n E I;1 | 4874--'1974 ./i REF 975. 894 ROB >Ga. Rki. SBeeb&itAaf ^eo^jia THE LEESBURG METHODIST STORY - By - CURTIS C. ROBERTS and REBECCA V. GIBSON KINCHAFOONEE REGIONAL LIBRARY TO the vast number of notable but unnamed supporters of this church who have given of themselves faithfully and unselfishly in Christian service, without expec- tation of recognition or reward, we dedicate this volume. Curtis C. Roberts pastor CONTENTS Preface--------------------------------------1 Chapter I, "The Outreach of Early Meth- odism", before 1874-----------------------3 Chapter II, "Methodism Comes to Lees- burg" , 1874-1893------------------------23 Chapter III, "Leesburg Church After Re- location" , 1894-1931--------------------27 Chapter IV, "Twenty-Five Years as the Leslie-Leesburg Charge", Nov. 1931-June 1956----------------------4l By Curtis C. Roberts, Pastor Chapter V, "Leesburg, a Station Church", Since June 1956------------------------- 63 By Rebecca V. Gibson APPENDIX 1974 Church Directory---------------------92 Pictures of 1974 Church Officials-----------93 List of Past Presidents of Local Church Organizations----------------------------96 List of Church School Superintendents, Lay Leaders, Vacation Church School Directors, etc.--------------------------97 1973 Report to Annual Conference, Tables I and II--------------------------98 About United Methodist Women---------------100 IV Appendix, Cont'd: Pastoral Appointments: In Lee County, before 1874-------- 105 Leesburg,-1874-1908--------------- 106 Leesburg, 1909-1943--------------- 107 Leesburg, 1944-1974--------------- 108 Bibliography----------------------- 109 v PREFACE This history has been prepared as a part of the Centennial celebration of the LEESBURG UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, being held simultaneous- ly with the City of Leesburg Centennial. The date of the constitution or organization of the church is not known, but the South Georgia Annual Conference began making appointments to Leesburg in December 1873 for the year 1874. Annual Conference Journals on file at Epworth- By-The-Sea have been carefully researched for the names of past pastors. A chart containing each appointment is included in this book. It has been the aim of the pastor and the local historical committee to present a history based on thoroughly documented material from the local church, the annual conference, county records, and other historical works. Little attempt has been made to narrate or interpret, but to locate and assemble into an orderly sequence information re- lated to the Methodist church in Leesburg. Historical material such as maps, pictures and accounts of non-church happenings have been in- cluded to allow the reader to get the best perspec- tive of the succession of events. Acknowledgment is gratefully made to Ray Dunlap for his laboratory work in getting the pictures, maps and charts ready for printing; to Miss Martha Dye for her help and advice; to committee members for their many hours of research done in old county newspapers and elsewhere; to Mrs. Rebecca V. Gibson who wrote the last chapter of this book; and to all who gave words of encouragement or helped in any way, I am indebted. 1 May the long and eventful past of this church be onlya beginning of an even more significant ministry 'in the future. It is my prayer that better records will be kept of present events, and that an on-going history will: be kept in the future. Curtis C. Roberts, pastor The Historical Committee: Miss Bertha Cannon Mrs. J. M. Rhodes1 Miss Nettie Mae Bass Richard F. Neff Bill Cannon Mrs. Jas. L. Smith Mrs. J. D. Bass Mrs. James Cannon Mrs.* Rebecca V. Gibson Ray W. Dunlap September, 1974, 2 CHAPTER I THE OUTREACH OF EARLY METHODISM Before 1874 Methodism Comes to Georgia. In 1735 General James Edward Oglethorpe went to London, England to recruit men for a new model colony in Georgia. For secretary, he chose Charles Wesley. John Wesley, who was filled with a great desire to convert the pagan Indians, went along as missionary; but disillusionment came to both the Wesleys in a short time. Although Charles stayed in Georgia only five months, John stayed until December 2, 1737, less than two years. His ministry to the Indians was a most disappointing experience. He described them as "gluttons, thieves....liars". However, many scholars believe that the "Georgia Experience" may have contributed in a very real way to Wesleys continued spiritual quest, which resulted in the Aldersgate experience on May 24, ;1738, in London. Georgia can be proud that such distinguished early leaders of Methodism as John Wesley, Charles Wesley and George Whitfield lived and worked here, if only for a short time. Although John Wesley never returned, he continued to have a great in- terest in America. His interest resulted in the sending of missionaries to establish "societies", and history is rich concerning early Methodism's growth in the new world. The evangelistic fervor of a long line of great preachers is a vital part of American heritage. The preacher who made the greatest impact upon early American Methodism may well be Francis Asbury. It is doubtful that Methodism as we know it existed in Georgia before the end of the American Revolution. The Methodist movement in America 3 was organized in 1784 at the "Christmas Confer- ence" in Baltimore, Maryland, and work was soon recorded in the new State of Georgia. Success was astounding. No members were reported in 1784, but there were 59,120 members reported in the Georgia Annual Conference by 1865, after the Civil War. From its approximate beginning in 1785 until 1831, Georgia Methodism was a part of the South Carolina Conference. Creation of Lee County. In 1825 a significant event in local history was a treaty which was made with the Creek Indians, procuring approximately 5,850 square miles of land between^the Flint and Chattahoochee Rivers, 130 miles long and 45 miles broad. From this land, Lee County was created by acts of June 9, 1825 and December 11, 1826 from Creek cessions of January 24, 1826 and March 31, 1826. The land lay immediately above the old line of Early County and was known as the first section. Lee County was bounded on the north by a large section, composing the county of Muscogee. The expansive Lee County was almost unknown to white men, had no stage coach line, and no town nor hamlets. In 1827 a land lottery was held, and grants of 202^ acres per land lot brought settlers from the Carolinas, Tennessee, and Virginia. The Georgia Annual Conference Formed. On January 27, 1830, another important event took place at the Methodist Annual Conference level. At the close of the session of the South Carolina Conference, the Conference was divided, with the Georgia and South Carolina state line as the line of division. The new Georgia Conference, however, included all Methodist work in the Territory of Florida. 4 i7 iV n / u jo 3/ 3> 5"^ S\ /? A /J ^ 7 >0 3> 37 J* * W 3b ll m 0! A jy vJ vf 3rt> S5' (,! L^ H is V7 -y fe */J M Ton OF STAHKSVILLB, ( k. m m so S3 <*Y m S' kjT > 6> COPT OP SKBTCH ownod by S.P. Crotwoll, County Surveyor 5 'Starksville-the County Site. During this same period, the organization of Lee County was completed as of Dec. 20, 1832, and the public site in the county was located on Land Lot Number 241 in the 13th District of the county. The town was named Starksville, in honor of General John Stark, a hero of the Indian Wars. This site was a half mile west of Muckalee Creek and seven miles east of the Kinchafoonee Creek. Trouble with the Creek Indians. Settlers were slow to move into the county because of the constant danger of Indian marauders, and the population in 1836 did not exceed 1,000 Whites and Negroes. After the Creek War of 1836 removed the-danger of losing scalps, the population grew rapidly tbj 5,076 in 1840, consisting of V 2,370 Whites and 2,706 Negroes. Growth in the Palmyra Area, Many settled around Palmyra, in the lower part of the county. People of culture and education began moving into the county in larger numbers. The Reverend Jonathan Davis is said to have founded the first Baptist Church for Whites in Southwest Georgia, at Palmyra, in 1836. Methodism comes to Lee County. Methodist and Baptist preachers were said to have had churches and members among the slaves before the white settlements were numerous enough to support churches. Although the Baptist church seems to have been established first at Palmyra, the Methodist church seems to have been established first around Starksville. A Methodist Church, near the * By 1847 the spelling of the town's name was Starkville. 6 residence of Green Knoles in the 13th District, was incorporated in December, 1842, under the name and style of Cany or Caney Head Methodist Church, with Isaac 0. Edwards, Edward Moreland, Leroy Stanford, Almerena Brunson, John W, Jordan, George C, Ticnor, Thomas High, and their suc- cessors as trustees. The minister is thought to have been Rev. Thomas Godwin. The Methodist Episcopal Church, South, Formed in 1844. At the General Conference held in 1844, a major division developed in the church over the slavery question. It resulted in the formation of the METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, SOUTH. The Georgia Annual Conference became a part of this newly designated Church. This same General Conference also provided for the formation of a Florida Annual Conference at the same time that Florida's statehood was in the making. About half of the work in the Florida Conference was in South Georgia. The line crossed Georgia north of Brunswick, Waycross, Tifton, and Albany. Other Church Growth. By 1849 Starksville also had a Baptist Church. There were at this time also some Presbyterians and Episcopalians in the County who worshipped in Albany. One of the first Methodist churches in Lee County for the slaves was New Hope Methodist, established in 1853 approximately 2 miles west of the later site of Smithville. A Starksville Methodist Preacher. The Autobiography of Rev. J. B. McGehee, of the South Georgia Conference, gives a first-hand insight into the work of an early Methodist preacher in Lee County. 7 REV. J. B. MeGEHEE. D.D. 8 Thus he describes his reaction to being assigned to Starksville: "When the Bishop read, 'Starkville Circuit, J. B, McGehee', I wondered, Where? What is it? How shall I go? I had read that the Lord God said it is not good for man to be alone; also that marriage is honorable in all men; that our 24th Article of Religion teaches that ministers of Christ are not commanded by God's law to cling to the state of single life, I concluded it was lawful for me and all other Christians to marry at their own discretion. With this I generous- ly excused St. Paul and Asbury and decided it was best for me to go in pursuit of some fair maiden just suited to my mind and my life work Being thus persuaded, he proceeded to make a selection and was married in December 1854. They then set out on their bridal tour, described as follows; "My ideas of a bridal tour may astonish some people--especially those who fail to know I am 'unique.' I think a trip of that kind should be simple, inexpensive, and through the woods, if your work is located on the other side of the woods. My work, Starkville in Lee County, was such a charge. As there were no railroads to Starkville, or near there, and no automobiles or aeroplanes, we made for the Muckalee village in a new buggy moved by horse power. Passing through Dooly we invaded Lee, and after a while, without accident or incident, found ourselves at the home of Brother Probus Floyd in the suburbs of the lit tie city. 9 Brother Probus had married a Houston county girl, knew their worth, and he And the good wife were prepared-to give us a warm welcome. In Starkville I found a small membership. The Munros, Warrens, Judge Wyche and others lived there. Judge Wyche, though a Methodist and a county officer, had never built a family altar, and never has. What a pity! Years after, when I was presiding Elder of that district and the railroad was nearer, I found him at the railroad station. When the time for family worship arrived, I read and tried to pray, but was hindered. Hearing an unusual voice in the house, the Judge's hound dogs had rushed in and endeavored to take part, barking and jumping as though they would quite consume me. The Judge scolded, but didn't stop the music. Reaching around he gathered his cane and used it vigor- ously. That changed the tune, but didn't stop the music. However, they went out and the Elder went on. When the performance was over, I said, 'Judge, I see you-have never erected that altar--if you had your dogs would not have been so howling and belligerent.' It does not take a class meeting to inform a thoughtful pastor. The behavior of the children, barking dogs and guineas cackling under the house, as they did at an up country home, tell a true story." Brother McGehee goes on to describe the churches of his wide circuits "At that time Starkville was more critical than religious, but they were clever to the young preacher and his bride. The circuit was supplied with churches and had membership, in point of religion and earthly belongings, above the average. Gilbert Stokes and wife, excellent Presbyterians, materially aided me. Probus 10 Floyd, a man of God, opened his house to me without money and without price.' The Venerable Thomas Speight, another whom I have already written, did the same. John Moreland, one of the best men I ever knew, attended Bethel, four miles from Dawson. He also open- ed his door, and we had homes and companionship as good as Georgia furnishedand not a cent did we pay. ''They were not rich, but they were religious. If any circuit in North Georgia or South Georgia can excel that, I hope they will forward for my Second Edition. I say nothing about assessments, receipts--money and all that we had enough and rich as Georgia is today. I would travel a good ways to spend a night with three men in same charge who would make such a proposition to its pastor. That was a good sample of old Methodism. At Union the pastor and church had a friend in John Jordan, who lived nearly a hundred years and died recently in Atlanta. He was the father of Rev. John Jordan and Rev. Thomas Jordan, who died in Savannah. He was one of the brightest young preachers I ever heard. "Over at New Hope, now in Terrell, we had Murrays, Sessions, Hayes, Moomaughs, Wickins, Lees, a good community that. John Sessions and John Wilkins were local preachers. That section abounded in com, meat, milk and honey. It was far away, but when you reached it you were in Canaan. The other churches were Chickasawhatchee, Wesley Chapel, Coney Head, Harmony, and Pine Knot. Cader Hayes looked after Pine Knot; Breedlove cared for Harmony; Judge Leonard Woolbright, Pearce Wilbur, Myron Weston and Morgan Hall served the other churches. The descendants of the converts are still in line. I can't recall any remarkable revivals during that year. We always held continued meetings. I usually appointed four days meetings and protracted if we 'struck oil. 11 If we didn't, I folded my tent. ' While on this circuit a minister of Calvinistic persuasion suggested that if I belonged to his church I would find it remunerative. To that I replied that I preferred preaching Methodist doctrine and short rations to giving myself to the narrow- ness of his church and increased revenue. So be it then, thenceforth forever." In his book published in June 1915, he further comments that during his year at Starks- ville (1854-55), Webster supplanted Starksville. This refers to the moving of the county seat to Webster; however, records indicate that the courthouse was moved back to the Starksville site, only to be destroyed by fire two years after its return. The Rev. McGehee makes an interesting obser- vation on the length of pastorates. He said: "Away back in the history of Methodism the pastors changed at the end of six months. But I have been a stickler for the old two years pastorate and fought the extension to four. I have never seen a reason for Methodism going beyond the four, or seeking to do so under the plea of leaving it entirely with the Bishop. Possibly if the Bishop could appoint everyone to places where milk and honey flow, it might affect enough to favor an unlimited pastorate. Don't say, barely suggest, the possibility of such a catastrophe to our Methodism." This most interesting personality gives some insights into the days when the country and the church were young. 12 The New Railroad Misses Starksville When the first section of the railroad from Americus to Albany was opened to Sumter City in Sumter County, just above the site of what was later Smithville, the citizens of Lee County brought their combined efforts to bear on the Southwestern Railroad to let the Albany line run near Starkville. However, following the high land between the Kinchafoonee and Muckalee Creeks, the railroad was laid some 3 or 4 miles west of Starksville. The road was completed to Albany by September 5, 1857. This was a major blow to the county site and contributed to much more dis- satisfaction with Starksville as the county seat, for the railroad was greatly needed as a means of shipping and transportation. A Description of Starksville. Starksville is described in the Georgia Historical Records Survey, printed in 1942 in the following way: "In the political and social excitement of the years before the War, Starkville was said to have begun a career as a 'wide open , rip- snorting' town, and the mecca for all kinds of sporting events. Twelve saloons supplied the thirsty. Four wide-open gambling halls were in operation...there was no curfew to ring, and the bars and joints were 'all-nighters.' " After such a description of conditions in Starksville at that time, one should not be surprised at the short pastorates of the period. At any rate, those were turbulent and trying days. Georgia Secession and War Declared. It was during the pastorate of John B. Wardlaw at Starksville, that the Georgia Secession 13 Convention met in Milledgevilie, and on January 19, 1861, voted for secession, Lee County was placed in the 2nd Confederate Georgia Congres- sional District on March 23, 1861, Then it happened. On April 13, 1861, the Confederates in South Carolina fired on Fort Sumter, and ten days later Governor Brown of Georgia proclaimed the existence of a state of war. Lee County was no exception in the agoniz- ing experiences that a civil war brings. That year the Starksville mission reported that the pastor served 5 preaching places for white people and 4 for the colored people. The member- ship was 111 in full communion and 54 probationary members; also noted was 4 Sabbath schools. Webster has a Pastor appointed. The next year, 1862, it is interesting to find that in addition to the appointment made to Starksville, an appointment was also made to Webster, now one of the ghost towns of Lee County. The town of Webster is said to have been located about 1% miles west of U.S. Highway # 19, on what is now known as the Prison Camp Road. The property is now part of what is known as the Pinewood Plantation. All that is left to mark the spot where the town stood is two sets of brick doorsteps and comer pillows for what was once a church and later a school. The Webster circuit showed a membership of 235 White members in full communion, 25 whites on pro- bation, 165 colored in full communion, and 50 colored on probation. After 1866 no appointment to Webster is recorded. (See the roll of Pastoral Appointments, Lee County before 1874) "k k k k At the Georgia Annual Conference held in Columbus, 1863, appointments were made for two years (1863 & 1864). It is concluded that the 14 Brick steps and pillows, the only visible remains that mark the spot where the town of Webster reportedly stood. 15 omission of an Annual Conference at that time must have been made necessary because of the War. It was reported that $377.75 was contributed by the Starksville mission, with an additional $101 for Army missions. The appointment of Rev. Theophilus S. L. Harwell was made to Starksville and Colored Mission. It is the first time a distinction is made like this, and seems to indicate worshipping separately according to race, while being served by the same pastor. * * * * According to a booklet authorized by the Lee County Commissioners in 1895, the town of Smithville was incorporated during 1863, which was during the Civil War period. The Georgia Annual Conference Divided, 1866, When the Civil War ended in April, 1865, with the Surrender of General Lee at Appomattox Court House, Virginia, Southern church life was in a badly disorganized state. Certain disagreements arose within the Georgia Annual Conference which led to a decision to divide the Conference. The General Conference of the M. E. Church, South convened in New Orleans in April, 1866, which was the first time since 1858. At that General Conference the Georgia Annual Conference was authorized to divide during the quadrennium if it seemed advisable. At the next session of the Georgia Annual Con- ference which convened at Americus, Ga., it was voted to divide the conference into two separate conferences, designated as North and South. The first appointments for South Georgia were read out in Americus, Dec. 5, 1866, by Bishop McTyeire, on Wednesday night. One should note here that in those days the appointments took effect when read out and most of the men never returned to the work they had served for the preceding year. 16 The first session of the new South Georgia Conference convened at Trinity Church in Savannah on December 11, 1867, with Bishop George Foster Pierce presiding. The membership of the conference was reported as 18,626 Whites and 6,917 Colored. This represented about half as many members as was in the North Georgia Conference. When the South Geogia Conference was formed in 1866, the Florida Conference had six Districts, and three of those came into the new South Georgia Conference. JU ^ Jk JL In 1866 it is noted that there was a Union Church located near the North Lee County line, a Thundering Springs Baptist church in the Red Bone District, and a Methodist Church at Smithville. Troubled Times. The grand jury presentments of 1868 reflected the conditions of the times describing them as '^troubled and demoralizing". The jury recommended that the people "educate the ignorant toward enlightened citizenship" and "to be kind in manner always on the alert, and prompt in prudent action." Much of the trouble arose among the 5,000 in- experienced, newly-freed Negroes who were easily misguided by the trouble-making carpet-baggers. The white population was only about 2,000. ,Value of the Churches. The constructive value of the churches after the Civil War is recorded in the Historical Records Survey of Lee County in this way: "One of the first and most significant trends among both the white and the colored people after the Civil War was their interest and activity in churches. The unsettled conditions 17 and some hardships and want during the period of freedman reconstruction and the transition between the large slave plantations and the later large plantations operated by hired la- bor, as usual in times of stress, brought in- creased interest and appeal to spiritual as well as material matters. Furthermore, the plantations had been largely the social system of both the white landowners and colored. It was true there were the villages, Palmyra and Starksville, with two or three churches, but for the most part the white landowners were too isolated and involved with the operation of the plantations to build either churches or schools. The lives of the slaves, of course, were bound up with their plantations, and the early church- es formed for them by Methodist and Baptist ministers were on those plantations. Though even the vast majority of the colored people may have stayed on their old master's places, their center of life was disturbed, and the situation was not made easier by an increase between 1860 and 1870 of over 3,500 colored people. Some of the latter may have come in during the war to engage in agricultural pur- suits , others in connection with the carpet- baggers activities, and others in naive escape from similar or worse conditions in more popu- lous counties. The churches became the construc- tive social centers for both the white and colored people, and they have remained as such to the present." The Smithville Methodist Church. The Smithville Methodist Church became impor- tant enough by 1871 to cause the changing of the road to make it run directly from Cotton Street in Starksville to the Methodist Church in Smith- ville *as a convenience." 18 In December of 1871 the appointment was not made to Starksville and Mission, as was the previous year, but rather, it then read Smith- ville and Mission for the years 1872 and 1873, A Presbyterian Church is Built. The minutes of the Leesburg Presbyterian church record that Rev. S. S. Gaillard, an evan- gelist from Macon, had preached once per month in the neighborhood during the years 1869, '70, 71, '72. Then sometime in 1872 a church build- ing was erected. That building was located on what is now the Leesburg-Leslie Highway, in front of Pecan Acres and about where the Mrs. Dock Breeden home is now. Dr. J. P. Stevens and Gilbert Stokes were elected ruling Elders. Several years before that time, Rev. J. B. McGehee referred to Gilbert Stokes and wife as "excellent Presbyter- ians who materially aided me." The Calloway Memorial Baptist Church. In 1870 or 1871 the Baptist Church is said to have been organized in the community, then called Wooten Station. ^The Relocation of the County Site, Much dissatisfaction was evident in the loca- tion of the County site at Starksville. Then "on August 20, 1872, the Georgia Legislature appoint- ed as commissioners Isaac P. Tison, Henry L. Long, Fred H. West, William T. Sadler, and Virginius G. Hill to select an eligible spot for the county site at or near Wooten Station or near Adam Station on the Southwestern Railroad. The name of the new county site was to be Leesburg. "Three days later, Aug. 23, 1872, the legis- lature incorporated the town of Wooten . The corporate limits extended 3/4 mile in every dir- ection from the Baptist Church, in said town." 19 Wooten Station was selected as the county seat, but its name was not officially changed to Leesburg until it was approved by the Ga. Legislature on February 28, 1874--the official birthday of Leesburg. This same legislative act made the official center of the town of Leesburg the court house instead of the Baptist church. The removal of the county seat from Starksville to its new site was only three (3) miles, but that was a mortal blow to the town of Starksville. Property owners and businesses were hurt. As a result, property damages were paid to several Starksville citizens, ranging from $125 to" $500. Another Ghost Town. Today, all that is left to mark the spot where old Starksville stood are the gravestones in two cemeteries. One Cemetery lies beside Zion Hope Baptist Church on a lot which was across from the old public square of former Starksville. The old church building, which was torn down this year, is said to have been used first by the white citizens and then by the blacks. The other ce- metery location is to the south of the old public square and across the- present Leslie highway and may have been the City Cemetery. There, on a beautiful carpet of green grass which covers the rolling hillsides,are to be seen many scattered unmarked indentures and many gravestones, some of which are standing; but most lie scattered and broken in a cow pasture. It is a sad and stirring scene. What of the Hopes of a Sturdy People? The hopes, aspirations, and ideals of a sturdy pioneer people did not die in the people of Lee County with the death of Starksville; but,rather, it is seen to take on new life and bear fruit in the years to come, in the newly selected county seat of Leesburg. 20 Thus ends a chapter in the onward march of Methodism. From its first arrival in Georgia, one has traced its arrival and survival in early Lee County, on the Georgia "Western frontier". As the people of Starksville moved away, some would move to Leesburg, others would not. How many would become a part of the Leesburg Methodist Church, which came into being later, is not known. One can only guess! It becomes a part of the mystery around another Lee County ghost town. 21 Old Zion Hope Baptist Church which was tom down this- year (1974). It had the distinction of being the last remaining building of Starksville, a former county seat of Lee. Broken gravestones lie scattered in a cow pasture, marking the location of Old Starksville City cemetery. 22 CHAPTER II METHODISM COMES TO LEESBURG 18741893 W. M. Russell, First Pastor. The Leesburg Methodist Church cannot show a charter or an organization date. It is not known where the pastor lived or where the people worshipped. In the homes? Under a tent? At a brush arbor? No record has been found to answer these questions. But this is known! In December of 1873, a year of great financial "Panic" in the United States, the Leesburg Methodist Church received its first appointment, for the year 1874. That first appointment to Leesburg is recorded in the Conference Journals at Epworth-By-The-Sea. It was at the Seventh Session of the South Georgia Annual Conference which met in Macon, Ga., Dec. 17-22, 1873, Bishop Paine read the appointments for the following year. Rev. W. M. Russell was appointed to serve the Leesburg church, as a supply pastor. The Leesburg church was in the Dawson District, with Rev. R. B. Lester named as Presiding Elder. His charge consisted of only one church, with 50 white members and no colored. The church paid their pastor for the year of 1874, $93.50. That was the only year Leesburg was ever on any District except Americus. On the Local Scene in Leesburg. During the first years of the church certain developments in the newly established city of Leesburg are worthy of note here. A temporary courthouse seems to have been used in Leesburg for awhile. "The grand jury of 1873 complained that the temporary courthouse was not suitable, on account of the want of chimneys." A jail was built in 1875, followed by the building of a 23 *Note: Lot # 160 - the location of the first recorded property of the Leesburg Methodist church. Lot # 30 - the location of the present church property. 24 courthouse about 1876. It stood in the middle of what is now Main Street, near Starksville Street crossing, about even with the present High School Library building. The Baptist church was paid $65 for the use of its building for a temporary courthouse for 6 months, during its construction. (See City Map) The Grand Jury Recommends a Donation to Methodist. During the year of 1877, while L. A. Snow was the pastor of the Leesburg church (a four church circuit now), the grand Jury made a recommendation to the county commissioners to donate a suitable lot for a Methodist house of worship. However, no action was reported on this recommendation for several years. The Leesburg circuit had 150 members and paid its pastor $155 for the year of 1877. ^ JU J. JL The years that followed appear to have been difficult years with Leesburg. It was a part of circuits containing 5 and 6 churches. In the year of 1882 there was a total of 283 members on the circuit and the pastor was paid $235 for his years salary, which was still not as much as $1 per member, per year. The County Commissioners donate a building lot. On July 3, 1888, eleven years after the grand jury recommended that the county commissioners donate a suitable lot for a Methodist house of worship, lot # 160 on the south side of Hillyer Academy lot was deeded to the Trustees of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. It contained ^ acre, more or less. (See city map) The deed was made by R. A. Forrester, J. F. Johnson, T. J. Green, County Commissioners of Lee County. It was made to T. M. Booker, D A. Ragan, F. S. Hale, trustees of the Methodist Episcopal Church South, and witnessed by W. T. 25 Avera, and James Morgan, Clerk of the Superior Court. However, the deed contained a reversion clause, concerning the disposal of property. This may or may not have been the cause for making an exchange of deeds on June 2, 1891, but the new deed did not contain this clause. This transaction was done in the presence of A. J. Powell and James Morgan, Clerk of the Superior Court. At last, the Methodists owned a building lot. On this lot was built a frame building, 32* x 48', the first known building belonging to the Leesburg church. It would be interesting to know just where the Leesburg Methodists worshipped during those early years before the congregation grew strong enough to build a permanent type strudture. There followed several years of which very little is known except the named appointments to the charge...Then, something happened which brought dramatic new life to the church. Another piece of property was given to the church. 26 CHAPTER III THE LEESBURG CHURCH AFTER RELOCATION 1894-1931 With a gift hy J. P. Calloway of the prop- erty where the present church building stands, the church began another chapter in its his- tory. A deed was made on October 19, 1894, in consideration of one dollar, to D. A. Ragan, F. S. Hale, H. D. Logan, T. M. Booker, and S. J. Powell, trustees of the Methodist Epis- copal Church, South, of Leesburg. The property was described as 3/4 of an acre off the southeast corner of Town Lot No. 30 in the Town of Leesburg, Georgia, bounded on the east by Starksville Street, with a frontage of 210 feet; and on the south by Fourth Street, with a frontage of 157 1/2 feet. The deed was signed in the presence of J. P. Tison, Chas. W. Snow, and Frank T. King, Clerk of the Court. It is interesting and helpful to find the name of Chas. W. Snow as a witness to the deed. There was no Smithville charge from 1891 through 1895, and Leesburg was not re- corded as being on the Bronwood charge. Rev. Chas. W. Snow was the pastor of the Terrell charge at that time; thus, it has been as- sumed that the Terrell charge included Lees- burg. One of the difficult problems in charting pastorates of the early church years is that churches on charges were not listed in the Annual Conference journals; so, unless other substantiating evidence can be found, it can- not be determined who the pastor of a certain church was for a certain year. 27 The Leesburg Methodist Church, constructed in 1894 on property donated by J* P* Calloway* 28 Although there are no available records giving information concerning the construction of the church building on the Calloway lot, the Georgia Historical Records Survey of 1942 states that a building was dedicated in 1894, which is the same year the property was do- nated to the church. It was a frame building about 32 feet by 60 feet, including the entrance-way and bell tower. The building faced the south on Fourth Street. No Sunday School rooms were built originally. Mrs. J. E. (Helen) Johnson states that J. M. Johnson and "Boy" Pope, who owned a sawmill at that time, sawed the lumber which was used to build the church and they helped construct it in their spare time. Leesburg, in 1895. In a pamphlet authorized and distributed by the County Commissioners of that year, the town of Leesburg is described as follows: "In 1895 there were in Leesburg 10 stores, a Post Office, Southern Express Office, Tele- graph Office, and telephone connections with the outside towns of Americus, Smithville and Albany. There were five churches, three white and two colored. The white churches are Methodist, Baptist, and Presbyterian, and the colored are Methodist and Baptist." It also stated, "In 1895 the official organ of Lee County was THE ENTERPRISE and printed in Smithville. Booker and Company had a saw- mill in the Leesburg District, and gristmills were in all parts of the county...There was a public cotton gin and a Merchant Mill in Lees- burg... over 300 carloads of watermelons were shipped from Leesburg the year before. "There are thirty-three schools in this 29 county, twenty-three for colored children and ten for whites. There are twelve white teachers, seven males and five females; and there are twenty-two colored teachers, seven males and fifteen females. There were 1,695 pupils admitted during the year 189^." Leslie and Leesburg Charge Formed. At the First Quarterly Conference held in Leslie on March 1896, a new charge was set up. It was to he known as the Leslie- Leesburg charge. There were six appointments in the charge: Leslie, Mt. Zion, and Anthony in Sumter County; and Leesburg, Adams, and Wesley in Lee County. Leesburg and Adams were the newly-added churches. The Presiding Elder was J. B. McGehee, a former pastor of Starksville. The pastor was Rev.. J. A. Thomas. The total assessment for the charge that year for support of the pastor and Presiding Elder was $5^+5, of which Leesburg was to pay $100. A Sunday School was reported in all the churches except Wesley. Old Church Property is Sold. At the Third Quarterly Conference held in Leesburg on September 12, 1896, a motion was made and adopted authorizing the trustees of the Leesburg Church to make a deed to the old church property to the Board of Education of Lee County. On December 31, 1896, a deed was made by H. D. Logan, D. A. Ragan, and T. M. Booker, who were trustees of the church, to the Board of Education for the sum of $150 for Lot No. 160, containing 1/2 acre upon which the church house of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South was located. Said house also was conveyed in the deed. It was witnessed by S. J. Powell 30 (Top) A front view of the home of Mrs. Mary Lee. (Bottom) A rear view of the same house. The main body of this house was the old Methodist church building. Note the pulpit area of the old church building, at the rear of the house. and P> P. Gill, N. P. The property was used for a school for a number of years afterward; then it was later bought by R. A. Forrester, who remodeled, re- painted, and made it into an attractive home. It is now the home of Mrs. E. B. (Mary) Lee. The present structure shows clearly part of the original church design. It should be noted here that during the same year, 1896, the Central of Georgia com- pleted building a depot. Also, a new Lee County Prison was completed in December. **** At the Fourth Quarterly Conference held on Nov. 24, 1896, at Mt. Zion church, it was noted that there were no Epworth Leagues on the charge, just 4 Sunday Schools. Leesburg was not listed as having a Sunday School, but Sunday School Superintendent T. M. Booker was elected. The report further stated that the outlook was good and they (the Sunday Schools) prom- ised to run through the winter. The final financial report for the year 1896 (for charge) was: Estimated Claims Paid Pastor P. E. Bishop Conf. Cl. Foreign Miss. Domestic Miss. Church Ext. Education $465.00 $4l8.00 80.00 72.00 8.00 5-00 28.00 20.00 72.00 42.00 42.00 20.00 26.00 -0- 16.00 5.00 $737.00 $582.00 Bro. A. Robinson was appointed to see M. Speer and get a fee simple title to the land on which Anthony church stood. Approval was given an application for help from Leesburg. Just what help was needed is not mentioned. 32 Sunday School Superintendent. In his report to the First Quarterly Con- ference, held in Leesburg on March 13, 1897, Rev. W. T. Stewart reported: ''We have had Sunday Schools at Leslie, Mt. Zion, Adams, and one in the countyall the past year, and have recently organized one at Leesburg where there is good prospect of success." T. M. Booker is the first known church school superintendent for the Leesburg Methodist Church. At the following Quarterly Conference it is recorded that the pastor, W. T. Stewart,was not present, being confined to his bed with "remittent fever". $17-70 collection was re- ceived and sent to the pastor by the Presiding Elder. Smithville Charge Recreated. The charge known as Leslie-Leesburg since 1896 was changed at the Annual Conference in December 1898. by leaving off Anthony and add- ing Smithville, and the charge thus changed was then called Smithville. The Rev. W. C. Wade was assigned to the charge. At the First Quarterly Conference, held at Smithville on February 11, 1899, a report was made that the appointment at Wesley Chapel had been discontinued. Smithville was com- mended for having organized an Epworth League and having an excellent Sunday School. A Definition of Methodism. In his report to the Third Quarterly Con- ference , Rev. Wade gave the following report which included a profound and idealistic def- inition of Methodism: "We have held protracted services at Lees- burg, Smithville, Leslie, and Mt. Zion, with a measure of success at each of these 33 points. We have fallen below our expec- tation, but no reason to be discouraged or lose faith in the flower of the Gos- pel. Let our people know that Methodism is 'Christianity in Earnest', and with our doctrines, beliefs and lives, we are bound to win the field." Five additions were reported on baptism, seven on certificate of transfer, eight by profession, and seven-infant baptisms. At the end of the year, J. H. Conway was elected as Sunday School, Superintendent at Leesburg. J. H. Conway and D. A. Ragan were named as Stewards, and a parsonage committee was appointed with members from each church, including S. J. Powell from Leesburg. The pastor's salary for the year was $598.81. **** A progressive note should be made here, that rural mail routes were established throughout the county in 1904. Deed for Parsonage in Smithville. On September 26, 1906, the trustees of the Smithville charge of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, who were J. J. Wilson, G. W. Warwick, L. R. Mathes, J. R. Cowart, and D. J. Mims, were deeded a lot of land known as "The McKenzie Lot" by the heirs-at-law of A. S. Nunn. The lot was described as 1/2 acre on Boulevard Street, and running back along Pine Street eastward one acre to an alley. Presbyterians Build New Church. In 1906, the Presbyterian Church was re- located. The new building was placed at the corner of Starksville Road and Main Street. Woman's Home Missionary Society. The Rev. W. C. Glenn reported at the First Quarterly Conference on February $3, 1910, "We have one Woman's Home and Foreign Mission- ary Society. The Home society had been re- cently organized at Leesburg. We have orga- nized a Juvenile Society at Leesburg." This is the first mention found of a Woman's Mis- sionary Society at Leesburg. #*** Before Automobiles Became Popular. During the pastorate of I. R. Kelly in 1915, it was reported that there were two parsonages on the charge, with a total value of $7000. No record explains this entry. In 1916, the Grand Jury is said to have hired an automobile to inspect the county roads, probably to recommend improvements, get- ting ready for increased motor traffic. A further progressive note is that in 1917 the Alabama Power Company furnished 24-hour electric service to the county. A news item carried in the Lee County Journal reported the death of D. A. Ragan, "one of Lee County's oldest citizens, on May 5, 1919" Mr. Ragan was one of the first recorded stewards of the church, being listed at the time of the acquisition of its first building lot, and serving in many capacities in the church during the years following. World War I. It was during the pastorate of Rev. Her- bert Etheridge that the United States declared war on Germany. That year the Leesburg church was one of 5 churches that paid its pastor a total of $687 The five church buildings were valued at $4,000. It had one parsonage valued 35 at $1,000. Armistice was signed the following year on November 11. **** A note here on the allowable tenure for pas- tors is interesting: In the Methodist Epis- copal Church, South, the allowable tenure for pastors was two years until 1866, and four years until 1918, with no fixed limit after the latter date. In 1920, the five churches on the Smithville charge are listed as Sumter, Smithville, Lees- burg, Benevolence, and Adams. The pastor was H. H. Heisler. His salary was $1,15^. This is the first time the salary of the pastor of the charge ever reached $1,000. ITEMS FROM THE LEE COUNTY JOURNAL: Jan. l6, 1920. "The Leesburg Methodist Sunday School held a meeting Sunday for the purpose of reorganizing. Mr. R. E. Howe was elected Superintendent with Mr. J. W. Lyons Assistant Superintendent. The Wesley Bible Class was organized. Mrs. Clark was elected teacher." Jan. 16, 1920. "The Parsonage A.id Soci- ety met at Mrs. R. E. Howe's last Monday. Mrs. Howe, President." Jan. 28, 1920. "The Epworth League meets every Thursday evening at seven o'clock at the Methodist Church." Feb. 28, 1920. "A silver tea was given by the Ladies Aid Society on Wednesday evening at the Home of Mrs. R. E. Howe." Oct. 8, 1920. "The Sunday School Conven- tion was held at Leesburg Methodist Church October 3. The Sunday School leaders of all denominations in Lee County assembled at Lees- burg Methodist Church on Sunday, October 3, 36 for the annual convention of the County School Association, and a full program of inspira- tional addresses and practical discussions of Sunday School methods was carried out. "Every department of the Sunday School was presented, and a gratifying number of workers was present. Among the speakers on the pro- gram were: Mr. H. H. Hargrove, of the Leesburg Baptist Sunday School, and Rev. H. H. Heisler, pastor of the Smithville and Leesburg Metho- dist churches. "The thanks of the association were ex- pressed for the hospitality of the Leesburg people, and special appreciation was extended to the committee of young ladies, consisting of Miss Eddye Hooks, Miss Josephine Forrester, Miss Iverlee Bass, and Miss Lucille Cannon, who secured a large number of subscriptions for the Georgia Sunday School Hews. The next county convention will be held at the Hew Hope Baptist Church. "The president of the association, Mr. D. E. Phillips, was gratified at the interest shown in the convention, and many leaders pres- ent predicted that next year Lee County would be one of the Gold Star counties of the state association." *** According to the Georgia Historical Records Survey of 19^2, the Hew Hope Baptist Church named above was established in 1916, being moved from Sumter County to about 12 miles north of Leesburg. Another Baptist church es- tablished in the county was the St. Paul Bap- tist Church, RFD Smithville, organized in 1920. Union Revival in Leesburg. In April of 1921, during the pastorate of E. W. Gray, the Rev. J. H. Stanford, a young 37 Methodist minister of Adel, preached at the Baptist Church. Every service was reported as being crowded with local people and those from all-, sections of,the county. Forty-five members were added to the three churches. The following June, a Union Picnic was held at Starksville. The people of Leesburg enj oyed a picnic and barbecue given by the Sunday Schools of the city, with plenty of iced tea and lemonade. Baptists Build Mew Brick Church. The Lee County Journal of September 29, 1922, reported that the old wooden Baptist Church building, erected 35 years before, was torn down to build a new brick building. It was constructed on the same site, but was larger than the old one and was set back about 20 feet further from the sidewalk. **** The four churches that made up the Smith- ville charge in 1926 were Smithville, Sasser, Benevolence and Leesburg. C. R. McKibben was pastor. On Page 44 of the Georgia Historical Records Survey of 1942, the records show that in 1926 there were 581 Southern Baptists, 37 Primitive Baptists, 240 Methodists, 43 members of the Church of Christ, and 33 Pres- byterians in the county. The Great Depression of the 1930's. The great depression of the 1930's had al- ready begun in 1929, during the pastorate of I. K. Chambers. All the records during this time show the stress and strain of depression years upon the people of the charge. The Quarterly Conference held at Smith- ville on September 21, 1929, empowered a com- 38 mittee to sell the church building and a half-acre lot at Adams Station and expend the money for erecting a fence around the cemetery, and if any was left it wds to be applied to parsonage needs at Smithville. John Shell, the Pastor. The churches on the charge in 1930 were Smithville, Leesburg and Sasser. During the first year of the pastorate of Rev. J. N. Shell, the Epworth Leagues at Lees- burg and Smithville were reorganized, and a good Woman's Missionary Society was reported at Leesburg and Smithville. At a called session of the Quarterly Con- ference of the Smithville Charge, held at Leesburg on March 15, 1931, the trustees were authorized to mortgage the parsonage at Smith- ville to secure sufficient funds to pay off the indebtedness for repairs to same, or to accept a conditional, donation from the Board of Church Extensions not to exceed the sum of $5^5. On April 15, 1931, Rev. V. P. Folds, the Sunday School Superintendent at Leesburg, re- ported 41* on roll, with ^ teachers. The total collection raised for the quarter was $12.70. At the last Quarterly Conference held at Smithville on October 15, 1931, the following were elected as Stewards: W. E. Tarpley, S. J. Powell, V. P. Folds, J. E. Johnson, Henry Cannon, and J. B. Cannon. W. E. Tarpley and S. J. Powell were ap- pointed accountable to look into the matter of selling the Wesley Chapel church building in Lee County, with power to sell same. 39 The following letter from the Chairman of the Lee County Commissioners apparently refers to the church and cemetery mentioned on pages 38 and 39 under the heading, "The Great Depression of the..1930s": August 29, 197^ Mr. A. L. Dutton, Deputy Commissioner Department of Corrections Region ,-II Post.Office Box 1075 : Macon, Georgia 31202 Dear Sir: There, is an old cemetery on my land, which I would like to have a detail of inmates clean up. This is the Adams Station Methodist Church Cemetery, consisting of approximately one-half acre, more or less, located four miles north of the Lee Correctional Institution, on U. S. Highway #19, approximately 100 yards off the highway. My father bought,fthe land on which the cemetery lies from the Methodist Conference over fifty years ago, and the cemetery has been abandoned for many years. It is a very historical place, some of the persons buried there having been born in the 1700's. If the inmates could clean off the cemetery, then 1 could restore it and keep it mowed. 15 would appreciate very much your authoriza- tion for this to be done. Sincerely, /s/ Jack Bell, Sr. Chairman CHAPTER IV TwentyFive Years as the LeslieLeesburg Charge Nov. 1931 - June 1956 With the formation of the Leslie-Leesburg Charge (including the DeSoto Church), the Leesburg church seems to have taken on new life. The revitalization that seems to mark that period, which covered a span of 25 years, shows progress in almost every area of the church life. The progress, though erratic, was some- thing of a prelude to becoming a station church in June of 1956. The Leesburg Methodist Story has been lim- ited in its coverage during the earlier years because few records have been preserved in its frequent charge changes. This can be under- stood, but is was a surprise to find only seven years of quarterly conference records on file at Leslie during a period of stability in charge line change. The LEE COUNTY JOURNAL has been the major source of supplementary material, during this time. ****** During the pastorate of C. L. Nease, which was for only one year, several things of note happened on the Charge: To begin with, on February 20 at the first Quarterly Conference, all the old Boards of Trustees were declared vacant and new trustees were named for each churchLeesburg, Leslie, DeSoto (and Anthony Chapel property)as well as separate parsonage trustees. The parsonage trustees included S. L. Powell of Leesburg; for the Leesburg church property, S. J. Powell, W. E. Tarpley and H. D. Cannon were named. Then followed an inspection of the parson- age property, which showed that the porch was in bad condition and the roof was in bad need of repair. At the fourth Quarterly Conference 4l triii > S a. de "Vi ew o f the Leesburg Methodist Church, Jnowin g the first S unday School Room addition, ui. It aground. 1935 - 1+2 of that same year, authorization was given to repair, rebuild, or sell the property and purchase new property. The Leesburg Sunday School Reports Growth. An article in the LEE COUNTY JOURNAL on March 8, 1935 read: "The Leesburg Methodist Church will begin at once an attempt to raise funds for the erection of Sunday School rooms at the church. Because of a rapidly growing school, classes are being held in cars." The building of these rooms produced a great deal of interest and was carried on until completed in the following year. Christian Culture Institute for Young People. The week following the first Sunday in August of 1935> 10 members from Leesburg at- tended a Christian Culture Institute for young people held at Dooly Camp Ground. A total of 83 young people from Leslie, Leesburg, Smith- ville and Sycamore attended. Fifty-three re- ceived credit. This was the first reference to the Dooly Camp Ground found in the records of this church. The Christian Culture Insti- tute was repeated in at least two other years. Miss Mary Dance Presents Pageant. Miss Mary Dance, a member of the facility of the Leesburg High School, wrote and directed several plays and pageants for the church while a teacher here. One of these pageants was presented at the Methodist Church on Sunday morning, April 5> 1935- It was a Japanese pageant, consisting of about 20 children from the Primary and Beginner's Departments of the Sunday School. The acts portrayed scenes of beautiful Japanese gardens. All players were 43 costumed in Japanese attire. The children played Japanese games, sang Japanese songs, and told Japanese stories. New Songbooks for the Sunday School. The young people were entertained with a social at the home of Mrs. Robert R. Green on November 15, 1935- The affair was to raise funds for the purchase of new songbooks for the Sunday School. It was reported that "a neat financial sum was realized for the League". Mr. James Randall and Miss Eugenia Morgan were the prize winners. About 30 guests were present. J. Alton Davis was appointed as pastor of the charge in November of 1935* A Barbecue Supper. As a fund raising project, the Ladies Missionary Society held a barbecue supper in December of 1935, in the building next to what was then the Turner Drug Store. It was re- ported that by 8:00 o'clock in the evening, all had been sold and more than $30.00 had been taken in, to be applied on the new Sunday School rooms. The pig for the barbecue was donated by Mr. H. D. Cannon. ***** The Christmas program of that same year was presented by Miss Mary Dance. It was a pag- eant involving 60 beautifully-costumed char- acters along with a trained choir. Miss Etta Jean Jones took the part of Mary and sang the "Cradle Song". kk A Sunday School Report. The Leesburg Sunday School made its report to the Fourth Quarterly Conference on October 30, 1935, showing: No. on roll, 121; Teachers and officers, 12. The regular offer- ing for the year had been $72.97, and the amount sent to the Orphans' Home, $10.32. J. N. Mitchell was Superintendent. Also reported were 11 members of the W.M.S. The total amount sent to the conference treasurer during the year had been $22.81. Mrs. J. E. Johnson was President. The report of the Young People1s Depart- ment showed the number on roll as 25* Miss Sarah Kitchens was President. A short time after Annual Conference in November of 1936, a Training School was held in Leesburg, which was reported as being a success in every way. Twenty-three credits were delivered at the regular preaching ser- vice on the following Sunday. Brother G. D. Mann taught the course on "The Education Work in the Small Church". Miss Elsie Nesbitt of the Leesburg Church was consecrated a Deaconess, and served for seven years with the Board of Missions in San Antonio, Texas, from 1935-1942. On July 17, 1936, the LEE COUNTY JOURNAL reported that the three new Sunday School rooms annexed to the Methodist Church, were nearing completion. It further stated that for several months the members had worked hard to raise funds for the new rooms; also, that many contributions had been made by people out- side the church. Authorization Given to Sell Wesley Chapel Property. Authority was given the trustees to execute 45 a deed for Wesley Chapel Church property hy the Third Quarterly Conference, held on August 19, 1936, to parties purchasing the property which was located in the Chokee District of.;Lee County. Wesley Chapel was alocated abou - three miles ..northwest of where H. H. Cook, Sr. now lives, at the crossroads. Mrs. B.- L. Snider remembers attending ser- vices at this, old church location. A Fish Fry at Grave Springs. On March 27,H.936, the Young People of the Methodist Church entertained with a fish fry at Graves Springs, in honor of the basket- ball team which had recently won the Union Tournament. Young people from neighboring churches were also guests. About 55 young people enjoyed the affair. A Community-Wide Rally to Baise Money. An article in the May 22, 1936 copy of the LEE COUNTY JOURNAL reads as follows: "A community-wide rally will be held at the Lees- burg Methodist Church May 31 to raise cash for Sunday School rooms, the program to begin at 10:00 o'clock Sunday morning. The program includes: DeWitt Shippey, C. T. Clark, C. S. Pryor, Mrs. Chambers, Col. E. L. Forrester and Ralph Crosby. An offering will be taken consisting of a penny for each year of the individual's age. A basket.lunch and barbe- cue will be servied." Sunday School Class Holds Social. The following article was in the Nov. 20, 1936 LEE COUNTY JOURNAL: "The Coed Class of the Leesburg Church School met at the home of U6 Miss Bertha Cannon, Thursday night at 7:30 o'clock. The purpose of the meeting was to reorganize and elect officers. "Miss Cannon was elected teacher, due to the resignation of Mrs. C. H. Johns, who has recently moved to Birmingham, Ala. "The class decided to have their meeting the fourth Thursday in each month at the homes of various members of the class. They chose as their motto: 'Not for Ourselves, but for Others.' "The following officers were elected: President, Miss Agnes Hines; Vice-President, Dan Bass; Secretary, Sara Kitchens; Treasur- er, James Cannon; Corresponding Secretary, Pauline Melvin. "The class is working on their new church school room, getting the walls painted, chairs covered, and new curtains made. A move was made to raise money to bear expenses, but no definite plan has been decided on. "The home of Miss Cannon was beautifully decorated with cut flowers, and after the business session, a delightful social hour was enjoyed, during which time delicious refresh- ments were served. "The next meeting will be held December 2k at the home of Brownie and Neva Green." A Beautiful Report. At the last Quarterly Conference of 1936, the pastor, Rev. J. A. Davis, gave this report "A total of additions for the charge for the year is 6l32 on profession of faith, and 29 by certificate. "The fabric of achievement, woven by the charge has been taken from the year's loom, its candent length of high purpose and conse- cration folded. Today we present it to the Master. We know that in our lack of skill we have knotted hopelessly some threads, and others haye.been tangled. Much of the beauty of the design has been marred by things we intended to, do, sacrifices unmade, members un- cultivated, spiritual heights unattained and kept. 'Tis true we have, tried to follow the pattern.set for us, and if the Master Weaver finds interwoven some scarlet threads of sacri- fices, blue strands of courage, and numbers _ of shining.silver lines of faith running through the design, we pray He will take it all and make it flawless and beautiful in His sight.". Bishop Ainsworth Sees Christmas Pageant. Duringlfthe Christmas season of 1936, the Young People's Division presented a pageant, "The Meaning of Christmas", at the church. Young people from Sumter and Terrell Counties were present. Bishop W. N. Ainsworth, the Presiding Elder, J. H. Wilson, and Mr. Clary were present. A Young W.M.S. Organized. On May 19, 193JCf, Mrs. J. E. Johnson, presi- ddfit of'jshe W.M.S., reported the organization of a Young W.M.S. , with 10 members. Authorization to Sell Old Starksville Property. During the first year of the pastorate of Rev. E. P. Drake, the Quarterly Conference on August 2k, 1938, authorized the Trustees of Leesburg: K. D. Cannon, W. E. Tarpley, S. J. Powell, to be enabled to sell the old Method- ist Church lot at Starksville for $25 and ap- ply the money to repairs on the Leesburg Church. Wo record has been found at the courthouse which shows that this authorization was ever carried out. It would be interesting to know 1+8 just where this lot stood, and if it were ever really sold. Mew Furnishing for Leesburg Church. It was noted in the last Quarterly Conference held on October 21, 1938, that the Leesburg Church had purchased new pews and a pulpit suite and had made considerable improvements on rearranging the interior of the church. A Church Reunited. On the evening of May 10, 1939, the Uniting Conference composed of 900 delegates400 from the Methodist Episcopal Church, 400 from the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and 100 from the Methodist Protestant Church voted without a dissenting vote for unifica- tion. The church which was divided over the slavery question in 1844 was reunited. The Uniting Conference was presided over by Bishop John M. Moore. The declaration of union was adopted, and the new church was called THE METHODIST CHURCH. (See page 7 for details of the division.) The first session of the South Georgia An- nual Conference of the new METHODIST CHURCH was held at Macon, Ga., No. 8-12, 1939. Our first pastoral assignment after unification was Rev. J. I. Summerford, for the year 1940. Rev. J. I. Summerford was pastor of the charge for three years. During this time, the city of Leesburg was shocked at the burn- ing of the Baptist Church in March, 1941. The church was rebuilt the following year, accord- ing to an article in the LEE COUNTY JOURNAL, November 6, 1942, by Tom Love. It was in December of 1941 that the world was shaken by the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, and the United.States entered World War II, a war which lasted until 1945. 49 50 A view of the Leesburg Methodist Church showing the brick Educational Annex, dedicated May 28, 1950. In 19U1, there were 4oU active members and 159 non-resident members reported on the Leslie-Leesburg charge. The pastor's salary for 19^1 was $1500 for the charge. ***** Memorials. During 19**2 a Baptismal Cup was given the church in memory of Lester B.-Coxwell, Jr., by Mr. and Mrs. Lester R. Coxwell, Sr. and family. In 19**5> Chimes were installed at the church and given in memory of Mr. and Mrs. J. M. Cannon by H. D. Cannon, C. A. Cannon, J. B. Cannon, and W. E. Cannon. ***** The South Georgia Annual Conference Meets in June. On June 25-29 19** 7, the South Georgia An- nual Conference met at the First Methodist Church in Brunswick. Previous to this time, the Annual Conference met in December or November. It continues to meet in June until this writing. New Educational Building Dedicated. Little is known of the activities of the church for the period between 19**7 and 1953. No details are available concerning the plan- ning or building of the first brick annex to the church. All that is available is a copy of the dedication service held on May 28, 1950. The pastor was Rev. A. A. Waite, Sr. The address was delivered by Bishop Arthur J. Moore. It was presented for Dedication by Mr. Henry D. Cannon. 51 It was about 36 x 60 feet in size. The main body of the annex was about 36 x 60 feet, in- cluding a socialyhall and six classrooms*,; In addition to this, there was added aikitchen and two restrooms; The Church Acquires Adjoining Property. On May l4, 1952, the Cannon Bros. Peanut Company, Inc. deeded W. E. Tarpley, E. A. Crotwell, and H. H. Cook, Trustees of the Methodist Episcopal Church, one and a half acres of land adjoining their previously owned property, for $1. The size of the lot was 255*^- feet x 261.6 feet. The deed was witnessed by E:< A. Crotwell, K.. P., State at Large, and Susie Lee Green, K. P.,. State at Large. i'The deed was signed by J. B. Cannon, W. E. Cannon, and C. A. Cannon. It was re- corded by R. R. Green, Clerk of Superior Court. Circuit of the Year. Each year the Town and Country Commission of the South Georgia Conference gives special recognition to a circuit in each District, for outstanding work. While Rev. I. M. McDuffie was pastor, the Leslie-Leesburg- DeSoto circuit was selected as Circuit of the Year of the Americus District, for 1953. The citation for the charge is quoted in part, from MEET THE CIRCUITS for 1953: "LESLIE-LEESBURG-DeSOTO, The Americus District, I. M. McDuffie, Pastor. "No short resume can do credit to the work of the Leslie-Leesburg-DeSoto Charge. Located in a triangular section of Southwest Georgia, where the farmland is of the best quality, be- tween three rapidly growing cities, this charge is one of the best charges in the 52 South Georgia Conference because we think we have the evidence to back up such a statement", the pastor said. "The charge has responded to the opportuni- ty in the direction of expanded activities in every area of civic, social, and religious life. "The budget for next year will include ad- vances along all lines. The pastor's salary, $2400 in 1950, has been increased to $3000 for the new year. This year, $950 has been given for the World Service program of Methodism, and $410 was given in March for the Expansion Day program of the Conference. Last year's ex- penditures totalled $10,323, but will be ex- ceeded by a large margin this year......... "in Lee County, nine miles from the thriv- ing metropolis of Albany, the Leesburg Church has been making unusual strides. "Many years of struggle and trial followed the establishment of the Leslie-Leesburg Charge. Leesburg has had a particularly diffi- cult time, but the faithfulness of the people has inspired pastor after pastor. Three months before the present pastor ar- rived, Mr. Henry Cannon, long the mainstay of the church and community, passed away. Al- though the people struggled to maintain their church and meet their obligations, an attitude of uncertainty and defeat prevailed. "In spite of this, plans were made to re- model the sanctuary and to add new church school space. It was discovered that the con- gregation was going in the red about $75 ev- ery quarter on their regular budget, but they struggled to raise $5,000 for the Build- ing Fund that first year. "To meet the crisis of the regular budget, the pastor presented a plan to the Official Board. When the treasurer painted the finan- 53 cial picture in red hues, and the official members were disturbed about their future obligations, the pastor explained the Every Member Canvass to them. Dubiously, they ac- cepted it. Three months were spent in prep- aration. Sermons by the pastor, talks by laymen,.betters to every member of the congre- gation explaining the situation, and the stage was set. At a special Sunday in Sep- tember of 192j, pledges were brought to the altar. A total- of sixty were turned in, and they totaled between $70 and $80 per week. "These pledges amounted to $3000 more than the budget. Exuberant officials voted to direct $1500 of thisJinto the Building Fund. Now, the church was out of debt, had a sur- plus in the operating treasury, approximate- ly $9000 in the Building Fund, and a people whose pride was exceeded only by their love and devotion to the. church. Plans were to build next year the most modern and conven- ient small town church in the Conference. "A Workers Training School was held at Leesburg this year with the pastor serving as Dean. Instructors for the school were: Rev. Roy Bond, Rev. L. C. Fullerton, Rev. Reese Griffin, Sr., and Miss Ann Marie Domingoes. Supper was served at the church for the in- structors and students each night. Sometime ago the Church School purchased a movie pro- jector for about $500, and two films were shown during the school. One-third of the active membership enrolled, and twenty-five received certificates. "This church was already in a revival mood before the United Evangelistic Mission began. Twenty-five prayer meetings were held during the week preceding the Mission, with Luther Vest serving as leader. The meeting began with a full house, and the preaching of the guest minister, the Rev. E. R. Smith, Jr. of 54 Fredericksburg, Indiana, kept attendance at a peak. Six teams of visitors received their assignments from Thad Gibson each night, and called upon the people in the community. "The Woman's Society of Christian Service is doing an effective job in witnessing to the community. Three young women have gone from the Methodist Youth Fellowship to study nursing. In training at the Crawford W. Long Hospital at Atlanta and the Macon Hospital at Macon, these young women plan to serve the Kingdom of God somewhere in the world as nurses. Officials of this church encourage the young people by giving them the Sunday night offering, too. They have already sent $96 for the MYF Fund. There is a great fu- ture for this church and the young people will play a significant part in its develop- ment ." ******* In June of 1953, Rev. Emory C. Gilbert was appointed as pastor of the charge. The Woman's Society of Christian Service, on August 31, 1953, reported that during the quarter preceding, a World Friendship Group of Girls had been organized for the first time. They had given $45 on a rug for the parsonage and had.built tables for the church grounds. A Parcel Post Sale. On December 8, 1953, the WSCS held a ba- zaar at the Leesburg Methodist Church as a money-making affair. One feature of the ba- zaar was a "Parcel Post Booth". Cards had been mailed to many people, making an appeal for them to mail the WSCS a package which 55 would be sold at the bazaar for a quarter. Among those to whom a card was mailed was Mrs. Mamie Eisenhower, the First Lady of the United States of America. She responded with a package, which everyone wanted to buy. It was decided to sell the package to the high- est bidder, thus affording fun and increasing the proceeds as well. Mr. W. E. Cannon was the lucky buyer, and the package contained a beautiful engraving of the White House, with the following message: "Dear Mrs. Cannon: To assist you in your current project, Mrs. Eisenhower is happy to send the inclosed engraving of the White House. The First Lady sends you her best wishes for success in your worthwhile work. Mary Jane McCaffree, Secretary to Mrs. Eisenhower." XXXXX Among the things reported in 195** was a Junior Choir having been organized under the leadership of Mrs. W. E. Cannon. They had charge of the music for the evening worship services. Also, an Altar Set, consisting of the Cross, Candlesticks, and Vases, was given in memory of Mr. and Mrs. S. P. Crotwell by their children. The WSCS reported on February 28, 19555 that they had had a Bazaar and Barbecue, and had given a check for $351.10 on carpet for the church. 56 "The Old Shi-p of Zion". Around 1954 or 1955> the Bessie Green Circle of the WSCS, under the leadership of Mrs. L. E. Vest, sponsored a play entitled "The Old Ship of' Zion". Qn the play committee were: Mrs. Max Hardy, coach; Mrs. James Cannon, staging; Mrs. Thad Gibson, advertising; Mrs. J.M. Hines, music chairman; Pat Dunaway, soloist; J. T. Groover and.D. G. Houston. As the title indicates, the play was about a ship which was bound for the Promised Land. It stopped at various ports here on Earth to gather passengers, but often those desiring passage were not properly prepared to take the celestial journey. The potential passengers were advised what they must do to qualify and told that if they met the requirements they would be picked up on the next trip. A large cast of approximately 6k people from all over the community took part in the play. ****** The Church Has Face-Lifting and Extensive Remodeling. On May 3, 1955, a statement in the Quarter- ly Conference report is included which says: "Our Annex completed this year and equipped." It was signed by Z. T. Pate, Church School Superintendent, and John T. Groover, Chairman of the Commission on Education. In a letter addressed to Earle J. Garbutt, the District Superintendent, on April 19, 1955 Rev. Emory C. Gilbert reported the following: 57 (Top) Remodeling of building. Brick veneering and changed entrance. (Bottom) Completed work, same view. 58 59 A view of the Leesburg Methodist Church after remodeling in 1954, showing the new entrance on the Starksville Street side. "In Leesburg, Completion of building--------$17,286.36 Air Conditioning------------- 1,400.00 Chairs for Sunday School----- 96.00 Work & material for lawn-----------70.00 $18,852.36 "Leesburg is looking forward to going Sta- tion flomemme in the near future. This willbeldone after a parsonag^. Is built." On October 3, 1955, the Chairman of the Commissionlon Education reported the purchase of tack boards and black boards for the Children's Department. On December. 31. .in the WSCS report, it was stated; that the World Friendship Group gave a ChristmaslCantata. Having completed payment on sanctuary carpet, altar cushions, and choir railingJpthey paid out a total of $1592.34 in 15. months. Homemade candy was given to prisoners at the county jail and the state work camp for Christmas, in cooperation with the Baptist and Presbyterian Churches. In the Wesleyan Christian Advocate. "The Leesburg Methodist Church building, which has been undergoing a face-lifting and extensive remodeling for the past several months, is completed. The building has a new steeple, new entrance, and has been brick- veneered outside. On the inside, the ceilings and walls have been painted, the choir changed, the altar has been rearranged, and other work that will improve both the appear- ance and usefulness of the building has been accomplished. The sanctuary is air-conditioned a new wing of three classrooms with storage closets downstairs,and two classrooms with 60 two storage rooms upstairs was added. The building committee consisted of E. A. Crot- well, Raymond Cannon, and J. E. Johnson. 1 The Trustees' Report in June51955 gave the estimated value of the church property as: Church building------$ 52,000 Furnishing & Equip.- 8,000 Other Real Estate: 1 1/2 acres land- 1,500 $ 61,500 E. A. Crotwell, secretary of the Board of Trustees, also reported balance due on debts for the church improvement as being 4 notes of $100 each. ****** During that same year, the Altar Rail was given in memory of H. D. Cannon by his sons, Malcolm, James, Raymond, and Otis Cannon. Portrait of Smiling Christ Given WSCS. The Albany Herald of November 28, 1955, con- tained an article concerning the gift of an original painting showing Christ's reassuring smile, which was made to the Women's Society of Christian Service of the Leesburg Method- ist Church by Mr. and Mrs. Jack Forrester. Mr. Forrester was the' Director of the State Board of Corrections. "The presentation was made by Mrs. Forrest- er and accepted by Mrs. Max Hardy, president of the WSCS. The beautiful carved frame for this inspiring portrait was given to the organization by Mrs. W. 0. Pierce of Chamblee. Mrs. Pierce is remembered in Leesburg as Miss Mary Lelia Forrester, affectionately known as 'Maedee'.' 61 The picture of Christ was painted by an artist who, while serving a life term in pris- on, saw the face of Christ in a dream, not as a sad, somber Christ, but a smiling Christ. The artist signed the painting, "Old Timer", writing, "May He smile his blessings on all of you." 62 CHAPTER V LEESBURG, A STATION CHURCH Since June 1956 INTRODUCTION No doubt much worthwhile information is not written into this history, and names of many important and dedicated contributors to our Methodist Church in Leesburg are not recorded here. For this I apologize and beg your for- giveness. I can only say that I have tried to do my best with the records which were available and in the very short length of time I had. If I have gone more into detail with events of the last few years, it is not to detract from prior events. It is simply because I found more information about this period. I would like to give special recognition here to the youth of our church. Although the number attending MYF has not been as high as we would like, those who have attended MYF and the church school are to be commended for their faithfulness and hard work. They have contributed no small amount to the discharge of financial obligations of the church, as well as performing many kind and charitable deeds for the elderly, shut-ins, underprivi- leged, etc. May God bless them. Rebecca V. Gibson 63 The followings'lines were^excerpted from Thef Albany Herald, which someone has dated February 18, 1956.- "A fellowship supper was given Sunday night by the Leesburg Methodist Sunday School... honoring the Z. T. Pate .family. The Pates aretteaving Leesburg this week to make their home in Marianna, Florida. "Following the., supper, the Rev. E. C. Gilbert*,'presented the family a handsome silver tray on behalf, of the Sunday School, and the!Commission on Education gave Mr. Pate a gold key. chain as a token of recog- nition of his work. "Mr. Pate csu%,to Leesburg approximately 20 years ago gas manager ..of; tMe Suwannee Store....He, married the former Miss Max- ine Kearse, daughter of G. C. Kearse of this city...... "Mr. Pate became superintendent of the Methodist Sunday School in 1938 and held this- office until his resignation last week. He has been active in all branches of church work. Mrs. Pate was president of the Ladies1 Bible. Class, until her re- cent resignation; she.is also a past president of the WSCS........" 64 A newspaper clipping on which someone has hand written "May 1956", reads as follows: "In recognition of faithful service in the Leesburg WSCS, Miss Bertha Cannon was hon- ored with a Life Membership and pin which was presented by Mrs. T. 0. Marshall, Sr. at Americus District conference in Monte- zuma. Miss Cannon has served as assistant church school teacher, pianist and super- intendent of Youth Department, and as South Georgia Conference Caravan counselor. In the society, she has been circle leader, secretary of Youth work, and now secretary of Spiritual Life." Miss Cannon states she was Youth Counselor from 1946 to 1948, along with Miss Susie Lee Green, and that the average attendance at Epworth League at that time was around 25. She states she began her work with the youth in 1938. In recognition of the service rendered the church and its youth by Miss Susie Lee Green, there was a "Susie Lee Green Day" in her honor The date of this is not known. 65 !25i Whereas for the twenty-five years prior to 1956, the Methodist Church in Leesburg had been a part of the Leslie-Leesburg Charge (sharing her pastor with Leslie and DeSoto), in June 1956 she became a station church with a pastor all her own. A building committee and finance committee com- posed of E. A. Crotwell, J. E. Johnson, Ray- mond Cannon, Mr. and Mrs. Max Hardy, W. E. Can- non, J. R. Green, L. E. Vest and the Rev. Carl- ton Reid immediately made plans for the con- struction of a parsonage. In his report to the quarterly conference in August 1956, the pastor stated: "This First Quarterly Conference marks a historical stride at the Leesburg Methodist Church. None of us have felt sufficient for the task of serving a full-time church, but God has led us thus far, and He shall lead us in the days to come. After the groundbreaking today, we will go right along with the building of the parsonage." The responsibility of paying the entire salary of the pastor rather than a pro rata share, coupled with the cost of building a house in which he and his family could live, was an enormous challenge. This same year a third circle of the Women's Society of Christian Service was formed and was named the "Helen Johnson Circle". It met at night and was for those who had been unable to attend the afternoon circle meetings. To help meet the new financial obligations of the church, the ladies of the WSCS began serv- 66 (Top) Apartment where pastor lived while new parsonage was being built. (Bottom) Parsonage, completed in 1957 67 ing suppers to the Lions Club, selling vanilla extract, paring knives, picture plates of the church, aprons. They had a hazaar and "white elephant" sale, a pancake supper. O^her fund- raising methods were: barbecues, a pair of coveralls requiring money to patch, a musical variety show. Meanwhile, plans had been decided on, Z. T. Phillips was engaged to do the work, and the parsonage was underway. In the interim, the Reids were living in a duplex apartment rented by the church. 1957 Sometime in the summer of 1957, Open House was held at the new parsonage. Although the construction was now complete, the parsonage was not clear of debt. An anony- mous donor gave .the church a thousand dollars to apply on the indebtedness, with the stipula- tion that it was to be used to pay off the last thousand... The Youth Department needed a piano and songbooks, and these were purchased; maint- enance and repair billLs were a constant expense so the money-raising efforts could not be re- laxed. 1958 Mrs.E. H. Williams, Sr. and Mr. and Mrs. Will- iams, Jr. donated the fern tables in the sanctu ary in memory of E. H. Williams, Sr. who was called by death in 1958. 1959 Carlton F. Reid was returned to Leesburg in June 1959 to begin his fourth year as pastor. 68 The MYF began conducting the Sunday evening worship services. In the October 4 Board of Stewards meeting, Brother Reid requested permission to ask Bishop Arthur Moore to come in May i960 to dedicate the church and parsonage. Heyward Cook moved that "we set our goal to pay off the debt on the church by Dedication Sunday". 1960 This was not to be, however. Bishop Moore's schedule would not permit his coming in May; also, the Report of Trustees dated May 22 shows a $1500 mortgage remaining on the parsonage. And so the dedication was postponed. The Reverend Alton C. Prickette was welcomed as pastor in June i960. His wife, Faye, served as church pianist, and also taught piano. Mrs. W. Y. Faircloth, Sunday School teacher in the children's department, did much to instill in her students and others a reverence for the Lord and the Lord's House, always advocating family altars and Bible reading in the home. She felt that candle-lighting in the sanctuary would "help our people to be quiet and have a period of preparation to worship". 1961 World Day of Prayer was held in the Methodist Church, with the Baptists and Presbyterians in attendance. "We hope to eventually have at least one union service on Sunday night with other churches in town", said Mrs. Opal Cannon, WSCS president. This hope has since become a realityon each fifth Sunday of the month, the three denominations have a joint worship 69 service. At the April meeting of the Board of Stewards, J. R. Green announced that the parsonage was paid for in full. For some reason or another, however, the dedication service was not held until July 1962. In the meantime, Bishop Moore had retired and John Owen Smith was Bishop. Mary and Luther Vest moved back to DeFuniak Springs, Florida in 1961. It was Mary who wrote this poem which appears on the cover of the church bulletin: IN THE TEMPLE OF GOD Be still, be still, Almighty God is here; With reverence come into this holy place. Adore God now, and worship Him, and praise And thank Him for His constant love and grace. jjorget the outside world, and bow your heads And pray. Perceive the Spirit guiding you And urging you to be a shining light. Oh, listen! Hear Him speaking clear and true. Be still, be still, Almighty God is here; With reverence come and you will find Him near. 1962 Work was begun on an air conditioning/heating system for the church early in 1962, and Otis Hill, Chairman of the Finance Commission, wrote to the D:strict Superintendent requesting per- mission to mortgage the parsonage for $7280 to pay for this. As mentioned previously, Bishop Smith dedicated 70 the church and parsonage in July 1962. 1963 The Methodist Men's Club was organized early in -the year, and was chartered in June. President Malcolm Cannon said, "It is the prayer of this club to help in every way possible to make this church and community more Christ-like." Under the leadership and untiring efforts of Mrs. Opal Cannon, clay tennis courts were built on the lot west of the church building. Patch Nursery charged only their labor and equipment cost to prepare the courts; D. G. Houston and his FFA boys donated their time and labor; one net and the chicken wire for backstop were do- nated, and the rest was bought at wholesale. The MYF sold copies of "Women of the Bible" to earn money. They started having supper one Sunday a month for their families. They bought a popcorn popper for Sowega Youth Home. The Baptists and Presbyterians joined the Meth- odists in presenting a community Christmas can- tata at the Methodist Church; then on De- cember 22, the annual "Christmas Tree for Christ" was held, with members pinning their contributions for the Building Fund on the branches. On December 2b, the Thad Gibson family had a near fatal accident while on their way to spend Christmas with Mary and Luther Vest. Coming so soon after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, this had a palling effect on the com- munity's Christmas celebration. The wonderful- hess of Leesburg people was never more evident than at this time. 71 196*i On January 26, the "God and Country Award" pro- gram was instituted for MYF'ers and the Boy Scouts. * "Christ on the Cross" by Salvador Dali was given in memory of John R. Green by the Methodist sMen's Club. There was an Every Member Canvass, and the church budget was explained in every home, in an effort to increase members' participation in the financial obligations of the church. The Methodist Men purchased a plaque for honor- ing deceased members. Homecoming Day was October 18, the Reverend Emory Gilbert preaching. Thanksgiving Sunday, members brought canned goods, produce, money to be taken to the Methodist Home in Macon. 1965 The outdoor bulletin board, paved walk and curb- ing, and a donation on the storage rooms for the parsonage were given in memory of Mr. and Mrs. H. S. Cook, John M. Cook, Claud S. Cook, Ada Lee Crews and Lois C. Brown by Mrs. Parker Johnson, Mr. and Mrs. Barnett Johnson, Mr. and Mrs. Orr Cook, Mr. and Mrs. D. L. Holland, Mr. and Mrs. Harry Crews, Mr. and Mrs. H. H. Cook, Sr., and Mr. and Mrs. Hoke Cannon. 19 66 The Methodist Men's Club built storage rooms 72 * See Appendix, page 104 for the parsonage, sponsored the Cub Scouts. In his Pastor's Report to Conference in May, Charlie Webster listed the following needs of the church: 1. Increased witnessing in all areas. 2. Better attendance at worship services. 3. Strengthening of the Commissions, WSCS, Men1s Club, MYF, Choir, Prayer Meetings, "Every Member Visitation" program. 4. Volunteer workers in all areas which are vital to our church. 5. A church secretary. 6. Prayer for the church and its work; your service, gifts and presence. 7. Better attendance at Official Board meet- ings. 8. More Church School space. 9. New Methodist Hymnals. 10. A better pastor to help fulfill these needs of our church. Apparently Brother Webster got some response to his list of needs, because new hymnals were donated a few months later. As for the 10th need itemized-, it is believed he was the only one who thought the church needed a better pastor. A Book of Remembrance was given in memory of Mrs. W. E. Tarpley who had gone to her reward on September 18, 1964. This is used to list memorials. Bill Cannon, MYF president, reported: "We have printed a newspaper to get young people interested in the MYF and to inform them on church matters. We have an hour of recreation 73 and fellowship after church each Sunday night to get young people to stay for church. We light candles Sunday mornings and evenings to give the youth a part in the church." Also, they donated $25 for carpeting; carried cookies to Magnolia Manor. In .December, the "Hanging of the Green" and fam- ily night program was held; and on December 18, "The Wonder of the Ages". Another happening in 1966 was the formation of the Alpha Baptist Church. Its first pastor, the Reverend J. W. Jenkins, advised that a need had been felt for an additional Baptist Church, and so with a handful of people this new church was organized. 1967 On January 1, Brother Webster accepted a reap- pointment, moving to a church in Dublin. He was replaced by the Reverend Joe Kelley who was attending Georgia Southwestern College. The "Venture in Faith" revival was held while he was pastor. Also, Brother Kelley added a ser- monette for the children at the morning worship service, with the children gathering around the altar to hear him. In June, the Reverend J. B. Jensen was appoint- ed as pastor. There was a homecoming on October 15, with Brother Webster preaching. The youth gave a Christmas program, "Simon, the Stablehand", supervised by Mrs. Opal Cannon. 74 1968 Miss Frances Keadle, summer worker and student at Albany Junior College, was welcomed in June to work with the children and youth. She re- portedly brought new life into this segment of the church with day camps and other additional sessions. Miss Bertha Cannon furnished break- fast and lodging to Frances, and other church members furnished the rest of her meals. Also in June of this year, the Methodist Church combined with the Evangelical United Brethren, and became the United Methodist Church. A new Baldwin piano was purchased for the sanc- tuary in September. In December, the Pace Setters Class was formed for the young married group, using the "Founda- tion Series" lessons, which were a discussion type. The UMYF put on a Christmas play, "The Living Promise". December 29 was Student Recognition Day, and Cathy Cannon, Frank David Hinds, Dave Thrift, and Jimmy Rhodes had charge of the morning worship. 1969 Jim Jensen, in his Pastor's Report to Quarterly Conference in January, stated that a membership talent sheet had been distributed to members in an effort to involve more people in the work of the church. Regarding the present state of the church, he said: "Many are happy with the way things are; some are concerned that we are 75 not doing what we could; a few are willing to get out and dig. Our opportunities are there." Mrs. Hoke Cannon and family placed a Memorial Desk in the narthex in memory of Hoke Cannon. Mr. and Mrs. Elbert Williams, Jr. presented brass offering plates in memory of Elbert's mother. The church purchased a desk to be placed in the narthex, in honor of Mr. and Mrs. W. Y. Faircloth who were moving away. The Reverend Allen M. Booker became pastor in June. He reported in October that "much good has been done; each person has his or her con- tribution to make, however great or small". Jimmy Rhodes and Cathy Cannon were the summer workers with the young people in 1969. Weekly discussion groups were held, and day camps. The youth spearheaded the drive to clean the Memorial Park downtown. The church purchased the components of a Pub- lic Address system for the sanctuary, which Frank Godwin built and installed. At some later date, two additional speakers were purchased, and Frank installed them in the Nursery and in the classroom across the hall from the sanctuary. 1970 Homecoming was on October 25, with former pas- tor, Emory Gilbert, preaching the sermon. There was a musical program afterwards, with James Randall from Albany leading the singing. 76 On February 11, 1968, the Kinchafoonee Bap- tist Mission had been formed, and for a length of time was sponsored by the First Baptist Church of Leesburg. The Reverend Dallas Bell was their first pastor, and they met at the camp of the Mallory Baptist Associ- ation. On August 22, 1969 Katherine S. Crouch, Emily Jean Haley, and William Thomas Haley deeded approximately six acres of land to H. G. Hall, Jasper Griffith and Claude Tison as Trustees of the First Baptist Church of Leesburg; then on December 8, 1969, these trustees deeded the property to Mack Eubanks, Horace Jackson, Brad Berisford and Talmadge Cherry as Trustees for the Kincha- foonee Baptist Church. Thus the land do- nated was used as the site of a church which was completed and moved into on Jan- uary 8, 1971- 77 1971 In June, Brother Booker was transferred, and the Reverend Curtis C. Roberts became pastor. With the help of Christy Williams and Bill Cannon, volunteer summer workers, the UMYF was reactivated in July. There was an activity night once weekly for swimming, bowling, minia- ture golf, etc. "Hobo Day" was held in November with the youth working at odd jobs to earn money for their Youth Service Fund pledge. Mrs. Sara Ann Williams directed the 1971 Vaca- tion Church School. A special feature was the processional, with the children making a pledge to the American and the Christian flags. The flags were a gift to the church from Max and Kalah Hardy in memory of Kalah's mother, Mrs. Johannah Olson Knutson. The following is a copy of the writeup sent to the Wesleyan Christian Advocate concerning the "Galilean Service" in 1971: vSunday, September 26, is a date that will be long-remembered by members of the Lees- burg United Methodist Church, the DeSoto UMYF, and other invited guests who gathered at the lakeside cottage of Mr. and Mrs. E. A. 'Ned' Crotwell at Lake Blackshear. After a period of fellowship and recreation which included swimming, boating, skiing and other activities, a bountiful picnic supper was spread outdoors and enjoyed by approximately 115 persons. "The highlight of the occasion came with the worship service following the picnic. After W. L. Lumpkin sang 'The Stranger 78 from Galilee', the pastor, Curtis C. Roberts, stepped into a boat at the water's edge and preached a message en- titled 'The Call to Discipleship', using for his text, Luke 5:11: '.. .They J.eft everything and followed Him.'" On December 19, the combined Youth and Adult Choirs under the direction of Mrs. Pat Tharp presented a Christmas program, "Let Us Tell the Story". In the absence of a choir director at the Methodist Church, Pat had volunteered her services. This was much appreciated. Also in- cluded in the program was "The Living Christmas Card", directed by Mrs. Opal Cannon and Mrs. Ethelind Cannon. On Christmas Sunday, members decorated a live Christmas tree with their offerings for the Building Fund. 1212 The pastor's study was painted, remodeled and refurnished, most of the work and/or funds be- ing supplied by the WSCS. He was given a new sofa, air conditioner, electric typewriter, carpet, draperies, cabinet, shelves. A framed needlepoint picture of "Praying Hands", handmade by Mrs. Jewel Heath, was hung in the narthex. This lovely work was given by Mrs. Heath through the WSCS. On Sunday, January 2, each member was furnished a copy of the 1972 church budget, and given an opportunity to make a pledge of money and of service. There was a good response. 79 On January l6, State Trooper Donald Murphy of the Georgia State Patrol Drug Abuse Informa- tion Unit came to the evening worship service to put on a program. He displayed mqny drugs of abuse and gave an informative talk, fol- lowed by a question and answer session. A Christian Enrichment School for church school workers was held the first of the year, taught by the Reverend Lawrence Houston, the Reverend LaVaughn Foster, and Miss Betty Corcoran. On Maundy Thursday during Holy Week, Holy Com- munion was celebrated with the communicants be- ing served at tables of twelve. On Easter there was a Sunrise Service on the Methodist Church lawn, with each of the local churches participating. At the morning worship service, the kneeling stand held 28 pots of Easter lilies in memory or honor of loved ones. The Membership Orientation Class at Camp Dooly from April 21-23 was a high spiritual experience and fun. There was a talent show on May 7, following a covered dish supper. It was a most enjoyable evening. The Friendship Class, being concerned about the number of its members who had become in- active over the years, asked Mrs. Grace Rhodes to compose a poem to be sent to these members. The poem she wrote is on the following page. Attendance was good at Vacation Church School in July, with Mrs. Patsy Cook as director. 80 THE EMPTY CHAIR Last Sunday I went to Sunday School And who do you think was there? Hardly any of my friends could I see In fact, the room was almost hare! I left there with a heavy heart To know that some were away; They missed so much of the Word of God, I just wish there were some way To let them know what it really means To he there in their place; They are needed more than they'll ever know To help fill each empty space So please he there next Sunday And fill your empty chair; Your presence means so very much And you'll he glad that you are there. God hless you in your effort To come join us on His day, My prayers go with you always, You'll he hlest along the way. By Grace Rhodes. In observance of Christian Education Sunday, church members met at the cottage of Mr. and Mrs. E. A. Crotwell on Lake Blackshear on September 24, for an afternoon and evening of old-fashioned Christian fun, fellowship and worship. The festivities included swimming, sack-racing, bobbing for apples, pantomime, a barbershop quartet and other entertainment. A bountiful picnic was spread, replete with 81 blackeyed peas, crackling bread, biscuits, homemade sausage, fried pies and other delect- able old-time goodies. This was followed by the presentation of a two-act play written by the Reverend Curtis Roberts, commemorating the early Methodist Circuit rider of the period shortly after the Civil War. Many historical facts were sprin- kled throughout the drama and the dramatized sermon. Brother Roberts, who played the lead- ing part, came riding in astride a horse. This outdoor event took the place of the reg- ular Sunday evening worship service at the church. On October 1, Mr. Don Powers was hired as Music Director. The UMYF took on new life this year. They had a number of fund-raising projects such as selling doughnuts, collecting and selling soft drink bottles. A chili supper brought them $23 which was contributed towards build- ing a church in Santiago, Chile. They took charge of the entire morning worship service on July 9- On December 10, Brother Roberts had to ful- fill a commitment (or was it a threat?) he had made at the beginning of the year, to sing a solo when attendance at morning worship reached 110. (He did a very good job, a cap- pella, and the congregation loved it.) Miss Nettie Mae Bass, Membership Secretary, transferred our list of members to a new roll book, which was given by Mrs. LaVerne Hinds. Several individuals and some classes spon- 82 sored Christinas for one or more children at the Methodist Home. A copy of "Good News for Modern Man" was given each prisoner who was released from Lee Cor- rectional Institution this year. The chair- person of the Work Area on Social Concerns counseled each one, encouraging them to take Christ with them if they were to know real freedom. Mrs. Ethelind Cannon, as Nursery Home Visitor, will be responsible for placing a rose on the altar in honor of each baby born to members. 1973 "Key '73" was an interdenominational endeavor of great magnitude to call our continent to Christ. It was divided into different phases, and the phase chairmen, general chair- man, and the pastor attended a training session at the Leslie Methodist Church. There was a Noon Prayer Call for two weeks beginning the day after Christmas 1972, and a community-wide Watch Night service was held at the First Baptist Church on December 31, 1972. The Leesburg Methodist Church was well-represented at the Bishop's Convocation on Evangelism at Macon in January. Study courses on Luke and Acts were taught by the pastor. Perhaps the most ambitious effort of the "Key '73" thrust was the booth at the Southwest Georgia Fair in Albany. The $150 cost of the booth was shared by the different churches of Leesburg, and the churches alternated the re- sponsibility of keeping the booth, and fur- nishing choir music. Scripture portions, a 83 Bible-reading plan, and other printed matter were passed out, and slides of various church activities were shown. In January 1973 the Women's Society of Christ- ian Service became the United Methodist Women. During the year they had an Attic Sale, a Bake Sale, and sold over 500 copies of the cookbook they had printed with favor- ite recipes of members and friends. Thanks- giving boxes were taken to shut-ins; a mis- cellaneous shower was given the newlywed Mrs. Marcus Roberts; $150 was donated on tennis courts, $100 on organ, $50 toward expenses at Camp Dooly of the Membership Orientation Class. For many years our church members had dreamed of having their tennis courts paved. This dream came true in 1973, and to the delight of everyone, these two courts immediately be- came just about-the most popular spot in town! Hearty thanks were in order for the hard work, determination and leadership of those pro- moting this project and to the many donors who made this possible. Leesburg Methodists were by no means the only contributors of the more than $3000. The purchase of a console organ was the cul- mination of another long-time desire. Mr. W. E. Tarpley left the church a legacy of $2000 when he died a number of years ago. His gift, along with some $1^00 in donations from other sources made this purchase possible. The organ lends itself in its own special way to a more worshipful atmosphere. 8U The church was fortunate in obtaining the ser- vices of Mrs. James Hayes, Jr., as its Direc- tor of Music around May of 1973. Sometime during the year the Church of God purchased two acres of land in Leesburg and started a mission, with Brother Joe Coley as pastor. They used a mobile chapel. Then on May 28, the church was set in order and the mis- sion became a full-fledged church. Perhaps the most notable event of the year was the ordination of Miss Helen Gray Crotwell into the Methodist ministry in June. Helen Gray is the daughter of Jim and Helen Crotwell She assumed the position of Associate Minister at Duke University on September 1. Vacation Church School was held July 16-20. Otis Hill loaned a school bus, which Ernest Coxwell drove. The school, directed by Mrs. Elsie Cannon, had a record attendance. Brother Roberts and Pauline were honored with a reception on July 22, given by their chil- dren for their 25th wedding anniversary which fell on July 18, 1973. This was a beautiful occasion. The outside woodwork of the church and par- sonage was painted in the summer, as well as the classrooms, and one of the church air con- ditioners was overhauled. The parsonage re- ceived a central air conditioning/heating system in August. The parsonage family was most grateful for this addition. 85 For the third consecutive year, members of the Leesburg United Methodist Church observed Christian Education Sunday at the cottage of Mr. and Mrs. E. A. ("Ned" and Lucille) Crot- well, on the banks of Lake Blackshear. This year it fell on September 23, and the theme was a "Bible Times Festival". Included in the entertainment were swimming in the Crotwell's pool; playing games with a Biblical background gospel singing led by Jim Hayes, accompanied on the piano by Mrs. Maggie Harris. There was a study of Bible Times musical instruments and their use in worship. Further carrying out the theme, a special table of favorite Hebrew foods had been pre- pared as part of the delicious picnic supper. A drama entitled "The Jericho Road" was pre- sented in lieu of the regular Sunday evening church service. This was an original play written by the talented minister, Curtis Roberts, and was based on the story of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10: 25-37* Brother Roberts narrated the play, and members of the cast were: Sam Williams, Jim Smith, Heyward Cook III, Randy Roberts, Jim Hayes, Henry Cannon and Otis Hill. Approximately 85 members participated in the enjoyment of this occasion. Homecoming Day on October lU was a delight- ful experience. The Reverend Joe Kelley preached the sermon and there was a memorial service for all members who had died since the last homecoming. 86 The United Methodist Men made a $50 donation to the "Heifer Project" of the South Georgia Methodist Conference. This involved giving a needy person in Bolivia a cow or other farm animal to help him help himself. Each recip- ient pledged the first offspring of his gift animal to another needy person. The UMM also purchased three signs to indi- cate direction to the Methodist Church from the highways; and they donated $15 to the Learning Center at Epworth-by-the-Sea. The UMYF won the Sub-District Efficiency Ban- ner in November. They sold doughnuts to help pay for the beautiful six-piece parament set for the pulpit and altar; had a car wash in June to earn money for the organ; donated $50 on the tennis courts by selling drink bottles; sold candy to raise funds for Camp Dooly. The chairperson of Christian Social Concerns reported having had the wonderful opportunity of counseling 120 inmates being released throughout this year from the Lee Correctional Institution, admonishing them to put God first in their lives. Each one was given a copy of The Living New Testament. She stated that the opportunity to witness in this man- ner affords her a great deal of satisfaction. The Friendship Class bought a paper-cutter for the church office. Throughout the years they have contributed to many worthwhile causes, such as: The Anchorage, Camp Dooly, Method- ist Home, Andrews College, Empty Stocking Fund in Leesburg, repairs to the church, etc. 87 On December 23, youths and adults went out and jointly sang Christmas carols over the town. It .was decided to have a Family Night each first Sunday, beginning with a covered dish supper, then a program for all, followed by a short business meeting of the men's, women's'and youth's organizations, with enter tainment provided for the children. 1974 The Unadilla United Methodist Church School challenged Ellaville and Leesburg to an at- tendance contest from February 17 to March 24, to see who could make the most im- provement in attendance and enrollment. Lees burg failed to win the contest, but was a winner in that there was a renewed interest in church school attendance. In March, Mrs. Sara Ann Williams presented a picture of "Christ, the Good Shepherd", done in lovely needlepoint, as a memorial to her grandfather, Barney L. Snider. There was a Maundy Thursday service of Holy Communion; and a community Easter Sunrise Service was held at the football stadium, with doughnuts, coffee and hot chocolate served afterwards. The UMM fish fry on April 19 netted $180 for their church landscaping project. Teams of one youth and one adult competed in a Fishing Rodeo on Lake Seminole May 10-11. On June 16, six members of the UMYF went to the Crotwell's cabin on Lake Blackshear with Dick and Martha Neff and Mrs. Lucille Cannon. They enjoyed cooking out, swimming, games, and good fellowship. Four remained overnight with the counselors, returning home about noon the next day. This writer suddenly realized she knew very little about this organization, so inquired of Martha Neff. Martha advised that the UMYF is an extension of Sunday School--the recreation part for the 12 years old and up. The amount of their conference dues is not based on the number who at- tend UMYF, but rather is $1 apiece for all in this age group who attend Sunday School. In other words, a Sunday School member is a UMYF member, whether or not he or she attends; so you can see how necessary their fund-raising cam- paigns are. The Leesburg UMYF is a member of the Annie Cato Sub-District, which they attend once a month. They have a program and fellowship, and compete for attendance and efficiency banners. They have recently won the Efficiency Banner 8 out of 9 months. On June 30, Mr. and Mrs. B. E. Gunter, parents of Mrs. Betty Cannon, were honored by their children with a reception for their 50th Wedding Anniver- sary. Five church members agreed to sing at morning worship service if the attendance record of 119 was exceeded. On July 28, 132 were in attendance and so the "Record Breakers Five", composed of Brother Roberts, Malcolm Cannon, Ray Tumlin, Thad Gibson, and Helen Johnson, 89 sang "There is Power in the Blood". Vacation Church School was held August 5-9 under the leadership of Elsie Cannon. A most interesting feature (and something that was most enjoyable to the children) was Brother Roberts dressing in his centennial costume of derby hat, string tie, vest, and with a walking stick, taking the children by classes on a walking tour to the site of the first Method- ist church building in Leesburg, which is the present home of Mrs. E. B. (Mary) Lee. The building was later used for a school for many years, then was purchased by R. A. Forrester who remodeled it and made it into a very attractive home. The children were also shown the site of the old courthouse. A-Teacher Appreciation Right is being planned for September 8, which is to take the place of the usual Family Night which has been held each first Sunday of the month. There will be the regular covered dish supper, but the teachers are to be honor guests on this even- ing. The Administrative Board voted to celebrate the church's 100th birthday on September 29> which is Christian Education Sunday. Everyone is expected to dress and look the part of 100 years ago, with the ladies wearing long dresses, aprons, bonnets, high-top shoes, and the men with beards, mustaches, derby hats, vests, string ties, etc. The Friendship Class has paid for the at- tractive church bell display which has been 90 constructed on the church lawn, to house the old church bell. This rustic structure features brick columns and redwood paneling for the base, with iron posts supporting a shelter of cedar shingles. The bell which hangs in the center has been cleaned and painted a shining brass. Frank Godwin was the designer and supervisor of this work. Mrs. Margarette Harris' has been the pianist/ organist for our church for over eight years. We are thankful for her faithfulness. IN CLOSING We members of the Leesburg United Methodist Church of 1974 have a wonderful heritage. Our church was built by faith, prayer, love, sacrifice, and devotion to duty. In the words of our pastor, Curtis Roberts, "May we never become a self-satisfied and complacent church, but pray always for the vision to see the needs around us, the wis- dom to respond to them, and the faith to at- tempt the impossible for Jesus sake." Amen. 91 CHURCH DIRECTORY - 1974 Resident Bishop ................................................... William R. Cannon District Superintendent ...........................................H. McCoy Johnson THE ADMINISTRATIVE BOARD Pastor ................'.................................-.........Curtis C. Roberts Chairperson.....................................Malcolm Cannon Vice-Chairperson .....................--------....-...................Ray Tumlin Recording Secretary ...-----------------------------------Mrs. J. E. Johnson Lay Leader *..........................------------------------------- Richard F- Neff Lay Member of the Annual Conference................................Otis H. Cannon Chairperson of Committee on Finance.............------------------Max B. Hardy, Sr. Chairperson of Committee on Pastor Parish and Lay Personnel -----.Otis H. Cannon Chairperson of Trustees...-....-.....................-------------------Fay Tumlin Secretary of Committee on Nominations .............................Mrs. Lucilla Cannon Church Treasurer ......---------------.............---------------H. H. Cook, Sr. Financial Secretary....-pr-..........................- Mrs. H. H. Cook, Sr. Chairperson of Council on Ministries............................... James L. Smith Secretary of Enlistment ..............Mary Eloise Green Membership Secretary ..................................... Miss Nettie Mae Bass President of the United Methodist Women ------------i-~----------- Mrs. C. R. Grace President of the United Methodist Men-..........----------------James L. Smith Health and Welfare Representative...............-----------------**" Mrs. C. R. Grace Chairperson of Work Areas: Ecumenical Affairs Education--------- Evangelism ...... Missions ------ Social Concerns - Stewardship ------ Worship----------- AgeLevel Coordinators: --------Mrs. J. M. Rhodes ~ Mrs. W. E. Cannon, Sr. ----- Mrs. Harry H. Hinds ...---- Mrs. E. A. Crotwell Mrs. Thomas C. Swann, Sr. ---------Max B. Hardy, Sr. ------Mrs. H. H. Cook, Jr. Children's Ministries Youth Ministries Adult Ministries Family Ministries MembersatLarge: Class of 1974 H. H. Cook. Jr. Forrest Crotwell Mrs. Florence Cannon Mrs. Richard Neff J. E. Johnson Miss Susie Lee Green Elbert Williams Class of 1975 Ray Tumlin J. Malcolm Cannon Mrs. C. R. Grace Miss Bertha Cannon Mrs. J. E. Johnson Miss Donna Neff (Y) Mrs. Tommy Cannon (YA) THE COUNCIL ON MINISTRIES Mrs. Otis H. Cannon Mrs. James L. Smith Mrs. Eloise Green Mrs. James Cannon Class of 1976 R. E. Coxwell R. S. Williams Thomas C. Swann, Sr. Alton Turner, Sr. Mrs. Ray Tumlin Miss Lynn Turner (YA) Miss Barbara Coxwell (Y) Chairperson ................S-.................... ViceChairperson ........-...-HISS-............. Secretary....................... ----------------- Pastor in Charge ...------------------------------- Chairperson of the Administrative Board------------ Chairperson of Committee on Finance............. President of the United Methodist Women ............. Lay Leader ..............-w--*:;r5 Youth Members: -------------------(1) Rachael Grace Young Adult Members: -------------(1) Marcus Roberts Representative of United Methodist Men............. All AgeLevel Coordinators: (Listed above) All Work Area Chairpersons: (Listed above) Other Staff Persons. -------James L. Smith - Mrs. W. E. Cannon, Sr. ------Mrs. C. R. Grace -ifx- Curtis C. Roberts -- J. Malcolm Cannon Max B. Hardy, Sr. Mrs. C. R. Grace Richard F. Neff -------- (2) Ken Neff (2) Mrs. Lewis W. Harris ----Joseph E. Johnson TRUSTEES E. A. Crotwell (74) Ray T. Tumlin (75) James M. Cannon, Sr. (76) COMMUNION STEWARD Mrs. J. D. Bass 92 1974 Administrative Board members present for called meeting, August 11, 1974: Beginning with back row, left to right: Jim Smith, Forrest Crotwell, Betty Tumlin, Sam Williams, E. A. Crotwell, Malcolm Cannon, Thomas Swann, Otis Cannon, Mary Eloise Green, Donna Neff, Elsie Cannon, Bobbie Swann, Dick Neff, LaVerne Hinds, Patsy Cook, Martha Neff, Aline Grace, Lorice Cook, Ethelind Cannon (in front of Aline Grace), Lucille Crotwell (a little behind and to the left of Ethelind Cannon),; and on front row, Curtis Roberts, Heyward Cook, Eloise Green, Lucilla Cannon, Helen Johnson, Buddy Cook. 93 Left to right: Curtis C. Roberts, Pastor; Ray Tumlin, Chair- person of the Administrative Board; Mrs. H. H. Cook, Sr., Financial Secretary; H. H. Cook, Sr., Church Treasurer; J. Malcolm Cannon, Chairperson of the Administrative Board; Richard F. Neff, Lay Leader; Mrs. J. E. John- son, Recording Secretary. 94 (Top), 197^ Trustees: James M. Cannon, Sr. Ray T. Tumlin, E. A. Crotvell. (Bottom), Randy C. Roberts, UMYF President Mrs. C. R. Grace, UMW President; Jim Smith UMM President. 95 PAST PRESIDENTS (Only a partial listing, as many records are lost!) YOUTH ORGANIZATION (Epworth League, Methodist Youth Fellowship, and United Methodist Youth Fel- lowship ): Eloise Tarpley Sarah Kitchens Gwendolyn Johnson Charles Clark Ann Cannon Billy Crotwell Mary Cannon Mary Clark Annelle Crotwell- Linda Thrift Phyllis ' Cannon Smitty Cannon Tommy Cannon Angie Grace Jennifer Helms Judy Powell Frank David Hinds Bill, Cannon Charlie Gibson Heyward Cook III Randy Roberts (currently serving) MEN'S ORGANIZATION (Methodist Men, United Meth- odist Men): Malcolm Cannon Hoke Cannon Joseph Johnson W. L. Lumpkin Max Hardy Elbert Williams Sam Williams Jim Smith (current President) WOMEN'S ORGANIZATION (Woman's Home & Foreign Mis- sions, Woman's Missionary Society, Woman's Soci- ety of Christian Service, and United Methodist Women): Mrs. Crumbly Mrs. Barbara Lyon Mrs. Dan Shackleford Mrs. Sellars Mrs. E. A. Dawley Mrs. J. P. Horne .Mrs. Helen Johnson Mrs. W. Y. Faircloth Mrs. Maxine Pate Mrs. Opal Cannon Mrs. Kalah Hardy Mrs. Lucille Crotwell Mrs. Mary Varner Miss Bertha Cannon Mrs. Lucilla Cannon Mrs. Aline Grace (current) 96 PAST OFFICIALS (A partial list, as many records are lost) Sunday School Superintendents: (Church School Superintendent) T. M. Booker R. E. Howe Dr. J. H. Conoway Rev. V. P. Folds S. J. Powell J. N. Mitchell Z. T. Pate Max B. Hardy Cecil Gihhs Vacation Bible School Director: (Vacation Church School Director) Mrs. Elsie Cannon Mrs. Patsy Cook Mrs. Sara Ann Williams Mrs. Verga Hill Mrs. Ethelind Cannon Mrs. Gwendolyn Guilheau Mrs. Mary Lee Clark Mrs. W. Y. Faircloth Church Lay Leaders: W. E. Tarpley J. E. Johnson L. E. Vest L. B. Cannon Thad Gibson Cecil Gibbs J. T. Groover Elbert Williams H. H. Cook, Jr. Richard F. Neff (Present) 9T Table I, Statistical Table THIS COPY FOR THE CHARGE CONFERENCE RECORD Conference Church No Local Church Report to the Annual Conference The United Methodist Church State _ _ County. in Reports for the year ended December 31, 19 73- or for the period B943_,io_ ImportantRead instructions c DO NOT WHITE IN THIS SPACE Total full member, reported at clou Received this year on Confession of Faith or Restored .. Received from other United Methodist churches....... Received from other denominations .................. Removed by Charge Conference action or withdrawn ... Removed by transfer to other United Methodist church Removed by transfer to other denominations ......... Removed by death ................................... Total full members at dose of this year............ Number of persons baptized this year (all ages) ... Number of leaders (teachers, administrators, etc. for Children (birth through sixth grade) in all classes an Youth (seventh grade through high school) in all das Adults (post high school) in all classes and groups Total church school membership (add lines 15-18 ir ly Churcl Membership in .United Methodist Worn, Amount paid (or local church and com: Value of church land, buildings and equipment........ Value of church-owned parsonages and furniture....... Value of other assets (cash, securities, other property, e Indebtedness on items 28, 27, 28 at end of year...... tc.) . 1* 2* 4t -&k- r ip- 103 *5 12 37 lCl.OOQ- 37,000. 28.000.' 98 Table n, Financial Report this copy fob th charge conference record Conference Church No. Local Church Report to the Annual Conference Hie United Methodist Church Pastor- CUBSU 0. IpCTWjl____________ State ^MMZk County ***______________________ Chnrrt. UMMHH*_____________________ Reports for the year ended December 31, 19 73 uaw or for the period __________'______________ JP< 1 19 73 , to19 ft. District __________ ImportantRead instructions on Work Sheet Conference QB0B8RA Amount Paid 99 HISTORICAL NOTES ABOUT UNITED METHODIST WOMEN The United Methodist Women of the United Meth- odist Church has many predecessor organiza- tions. To better understand the present organization, let us review the events of the past which led up to the present organization. The following excerpts are presented from the Handbook/Workbook for United Methodist Women, Board of Global Ministries of the United Meth- odist Church: "It was in the|g-9th Century, the missionary century and the women's century, that the foremothers of our denomination first organized for missionary service. "The nation was recovering from a terrible civil war; children were working ten hours a day in factories and longer in the fields; women had no political or economic rights; and millions around the world lived in poverty, ignorance and without medical care. On a March day of blustery winds and driving rain in 1869 s eight women came together at the Tremont Church in Boston to organize the first Woman's Foreign Mis- sionary Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church. This group eventually sent to India, Isabella Thoburn, who established at Lucknow the first school for girls in that country, and Dr. Clara Swain, who set up a woman's hospital at Bareilly. "Other structural expressions of the same commitment to assume responsibility to work, to pray, to study and to give for the mission of the church were: 100 "1863 - Woman's Foreign Missionary Society, The Methodist Episcopal Church, South. "1910 - Merger of Woman's Home Missionary Society and Woman's Board of For- eign Missions to form Woman's Mis- sionary Council, an organic part of the Board of Missions, The Method- ist Episcopal Church, South. "1939-^0 - Woman's Society of Christian Service, The Methodist (a union of five organizee women's groups of three Methodist communions) and Wesleyan Service Guild. "1968 - Union of the Methodist Church' and the United Brethren Church. Con- tinuing mission concerns of women expressed through the Women's So- ciety of Christian Service and Wesleyan Service Guild." "Growing side hy side with missionary societies in most local churches were the Ladies' Aid Societies. These organizations had no gen- eral church counterpart, since their function was to aid the local church. Frequently they were the same women who were members of the Missionary Societies; Ladies Aiders began to wish for a program of study and outreach in ad- dition to their local church activities; many women's society members began to see the mis- sion and ministry of the church as whole, not bound by geography. It was this vision of wholeness that led the Methodist women to a unified local organization in 1939-^0........ *\ As the need for a missionary group for em- ployed women began to be realized in the 101 churches, structures were provided. The Wes- leyan Service Guild was organized within the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1921; it was continued as an auxiliary of the new Woman's Society of Christian Service in 1939*........ "In October 1971, the Women's Division voted that there should be 'one new inclusive organ- ization for women, with a new name', to be a successor to the Women's Society of Christian Service and Wesleyan Service Guild. "General Conference (April 1972) approved the constitutions for the local units of UNITED METHODIST WOMEN, and the District, Conference and Jurisdiction organizations of UNITED METHODIST WOMEN." As of January 1973, the UNITED METHODIST WOMEN became a reality in the South Georgia Conference. "Women organized for mission! Flexible structure to enhance effective mission! This is our goal! UNITED METHODIST WOMEN is a new missional unit in every congregation, but it has not been created in a vacuum. Emerging from the former structures, the Women's Soci- ety of Christian Service and Wesleyan Service Guild, it will continue to carry heavy re- sponsibilities for the financial undergirding of the total mission outreach program of the church. It will'* function as a part of a con- nectional system and through districts and conferences will be related to the Women's Division of the Board of Global Ministries. It will continue to provide opportunities for women to be in mission locally, assume leader- ship in various areas of church and society 102 and be related to women and their concerns throughout the world. "Through the years, the'missionary motivation of UNITED METHODIST WOMEN (and its predecessor organization) has remained basically a central part of its purpose.... We are UNITED METHOD- IST WOMEN, one new inclusive Organization for women in mission." 103 Leesburg Boy Scouts Win Awards. An undated newspaper clipping from the Albany Herald records a very significant service held at the Leesburg Methodist Church during the pastorate of Rev. Charles Webster: "Services last Sunday at the Leesburg Methodist Church were dedicated to presen- tation of God and Country Awards to eight boys from Troop 16 in Leesburg. The youths were Jimmy Rhodes, Butch Rhodes, Frank David Hinds, John Thomas Hinds, Jimmy Cannon, Bill Cannon, Dave Thrift and Jim McBride. "Max Hardy, assistant scoutmaster and chair- man of Chehaw Council Camping Activities Committee, introduced Ernest Wells, Chehaw scout representative, who gave a summary of the God and Country requirements. The Rev. Charles Webster, pastor, emphasized the significance of the awards in his sermon. "J. M. Rhodes, Jr., scoutmaster, presented the candidates and other scouts. The Rev. Webster awarded the medals, followed by the presentation of miniature awards to the parents. "Jimmy Rhodes, Eagle scout, presented the pastor with a gift from the candidates for his service and guidance the past year. Also present was the God and Country Committee from the Leesburg Methodist Church, which is composed of Max Hardy, John E. Groover, Lamar Cannon, Elbert Williams and Hilton Brooks." 104 105 106 PASTORAL APPOINTMENTS LEESBURG METHODIST CHURCH 1909-1943 BH si 1< 3 -ji v ihfl % J * v v i| IiBw 107 PASTORAL APPOINTMENTS 106 BIBLIOGRAPHY Clary, George Esmond, Jr. The Beginnings Of The South Georgia Conference. The South Georgia Conference Historical Society in observance of the Conference Centennial year 1966-1967. Epworth-By-The-Sea, "The Wesleys in Georgia", Together Magazine, September, 1957. A leaflet reprint. Georgia Historical Records Survey, Inventory Of County Archives Of Georgia (No. 88, Lee County, Volume I). Atlanta: Work Projects Administration, 1942. Handbook/Workbook for United Methodist Women, Board of Global Ministries of the United Methodist Church, Chapter VIII, 93-97. McGehee, John Boykin, Autobiography of Rev. J. McGehee, D. D. of The South Georgia Conference. Buena Vista, Georgia, Weaver Pringing Company, 1915. Prince, Alfred M., A History of Methodism In Georgia. The North Georgia Conference Historical Society, 1956. Quarterly Conference Records for certain years found on file at Bronwood, Leslie, and Leesburg churches. Resources of Lee County, Georgia. Published by the authority of the County Commissioners 1895. South Georgia Annua1 Conference Journal of The Methodist Episcopal Church, South. Volumes for 1858-1938, excluding 1880 & 1881. Courtesy Library-Museum, Epworth- By-The-Sea, St. Simons Island, Georgia. 109 South Georgia Annua 1 Conference Journal of The Methodist Church. Volumes for 1939- 1967. Courtesy Library-Museum, Epworth- By-The-Sea, St. Simons Island, Georgia. South Georgia Annua1 Conference Journa1 Of The United Methodist Church. Volumes for 1968-1974. Courtesy Library-Museum, Epworth-By-The-Sea, St. Simons Island, Georgia. Town and Country Commission of the South Georgia Conference, Meet The Circuits of 1953. OTHER SOURCES: Church paper, Wesleyan Christian Advocate, Macon, Georgia. (Clipping), Jan. 6, 1955. Crotwell, Sam P., County Surveyor, for copies of maps of early Leesburg and Old Starksville. Dedication Service Educationa1 Building Bulletin, The Leesburg Methodist Church, May 28, 1950. General Assembly, Acts and Resolutions of The General Assembly of Georgia, Part II, Tit. 1, Chap. 2, Charter Amendments, No. CL. -(0. No. 173), pp 201,202. Gilbert, Emory C., Letter addressed to Earle J. Garbutt, District Superintendent, April 19, 1955. Minutes of the Leesburg Presbyterian Church. Courtesy of W. M. Coxwell, Elder. McBride, James, statement as to location of former town of Webster. 110 Newspaper, The Albany (Georgia) Herald, "Portrait of Smiling Christ Given WSCS", Nov, 28, 1955. (Clipping). Newspaper, Albany Herald, "History of Starksville, Tom Love, October 24, 1941. Newspapers, Lee County Journal. (Files of old newspapers on file in the ordinary's office, Leesburg, Georgia). Record of Deeds, Courtesy, W. M. Coxwell, County Clerks Office. Scrapbook of Woman's Society of Christian Service, for the Leesburg Methodist Church, 1952-1953. Scrapbook of City of Leesburg for 1951-1952. Snider, Mrs. B. L., A statement as to location of former town of Webster, and Wesley Chapel Church. 111 KINCHAFOONEE REGIONAL LIBRARY h_ 3 0524 1000 3766 5 P REF ieee3766LE 975.894Roberts, Curtis C. ROB The Leesburg Ga.Rm. Methodist story SEP 3 0 '93 LIBRARY