present
building replaced a wooden one-
room building built around the
beginning of this century. Among
the early pastors is Rev. A. G.
Amos. In 1972 when the Coastal District of the North Georgia Conference became a
part of the South Georgia Conference this church became a part of the Waycross
District. At this time it became the first church that the conference helped to plan
for a new building and to help the congregation get it built. It was a pioneer in a
block and brick construction with a multipurpose sanctuary and fellowship hall
and class rooms. It has since built a sanctuary adjoining this first unit.
1982 Membership: 19
1982 Membership: 51
NEW HOPE
Off U.S. Hwy. 84 at Brookman, Glynn County
This church is located on the Old Emanuel County Road just off U.S. 82. It was
begun in 1876 with the people meeting under a grape arbor at the home of Prince
Wiggins. The church built of wood is probably the second building, and was built
around the late 1890s. In 1972 this church was a part of the Coastal District of the
North Georgia Conference when it merged with the South Georgia Conference. It
then became a part of the Waycross District. The following summer the church was
417
painted by the Conference Work Team,
a group of youth who gave their services
to the conference for the summer to
help repair and paint church property,
working with some of the youth of this
church. The thing that the youth
remember about this job was the quan-
tity of paint the old building absorbed,
and how they sat about and talked while
someone went into Brunswick for more
paint.
1982 Membership: 50
This church was organized in 1854 with
20 members. Their second church was
built after the Civil War and a third was
built in 1911. The present building
replaced the 1911 and is concrete block
erected in 1969. There is a very old
cemetery under the oak trees by the side
of the church. In 1972 when the Coastal
District of the North Georgia Conference merged with the South Georgia Con-
ference this church, on the Nahunta Charge, became part of the Waycross District.
Before this merger it was a part of the Georgia Conference and before that the
Savannah Conference. It gets its name from a charter member, Mr. Jack Sheffield,
SHEFFIELD
Pennick Road, Glynn County
Sr.
1982 Membership: 42
NAHUNTA PIERCE CHAPEL
Irie M. Cyree, Pastor
NAHUNTA
US Hwy. 84, Nahunta, Georgia
Just beyond the intersection of US
Hwy. 301 on US 84 stands a small white
church with a fellowship hall to one
side. This church was organized in 1919
with 15 members in a meeting in a
home. The site of the present building is
the spot where the four-year-old son of
Mr. Billie Robinson played before he
died, and on the site Mr. Robinson built this church. The fellowship hall was built
in 1975. This was made possible in part by the sale of the Atkinson Church, which
had begun in 1890 in the Atkinson community just six miles away, but across the
Satilla River. Atkinsons first building had burned and a concrete block building on
418
the highway had replaced it. Discontinued in 1970, its members transferred to
Nahunta.
1982 Membership: 113
PIERCE CHAPEL
Route 1, Hoboken, Georgia
When this church was organized it was
in Pierce County, the deed for the land
was January 8, 1890. The first building
was of wood structure, a simple one-
room country church, but it is here that
the young railroad man, turned
preacher delivered his first sermon.
Bishop Arthur Moore returned several
times to preach in this site of his first sermon. That church burned in 1967. The
present building is brick veneer, the basic building having been moved from
Waycross after the fire.
1982 Membership: 40
NICHOLS CHARGE Freeman Porter, Pastor
NICHOLS
Ga. Hwy. 32, Nichols, Georgia
The present church building is the third
building for this congregation since it
began as a Sunday School in the Ses-
sions community in 1874. The first
building, a wood structure, was located
a short distance east of Meeks
Cemetery. In 1900 it moved to Nicholls
where in 1910 a larger wooden building
with a belltower was erected across in front of the new brick school. In the 1910
MINUTES of the conference a grant of $100 was given from the conference Board
of Church Extension, which meant that a new building was speedily to open free
of debt. In 1961 the land for the present site was given by R. L. Lott and William
M. Denton, and the new concrete block building was open for services in October.
In 1979 a social hall was built and in three years completely paid for, being
dedicated December 1981. In its earliest years Nichols was on the Bickley Ct.; then
in the early 1900s Nicholls became head of the circuit. Among the very early pastors
were J. C. Ahern, B. F. Beals, D. F. Morrison, J. D. Sayder, Aaron Kelly, R. B. Ross,
I. R. Kelley, and H. L. Boyd.
1982 Membership: 79
BICKLEY
Talmo to Nicholls Rd. Ware County
This church was organized on March 25,1888, under the oak trees at the home of
419
William Manning Denton. The earliest
members brought their own cowhide-
bottom chairs to meet under the oak
trees. The original building was made
from wood sawed from logs at Denton
Sawmill, and the same building is still
in use, having been remodeled in 1935,
1954, and in 1976 covered with vinyl
siding. The present pews are re-done
from original hand-hewn pews of the
first church. The Sunday School rooms and fellowship hall were built from
Homegrown trees. The social hall was named for Alvin Carter when it was built
in 1956. This church was first named Marys Chapel for Mr. Dentons wife, but then
it was changed for Rev. C. T. Bickley who was the pastor at one time.
1982 Membership: 114
When this section was open to settle-
ment after the Indian treaty, Methodist
Societies were begun in this area. The
actual meetings are not documented but
began well before the dates for this
church building. This church held serv-
ices in a brush arbor around 1880 and
then in a log cabin. The area was known
as Taylor Town School and Campground. In 1905 a one-room frame building was
erected. Jim Pat Tanner grew, cut, and sawed the timber for the second building,
and Billie Tanner and Wade Belcher did the carpentering. The present brick
building was built in 1957 and Bishop Arthur Moore dedicated it. In 1918 Camp-
ground was on the Alma Charge, Rev. F. A. Ratcliffe, the pastor, with these
churches: Alma, Campground, Marys Chapel, Springfield, and Elizabeths Chapel.
In 1928 the Alma Charge had Alma, Rockingham, Holton, and Campground. In
1956-57 it was the Nicholls-Campground Charge. Since 1963 it has been on the
Nicholls charge.
CAMPGROUND
N. of Ga. 32 between Alma and Nicholls
1982 Membership: 79
PEARSON
John C. Rentz, Pastor
US Hwy. 441, South
This church was organized in 1872 and given the same name as the town, as Benaja
Pearson deeded an acre of land to the church. Before the third church was built in
the early 1900s, two buildings had burned, one when lightning struck the steeple,
the second by vagrants using it for a shelter. In 1956 the fourth building was
erected on the same acre of land. Pearson was head of a circuit for many years
before it became a station. In 1919 the circuit had Bridges Chapel, Wesley Chapel,
Pearson, Live Oak, Sweetwater, and Kirkland with Rev. W. C. Rahn, pastor. In
1940 the circuit had Pearson, Kirkland,
Sweetwater, Millwood, Axson, and
Wesley, Rev. James Agee was pastor.
1982 Membership: 131
In the 1919 MINUTES of the con-
ference, the individual churches are
listed and Axson is on the Waresboro
Circuit with Waresboro, New Prospect,
Fairfax, Glenmore, Milwood, and
Ruskin. Its building is constructed of
wood and is the original building
although it sat further from the road
originally. In the early days it had a partition down the center to separate the men
and women. It served as the school for grades 1-9 until the 1920s.
PEARSON CIRCUIT
Ben E. Pitts, Pastor
AXSON
US Hwy. 82, Axson, Ga.
1982 Membership: 24
KIRKLAND
US Hwy. 82 in Kirkland, Atkinson Co.
This church, named for Timothy
Kirkland, was begun in 1887 or 88 in a
one-room log school house. The first
pastor was Rev. Daniel Morrison. In
1890 the log building was replaced with
the wooden building that is still being
used. It was built on land deeded in
1890 by John C. Nichols. As early as
1919 Kirkland was a part of the Pearson Circuit. At that time there were Pearson,
Bridges Chapel, Sweetwater, Kirkland, Live Oak, and Wesley Chapel. In 1956 Rev.
Jody Thigpen, guest preacher, held a revival and 50 new members joined the
church during the two-week revival.
1982 Membership: 61
SWEETWATER
US Hwy. 441,22 Miles N of Pearson, Ga.
Three-quarters of a mile west of the present building in a log school this church was
organized in 1888 with 10-12 members. It takes its name from nearby Sweet Water
Creek just north of the church. This is the original church, brick veneered, with new
windows and air-conditioning added in 1979-80. The original hand-carved altar rail
and pulpit are still used. It, like the neighboring church, had a door on each end and
421
both sides. Rev. H. T. Ethridge was the
first pastor and Rev. K. Read the
presiding elder of the Waycross District.
Other early pastors included Rev. A. A.
Ellenwood, Daniel Morrison, and H. W.
Morrison.
1982 Membership: 54
Members entering ministry: Jeff D. Corbitt
Mission field: Duvon Corbitt, Jr., C. H. Meeks, Sr.
PIERCE COUNTY CIRCUIT
Robert W. Hendrix, Pastor
MARTHA MEMORIAL
Near Bacon-Appling County Line
Located south of Mershon, this church
was begun in a brush arbor in the early
1900s. It is named for the founders
mother, Mrs. Martha Smith. With the
help of the 60 members, Alfred Smith,
the founder, built the first and present
building in 1935. During the 1960s in-
terest waned because of only one Sun-
day a month, but new life has returned in the 1970s with the dedicated work of Joe
Thigpen, lay leader of Blackshear. It has a weekly worship service, Sunday School, 1
prayer meeting, and UMYF. Since 1976 a kitchen and rest rooms have been added,
as well as carpeting, paneling, stained glass windows, new piano, new pews, pulpit
furniture, and new lighting.
1982 Membership: 38
MERSHON
Ga. Hwy. 32, Pierce County
This church was organized in 1885 with
3 members meeting under the trees and
in a home. The name of the church is
that of the town, named for Judge Mar-
tin L. Mershon. The first wooden one-
room building was built in 1885. A sec-
ond building, erected in 1908, stood
near the railroad and was still standing
for years after the new building was built on the highway in 1949. Rev. William
McDonald was the first pastor. In 1917 the preacher came by train; his preaching
appointments were along the railroad from Offerman to Mershon. He came on
Saturday night and spent the night with one of the laymen, preached, caught the
train to the afternoon appointment, then back for the night service, or on to a third
422
town. Although Mershon had been the head of a circuit since 1910, there was no
parsonage on the charge. The first time a list of individual churches appear in the
conference MINUTES is 1919 when the Mershon Circuit had Mershon, Bristol,
Rockingham, Sardis, Wesley Chapel, and Friendship with Rev. C. E. Smith, Sr. as
pastor.
1982 Membership: 45
PATTERSON
US Hwy. 82 at Ga. Hwy. 32
This church was organized before the
turn of the 20th century and its first
church was begun in 1907, a brick
building, but not completed until 1919
as the members built it and could only
work in their spare time. In the early
1930s the educational building was con-
structed and a new larger one built in
1958. A steeple, covered walkway and kitchen have since been added. As there was
no parsonage, the preachers lived in the T. J. Dixon home and the H. C. Martin
home. In 1915 Patterson was the head of a circuit with Rev. C. T. Bickley, pastor,
followed by Rev. L. R. Pilcher and Rev. D. A. Cook. In 1963-4 this church received
the Town and Country Award given by the conference, and in 1976 the Pierce
County Circuit was awarded the Circuit of the Year for the Waycross District.
1982 Membership: 35
Members entering ministry: Archie Bob Dixon, Danny Martin
WARDS MEMORIAL
Blackshear, Georgia
This church began with a Sunday
School held on the top floor of a gin
house in 1898 by Mr. and Mrs. J. O.
Ward. When the Sunday School grew
too large for that space, they moved to
the seed room of the gin and from there
to meeting in the Summerall
Schoolhouse. Before the church was
built, the Wards, for whom the church was named, would invite preachers to hold
services. Many of the young men going to Pierce Collegiate Institute were invited to
the services and to the dinner. Mr. Ward would come for them in a buggy. Among
those who served before and as the church became a part of the conference were
Rev. Jonathan Clough, D. A. Cook, T. N. Sweat, C. C. Buchanan. Mr. Ward served
as the Sunday School Superintendent from 1898-1937. Mrs. Ward taught Sunday
School from 1898-1945.
1982 Membership: 52
423
ST. JOHNS
Earl Parrish, Pastor
Off. Ga. Hwy. 121,M. S. of Blackshear
The establishment of this church was a
dream come true for Mr. and Mrs. J. 0.
Ward of Blackshear who visited Mrs.
Sallie Steedley Dedge to solicit her in-
terest in starting a Sunday School in her
home. This resulted in the organizing of
St. Johns in 1902 with 15 members.
Rev. R. E. Bailey, pastor of Blackshear,
came for preaching as the first pastor.
In 1903 the first building was built and in 1932 was moved down the road about V2
mile. Mr. and Mrs. Lawton Shuman gave the land. Sunday School rooms were built
in 1952 with the interior of the church being extensively remodeled in 1962. Other
improvements followed with carpeting and air conditioning in 1970-71. A
fellowship hall and additional classrooms were added in 1972. The sanctuary was
completely redone and the seating capacity doubled in 1974. A parsonage was pur-
chased in 1978 when St. Johns became a station. In 1976 St. Johns was the Church
Charles L. Houston, Jr., Pastor
106 E. Conyers Street, St. Marys
While Rev. George Clark was sent to the
St. Marys River in 1792 by Francis
Asbury to begin a mission, it was not
until 1799 when Rev. John Garvin came
that this church was established. At the
end of the year there were 14 members,
blacks and whites. After a lot was given
by the town trustees in 1812, the first
building was erected. John Silva
described the Methodist church as a plain wooden building ... quite in keeping
with their ideas at that time, though it enjoys the luxury of a bell. The bell, in-
scribed 1838, hangs in the chapel built in 1858. Further mission work (in 1822
Rev. Glenn had begun services on Amelia Island in Florida) was begun with
establishing a church on Cumberland Island. Later the pastor conducted monthly
meetings at Millers Bluff. Other churches connected with St. Marys Circuit are
Temple, Antioch, Centervillage, Forest View, Harriets Bluff, and Zion. Services
were disrupted by the yellow fever epidemic and again by the occupation of the
area by Federal troops during the Civil War. In 1858 the old building was given to
the Black members, Greater Trinitys beginning, and the white frame chapel built
in its present location. In 1892 the gallery was removed and gas lights installed. In
1931-5 a two-story education building erected. In 1952 this church became a full-
of the Year for the Waycross District.
1982 Membership: 107
Members entering ministry: J. A. Thornton
ST. MARYS
424
time appointment. A modern brick educational building and fellowship hall were
dedicated by Bishop John Owen Smith in 1962. Plans began for a modern sanc-
tuary and the first services were held in 1966. Rev. Loy Scott was the pastor and Dr.
Aubrey Alsobrook, Waycross district superintendent. The wooden education
building of 1935 was razed to give needed room. In 1981 this church was designated
the Conference Historical Site No. 7.
1982 Membership: 523
ST. MARYS CIRCUIT
GREATER TRINITY
Ashley and Osborne Sts., St. Marys, Ga.
This church was organized in the 1850s
in the St. Marys Methodist Church by
Black members originally members of
that church. The location of the first
wooden building was swapped for the
present location so a school could be
built. Rev. T. S. Collins was pastor dur-
ing the move. The present building was
built in the 1970s with Rev. U. C. Dukes as pastor. In 1972 when the Coastal
District of the North Georgia Conference merged with the South Georgia Con-
ference, this church on the Woodbine Circuit became part of the Waycross District.
At that time plans were begun for building the new building.
J. P. Collins, Pastor
1982 Membership: 155
CARNEGIE CHAPEL
Kinlaw Community, Camden County
This church is located four miles north
of Kingsland, Ga., in the Kinlaw com-
munity where this church began under a
brush arbor in 1895. Rev. T. Thompson
was the first pastor. The church was
named for Mrs. Lucy Carnegie of
Cumberland Island in appreciation for
her financial gift to get the church
started. She also gave the church a Bible. The first building was a one-room wooden
building, which in the mid-1970s was enclosed with block with classrooms and rest
rooms added. The interior has been remodeled and the windows replaced at this
time. In 1972 this church was a part of the Coastal District of the North Georgia
Conference that merged with the South Georgia Conference. It was part of the
Woodbine Circuit and became a part of the Waycross District at that time. In 1983
it was placed on the St. Marys Circuit. In the early days the choirs sang without
music. One choir was invited to sing against a city church choir and won great
praise in the competition.
1982 Membership: 98
425
PINCKNEY CHAPEL
US Hwys. 301 and 23, Folkston, Ga.
Around 1870 this church began as Spat-
cher Chapel when the Black members
withdrew from Traders Hill Methodist
Episcopal Church, South. The wooden
building was erected on land donated by
A. G. Gowen. In the middle 1950s the
pastor was Nathan Charlton, who had
been a missionary to Liberia in his
younger days. He was instrumental in securing land and erecting the church
building in Folkston. In the late 1960s remodeling began on the old building and in
1974 the present sanctuary was built with the help of conference work teams and
members of the church. Before 1972 this church was a part of the Georgia Con-
ference of The Methodist Church, and with the merger of the Coastal District of
the North Georgia Conference with the South Georgia Conference this church
became part of the Waycross District and part of the King Solomon Charge. In
1983 it was placed on the newly formed St. Marys Circuit with Greater Trinity in
St. Marys, and Carnegie in Kingsland.
1982 Membership: 69
ST. SIMONS John B. Carroll, Pastor
Ocean Boulevard, St. Simons Island, Ga.
Before the organization of this church on its present site, there was an organized
church on the Frederica Road meeting in a tabernacle built in the early 1930s and
served by the pastor from Darien, Rev. Roy C. Sampley. It was away from the ma-
jority of the full time residents, so it became a part of the community church near
the present church site. Alfred Brockington, who had belonged with his father,
Captain Sammy, to the first organization, desired an active Methodist Church.
Rev. A. A. Waite, Sr. and Rev. I. L.
Bishop, pastors in Brunswick at the
time, helped to organize this church in
the home of Alfred Brockington,
November 19, 1938. There were 104
members. Its names have been Wesley,
Memorial, St. Simons Methodist,
Wesley Chapel and again St. Simons. It
was placed on the Arco-Taylors Charge
with Rev. I. L. Bishop the pastor in
1938. The first building was of hollow
tile with the Sunday School rooms
added of the same tile in 1940 and 1947. The sanctuary was enlarged in 1950. In
1954 the parsonage was built. The Davis Thorpe building was built in 1971 with
memorial gifts from many other groups as Mr. Thorpe was the bus driver for the
high school students. The Woman Society of Christian Service was organized in
1943 by Mrs. I. L. Bishop. During 1980-81 the church sponsored a Laotian refugee
426
family. A four-day fund raising campaign for a new sanctuary was held and the new
building begun. The former sanctuary was maintained as a chapel when the new
building was open for worship in 1981.
1982 Membership: 1,163
WARESBORO CIRCUIT Marvin Leggett, Pastor
Roy Jacobs, Associate
WARESBORO
Us. Hwy. 82, W. of Waycross, Ga.
Shortly after the town of Waresboro was
settled there were Methodists gathered
for services. In the early records the
preacher from the Waresboro Circuit
preached at the beginning of the church
in Waycross. In the conference
MINUTES OF 1842, Waresboro Mis-
sion is supplied by Seaborn Childs, in
the St. Marys District of the Georgia Conference. In 1845 it became a part of the
Florida Conference until 1866 when those churches in the lower half of Georgia
were returned to Georgia and the South Georgia Conference was formed. It was as
part of the Waresboro Mission that the first services were held in Waycross. In 1888
this church was organized; Rev. J. G. Stern was the first pastor. There were 17
members and they met in a new building. The present building was built in 1935
with the youth building being added later. The inside has been remodeled and
made comfortable. In 1919 the Waresboro Ct. had Waresboro, Fairfax, Millwood,
New Prospect, Glenmore, Ruskin, and Axson, Rev. J. G. Hardin the pastor. In 1940
had Fairfax, New Prospect, Waresboro, Bickley, and Roxie Mae.
1982 Membership: 67
ELIZABETHS CHAPEL
Route 2, Alma, Georgia
This church was built in 1886 by Pete
Lee who contracted to huild it for $100.
It is a frame building and named for the
wife of the founder, Elizabeth Taylor.
This church has been remodeled inside
to make it comfortable with modern
conveniences. In 1919 MINUTES of the
conference, individual churches appear
for the first time, Elizabeths Chapel is on the Alma Circuit with Alma, Marys
Chapel, Elizabeths Chapel, Camp Ground, and Springfield. Rev. F. A. Ratcliffe
was the pastor. In 1940 it was on the Alma circuit with Elizabeths Chapel, Rock-
ingham, Sardis, Martha Memorial, Friendship, Springfield, and Wedley.
1982 Membership: 73
427
Rockingham. In 1940 it was on the Alma
FRIENDSHIP
Route 3, Alma, Georgia
This church began in a brush arbor in
the late 1870s. Rev. C. I. Morgan was the
first pastor. In 1912 the present wooden
building was built. In 1919 Friendship is
part of the Mershon Circuit with Rev. C.
E. Smith, Sr. pastor. The other churches
were Mershon, Bristol, Friendship and
Circuit.
1982 Membership: 15
ROXIE MAE
Off Ga. Hwy. 158, Coffee County
This church is located off the Axson-
Nichols county road. Organized in 1909
the first church was built on land given
by Sarah Ann Davis Southerland. This
is the original building with the
cemetery across in front of the entrance.
In 1931 this church was on the
Waresboro Circuit and shows a gain of 5
members for a total of 35 that year. Rev. S.
1982 Membership: 26
WAYCROSS, BROOKS MEMORIAL
superintendent of Waycross District.
Waycross.
1982 Membership: 165
WAYCROSS, FIRST
P. Clary was pastor.
Harold W. Hankins, Pastor
400 Pinehurst Drive
This church was organized in January
1955 in the home of Rev. Homer Sum-
merall, and Rev. David Lastinger was
the first pastor. The first unit was
finished in 1955 and the church school
annex constructed in 1970. This church
is named for Rev. J. C. G. Brooks who
served three different pastorates in
Waycross: Trinity, First Church, and
When he retired he lived for many years in
Charles A. Culbreth, Jr., Pastor
Danny Mac Smith, Associate
428
Gilmore and Reed Streets
Methodism came to Waycross with the preaching of Rev. H. P. Myers in the little
house that served for school and church.
At the close of his message, he opened
the doors of the church and 3 ladies
joined by certificate: Mrs. Susan Lott,
Mrs. J. H. Redding, Mrs. W. H.
Thomas. Rev. Myers was pastor of the
Blackshear Circuit. In 1874 the first
building, wooden frame, was erected at
State and Oak Street. In 1892 the
membership was 500 and a new church
was planned. In January 1893 ground was broken and the first services were held in
October. Rev. George Matthews was pastor and at the annual conference he
reported it paid for. In it was held the 1894 Annual Conference. In 1942 the Paul
Harley Memorial Building was added. This contained a chapel named for Bishop
Arthur Moore, who was converted at the altar of this church in 1909. In 1962 a new
educational building was built. In 1971 a new sanctuary was built. It is of contem-
porary gothic design featuring wood molding, antique brick, limestone and slate,
soaring ceiling beams and faceted glass. The spire is 75 feet capped by a gold cross.
May 1973 the Arthur Moore Chapel and Cornerstone consecration service had
three participating bishops: Bishop Moore, Bishop John Owen Smith, Bishop
William R. Cannon. Each had presided over the South Georgia Conference. This
church has hosted the annual conference session in 1894,1922,1938 and 1945.
1982 Membership: 1,073
Members entering ministry: Eustqn Clements, H. C. Ewing, J. W. Hitch, Arthur J. Moore, John S.
Sharpe, Edwin Johnson, Alton Murphy, Walter S. McCleskey, Thomas M. Lee, C. C. Long, Stanley
Smith, Jr., David Clark Johnson, Mark Lanier Johnson, John C. Rente, M. C. Austin, John W. Faires,
Willis Francis, Hugh Howell, Ashley Hobbs, William E. McTier, Jr., Julian Tucker, Elizabeth
Copeland, Robert A. Walker, Rodney E. Moore, Jr., James B. Duncombe, Mrs. Annie Louise Johnson
Lee Strother, Pastor
Washington Ave. Gilchrist Park
In 1910 this church was organized as the
Washington Street Church, Rev. C. W.
Snow as pastor. The 1910 MINUTES
show that the conference Board of
Church Extension gave $150 grant to
this church, which meant that it would
soon open for service, debt free. Rev. R.
F. Owens was assigned to City Mission
at that time. The next year it appears
listed as Gilchrist Park, so named for the community. Rev. W. T. Blevins was
assigned as pastor. The Sunday School was first sponsored by First, and the
original church had dividers hanging from the ceiling which were let down by ropes
and pulleys to make classrooms. Rev. John Hays, who had no car, walked from
Hebardville to hold service. During the depression the church services were discon-
tinued. In 1940 a white frame building was built. A concrete block education
building was added and in the 1960s the present building was built. Rev. Mrs. An-
nie Louise Johnson was the first woman pastor in the Waycross District, when she
WAYCROSS, GILCHRIST PARK
BR/BB i r /
filled out the year at Dr. Basil Osipoffs death. They requested her return at
conference.
1982 Membership: 215
Members entering ministry: Carl Howard, Byron C. Davis
Joseph A. Newton, Pastor
509 Ware Street, Waycross
Sunday School was organized in 1906 in
a vacant house and the church followed
in 1909. The community was named for
the Hebard Cypress Company so the
churchs name was changed from Deen-
wood to the name of the community.
For the first services they used cypress
boards, borrowed from the mill, for
pews. Rev. J. W. Lilly had been pastor
for 4 years when Hebard appears in the MINUTES as the listing. In 1928 the
womens work was organized as a Golden Jubilee Society because it was organized
in the 50th year of the Womans Missionary Society. The church was remodeled in
1935, with classrooms built in the 1950s. In 1956 this church became a station
church. It supported a missionary family 1964 and 1966 and assisted the Waycross
District Youth Work Teams to Costa Rica in 1968 and 1969.
1982 Membership: 141
Members entering ministry: Lonzie Wester, Jr.
WAYCROSS, JAMESTOWN
Jamestown Section, Waycross
In 1890 this church was organized as
Corinth during services in the Old
James Schoolhouse. Rev. M. C. Austin
was the first pastor. In 1919 it was a part
of the Hebardville Circuit with J. C.
Jones as pastor and the following
churches: Hebardville, Deanwood, and
Heyward. In 1931 it was on Hebardville
Charge as Jamestown with Deanwood,
Hebardville, Ruskin, and Gilchrist Park, Rev. C. B. Ray, pastor. The present
building was built in 1956, and classrooms with a fellowship hall were added. A new
parsonage was built in 1976. In 1956 Jamestown became a station church. E. N.
Bazemore served as secretary-treasurer of the Sunday School for 42 years and
never missed a Sunday.
1982 Membership: 293
Lonzie H. Wester Jr., Pastor
k
WAYCROSS, HEBARDVILLE
430
KING SOLOMON SCOTTS CHAPEL
Eugene Rogers Allen, Pastor
KING SOLOMON
Hicks and King Streets, Waycross, Ga.
This church first met in a brush arbor
when it was organized in 1872. Later it
met in a house and then a church
building. The first buildi.ng was erected
in 1891 on a hill with steps facing the
Brunswick and Albany Railroad. In
1929 it moved to the present location
where the church was remodeled exten-
sively during Rev. Grahams pastorate. In 1940 it was destroyed by fire. The pres-
ent building was begun in 1940. When this church was begun, it was part of the
Savannah Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church and among the first
pastors were Rev. J. H. Lenon and Rev. John Crawley. In 1940 it became a part of
the Georgia Conference of the Methodist Church and in 1972 when the Coastal
District of the North Georgia Conference merged with the South Georgia Con-
ference this church became part of the Waycross District. Rev. Robert Reeves was
pastor and Rev. Alvis Waite, Jr. the district superintendent. In the very early years,
the communion bread was made wafer thin using two heated smoothing irons. The
wine, served in a silver goblet, was made from grapes growing abundantly in the
area. This church has been the host to both the Savannah and Georgia Conference
several times.
1982 Membership: 93
SCOTTS CHAPEL
Highway Avenue, Blackshear, Ga.
This church was organized in 1862 and
was part of the Savannah Conference of
the Methodist Episcopal Church and
then of the Georgia Conference of The
Methodist Church after 1940. In 1972
when the Coastal District of the North
Georgia Conference merged with the
South Georgia Conference, this church
was a part of the King Solomon Charge with King Solomon and Pickney Chapel. It
became a part of the Waycross District of the South Georgia Conference. The
original building was torn down and the present building built during the pastorate
of Rev. George Washington. While Rev. David Rooks was pastor a kitchen was
added to the educational wing and carpet and a piano added to the sanctuary.
1982 Membership: 51
WAYCROSS, TRINITY J. Harold Tucker, Pastor
Church at State Street, Waycross
Methodism came to Waycross in 1870s by the preaching of the pastors on the early
circuits near by, both Blackshear and
Waresboro. Rev. H. P. Myers is credited
with organizing the first group in the
Union Church in the school near the
present site of Trinity Church. This was
probably a log building, or rustic frame.
In 1873 a frame building was built and
soon the need for two churches was
seen. In 1895 a red brick building was
built facing Church street and along its
side ran the important Dixie Highway, U.S. 1. In the mid-1920s a youth hut was
built and a tabernacle for the towns use for revivals was built at the end of the
block on State St. side. Later this would be removed and an annex built in its place.
In 1954 the present building was begun to the left of the old building on the site of
the old brown wooden parsonage. In the early years the Sunday Morning Love
Feast inspired Frank L. Stanton to write his poem, Love Feast at Waycross.
1982 Membership: 1,091
Members entering ministry: James Agee, Bernard Brown, John Lough, C. S. Newton, Jr., Clark
Pafford, Scott Douglas, Bird Yarbrough, Monroe Yarbrough, Colvin Morgan, Dan Williams, A. W.
Orville L. Ferris, Pastor
1924 Ben Hill Street, Waycross
This church began as the result of a
revival meeting conducted by Rev. J. C.
G. Brooks, pastor of First Church. It
was organized with 30 members on
September 30, 1939, in services held in
an old commissary building. The church
was named for the community in which
it is located. The construction on the
first unit began on July 4, 1941, with
members making the cement blocks themselves. They purchased a few sacks of ce-
ment at a time and made hand-made blocks at Gibson Brothers Oil Company Sta-
tion. The first service was held April 11, 1943. The first pastor was Rev. W. A.
Sedgwick. The parsonage was constructed partly from material in the old Fairfax
church. In 1955-58 a new educational annex was constructed; sanctuary was
carpeted, new pews, pulpit furniture and organ added. In 1961 the sanctuary was
air conditioned. The first womens group was a Womans Society of Christian
Service organized by Mrs. Stewart and Mrs. Kellam of First Church.
1982 Membership: 301
Members entering ministry: Monroe Bennett, F. J. Beverly, Carroll Crosby, Garnet Lance, Deborah
Pittman, Jonell Robinson
Mission Field: Eunice Fairchild Duncan
WAYCROSS, WINONA PARK
432
WEST GREEN CHARGE
Mrs. Annie Louise Johnson, Pastor
WEST GREEN
US Hwy. 221, Coffee County
In 1915 about ten miles north of
Douglas a small town was named West
Green for Mr. Westbrook and Mr.
Green, two owners of big tracts of land.
In this period a wooden one-room
building was built for the new church.
Earlier Mr. George Washington Lott
had given land for a school and a
Methodist and Baptist Church, so two identical buildings were erected side by side.
Then the right-of-way for paving the highway required so much of the land, a new
lot was purchased and the present church was built in 1952-55 during the pastorate
of Rev. Byron C. Davis. It is wood with white asbestos siding. Improvements have
been added, rest rooms, air-conditioning, new pews, window and lighting fixtures.
In 1969-70 a fellowship hall was added. Mrs. J. A. Wiggins, wife of the pastor in
1949-52, organized the Womens Society of Christian Service. This church has been
on the Nichols Charge as well as the Lone Hill Circuit.
1982 Membership: 63
EXCELSIOR
Ga. Hwy. 268 at Ga. Hwy. 107
This church is located at Snipesville
between Broxton and Hazelhurst in Jeff
Davis County. It is 5 miles from Denton.
This church was established in 1934
through the consolidation of William
and Hearn Chapels. It took its name
from that of the school located across
the road. The material for the building
came from the two earlier churches Williams Chapel founded by Rev. John
Williams in 1890 and Hearns Chapel begun while Rev. S. A. Hearn served the
Hazelhurst Ct. in 1905. In 1919 Williams Chapel was on the West Green Ct., Rev.
D. F. Miles pastor, with West Green, Lone Hill, and Marys churches. Hearns
Chapel was on the Graham Ct., Rev. S. W. Snead, pastor, with Graham, Zoar,
Philadelphia, and Rocky Branch. Both these circuits were in the McRae District. In
1940 Excelsior was on the West Green Ct. with Lone Hill, Midway, West Green,
and Nicholls, Rev. I. K. Chambers, pastor.
1982 Membership: 29
Members entering ministry: William H. Hinson
LONE HILL
Broxton-West Green Rd., Coffee County
The story is told that a circuit rider came to hold services at the site of this church
433
and no one came, so he called it Lone
Hill. The first building was erected on
this site between 1848 and 1854; it sat
on a slight hill in a grove of trees, and
that setting is still preserved, although
the present building was erected in the
late 1800s. It was moved further back
from the road in 1946 and the interior
remodeled. The fellowship hall con-
nected by a covered walkway was
erected at that time. In 1922 the parsonage for the West Green charge was at Lone
Hill near the church. The adjacent cemetery contains the graves of the early set-
tlers to the community. In 1919 Lone Hill was on the West Green Ct. in the McRae
District. In the same district in 1922, Rev. W. C. Bryant was pastor of the West
Green Ct.
1982 Membership: 106
WHITE OAK CIRCUIT Phil Partin, Pastor
WHITE OAK
Folkston Rd., White Oak, Ga.
White Oak is on US Hwy. 17 in Camden
County. This church is on the south side
of Ga. Hwy. 252 and was organized in
the late 1880s. The first building was
built in 1894 just east of the railroad
behind White Oak Inn. There is a
pastors report made in 1892 by Rev. R.
B. Ross, and Rev. W. C. Langston
reported to the Quarterly Conference in 1895 that the White Oak Sunday School
was organized May 28 with 45 pupils. In 1919 White Oak Ct. with Rev. W. W. Hill,
pastor, had Marvin, Province, Waverly, and White Oak Churches. In 1947 fire
destroyed the church; and on land, given by C. L. McCarthy, the present church
was built in 1949. It is white asbestos siding. On June 5,1949, it was dedicated. Rev.
W. B. Taylor was pastor.
1982 Membership: 55
BICKLEY CHAPEL
On Tarboro to Atkinson Rd. Camden Co.
This church is on the Old Post Road
near Harrell Old Field in Camden
County. Its very earliest beginning are
not certain, but around 1834 the
original congregation was meeting in a
log meeting house. The church was
blown down by a storm October 2, 1898,
and was rebuilt; Rev. F. A. Ratcliffe was
the pastor on the White Oak Ct. at that time. Services continued in this building
until 1930 when a brush fire from a nearby saw mill destroyed the church. For a
while services were held in homes and a brush arbor and in 1948 the present
building of block with casem*nt windows was built. The church was named for Rev.
C. T. Bickley who served this charge in the 1880s.
1982 Membership: 19
HORSE STAMP
Horse Stamp Church Rd., Waverly, Ga.
Eastward from the intersection of Ga.
110 and US Hwy. 17 at Waverly, Ga.
this church is located. Its unusual name
is pronounced stomp for the action of
horses. There are several accounts of
how the name came about. The church
was organized about 1814 in a clearing
in the woods where General Longstreet
had his headquarters in the War of 1812. The horses stomped down the under-
brush. The other story is that the horses ridden to service were bitten by the horse
flies and all during service they were heard stomping. Although the proposal to
change the name has occurred at least twice, the name has remained. The first
building was of logs; other frame buildings have followed. A plain frame one was
built in 1926. During the pastorate of Rev. Alvin Lynn this church took on new life
and a new building was built adjacent to the frame building. In 1982 a chapel in
that building was dedicated to Rev. Lynn. The church sign reads Horse Stamp
United Methodist Church and Lynns Chapel of the Pioneers.
1982 Membership: 57
PROVIDENCE
Incahnee Road, 2 M. North of Tarboro
This church was located on this site in
1856 after having been built at the loca-
tion of Bickley Chapel in the 1830s. A
storm had destroyed the building, and a
new location was chosen. The name Pro-
vidence was chosen for Gods provision
for his people. This is the original
building with the ceiling boards hand-
planed by Alexander K. Stewart, and the benches in use are the original hand-made
ones. The land was a gift in 1856 of David and Elizabeth Lang. The first record of a
pastor is Rev. N. D. Morehouse in 1867. An interest note is that at one time the
church was painted red.
1982 Membership: 26
WAVERLY
US Hwy. 17 on Ga. Hwy. 107
This church is located in Waverly, Ga. west of the railroad just off of Atkinson Rd.
(Ga. Hwy. 107) in Camden County.
With about 12 families this church was
organized in 1895 with Rev. Whitley
Langston, pastor. The first church was
built in 1895 just south of the present
site. The present one was begun in 1948
with the first service being held March,
1952, and dedicated on August 2, 1953.
The lovely windows are memorials.
While Rev. S. P. Clary was pastor in
1967-8 he was planning a new fellowship hall, but he died before it was completed.
When finished, it was named S. P. Clary Social Hall. This church has been on the
White Oak Charge in the Waycross District since it was begun except for a period
when it was on with the Brunswick Circuit.
1982 Membership: 56
WILLACOOCHEE CHARGE Ronald Register, Pastor
WILLACOOCHEE
US Hwy. 82, Atkinson Co.
This church is located one block off of
U.S. 82 on Ga. Hwy. 90. It was estab-
lished on September 5,1885. Rev. H. T.
Ethridge, the first pastor, preached a
revival and over 100 persons joined the
church. The church erected a wooden
building which has been remodeled with
an educational building added. The
Nora Ladson Annex was built in 1948. Between 1954-1961 extensive renovations
were carried out including, memorial windows, new pews, piano, carpeting, and air
conditioning. At this time it was brick veneered. In 1906 this church was host to the
District Conference. During a revival that year Miss Bessie Oliver dedicated herself
to the mission field. The parsonage for the Alapaha and Willacoochee Charge in
1908 was in Willacoochee. In 1919 Moody Booth was the pastor for the
Willachoochee Circuit that included Willacoochee, Roberts Chapel, Beulah, and
Glory. Then and in 1940 this charge was in the Valdosta District. In 1928 the
members of Grays Chapel united with this church.
1982 Membership: 160
Members entering ministry: W. E. Chappie, O. Lamar Studstill
Mission field: Miss Bessie Olivei Korea
BEULAH
Ga. Hwy. 90 Between Lax and Willacoochee
The conference evangelist, Rev. Francis A. Ratcliffe held a tent-revival and as a
result this church was organized in 1915 with 40 members. They met in a brush ar-
bor before the small one-room wooden building was erected. Rev. Quincy Pinson
was the first pastor. The land for the first building was given by Dr. and Mrs. Jeff
Willcox. In 1966 on land given by Elton O. Metts, Sr. a brick building with
436
classrooms and a kitchen were built in
1966, with additional rooms and a
fellowship hall being added in 1975. The
Lords Acre Program is an annual
observance ending with the Thanksgiv-
ing Celebration. The women have been
actively engaged in the womens pro-
gram since 1948.
1982 Membership: 78
WOODBINE
Lewis W. Strickland, Pastor
Corner of 4th St. and US 17, Woodbine, Ga.
When the railroad came to this area the new town of Woodbine was born; so the
church that was organized May 3,1896, drew its members from Antioch and Forest
View Churches. Forest View was southeast in Floyds Neck begun in 1885 with a
building erected by 1890. The membership was transferred to Woodbine in the ear-
ly 1900s. Antioch was established in the Colesburg community, south of Woodbine
in 1891, the land and building were given by J. K. Bedell who named the church
Antioch. Their membership transferred
to the newly organized Woodbine in
1896. Rev. G. G. N. McDonell had
dedicated Antioch on November 1,
1891. The center core of the present
Woodbine church was erected in 1896
on land given by Mr. Bedell. The church
was organized May 3, 1896. The first
Womens Missionary Society was begun
in 1902. The church was remodeled in
1930 with educational space added in
1938-45 and in 1955. The original building is now brick veneered. In 1945 this
church became a station.
1982 Membership: 217
Members entering ministry: Jack McCullough, Jr., Zack Colson
WOODBINE CIRCUIT Ernest S. Aucomfar, Pastor
HAMILTON CHAPEL
Woodbine, Ga., Camden County
This church began in 1905 in the home of Sister Vivie James. Later a brush arbor
was erected on the site. A simple one-room wooden structure sat to the east of the
present building and was used until this present building was ready; then it was
sold. Rev. P. W. Rock was the first pastor. Several small chapels have merged with
this church: Bellview, Widows Chapel from Colesburg in 1926, and Wesley Chapel,
Jeffersonton in 1970. Wesley Chapel was closed because the population of the area
dwindled. This church was made from the Old Camden Courthouse when Jeffer-
437
sonton was the county seat. The old
hanging tree was just behind the
church. This church was built in 1872.
Hamilton Chapel began plans for a new
building in 1966 and the first service
was held in July 9, 1972. In June 1972
the Coastal District of the North
Georgia Conference merged with the
South Georgia Conference and this
church became a part of the Waycross
District. Rev. U. C. Dukes was pastor of the Woodbine Circuit.
1982 Membership: 94
CLINCHS CHAPEL
Tarboro-Owens Ferry Rd., Tarboro, Georgia
Across a creek on the unpaved road at
the intersection of roads in Tarboro, Ga.
252 from White Oak to Folkston, stands
a modern block church painted white,
begun in 1963. But its beginning goes
back to the slaves of two plantations
who desired a place to come together,
to sing and worship God. It began in a
brush arbor near Big Tower Swamp on the new post road where Kings land and
Clinchs land met. The 1896 wooden building was made from trees which were
taken to the mill at Celon and cut into boards. Then loaded on rafts, they were
floated to Owens Ferry where they were brought by ox carts to the site. A storm
blew this church down. In 1901, on land given by J. H. M. Clinch for a small sum of
money a building was built. Rev. A. B. Fish was pastor. Earlier Brother Zachery
Butler had preached to the slaves from the Owens, King and Clinch plantations;
now these were their descendants. In 1972 this church was part of the Coastal
District of the North Georgia Conference merged with the South Georgia Con-
ference. It was on the Nahunta Circuit and became part of the Waycross District.
In 1893 it became part of the Woodbine Circuit.
1982 Membership: 137
OAK HILL
2 Miles W of Jerusalem on the Post Road
This church is located in Camden Coun-
ty a little way off Bartrams Trail.
Organized before the Civil War for years
it didnt know its denomination. Follow-
ing the Civil War it was unused; several
groups tried to buy it, but the
Methodists succeeded. For a time it was
also used as the school. The wooden
438
building was built in the early 1900s, and in 1973 the South Georgia Conference
Work Team helped to begin a new concrete block building. In 1972 this church was
part of the Coastal District of the North Georgia Conference when it merged with
the South Georgia Conference, and this church and the Woodbine Circuit became a
part of the Way cross District.
1982 Membership: 74
439
INDEX TO THE INDIVIDUAL CHURCH HISTORIES
A
Abbeville..................134
Adel...................... 369
Adrian.....................202
Ailey......................226
Akin Memorial..............313
Alamo......................204
Albany,
Avalon..................335
Christ..................335
First...................336
Morningside.............337
Palmyra Road............337
Porterfield.............337
Putney..................338
Trinity.................338
Alapaha....................370
Aldersgate,
Columbus............... 172
Macon ................. 255
Savannah................282
Alexander..................334
Allentown..................217
Alma.......................403
Alpha (Bloomingdale).......276
Alston.....................220
Americus,
Concord.................135
First...................135
Lee Street..............136
Morningside.............136
and Benevolence
Salem...................137
Andersonville..............137
Andrew Chapel,
Americus Dist...........138
Macon Dist..............246
Antioch,
Lennox Chg.............381?
Manor Ct................415
Sale City Ct............361
Arabi...................->7139
Arco.......................405
Argyle.....................416
Arline.....................243
Arlington..................339
Asbury,
Columbus............... 172
Jeffersonville Chg......253
N. Baxley Ct............296
Savannah................283
Waynesboro Ct...........332
Asbury Memorial............283
Ashburn....................139
Attapulgus.................339
Avalon.....................335
Axson......................421
B
Baconton...................340
Bainbridge, First..........340
Barney.....................382
Bartow.....................204
Barwick....................342
Bass.......................256
Baxley, First..............295
Bay Springs,
Alamo Chg...............204
B.S.-Piney Mt...........229
Beech Springs..............271
Bellville..................298
Bemiss.....................398
Benevolence
ChaunceyChg.............142
Cuthbert................184
Morningside, Am.........136
Berlin.....................371
Bethany,
Girard Chg..............306
Newton Ct...............358
Bethel,
Calvary Chg.............347
Crawford Co. Ct.........248
FolkstonCt..............412
Jacksonville Ct.........153
KiteCt..................222
Marion Co. Ct...........193
Stapleton Chg...........232
Surrency-B. Chg.........330
Wrightsville Ct.........243
Bethel Brick...............299
Bethesda,
Bethesda-Goshen.........275
Girard Chg..............307
Bethpage...................364
Bethlehem..................153
Beulah,
Sylvester...............395
Willacoochee............436
Bickley
Nicholls Ct.............419
White Oak Ct............434
Bighams Chapel .......... 188
Black Creek................318
Blackshear.................403
Blakely,
Circuit.................341
First...................342
Bloomingdale (Alpha).......276
Bloomfield.................256
Blue Springs...............318
Bluffton...................361
Blythe Island .............406
Boiling Springs............206
Bold Springs...............345
Bonaire .................. 246
Boston.....................343
Box Springs................185
Branchville................359
Brannen Chapel.............328
Brantley...................193
Brewton....................206
Brinson................... 344
Bronwood...................140
Brookfield.................372
Brooklet...................299
Brooks Memorial
Brooksville............... 197
Browning...................241
Broxton....................404
Broxton Ct.................404
Brunswick,
Arco....................405
Blythe Island ..........406
College Place............406
Emanuel................. 406
First....................407
Grace....................407
Jekyll Island............408
Lakeside ................408
McKendree................409
Taylors.................409
Buck Creek.................300
Buckhorn...................207
Buena Vista................171
Bullock Co. Ct.............301
Burns Memorial.............362
Butler.....................171
Byromville.................141
Byron......................247
c
C.P. Miller, Sav...........284
Cadwell....................208
Cairo,
Circuit..................345
First....................346
Calvary,
C.-BethelChg.............347
Swainsboro...............234
Camilla....................348
Camp Tygart................378
Campground.................420
Carnegie Chapel............425
Carters Chapel............213
Cataula....................188
Cecil......................370
Cedar Crossing.............220
Cedar Grove,
Chester Chg..............209
C.G.-Hardens Chapel----219
Wrightsville, First.....245
Centenary,
Dublin ...;..............212
Macon....................257
Centennial.................348
Center ................... 208
Centerville,
Blakely Ct...............341
Macon Dist...............248
Central, Fitzgerald........375
Charing....................189
Charlestown................328
Charlotte..................220
Chauncey...................142
Cherokee Heights...........257
Chester....................209
Christ,
Albany...................335
Arlington................339
Warner Robins............273
Chula......................373
Clayton P. Miller..........284
Claxton .................. 302
Clements Chapel............168
Climax.....................367
Clinton....................251
Clinchs Chapel........... 438
Clyattville................374
Clyo...................... 279
Cobbtown...................302
440
Cochran, First.............143
Longstreet...............143
co*kesbury..................284
Coleman,
Ft. Gaines Chg...........354
Coleman Chapel.............210
College Place..............406
Collingsworth..............198
Collins....................303
Colquitt...................349
Columbus,
Aldersgate...............172
Asbury...................172
East Highland............173
Edgewood.................173
Epworth..................174
Hamp Stevens-Trinity 173,174
Midway...................175
M.L. Harris..............175
and Stephens Chapel.....176
Rose Hill................176
St. Andrew...............177
St. John.................177
St. Luke.................178
St. Mark.................178
St. Marys Road..........179
St. Paul.................179
Sherwood.................180
South Columbus...........180
Striplin Terrace.........181
Wesley Heights...........181
Wynnton..................182
Community..................390
Concord,
Americus.................135
Hopewell-C. Chg. Am. Dist.
152
Cooks Union...............366
Coolidge...................360
Cordele,
First....................144
and Midway.............. 144
Peavy Memorial...........145
and Seville..............145
Cordray....................356
Corinth,
Adrian Chg...............202
Ellaville-C..............148
Talbotton Chg............199
County Line................138
Crawford Co. Ct............248
Crooked Branch (Bethel) ... 330
Crosby Chapel..............297
Cross Keys.................258
Crossroads.................162
Crowell....................270
Cusseta....................183
Cuthbert...................184
D
Daisy .................... 309
Damascus,
Leary Chg................356
Sumner Ct................393
Danville..................17
Darien ................... 310
Davisboro................ 211
Dawson .................. 145
Dawson Street............ 363
Deepstep..................211
Dellwood..................234
Desoto....................155
Dexter................... 212
Dixie.....................350
Dixon.....................250
Dodges Chapel.......... 156
Doerun................. 375
Doles.................... 258
Donalsonville, Friendship .. 350
Dooley Campground........163
Douglas,
First...................411
St. Mark................411
Doveral...................149
Drayton...................141
Dublin,
Centenary...............212
East Dublin.............213
First...................214
Howard Chapel...........215
Pine Forest.............215
Pine Hill ............. 216
Dudley....................216
E
Easons Chapel............309
East Dublin...............213
East Highland.............173
East Macon................259
Eastman...................146
Ebenezer,
Macon...................259
Morningside, Thom. Dist. 365
Nepsey-Warren Chg.......228
Stillmore Chg...........232
Edgewood..................173
Edison....................361
Elizabeths Chapel........427
Elko......................147
Ellabell..................278
Ellaville.................148
Ellenton..................391
Ellerslie.................200
Ellis Chapel..............325
Emanuel.................. 406
Emory Chapel..............303
Enigma....................370
Enterprise................161
Epworth,
Columbus............... 174
Jesup.................. 312
Savannah................284
Eureka....................301
Evans Chapel..............201
Evelyn, Moultrie..........383
Evergreen.................213
Excelsior.................433
F
Faceville.................353
Faceville Circuit.........353
Fair Haven .............. 304
Fairview .................363
Fargo ..................... 392
Finelyson..................163
First,
Alamo...................204
Albany..................336
Americus................135
Bainbridge..............340
Baxley..................295
Blakely.................342
Brunswick...............407
Cairo...................346
Cochran.................143
Cordele.................144
Douglas.................411
Dublin..................214
Eastman.................146
Folkston................414
Hazelhurst..............310
Jesup . ................313
Moultrie................384
Perry...................162
Reidsville..............321
Statesboro..............327
Swainsboro..............235
Sylvania................330
Thomasville ............363
Tifton..................395
Valdosta................399
Vidalia.................239
Warner Robins...........273
Waycross................428
Waynesboro..............334
Wrightsville............245
First Street...............260
Fitzgerald,
Central.................375
St. Peters..............376
Fleming (Mt. Olivet).......279
Folkston,
Circuit.................412
First...................414
Forest Hills...............260
Forrest Street.............399
Fort Gaines................354
Fort Valley................ 250
Friendship,
Cairo Ct................ 346
Donalsonville...........350
Eastman, First..........146
Vidette Chg.............332
WaresboroCt.............428
Funston....................376
G
Garden City................285
Garfield...................305
Geneva.....................185
Georgetown.................186
Georgetown Ct..............186
Gethsemane.................214
Gibson.....................225
Gilchrist Park.............429
Girard.....................306
Glenwood...................218
Glenwood Hills.............261
Glenville ................. 307
Glory......................371
441
Goloid,
Rocky Ford Chg...........323
Statesboro Ct............328
Gordon.....................251
Goshen.....................275
Grace,
Brunswick................407
Savannah.................285
Vidalia..................239
Graham.....................296
Graves.................... 149
Gray ......................251
Greater Trinity............425
Greens Cut................332
Grooverville...............343
Grovania...................147
Guyton.....................276
H
Habersham..................305
Hagan......................308
Hahira.....................377
Hamilton...................188
Hamilton Chapel............437
Hamp Stevens.............. 174
Hand Memorial (Pelham) .. 361
Hannatown..................340
Hardens Chapel............219
Harding....................373
Harmony
Colquitt Chg.............349
H.-Manassas..............309
HilltoniaChg.............312
Harpers Chapel............304
Hartsfield ................362
Hatley ................... 150
Haven Chapel...............417
Haven Memorial ........... 333
Hawkinsville...............151
Hazelhurst.................310
Hebardville................430
Helena.....................151
Henderson..................147
Herrington Memorial......396
Hillcrest Heights..........261
Hilltonia ................ 311
Hilton.....................341
Hinesville.................277
Homeland...................412
Homerville.................414
Hopewell,
H.-Concord, Am. Dist...152
Faceville Chg.......... . 353
Glenville Chg............308
S. Baxley Ct.............298
Horse Creek................324
Horse Stamp................435
Howard ....................189
Howard Chapel..............215
Hubert.....................300
I
Ideal......................160
Ingleside................. 261
Inner City.................286
lone ......................360
Iron City.................. 344
Irwinton....................252
Irwinville..................377
Isle of Hope................286
J
Jacksonville................153
Jacksonville Ct.............153
Jakin.......................345
Jamestown...................430
Jeffersonville ............ 253
Jeffersonville Ct...........253
Jekyll Island...............408
Jesup,
Epworth...................312
First.....................313
John Wesley Circuit.......220
Jordons Chapel.............247
Joycliff....................262
Juniper.....................185
K
Keas........................203
Kelley......................400
Keysville...................242
Kimball.....................386
King Memorial...............286
King Solomon................431
Kings Chapel...............378
Kingsland...................414
Kirkland....................421
Kite........................221
Knoxville...................249
Kramer......................166
L
Lake Park...................379
Lakeland....................378
Lakeside ...................408
Lambs Chapel...............240
Landsburg...................218
Langston....................301
Laurel Branch...............254
Leary.......................356
Lee Street, Americus........136
Leesburg....................154
Leets Chapel............. 325
Lelia.......................379
Lenox.......................380
Leslie......................155
Liberty, Macon..............263
Liberty Hill
Abbeville Chg.............134
Jeffersonville Chg........254
Lilly.......................141
Live Oak................... 398
Lizella.....................255
Lone Hill...................433
Long Pond...................227
Longstreet..................143
Lothair.....................223
Louisville..................223
Louvale (Marvin)............183
Lovett......................206
Lowery......................213
Lucy Chapel...............271
Ludowici..................277
Lumber City...............156
Lumpkin...................191
Lynmore...................263
Lyons.....................224
M
M.L. Harris...............175
Macon,
Aldersgate..............255
Bass....................256
Bloomfield..............256
Centenary...............257
Cherokee Heights........257
Cross Keys..............258
Doles.................. 258
East Macon............. 259
Ebenezer................259
First Street............260
Forest Hills............260
Glenwood Hills..........261
Hillcrest Heights.......261
Ingleside ..............261
Joycliff................262
and Smiths Chapel.....262
Liberty.................263
Lynmore.................263
Martha Bowman...........264
Mulberry Street.........264
Park Memorial...........265
Pitts Chapel............265
Riverside...............266
Shurlington.............266
South Side..............267
Swift Creek.............267
Vineville...............267
Wesley..................268
Manassas..................310
Manor.....................415
Maple Springs.............243
Marion Ct.................193
Marlow....................276
Marvin,
Center-M. Charge.......209
Cusseta Ct. (Louvale)--183
Marshallville.............268
Martha Bowman ............264
Martha Memorial...........422
Marys Chapel.............404
Matthews Chapel...........201
Mauk......................189
McBride...................300
McKendree.................409
McRae.....................157
Meigs.....................357
Meldrim...................278
Meltons Chapel...........296
Mershon...................422
Metcalf...................364
Metter....................314
Middleton Memorial.......278
Midland...................194
Midville..................314
Midway,
Columbus................175
Cordele, First..........144
442
Midway-Fleming..........279
Milan-Mt. Zion..........158
SopertonChg.............231
Milan.....................157
Milford...................357
Millen....................316
Millikin..................330
Mitchell..................224
Mizpah....................280
Montezuma.................159
Montrose..................217
Moores Chapel............222
Morgan....................352
Morgans Chapel, Darien ... 310
Morningside,
Albany..................337
Americus................136
Thomasville ............365
Morven....................381
Moultrie,
Evelyn..................383
First...................384
Tyson Memorial..........384
Mount Moriah (Mt. Moriah),
Statesboro Dist.........316
Trinity Ct..............236
Moxley....................205
Mt. Calvary...............373
Mt. Carmel................154
Mt. Olive.................161
Mt. Olivet,
Chauncey Ct........... 143
Midway-Fleming Chg.....279
Mt. Pleasant (Akin Mem.) .. 313
Mt. Vernon................226
Mt. Zion,
Clyattville Ct..........375
MUan-Mt. Zion...........158
Morven Chg..............382
Mt. Moriah-Mt. Z........236
Palen-Mt. Zion..........287
Mt. Zion-St. Marys.....317
Mulberry Street...........264
Munnerly..................333
Musella.................. 249
N
Nahunta...................418
NahuntaCt.................417
Nan Williams..............326
Nannie B. Williams........326
Nancy Williams Memorial .. 139
Nashville.................385
Naylor....................402
Nepsey Memorial...........227
Nepsey-Warren Chapel-----.. 227
Nesby Chapel..............417
Nevils....................318
New Beulah................237
New Branch................236
New Hope,
Bartow Chg..............205
NahuntaCt...............417
N.H.-Nevils Chg.........317
New Lowell................355
New Prospect
Graves Chg..............149
Manor Ct................416
New Union ............... 154
Newington.................318
Newton....................358
Newton Ct.................358
Nicholls..................419
Norman Park...............385
North Baxley Ct...........296
Northview.................273
o
Oak Grove,
Boston-Barwick Chg.....344
BroxtonCt..............405
Rhine-O.G..............166
Rocky Ford Chg.........323
Simmons Ct.............326
Oak Hill..................438
Oak Park..................233
Oak Ridge, Herrington Mem. 396
Oakey Grove...............228
Ochlocknee................357
Ocilla....................386
Odum......................320
Oglethorpe................159
Olive Branch..............186
Oliver....................319
Omaha.....................183
Omega.....................387
Ozell.....................350
p
Pachitla..................197
Palen.....................287
Palmyra Road..............337
Patterson.................423
Paynes Chapel............305
Park Avenue...............400
Park Memorial.............265
Parkers Chapel...........205
Parrott...................160
Parrott Ct................160
Patten .................. 361
Pavo......................360
Pearson,
Circuit................421
First..................420
UvaldaChg..............238
Pearsons Chapel..........238
Peavy Memorial............145
Pelham, Hand Memorial ... 361
Pembroke..................280
Perry,
Crossroads.............162
First..................162
Philadelphia..............311
Pickney Chapel............426
Pierce Chapel,
Midland Chg............195
Nahunta-P.C. Chg.......419
Parrott Ct.............162
Pierce Co. Ct.............422
Pine Forrest..............215
Pine Hill,
Dublin.................216
Mitchell Chg...........225
Piney Grove...............320
Pine Level,
Howard Ct................190
Oglethorpe Chg...........160
Valdosta.................387
Pinehurst..................168
Pineview.................. 163
Piney Mt.,
P.M.-Bay Springs.........229
Wrightsville Ct..........244
Pinson Memorial, Sylvester . 394
Pittman Park...............327
Pitts......................167
Pitts Chapel, Macon.......265
Plains.....................164
Pleasant Springs.......... 211
Pooler (Trinity)...........281
Popular Springs............203
Port Wentworth.............281
Portal.....................321
Porterfield................337
Poulan.....................388
Powells Chapel............222
Powersville................269
Preston....................195
Prospect,
FolkstonCt...............413
Twiggs Co. Ct............272
Providence,
Lumpkin Chg..............191
Valdosta.................388
White Oak Ct.............435
Putney.....................338
Q
Quitman....................389
R
Ray City...................389
Rebecca....................165
Recovery...................353
Reidsville, First..........321
Remerton ..................401
Rentz......................208
Reynolds...................270
Reynolds Chapel...........366
Rhine......................165
Richland.................. 196
Richmond Hill..............281
Rincon.....................282
Riverside..................266
Robert Mclntire............288
Roberta....................271
Rochell....................166
Rockledge..................223
Rocky Ford...... ..........322
Rosebud....................254
Rose Hill..................176
Roxie Mae..................428
Ruths Chapel..............238
Rural Hill.................196
Rylander...................164
s
Sale City Ct...............361
Salem,
Americus.................137
Irwinton-Toomsboro......252
443
S.-Shiloh, Va. Dist.....390
Sandersville...............230
Sardis,
Lumpkin Chg.............192
S.-EUis Chapel, St. Dist. .. 325
Woodland Chg............201
Sasser.....................150
Savannah,
Aldersgate..............282
Asbury..................283
Asbury Memorial.........283
Clayton P. Miller.......284
co*kesbury...............284
Epworth.................284
Garden City.............285
Grace...................285
Inner City..............286
Isle of Hope............286
Mt. Zion................287
Palen ..................287
Robert Mclntire.........288
St. Luke................288
Silk Hope...............291
Speedwell ............. 288
Trinity.................289
Wesley Monumental.......289
Wesley Oak..............290
White Bluff.............291
Whitefield..............292
Wildwood ...............291
Wilmington Island.......292
Woodlawn................292
Savannah Beach (Tybee) ... 293
Scotland...................151
Scott......................214
Scotts Chapel.............431
Screven .................. 321
Seville....................145
Sharon.....................187
Sharpes Chapel............236
Sheffield................. 418
Shellman...................197
Sherwood...................180
Sheltons Chapel.......... 156
Shiloh,
Reidsville-Shiloh.......322
Salem-Shiloh............390
Vienna-Shiloh...........169
Waverly Hall Chg........200
Wheeler Co. Ct..........241
Shingler...................393
Shurlington................266
Sikes Chapel...............297
Silk Hope..................291
Silver Hill................280
Simmons Ct.................325
Smiths Chapel.............262
Smithville.................140
Smyrna.....................221
Snow.......................148
Soperton...................230
South Baxley Ct............297
South Columbus.............180
South Side.................267
Sparks.....................391
Speedwell................. 288
Springfield ...............393
Springhead.................329
Springhill,
Wheeler Co. Ct..........242
Whigham-Climan Chg. ... 368
Springvale.................187
St. Andrew,
Columbus............... 177
St. A-Horse Creek......324
St. John, Columbus.........177
St. Johns,
Coleman Ct..............210
Way cross Dist..........424
St. Luke,
Columbus............... 178
Savannah................288
St. Mark,
Columbus .............. 178
Douglas.................411
St. Marys,
Circuit.................425
St. M.-Mt. Zion.........317
WaycrossDist............424
St. Marys Road............179
St. Paul.................. 179
St. Peters.................376
St. Simons.................426
Stapleton..................231
Statenville................392
Stephens Chapel........... 176
Statesboro,
Circuit.................328
First...................327
Pittman Park............327
Stillmore..................232
Striplin Terrace...........181
Summertown ............... 315
Sumner.................... 393
Sumner Ct..................393
Surrency.................. 329
Suttons Chapel............359
Swainsboro,
Calvary.................234
Dellwood................234
First...................235
Sweetwater.................421
Swift Creek................267
Sycamore...................167
Sylvania,
FacevilleCt.............354
First...................330
Sylvester, Pinson Memorial . 394
T
Tabernacle................ 229
Talbotton ................ 198
Taylors...................409
Tazwell....................193
Tennille...................235
Thomas Chapel............. 207
Thomas ville,
Dawson Street.......... 363
Fairview................363
First...................363
Metcalf.................364
and Bethpage............364
Morningside.............365
andEbenezer.............365
Tifton,
First...................395
Herring Memorial........396
Oak Ridge............. 396
Trinity.................396
Tired Creek...............347
Toomsboro.................253
Traders Hill.............413
Trinity,
Albany..................338
Columbus............... 174
Tifton..................396
Pooler..................281
Savannah................289
Shellman Chg. ......... 198
T.-Reynolds Chapel......365
Tybee Island............293
Warner Robins...........274
Waycross................431
Trinity Circuit...........236
Twiggs Co. Ct. ...........271
Twin City.................237
Turkey Branch.............293
TyTy......................394
Tybee Island (Trinity) ...293
Tyson Memorial............384
u
Unadilla..................168
Union,
Bullock Co. Ct..........302
Georgetown Ct...........187
Howard Ct...............190
Marion Ct...............194
MorvenChg...............382
Statesboro Dist.........331
Union Grove...............315
Unity.....................397
Upatoi....................195
Uvalda....................238
V
Valdosta,
Bemiss..................398
First...................399
Forrest Street..........399
Kelley..................400
Park Avenue.............400
Remerton................401
Westview................401
Vidalia,
First...................239
Grace...................239
Vidette...................331
Vienna....................169
Vincent.................. 352
Vineville.................267
w
Wadley....................240
Waldens...................240
Walkers Chapel...........249
Wards Memorial...........423
Waresboro.................427
WaresboroCt...............427
Warner Robins,
Christ..................272
First...................273
Northview...............273
444
Trinity..................274
Warren Chapel..............228
Warthen....................226
Warwick....................169
Waverly....................435
Waverly Hall...............199
Way cross,
Brooks Memorial..........428
First....................429
Gilchrist Park...........429
Hebardville..............430
Jamestown................430
King Solomon.............431
Trinity..................43%
Winona Park..............432
Waynesboro,
Circuit..................332
First....................334
Weeks Chapel...............380
Wenona............... ... 170
WpqIpv
HilltoniaCt..............312
Howard Ct................191
Macon ................. 268
Stillmore Chg...........233
Wesley Chapel,
Berlin Chg..............372
Dudley Chg............. 218
Ft. Gaines Chg..........355
Lumplin Chg.............192
Powersville-W.C.........269
Wrightsville Ct.........244
Wesley Heights............181
Wesley Monumental........289
Wesley Oak................290
West Bainbridge...........366
West Green................433
Westview,
Blakely Ct..............342
Valdosta................401
Wheeler Co. Ct........... 241
Whigham...................367
White Bluff...... ........290
White Oak,................434
DavisboroCt.............211
White Oak Ct............434
Whitefield................291
Wildwood .................291
Willacoochee, First.......436
Wilmington Island.........292
Winona Park...............432
Woodbine .............. 437
Woodbine Ct...............437
Woodland,
Cairo Ct................346
Columbus Dist...........200
Woodlawn..................292
Wrens.....................242
Wrights Chapel...........402
Wrights vill
Circuit.................248
First...................245
Wynnton...................182
z
Zoar,
N. Baxley Ct............297
Stapleton Chg...........232
445
1983-84 APPOINTMENTS BEYOND THE LOCAL CHURCH
Conference Council on Ministries: Conference Director, Fred D. McLendon, Jr.
Associate Director, W. Carlton Carruth; Associate Director, David T. Haygood;
Associate Director, Mr. Ray Cox
Southeastern Jurisdiction Council on Ministries: Director, G. Ross Freeman
Administrative Assistant to Bishop: Amos O. Holmes
Candler Hospital: Chaplain, Ralph Bailey; Associate Chaplain, Jimmy R. Hill
Epworth-by-the-Sea: Superintendent, Vernard E. Robertson
Magnolia Manor: Chaplain, John Quillian; Associate Chaplain, J. S. Wetzel
Director of Public Relations and Funds, Brooks Partain
Methodist Home: Director of Public Relations and Finance, Emory Gilbert
Superintendent of Bethesda Home for Boys, William H. Ford
Vashti Center: Executive Director, William L. Oliver
Wesley Community Center: Chaplain, Joan Edington
SE Jurisdiction Coordinator of United Methodist Volunteers in Mission: Thomas L.
Curtis
Missionaries: R. Dean Hanco*ck, Parkistan Refugees CWS; J. Morgan Johnson,
Zambia; J. Parke Renshaw
Church of the Exceptional, Clifford K. Wallace
Christian Family Center: Director, Robert Kea
Chaplains:
U.S. Army Floyd Wayne Brown, Samuel P. Lamback, Jr., Fred L. Maddox, H.
Franklin Pierce, Charles M. Smith, Jr., C. Rabon Stephens
U.S. Marines Clifford Dunham
U.S. Navy Tommy B. Nichols, W. A. Smith
V.A. Hospitals George Anderson, Glen H. McCranie, Cephas Williamson
Dublin V.A. Medical Center, Lee Jones
Hamilton Memorial Hospital, Dalton, Ga. Emily E. Sessions
Counselors: Dept, of Rehabilitation: Tom Hall Ivey, Jr., William Whipple
Pastoral Counselor, The Pastoral Institute, Richard N. Robertson
Counselor-Therapist, Tift Co. Mental Health Center, Marcia Cochran
Andrew College, President, William T. Greer
LaGrange College Professor, Charles F. McCook
Wesleyan College Professor, Jacob Quiambo
Wesley Foundation Directors: Georgia Southern, William Jackson-Adams, Valdosta
State, D. Eugene Pollett; Assoc. Dir. Univ. of Ga., O. C. Dean, Jr.
Students: Michael Timothy Brown, Donald B. Clarke, Cynthia Elaine Cox, Rodney
Gattie, Stanley Harrell, Bernard Henry, David Johnson, Roger A. Mays, Allison
Morgan, Emma Friedman-Morris, Lawson Stone
Disability Leave: L. Loyd Coward, Vernon Edwards, Clarence Griffin, Homer Grimes,
Warren Grimes, Roscoe Hutchings
Sabbatical Leave: L. A. Lemons
Leave of Absence: Wayne Anthony, David Hanco*ck, James P. Walker, Ronnie Wills
446
1983-84 RETIRED MINISTERS OF THE SOUTH GEORGIA CONFERENCE
Rev. James Agee
Rev. C. T. Allen
Rev. W. A. Aksobrook
Rev. Lowry Anderson
Rev. W. H. Ansley
Rev. Max Barlow
Rev. J. Paul Barrett
Rev. Oscar Bell
Rev. Burch Beckum
Rev. Jack Bentley
Rev. William Berry
Rev. Horace Bird
Rev. Robert Boone
Rev. Joe Bridges
Rev. Glen Brinson
Rev. Harold Brooks
Rev. Bernard Brown
Rev. S. J. Brown
Rev. A. J. Bruyere
Rev. Charles Burdette
Rev. W. W. Campbell
Rev. Fred Carter
Rev. W. E. Chappie
Rev. J. C. Christian
Rev. George Clary, Jr.
Rev. John B. Cobb
Rev. Leonard Cochran
Rev. W. E. Cochran
Rev. Olin Cooper
Rev. J. D. Corbitt, Sr.
Rev. Lloyd Cowart
Rev. Curtis Cribbs
Rev. David Cripps
Rev. Claude Croft
Rev. W. O. Crosby
Rev. A1 Crumpler
Rev. Virgil Culpepper
Rev. Byron Davis
Rev. W. E. Dennis
Rev. D. R. Dixon
Rev. C. H. Donaldson
Rev. Sam Douthit
Rev. Curtis Drake
Rev. David Duck
Rev. Earl Duke
Rev. U. C. Dukes
Rev. R. O. Edenfield
Rev. Vernon Edwards
Rev. W. R. Edwards
Rev. W. J. Erwin
Rev. J. O. Fuller
Rev. L. C. Fullerton
Rev. George Gambill
Rev. Earl Garbutt
Rev. Roy Gardner
Rev. Louis Gholson
Rev. Frank Gilmore
Rev. Edwin Grimes
Rev. W. E. Grimes
Rev. C. N. Haisten
Rev. Albert Hall
Rev. Allen Hardison
Rev. Earle Hart
Rev. Clyde Harvard
Rev. Hoke Hatcher
Rev. James Hendrix
Rev. Kell Hinson
Rev. Amos Holmes
Rev. Buren Hughes
Rev. Roscoe Hutchins
Rev. J. B. Hutchinson
Rev. Charles Jackson
Rev. McCoy Johnson
Rev. Joseph Kelly
Rev. Larry King
Rev. Joe Lanier
Rev. Alvin Lynn
Rev. James May
Rev. S. L. Mayo
Rev. Walter McClesky
Rev. W. E. McCord
Rev. I. M. McDuffie
Rev. A. C. McLendon
Rev. Roy McTier
Rev. J. B. Minter
Rev. James Moore
Rev. C. I. Morgan
Rev. William Nance
Rev. Clark Pafford
Rev. Pledger Parker
Rev. Frank Perry
Rev. George Perry
Rev. John Preston
Rev. D. A. Price
Rev. Tyler Rauls
Rev. Albert Ray
Rev. James Reese
Rev. Robert Round
Rev. Roy Sampley
Rev. Allen Sanders
Rev. H. W. Scoates
Rev. W. E. Scott
Rev. Ernest Seckinger
Rev. Orman Sloat
Rev. C. E. Smith
Rev. W. R. Smith
Rev. Robert Sneed
Rev. Louis Spivey
Rev. W. J. Stanford
Rev. Heyward Stephens
Rev. J. W. Stipe
Rev. Harvey Strickland
Rev. Stanley Strickland
Rev. David Stubbs
Rev. C. B. Studstill
Rev. John Taylor
Rev. W. W. Taylor
Rev. Henry Thomas
Rev. Curtis Tillman
Rev. J. Ellsworth Tucker
Rev. H. B. Underwood
Rev. J. C. Varnell
Rev. Ernest Veal
Rev. Loy Veal
Rev. C. E. Wallin
Rev. George Walton
Rev. J. S. Wetzel
Rev. C. H. Wheelis
Rev. Dan Williams
Rev. Frederick Wilson
Rev. John Wilson
Rev. Bob Woodall
Rev. Comer Zeigler
Rev. Embree Zeigler
Rev. Fred Zigan
Rev. George Zorn
447
1983-84 WIDOWS OF MINISTERS. OF THE SOUTH GEORGIA CONFERENC
Mrs. Rebekah Anthony
'Mis. Helen Barnes
Mrs. Ollie Barton
Mrs. Ruth Bond
Mrs. Mildred Booker
Mrs. Gladys Boyd
Mrs. Alma Boykin
Mrs. Julia Bradley
Mrs. Carrie Brooks
Mrs. Janie Brooks
Mrs. Jewel Brown
Mrs. W. C. Bryant
Mrs. Shirley Buchanan
Mrs. Mae Chambers
Mrs. Louellen Childres
Mrs. Lucy Clary
Mrs. Rachel Collins
Mrs. Ava Coursey
Mrs. Lucille Cudger
Mrs. Myra Curry
Mrs. Lucille Davis
Mrs. Jean Deas
Mrs. Laura Dorsey
Mrs. Harriett Dunlap
Mrs. Mary Easom
Mrs. Mary Fain
Mrs. Fannie Fletcher
Mrs. Sarah Gilbert
Mrs. Pauline Graham
Mrs. Eunice Gray
Mrs. Emmie Hanco*ck
Mrs. Ethel Harris
Mrs. Georgia Harvey
Mrs. Annie Haywood
Mrs. Anthony Hearn
(Polly)
gS
Mrs. Virginia Henry
Mrs. Winona Herndon
Mrs. Mamie Hillis
Mrs. Edith Holloway
Mrs. Annie Hooks
Mrs. Susan Huckabee
Mrs. Ruby Hudnall
Mrs. Wilma Ivey
Mrs. Helen Jackson
Mrs. Mary Johnson
Mrs. Dorothy Johnson
Mrs. Helen Johnson
Mrs. Beatrice Jones
Mrs. Bertye Jones
Mrs. Minnie Jordan
Mrs. Carlva Kirkland
Mrs. Edith Knowles
Mrs. Fannie Lawhorn
Mrs. Harriette Lewis
Mrs. Clarice Mann
Mrs. Lois McGregor
Mrs. Nettie Marx
Mrs. Susie McTier
Mrs. Irene Melson
Mrs. Annie Meyer
Mrs. Carole Mitchell
Mrs. Alice Moore
Mrs. Elizabeth Moore
Mrs. Laura Moreland
Mrs. Iris McConnell
Mrs. Edna Nalls
Mrs. Jessie Owen
Mrs. Jeannette Pefford
Mrs. Ruth Peavy
Mrs. Jewel Penland
Mrs. Cleo Pierce
Mrs. Martha Pierce
Mrs. Hattie Pilgrim
Mrs. Faye Prickett
Mrs. Rhoda Rahn
Mrs. Nell Rainey
Mrs. LaFontaine Rogers
Mrs. Addie Sedgewick
Mrs. Maureen Shell
Mrs. Mildred Senseny
Mrs. Grace Shippey
Mrs. Anna Smith
Mrs. Eloise Smith
Mrs. Maude Smith
Mrs. Gladys Smith
Mrs. Eunice Smith
Mrs. Hattie Stanaland
Mrs. Clara Starnes
Mrs. Judy Steitz
Mrs. Clara Stipe
Mrs. Sallie Meadows
Mrs. Ann Taylor
Mrs. Thelma Taylor
Mrs. Irene Thomas
Mrs. Laura Thornton
Mrs. Sadie Vincent
Mrs. Rachel Walker
Mrs. Emma Ward
Mrs. Gertrude Ward
Mrs. Leila Whaley
Mrs. Tille Wilder
Mrs. Bessie Williams
Mrs. Louise Wimberly
Mrs. Edith Yarbrough
Mrs. Juanita Yarbrough
448
147119
287.6
W
Waite, Marynell S., ed.
History of the South
Georgia Conference
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