-
Notifications
You must be signed in to change notification settings - Fork 1
/
Copy pathhistory.html
330 lines (323 loc) · 21.4 KB
/
history.html
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
90
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
98
99
100
101
102
103
104
105
106
107
108
109
110
111
112
113
114
115
116
117
118
119
120
121
122
123
124
125
126
127
128
129
130
131
132
133
134
135
136
137
138
139
140
141
142
143
144
145
146
147
148
149
150
151
152
153
154
155
156
157
158
159
160
161
162
163
164
165
166
167
168
169
170
171
172
173
174
175
176
177
178
179
180
181
182
183
184
185
186
187
188
189
190
191
192
193
194
195
196
197
198
199
200
201
202
203
204
205
206
207
208
209
210
211
212
213
214
215
216
217
218
219
220
221
222
223
224
225
226
227
228
229
230
231
232
233
234
235
236
237
238
239
240
241
242
243
244
245
246
247
248
249
250
251
252
253
254
255
256
257
258
259
260
261
262
263
264
265
266
267
268
269
270
271
272
273
274
275
276
277
278
279
280
281
282
283
284
285
286
287
288
289
290
291
292
293
294
295
296
297
298
299
300
301
302
303
304
305
306
307
308
309
310
311
312
313
314
315
316
317
318
319
320
321
322
323
324
325
326
327
328
329
330
<!DOCTYPE html>
<html lang="en-us">
<head>
<meta charset="UTF-8">
<title>
History of Wesley Chapel UMC
</title>
<meta name="Keywords" content="History, Wesley, Chapel, United, Methodist, Church, Misenheimer, NC, North, Carolina, UMC">
<meta name="description" content="History of Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church">
<link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="css/WesleyStyleSheet.css">
<link rel="shortcut icon" href="images/anicross-20141124-favicon.ico">
<style type="text/css">
p {
text-indent: 0mm;
}
</style>
</head>
<body lang="en-us">
<div id="Container" class="pos_justify">
<a id="home"></a>
<!-- Page Container -->
<!-- Header section -->
<header>
<iframe class="images" src="images.html" scrolling='no' seamless width="1400" height="480"></iframe>
<iframe class="menu" src="menu.html" seamless ></iframe>
</header>
<!-- Main content -->
<div>
<h1>
<span style='font-family:"Times New Roman, times, serif'>Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church History
</span>
</h1>
<h2>
<span style='color:blue'><a href="#earlychurch">
The Early Church</a>
</span>
</h2>
<h2>
<span style='color:blue'><a href="#churchplaces">History of the Church Buildings</a>
</span>
</h2>
<h2>
<span style='color:blue'><a href="#sesquicentennial">Sesquicentennial Celebration - 1858 to 2008</a>
</span>
</h2>
<h2>
<span style='color:blue'><a href="#ministers">List of Ministers</a>
</span>
</h2>
<p> </p>
<h2>
<a id="earlychurch"></a> <u><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman, times, serif";color:#943634'>The Early Church</span></u>
</h2>
<h2>
<span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-size:18.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman, times, serif'>Changes that shaped the congregation of Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church</span>
</h2>
<p>
<span style='font-family:"Times New Roman, times, serif'>As the early members met in a barn attempting to form a church, the clouds of this nation's most turbulent period were quickly gathering. The outbreak of a civil war that would divide this nation was only a few months away. According to earlier information contained in the church archives, "regular sessions" were held each summer from May through August, but Sunday School was still held on a regular basis even though our nation, state, and community became engulfed in this struggle. The effects of this national struggle would be felt for many years. Wesley Chapel became Methodist Episcopal South and others in the area were Methodist Episcopal North.</span>
</p>
<p>
<span style='font-family:"Times New Roman, times, serif'>Wesley Chapel endured several congregational changes over the last 150 years. Several local churches emerged from the Wesley Chapel congregation and have become equally important places of worship still serving the community. In 1942, the members of Misenheimer Methodist Episcopal Church merged with the congregation of Wesley Chapel. These changes were surely very difficult for all involved at the time, but they have ultimately helped to build a stronger local church community to serve the growing needs of the area.</span>
</p>
<p>
<span style='font-family:"Times New Roman, times, serif'>Wesley Chapel has grown from being served by a circuit preacher who would visit and preach a few times a year, then to a congregation on a charge that shared a minister with other congregations, to finally having the ability to support and enjoy a full-time pastor in a parsonage. The congregation of Wesley Chapel has always dealt with circumstances in a positive, constructive, and most Christian way. As history has shown us, the only way for a church to not only survive, but also to flourish, is to provide for the needs of its church family, the immediate community, and the greater community beyond by doing so in the most Christ-like way possible. As long as we keep Him as our example and our guide, we will provide for the needs of future generations in this community.</span>
</p>
<h3>
<a href="#home">Return to Top</a>
</h3>
<p>
</p>
<p>
</p>
<h2>
<a id="churchplaces"></a> <u><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman, times, serif";color:#943634;'>History of the Church Buildings</span></u>
</h2>
<h2>
<span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-size:18.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman, times, serif'>Places of worship for the congregation of Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church</span>
</h2>
<p>
<span style='font-family:"Times New Roman, times, serif'>On October 9<sup>th</sup>, 1858, an agreement was made between M.B. Barringer and Allison Dry to convey a tract of land to a group of trustees of The Methodist Episcopal Church South for the sum of five dollars. The trustees, Moses Dry, Eli Shaver, Ambrose Lents, Gorite Sell, and Henry T. Lents and their successors, were to construct a house of worship on this parcel of land to be used by the members of The Methodist Episcopal Church South according to the rules and discipline of the church and their general conference. The date of this agreement is the first definite date in the history of what is now known as Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church. This parcel of land is currently used as the Wesley Chapel Cemetery.</span>
</p>
<p>
<span style='font-family:"Times New Roman, times, serif'>According to earlier written accounts, the first members of this congregation had been meeting prior to October 9th, 1858, in a barn located on the Dry farm southeast of the present Wesley Chapel cemetery. The members continued to meet in this barn until a permanent wooden structure was constructed on the newly acquired land. It was town down the late 1930's.</span>
</p>
<p>
<span style='font-family:"Times New Roman, times, serif'>
<img width="454" height="363" src="images/barn.jpg" alt="3 P2Top Original Meeting House.jpg">
</span>
</p>
<p>
<span style='font-family:"Times New Roman, times, serif'><i style='font-style:normal'><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman, times, serif'>Original Barn Meeting House on the Dry farm ~ circa 1858</span>
</i>
</span>
</p>
<!-- <p>
<span style='font-family:"Times New Roman, times, serif'> </span>
</p> -->
<p>
<span style='font-family:"Times New Roman, times, serif'>The construction date for the second structure used by the congregation is not known. Earlier written accounts referred to this building as a "small frame structure" that was used until 1890 when a larger church building was constructed. At this time, there are no known photographs of that building. The larger structure, completed in 1890, stood near the center of what is now the Wesley Chapel Cemetery. Several surviving photographs show the church in this location. All of them were taken just after the addition of the steeple in 1916.</span>
</p>
<p>
<img width="505" height="404" src="images/originalchurch.jpg" alt="4 P2 Bottom Original Church beside Cemetary.jpg">
</p>
<p>
<i style='font-style:normal'><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman, times, serif'>Wesley Chapel Church ~circa 1916</span></i>
</p>
<p>
<span style='font-family:"Times New Roman, times, serif'>This structure remained in that location until 1927. Evidently, the expanding congregation with its growing cemetery needs decided to relocate the church building across the road to a newly acquired parcel of land. The newly moved structure served the congregation well until the mid 1940's. At that time, the need arose for additional space for Sunday school classrooms. In August 1947, construction began on a new two story addition on the rear of the church.</span>
</p>
<p>
<img width="468" height="320" src="images/sundayschooladdition.jpg" alt="7 P4 Top Sunday School Addition 1947.jpg">
</p>
<p>
<i style='font-style:normal'><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman, times, serif'>Sunday School Addition ~1947</span></i>
</p>
<p>
<span style='font-family:"Times New Roman, times, serif'>The addition was completed and used beginning in early March, 1948. Within on a few weeks, all financial obligations had been met and the addition was dedicated by Bishop Clare Purcell on June 6, 1948. During the 1950's, the sanctuary was completely remodeled and stained-glass windows were added.</span>
</p>
<p>
<img width="526" height="421" src="images/churchbeforefire.jpg" alt="Church before Fire.jpg">
</p>
<p>
<i style='font-style:normal'><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman, times, serif'>Wesley Chapel Church ~circa 1966</span></i>
</p>
<p>
<span style='font-family:"Times New Roman, times, serif'>This enlarged structure was home to the Wesley Chapel congregation until February 19, 1967. In the early morning hours of that Sunday, the large white building burned. Only a few pieces of furniture and the Bible from the pulpit could be saved.
<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>
</p>
<p>
<img width="562" height="450" src="images/firedestroyschurch.jpg" alt="9 P5 Top Fire Destroys Church 1967.jpg">
</p>
<p>
<i style='font-style:normal'><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman, times, serif'>Fire Destroys Church -February 19, 1967</span>
</i>
</p>
<p>
<img width="564" height="451" src="images/afterthefire.jpg" alt="10 P5 Bottom After the Fire 1967.jpg">
</p>
<p>
<i style='font-style:normal'><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman, times, serif'>Aftermath of Fire - 1967</span></i>
</p>
<p>
<span style='font-family:"Times New Roman, times, serif'>The congregation found itself back in the same position from where it started, just over 108 years earlier.</span>
</p>
<p>
<span style='font-family:"Times New Roman, times, serif'>As in our earliest years as a congregation, we were graciously provided with a place to meet until a permanent structure could be built. Pfeiffer College offered the congregation the use of its chapel. For more than two years, the Wesley Chapel congregation worshiped with the college community in the Pfeiffer Chapel while construction progressed on the new structure. During this extremely difficult period of Wesley Chapel's history, the Rev. William H. Faggart guided the congregation to yet another place to worship. The thoughts, prayers, and support from the community helped to make possible the construction of a new church building.</span>
</p>
<p>
<span style='font-family:"Times New Roman, times, serif'>A groundbreaking ceremony took place on May 4, 1968. Dr. Elwood Carroll, superintendent of the Albemarle District, presided.</span>
</p>
<p>
<img width="564" height="280" src="images/groundbreaking.jpg" alt="11 P6 Top Groundbreaking.jpg">
</p>
<p>
<i style='font-style:normal'><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman, times, serif'>Groundbreaking Ceremony -May 4, 1968</span></i>
</p>
<p>
<img width="568" height="454" src="images/rebuilding.jpg" alt="Rebuilding.jpg">
</p>
<p>
<i style='font-style:normal'><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman, times, serif'>Rebuilding 1968-1969</span></i>
</p>
<p>
<img width="570" height="456" src="images/settingsteeple.jpg" alt="13 P7 Top Setting Steeple.jpg">
</p>
<p>
<i style='font-style:normal'><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman, times, serif'>Setting of Steeple - 1968-1969</span></i>
</p>
<p>
<span style='font-family:"Times New Roman, times, serif'>On August 3, 1969, the first service was held in the new church building. This beautiful new structure continues to serve as the home of the Wesley Chapel congregation.</span>
</p>
<p>
<img width="573" height="404" src="images/completedchurch.jpg" alt="14 P7 Bottom Completed Church.jpg">
</p>
<p>
<i style='font-style:normal'><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman, times, serif'>Newly Completed Structure - 1969</span></i>
</p>
<h3>
<a href="#home">Return to Top</a>
</h3>
<p>
</p>
<p>
</p>
<h2>
<a id="sesquicentennial"></a> <u><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman, times, serif";color:#943634'>Sesquicentennial Celebration</span></u>
</h2>
<h2>
<u><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman, times, serif";color:#943634'><img width="582" height="386" style="border:0px" src="images/sesquicentenial.jpg" alt="1 P1 Top 150th Logo.JPG"></span></u>
</h2>
<h2>
<span style='font-family:"Times New Roman, times, serif";color:#943634;'> </span>
</h2>
<h2>
<span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-size:18.0pt'>Pastor's Thoughts on Sesquicentennial</span>
</h2>
<p>
I was asked, as the "new" pastor, to reflect on the future direction of the church. From the little I do know about its past, I know Wesley Chapel is a strong and faithful church that has served God well. For 150 years, God's word through United Methodism has been proclaimed in the community surrounding this church. Many people have come to know God's love and grace because of the people at Wesley Chapel. The future of this church is also up to the people called United Methodists. We must first be in constant prayer and discernment of God's will for Wesley Chapel. Our task is to make disciples and bring others to know the love and grace of Jesus Christ. Then, as we begin to make disciples, we will also want to truly be disciples; sharing that joy that comes from knowing Jesus in a personal relationship. Church is so much more than just what happens on Sunday morning. The future of Wesley Chapel depends on all believers rallying around the cause of Christ and focusing on taking church into the world─beginning right here in northern Stanly County. I look forward to serving this wonderful community of committed Christian believers as we go into a future directed by God and as we serve with compassion a world that is searching for the hope that is found in our Savior, Jesus the Christ.
</p>
<p style="position:relative;left:950px;top:-26px">
Rev. Cathy Davis
</p>
<p> </p>
<h2 style='text-align:left'>
<span style='font-family:Times New Roman, times, serif'>My "Ideal" Church</span>
</h2> In my "ideal" Church there is -
<ul>
<li>
a quietness that encourages thought,
</li>
<li>
a compassion that stirs one to help another in pain,
</li>
<li>a rest for tired bodies,</li>
<li>a peace for troubled thoughts,</li>
<li>a Light for darkened pathways,</li>
<li>a communion with Loved ones here and beyond,</li>
<li>a forgiveness for foolishness and weakness,</li>
<li>the Presences of our Lord Jesus for all who would find Him.</li>
</ul>
<p>
<span style='font-family:"Times New Roman, times, serif'>Wesley Chapel Church has been such a place for me, and for countless others, for a hundred and fifty years. Because God has been with us, our challenges have only made us stronger. Thanks be to God for the gift of Himself in this great old Church!</span>
</p>
<p style="position:relative;left:950px;top:-26px">
<span style='font-family:Times New Roman, times, serif'>Rev. Bill Faggart</span>
</p>
<h3>
<a href="#home">Return to Top</a>
</h3>
<p> </p>
<p>
</p>
<div id="listOfMinisters">
<h2>
<a id="ministers"></a> <u><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman, times, serif";color:#943634'>List of Ministers</span></u>
</h2>
<span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman, times, serif'>1858 John Watts
<br>1860 Eugene W. Thompson
<br>1863 Lundy Wood
<br>1866 E. A. Lemons
<br>1870 John Finger
<br>1873 J. S. Nelson
<br>1874 W. H. Watkins
<br>1875 Edward Howland
<br>1876 Miles M. Foy
<br>1880 J. D. Carpenter
<br>1883 W. L. Grissom
<br>1885 W. P. McCorkle
<br>1886 Zebedee Rush
<br>1888 Louis M. Brown
<br>1892 Thomas W. Mansfield
<br>1895 C. M. Gentry
<br>1898 L. T. Cordell
<br>1899 F. W. Bradley
<br>1901 J. S. Nelson
<br>1903 J. J. Eads
<br>1904 J.C. Postelle
<br>1907 James Wilson
<br>1910 A. E. Wiley And J. H. Sellars ( to 1912 )
<br>1911 R. L. Forbis
<br>1913 J. M. Price
<br>1915 J. W. Strider
<br>1917 E. M. Avett
<br>1922 D.P. Grant
<br>1923 W. B. Thompson
<br>1924 Frank J. Stough
<br>1927 E. N. Crowder
<br>1928 J. Max Brandon, Sr.
<br>1929 W. A. Kale
<br>1930 G. G. Adams
<br>1932 J. P. Morris
<br>1935 C. S. Plyle
<br>1936 Harlan L. Creech, Jr. (deceased)
<br>1938 Abram J. Cox II
<br>1941 Courtney B. Ross ( deceased 11-14-03 )
<br>1943 William A Rock, Jr. ( deceased 3-8-02 )
<br>1944 J. E. Cockran
<br>1945 Leroy A. Scott
<br>1949 E. J. Harbison
<br>1951 Jack C. Smith
<br>1955 Harlan L. Creech
<br>1959 Dr. Daniel Sain
<br>1961 Lloyd Hunsucker
<br>1963 William Faggart (retired)
<br>1969 James F. Weekley
<br>1971 William F. Gerhardt
<br>1973 Wayne Beatty
<br>1977 Wiley H. Garrett
<br>1981 James C. Howell
<br>1986 Glenn S. Griffiths
<br>1990 J. Ed Houk
<br>1991 Randolph E. Powell
<br>1995 Lee Money (deceased)
<br>1997 Dwight Whitlock, Jr. (retired)
<br>1999 Robert A. Clanton, Jr. (retired)
<br>2003 Michael A. Collins
<br>2004 Michael E. Newton
<br>2008 Catherine Davis
<br>2011 John Bryant
<br>2015 Sue Crouse
</span>
<p>
</p>
<h3>
<a href="#home">Return to Top</a>
</h3>
</div>
</div>
<!-- Footer section -->
<footer>
<div id="footer">
<iframe src="footer.html" style="width:1281px;height:280px;border:0"></iframe>
</div>
</footer>
</div>
</body>
</html>