USA > Georgia > Tift County > History of Tift County > Part 22
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Perfect design and craftsmanship that contribute so much to the interior beauty of the building was the handiwork of local builders who com-
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menced work on the church on March 20, 1898. Mr. Edmund Harding Tift, assuming responsibility for providing required material and pay- ments, supervised the construction with untiring zeal.
At the time this work began, C. K. Nelson was Bishop of Georgia, hav- ing been consecrated Bishop in 1893. After his consecration, he immediately began locating isolated members of the Episcopal Church, and found three or four communicants in Tifton which, by that time, had grown from merely a saw-mill site to a progressive little town. He sent the Rev. J. W. Turner to conduct monthly services, necessarily on week days as they were held in the Methodist Church building.
Gradual increase in the town's population brought additional Episco- palians, and eventually it became evident that they ought to have a church building. Bishop Nelson heartily approved the project and in a letter to Mr. E. H. Tift, dated February 7, 1898, pledged $300 toward the building.
As work progressed in the building, friends, even though not Episco- palians, showed much interest by cooperating in many ways. Soon the building, second oldest church building in Tifton, was completed and on January 1, 1902, was consecrated by Bishop Nelson.
Since that time many illustrious and fine men have served as ministers at St. Anne's including :
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1898-The Rev. J. W. Turner (also served Jekyl Island and Leighton Chapels) organized the Mission.
1899-The Rev. Allard Barnwell
1900-The Rev. T. C. Tupper
1901-The Rev. L. C. Birch
1903-The Rev. Harry Thomas Walden (Cordele)
1905-The Rev. Samuel Denman Day (Dundarf, Pa.)
1909-The Rev. W. L. Mellichampe (Douglas)
1912-The Rev. Gerald A. Cornell
1915-The Rev. John Moore Walker, Jr. 1918-The Rev. William Bee Sams 1922-The Rev. J. Harry Chesley (Diocese of Easton )
1927-The Rev. A. D. Caslor 1929-The Rev. H. S. Cobey (Rector at St. Paul's, Albany)
1932-The Rev. J. F. Wilson
1932-The Rev. John R. Bentley (Augusta)
1942-The Rev. Henry T. Egger (Tifton)
1943-The Rev. Charles E. Crusoe
1946-The Rev. T. E. Mundy.
In September 1940, it became apparent that facilities were needed for a Church Sunday School. The people of St. Anne's met on the evening of September 27 and planned a building to contain an apartment for the rector, a large meeting hall, a kitchen, and storage room. This Parish House, built soon thereafter, serves not only the Woman's Auxiliary and Wardens and Church School, but has been used by the Boy Scouts, the Girl Scouts, the Junior Women's Club, the Tifton Garden Club, and other community groups.
HICKORY SPRINGS CHURCH
by George Branch
Hickory Springs Primitive Baptist Church was organized at Little River Meeting House in 1872. Elder Jacob Young was the first pastor. Charter members are: James Gibbs, Sr., Mrs. Mahala Gibbs, Frances Mayes, J. W. Whiddon, Lucy Whiddon, Frances Whiddon, James Gibbs, Jr., Allen Gibbs, B. G. Willis, Mary Willis, A. E. Clements, James Luke, Matilda Luke, Louisa Jane Branch, James I. Clements, Lott Whiddon, Juda Whiddon, Green Keen, Mathew Bishop, Elizabeth Porter, W. M. Register, Ann Young.
Elder Jacob Young served as pastor from 1872 to 1886; Elder James Gibbs, from 1886 to 1921 ; Elder J. A. Sutton, 1921 to 1923; Elder Gil- ford Baker, from 1923 to 1927; Elder W. C. Kicklighter, from 1927 to
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1935; Elder A. R. Crumpton, from 1935 to 1943; Elder H. C. Stubbs, from 1943 to 1946; Elder A. H. Garner, 1947 -
The name of the church was officially changed to Hickory Springs in 1902. Ten acres of land were donated to church by James Gibbs, Sr., whose son, James Gibbs, Jr., served as pastor for a long time. The lum- ber for the present church, which was built in 1886, was sawed from the best timber at a sawmill at Whiddon's Mill Pond, owned by J. N. Whid- don. All labor for building the church was donated by members and friends of the church.
HISTORY OF THE METHODIST CHURCH IN BROOKFIELD by the Reverend J. H. Bridges
To have lived for nearly three-quarters of a century is an achievement for either a person or an organization. To have lived so long as the center of Christian faith and unselfish service is an honor indeed.
In the year 1878 the Reverend J. J. F. Goodman, one of the pioneer Methodist preachers of this section with Christlike purpose to extend the kingdom, went five miles east of Tifton and organizel a new church. The church was named Bethesda and built on land donated by a Mr. Matthews. The building was not only used for worship but served for a time as a public school. Among the charter members were J. B. Coarsey, Ryan Kin- ard, Sim Harrell, Mr. and Mrs. Tom Baker, and members of the Mar- chant and Lamp families. On the land adjoining the church was developed one of the best known cemeteries in the county and in whose sacred soil rests today the earthly remains of many of the pioneers of this lovely com- munity.
It is to be regretted that a complete list of the godly ministers who have served this congregation is not available for this record. In that honored list would be found the names of J. J. F. Goodman, P. H. Crumpler. John Taylor, E. E. Rose, M. B. Ferrell, E. L. Padrick, S. S. Kemp, N. H. Olmstead, W. K. Dennis, J. S. Jordan, E. A. Sanders, T. A. Moseley, L. E. Pierce, J. D. Snyder, J. E. Buchannan and others of equal devotion.
In 1903, under the ministry of the Reverend S. S. Kemp, it was decided to move the church building three miles into the village of Brookfield. J. L. Gay, J. N. Brown and J. N. Horne were leaders in this movement. The name was then changed to the Brookfield Methodist Church. It was here that Bishop Arthur J. Moore worshipped as a growing boy and at these altars found the ideals which have led him to a ministry covering the entire world.
One of the striking stories associated with this church is that of the coming of two boy preachers in 1912. Their names were "Arthur Moore" and "John Sharp." Their first act after arrival and before the first service
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was to remove the doors and windows from the church so as to accommo- date the large crowds which they were sure would be coming. Their faith was justified and congregations far beyond the capacity of the building were in attendance. Many were converted and an active Sunday School was organized with Mr. C. V. Taylor as superintendent, a position he filled with fidelity for thirty-six years.
It has been apparent for some years that the old building had served its day. Bishop Moore, John Churchwell, Gus Churchwell, and Nath Coar- sey took the lead. The present lot was donated by Nath Coarsey, Sr. The following were named as the Building Committee: A. F. Churchwell, J. H. Churchwell, N. L. Coarsey, Sr., C. B. Coarsey, C. V. Taylor, E. R. Gibbs, J. L. Akins, W. E. Beasley and the Rev. Joe H. Bridges Nathan L. Coarsey, Jr., was named to succeed his father. The plans were drawn and donated by Rev. C. M. Lipham and the construction was under the supervision of Mr. Joe B. Adams. To name those who by love, prayers and gifts have made this beautiful building possible would include the entire membership of the church, a host of friends in Tifton and from over the entire state. Their names are known to God and He will reward them.
HISTORY OF CHULA METHODIST CHURCH by Mrs. Dan Sutton
Captain H. H. Tift gave the land on which Chula Methodist Church was built about 1913. A. D. Hollingsworth sawed the lumber with which it is built and the people of the community built the church.
Rev. F. A. Ratcliffe organized the church. Some of the charter members are Mr. and Mrs. Albert Whiddon, Mr. and Mrs. Mack Lesueur, and Mr. and Mrs. A. B. Hollingsworth.
The parsonage for the Chula Charge was built several years ago. It burned recently and a beautiful parsonage has been built in its stead.
A long line of preachers has served the church and all have done some good.
Rev. J. H. Bridges is the last pastor serving here for five years. Under his pastorate the church has been painted inside and out and Sunday School rooms have been built.
The church is now heated by gas.
Approximately 50 people were added to the church under Brother Bridges' preaching. The attendance at church and Sunday School more than doubled during the five years. His work with the young people was also outstanding. The church is in good condition in every way and ready to go forward under the guidance of the new preacher-Rev. C. M. In- finger.
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THE HARDING METHODIST CHURCH by Mrs. Dan Sutton
In May 1915, Rev. F. A. Ratcliffe, evangelist, set up his big tent at Harding and began preaching the Word of God. At first not so many people came to hear him, for few people living in the community at that time knew much about the Methodist Church. As the days passed by though the gospel as preached by this grand old man of God and the won- derful singing as led by the Lovett brothers and their sister, Rhoda, began to stir men's souls. The tent was soon crowded to the limit each night for about three weeks. Then came the last night-a night long to be remem- bered in the Harding Community. The large tent was running over and there seemed to be as many people on the outside as were on the inside.
Forty-four people joined the church during this tent meeting and the Harding Methodist Church was organized. Some who are charter mem- bers still worship there regularly as Mr. and Mrs. E. L. Vance, C. J. Hall, and Mrs. Dan T. Sutton. At first they worshipped in a building at Paulk's Crossing. In 1916 the church was built at Harding on two acres of land donated by Captain H. H. Tift. Since then Sunday School rooms have been added, and a vestibule with a steeple.
The first years were trying years. The church had many obstacles from every side, but one by one these were met and surmounted. They lost sev- eral of the forty-four members during those years.
Rev. R. W. Cannon was the first preacher. Perhaps our list of pastors is too long for this article but each has come, has done what he could for the church, and has gone on his way, some to very high places as ministers. Our first real revival was accomplished when Rev. H. E. Wells and Rev. Walter Churchwell held a series of services in 1921. Many were added to the church at this time and the church was greatly strengthened.
The Sunday School was organized in June 1915 and has been an integral part of the church ever since. Mr. George W. Blizzard was the first su- perintendent. Other superintendents who have served several years each are Mr. Henry Mathis, Mrs. Dan T. Sutton and Clarence Sutton.
The Sunday School has never been closed down since it was organized. In the early 1930's it was rated as the outstanding small Sunday School in the South Georgia Conference. Mr. W. S. Kelley was largely responsible for this rating.
The most faithful member of the Sunday School has been and is at the present time, Mr. E. L. Vance.
After the revival in 1921, for many years the Church and Sunday School climbed. Then there was a decline in their services until five years ago when Rev. Joe Bridges was sent to the church as pastor. He, with the co- operation of his flock, has been instrumental in building a strong member-
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ship, many of whom are leaders in church work. At present there is a fine progressive Sunday School at Harding, which is doing a great work. They have plans made for the beautification of their church and grounds and hope one day to be an outstanding church of the community both physically and spiritually.
HISTORY OF MT. CALVARY METHODIST CHURCH by Mrs. Dan Sutton
Mt. Calvary Methodist Church was organized in 1915 by Rev. F. A. Ratcliffe. One hundred and forty-six members constituted the church in its infancy. This church has been on the Chula Charge since its organiza- tion and is today perhaps in many ways the strongest church on the charge.
Mt. Calvary Church has had several pastors. Some were faithful and some let the church go downward. The church feels that Rev. J. H. Bridges is due much credit for its present status. He preached in the church and out. He visited everybody and talked and prayed with them. As a result of his hard work around this church, they today have an outstanding Sunday School. In 1942 the average attendance was 25. Today it is 122. Rev. Bridges has baptized a large number of people, both young and old, and has received 93 into the church during his stay there. He helped the church plan a building program which includes adding Sunday School rooms. The church today hopes, with its large cooperative membership, to make great strides forward under the leadership of their new preacher- Reverend C. M. Infinger.
OAK RIDGE METHODIST CHURCH
Oak Ridge church was organized in 1913 by Rev. E. L. Padrick. Serv- ices were held under-a bush arbor for a year. Then the building was erect- ed. The pastors who served the church were: Rev. E. L. Padrick, Rev. Aaron Kelly, Rev. Salter, Rev. J. P. Chatfield, Rev. C. G. B. Johnson, Rev. J. F. McTier who served the church six years, Rev. W. B. Raburn who served the church at two different times, Rev. C. C. Smoke, Rev. J. N. Snell, Rev. J. W. Williams, Rev. J. B. Roberts, Rev. Ralph Brown, Rev. H. E. Wells, Rev. Charles Britton, Rev. Tom Mosely, Rev. J. L. Peck. Rev. Dewit Shippy, Rev. Gordon King, Rev. Ellkis Miller, Rev. Sam Mayo, Rev. J. H. Bridges, retiring pastor, served the charge for five years. Under his leadership the church buildings were renewed, membersip re- vived and attendance greatly increased.
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Rev. C. M. Infinger is incoming pastor.
At one time the church was very active with every member except one tithing.
W. K. Overby was superintendent of the Sunday School for more than twenty years. Mr. H. J. Vernon followed him as superintendent for twenty-three years.
All other denominations were made welcome and cordially invited to take part in the services. It was the aim of the church to uplift every one and make all feel that they were welcome in God's house. The members felt that this was a spiritual home where comfort, courage, and inspiration could be gotten. Oak Ridge church opened its arms to every hungry soul.
The Baptists of that community were warm-hearted and added greatly to the sweet spirit and well going of the church. They helped in every possible way that they could.
There were no denominational lines to be found. Even those who search- ed for them could not get a glimpse of one. Cordiality, love, and helpful- ness was the goal of the early days of the old church and she did not miss her mark.
HISTORY OF THE TIFTON METHODIST CHURCH
Written by Mr. J. L. Herring and his son, Mr. J. G. Herring
In writing the history of the Tifton Methodist Church, the history of Tifton is also written.
When this church was organized it had five members, the village being made up of saw mill shanties and bar rooms. The bar rooms have been gone for many years. The church helped to close them.
As the settlement grew to the village, the village to the town and the town to the city, the church progressed to the Mission, then to the Circuit, then to the Station and now it counts its membership compared to its organization as more than one hundred to one.
Previous to the organization of the church, the Methodists in Tifton were occasionally served by servants of the Master, notable among them being that earnest, consecrated man, J. J. F. Goodman; also that giant in the forum of debate, Rev. W. S. Armistead. Mr. Goodman was Justice of the Peace at this time. He resigned his office and asked for a license to preach as a local Methodist preacher. This was granted him and he served the church in this capacity as long as he lived.
The church proper was organized by J. J. F. Goodman on the first Sun- day in March, 1882. The members at that time were Mr. J. J. F. Good- man, Mrs. Rhoda Goodman, their little son, J. O. Goodman, John B. Greene, MIrs. Julia A. Greene, Mrs. J. E. Knight and her mother, Mrs.
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Anderson. It will be seen that except for the pastor the church was organ- ized with only one male member who filled the double duty of class leader and steward. Previous to organization, services where held in a small shanty east of Tift's lumber yard but the Methodist church was officially organized in a small building used as a school house and precinct justice courthouse, within fifty yards of where the present edifice stands. This shanty, insignificant as it was, was burned by an incendiary and in 1884 a larger and better building was erected near what is now the southwest corner of Tift Avenue and Fourth Street. The first floor was used for school and church purposes, the second floor as a Masonic hall. This building was also burned by an incendiary in 1887.
Mr. H. H. Tift gave lots for a church and also a parsonage and a neat wooden building costing about $2,000 begun on the site of the present building. The work was begun in 1888 and finished in 1889. Remarkable to say, three attempts were made to destroy this building by fire while it was in process of erection. As it neared completion, some of the members guarded it nightly. It was while they were doing this that the incendiary was shot and wounded by one of the guards.
When the church was first organized it was a mission of the Alapaha circuit and was served by Rev. W. B. Babcock. In 1885 it was made a part of the Alapaha circuit and the church was served in 1885-86 by Rev. G. R. Parker. It was during the fall of 1885 that a notable revival was held by the pastor, assisted by Rev. E. M. Whiting, in which more than thirty members were added to the church. Rev. J. M. Foster was pastor in 1887-88 while it was still on the Alapaha circuit. In 1896 the Tifton Methodist Church was made a Station with a resident-pastor.
The present church edifice was erected in 1900 and 1901. The Educa- tional Building adjoining the church was built in the late 20's.
No attempt will be made to comment upon the influence for good that the Methodist Church has exerted upon the town and community since its organization. Its good work speaks for itself.
These are the names of the ministers who have served the church : Rever- ends W. B. Babcock, G. R. Parker, J. M. Foster, J. G. Ahern, L. A. Snow, P. M. Crumples, W. F. Hixon, C. E. Crawley, J. W. Domingos, E. M. Whiting, J. M. Glenn, T. H. Thomson, J. F. Ryder, G. W. Matthews, W. H. Budd, C. A. Jackson, Robert Kerr, J. H. House, W. E. Toroson, H. T. Freeman, N. H. Williams, Reese Griffin, MI. P. Webb, J. H. Wil- son, W. A. Kelley and L. E. Williams.
THE CHURCH OF NAZARENE
In 1939 the Reverend Byron LeJune, pastor of Nazarene Church in Fitzgerald, held a tent meeting on corner of Fifth and South Park Ave-
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nue in Tifton. Seven Tifton people joined this church. There are only two of the charter members who are active now, Mrs. J. P. M. Wadkins and Mrs. H. C. Carmichael. The Reverend LeJune held regular services on Sunday afternoon and prayer meeting on Wednesday night until the accidental burning of the tent. After the tent was burned, meetings were held in the Mrs. H. C. Carmichael's living room until a church was built.
Mr. H. C. Carmichael built the church and leased it for one dollar a year. The Reverend Figgie was the first pastor in the new church build- ing on South Ridge Avenue and Eleventh Street. He was followed by the Reverends Homer Naybors and Aubrey Ponce.
The Reverend W. Lee Gann is pastor now of the Nazarene Church, which has forty-four members. Sunday School, which meets in the new parsonage, has eighty-eight members.
NEW RIVER CHURCH
by H. D. Webb
New River Church was organized in 1887. The first house of worship was built of logs, which Mr. Ryan Kinard, Mr. John Kinard, Mr. George Guest, and the Reverend W. W. Webb cut from young timber near the church environs. These men not only cut the logs but shouldered them to the site where a carpenter was constructing the building. It was used twelve years for a school house as well as a place of worship. About 1889 a frame building was constructed and later used for educational as well as religious purposes until 1893, when a school house was built at Vanceville. A cyclone destroyed the church building in 1913, but the persistent mem- bers erected another room afterwards. The church grew until December 22, 1946 when fire destroyed the building. The members are now using the cotton mill church for services until they can erect a new brick build- ing.
The church was organized with twenty members but its membership has grown continually to one hundred eighty-seven. "New River" has the distinction of leading all other country churches.
HISTORY OF TIFTON PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
written by Mrs Frank Corry, Sr., Tifton, Ga. Mrs R. A. Heinslow, Thomasville, Ga.
Prior to 1899 the small group of Presbyterians living in and near Tif- ton had no organized church but faithfully held Sunday School in the
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homes of the members of like faith on Sunday afternoons. On May 7, 1899 the school had met at the home of Mr. M. S. Harrison and after dismissal the adult members remained for conference, at which a petition was written asking Savannah Presbytery to organize a church in Tifton. The petition was signed by Owen L. Chesnutt, Mary A. Chesnutt, Mary M. Chesnutt, Thomas M. Chesnutt, Sallie. S. Harrison, Louise T. Harris, Lydia A. Fulwood, Isaac A. Fulwood, Miss Catharine S. Tift, Mrs. Clifford Harris, Abram M. Chesnutt, O. Lee Chesnutt, Moses S. Harri- son, Mary E. Harrison, James M. Harris, Mrs. E. C. Tift, W. H. Harris.
This petition was forwarded to Savannah Presbytery and on June 14, 1899 the church was organized with Mr. D. L. Chesnutt as ruling elder and Mr. W. H. Harris as deacon. This organization proceeded with the work of the church and a committee was appointed to secure a suitable location for a building. In November, 1900, the congregation had built and paid for a neat frame building located at the site which is now 210 North Central Avenue. Rev. J. B. Cochran was the first pastor, and services were held the third and fifth Sundays each month.
In the summer of 1906 the building was completely destroyed by a cy- clone. For a time services were held in the school building and in neighbor churches; however the membership was so small the burden of support so heavy that all formal services were finally discontinued. The spirit of Presbyterians was not lost, for the few children of the congregation met continuously at the home of Mr. Henry H. Britt and were taught the catechisms and the fundamental doctrines of the church and the love and appreciation of it as an organization.
In the spring of 1911 Rev. Tollett of Macon made three trips to Tifton in an effort to revive interest in the church. His efforts were blessed and through representations made to Savannah Presbytery (by Mr. H. H. Britt and Mr. B. Y. Wallace) at their spring meeting in Blackshear, Rev. George L. Bitzer was commissioned to reorganize the church, and on April 23, 1911 the reorganization meeting was held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Bennett Y. Wallace. The congregation numbering twenty-one members.
It then became necessary for the new organization to secure a church building, and the building formerly owned by the Missionary Baptist Church was bought, remodeled, and made into an attractive church home. The last of the indebtedness on the building was paid in the spring of 1914. The dedication service was held at the evening service April 26, 1914.
Ministers serving the church are as follows: Rev. W. S. Milner, Rev. Daniel Iverson, Rev. R. M. Man, Rev. H. B. Fraser, Rev. E. S. Winn. Rev. Freeman Parker, and Rev. D. C. Landrum. The present pastor, Rev. John R. Howard came to the church Feb. 1, 1946. Under his able leader- ship the congregation has grown from 105 to 172 in one church year. On
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April 1, 1945 the church went on a self-supporting basis, financial aid hav- ing been received from the Presbytery up to this time.
A bronze plaque placed in the church commemorates the long and useful service of Mr. Henry H. Britt and attests the affection in which he was held by members of the church.
As a tribute to their parents, the children of Mr. and Mrs. Britt placed a beautiful Baptismal Font in the building in March, 1947.
SALEM CHURCH
(Copied from Tifton Gazette)
Miss Catherine Tucker gave the following history of Salem church which was told to her by John Y. Sutton, pioneer of Tift county :
Salem Baptist church is the second oldest Baptist church in Tift county. In the latter part of the 19th century a small group of humble hardworking people met in an old log school house for Sunday school and church serv- ices. A brush harbor had to be made on one side of the log cabin in order to accommodate the increasing number of people. The church community was very large at that time covering miles around.
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