Central United Methodist  Church Newberry, SC 1670 - 1970 Tricentennial Committee Mrs. Richard L. Baker, Chairman Mr. L. Clifton Graham, Co-Chairman Mrs. David L. Morison The Rev. James Martin Mr. Wright Cannon Mrs. R. D. Wright, Advisory Mrs. Woodrow Ward Mr. A. C. Oxner Mrs. F. Scott Elliott Mr. Harold Folk Mrs. Hart Jordan Mr. Harry Epting Homecoming Sunday Program - November 8, 1970, 9:30 A.M. The Reverend James H. Martin, Pastor The Prelude . . . . . . . . . .Bach "Toccata in D minor" The Call to Worship (Congreation please stand) The Invocation Welcome . . . . . . . . . . The Pastor The Hymn of Adoration . . . . . . . . . .Warren The Affirmation of Faith Musical Meditation Prayer, concluded with "Our Lord's Prayer" . . . . . . . . . . Rev. T. H. Vickery The Anthem . . . . . . . . . . Williams - "Canticle from the Psalms", Chancel Choir The Responsive Reading: No. 570 "God is OUr Refuge: The Gloria Patri The Tithes and Offerings The Offertory . . . . . . . . . . Ward - "O Beautiful for Spacious Skies" - Quartet The Presentation of Tithes and Offerings The Doxology The Hymn of Preparation . . . . . . . . . . Croft - No. 28 "O God Our Help in Ages Past" Introduction of Bishop . . . . . . . . . . Dr. C. LeGrande Moody, Jr. Sermon . . . . . . . . . . Bishop Paul Hardin, Jr. Hymn of Dedication . . . . . . . . . . Beethoven - No. 38 "Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee" The Benediction and Choral Response The Postlude . . . . . . . . . . Bach - "Fugue in D minor" Mrs. Paul Savko, Choir Director Mr. Drake Riley, Organist HISTORY OF CENTRAL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH Newberry, South Carolina Compiled by L. Clifton Graham - Church Historian 1970 "It is a useful employment for societies as well as individuals to look back through their past history and mark dealings of a kind Providence towards them." - Bishop Meade. And the record of Methodism in Newberry County should cause us to raise our hearts in gratitude to God for its wonderful preservation and should make us of today more faithful and zealous in using the proper means for its further advancement. The first settlers of South Carolina were of different religious persuasions. None of these sects had any particular connection with the government, nor had any sect pre-eminence over another. The plan in the New England states of co-extending settlements and religious instruction by having a meeting-house and a minister as appendage to every new town was far from being common in the Carolinas; and the district in which Newberry was situated was no exception to that rule. As for Methodism, it was not introduced by immigration from Europe as were introduced the Lutheran and Presbyterian churches, but by the evangelical labors of itinerant preachers; then too, the early Methodist churches were generally organized in private homes, not being served by resident pastors, but by itinerant preachers who were-usually changed annually and who served large numbers of preaching places. Very few records were kept; hence little of the valuable history of Methodism in Newberry County during the first half century of its existence remains. The history of Central is the history of the circuit from the organization of this in 1832 until it was made a station in 1854. It is believed that the first Methodist Society in Newberry County was organized by Edward Finch, in his home, located near where Mt. Bethel Academy was built about 1784. From The Observer for December 2,1902: "The South Carolina Conference of The Methodist Episcopal Church South held its 1117th annual session in Newberry. This is the fourth session to be held here, the first having been in 1856, the second in 1864 and the third in 1878. Newberry County was the first place outside of Charleston selected for these annual gatherings, the eighth session commencing January 1, 1794 being held at Finch's in the fork of Saluda and Broad Rivers some twelve miles from Newberry. This was the seat of the M 1. Bethel Academy, founded by the early Methodists on thirty acres of land given by Edward Finch. THE RISE AND GROWTH OF METHODISM IN NEWBERRY This is an old town - one of the oldest in the state. It was organized in 1785. The Methodist church was in the county, however, a year before the town was organized, being then officially represented by the "Broad River circuit," extending from the' Dutch Fork, in Lexington county, to Pacolet, in Spartanburg county. In those "good old days" two men "rode the circuit" - a senior and a junior preacher - who preached and held class-meetings and other religious gatherings, not only on Sundays, but on every day of the week as well; and with all that they were a long time going the rounds. The circuit was restricted somewhat in 1794, then becoming "Bush River circuit." In 1820 "Newberry circuit" was formed; but it was still very much larger then than now. Then it included every Methodist church in Newberry county except Ebenezer, near Maybinton, and Mt. Tabor, near Whitmire, and included also Hopewell, Salem and Sardis churches in Laurens county. Now it includes only Ebenezer, near Newberry, Lebanon, Trinity and New Chapel. The Methodist church in the town of Newberry was organized and the building erected in 1833, one year after the organization of the Baptist church, both being the result of a great revival in the town in 1831. So there was really no exclusively town church in Newberry until the town was 37 years old. There seems to be no doubt that among those who united in the organization were: Philip Schoppert and his wife, Mrs. Polly Schoppert, Mrs. Schoppert, the mother of Philip Schoppert; Martha Turner, Mrs. Sarah Lorick (now Mrs. Sarah Pope), Mrs. Precious Shell (and probably Mrs. Sarah Cheshire), Josiah Bishop and his wife; Thomas Pratt, Jr. and Daniel Boozer. The building that was erected in 1833 stood, with some alterations, until it was pulled down and hauled away only a few weeks ago, having been sold as old lumber for $100. In 1873 a considerable sum was expended in improving the old church, among the improvements being a front porch and a pulpit recess, which latter looked well enough from the interior, but from the outside its shape was such as to suggest to the irreverent a "bustle," and was so designated. The old church stood so long that the Methodists got ashamed of it - and had reason to be. It had ceased to be habitable in rainy weather. Several movements were made toward a new church, but all fell through, one after the other for some reason or other, until the present pastor took hold of the matter, and by his energy, patience and persistent work induced the congregation to begin the work of building; and now they have a real gem of a church, the only fault with it being that it is too small, or soon will be. The architect of the building is Mr. Hunt of Chattanooga, Tenn., and the contractor and builder is Mr. C. C. Davis of Newberry, who in this building did the best piece of work that has ever been done in Newberry. The cost of the building is about $12,000. It was completed in 1901. The membership of the church is 266. The church was called simply the "Newberry Methodist Church" until 1900, when the name was changed to "Johnstone Street Church," the name being derived from the name of the street that ran in front of it. In 1901, when the new church was built on Caldwell Street, the name was changed to "Central Church," and it is now so known. THE PRESENT PASTOR Rev. Walter I. Herbert, the present pastor, was born in 1864; graduated at Wofford College in June, 1885; joined the South Carolina Conference in December of the same year, and has been in the active ministry ever since. He is one of the most popular and successful ministers in the Conference, a strong and earnest preacher of the gospel and, though caring little for money for its own sake, remarkably successful on the financial side of his work, as well as the spiritual, accomplishing without apparent effort what other ministers find it impossible to do along this line. Under the four-year limit, Mr. Herbert will have to leave Newberry at the close of the year. There are many in his congregation and in the city outside of his congregation who are sorry for this. The Board of Stewards of the church are: Jno. W. Chapman, W. W. Hodges, C. H. Cannon, J. W. White, J. H. Wicker, S. J. Wooten, P. C. Gaillard, R. L. Tarrant and W. G. Mayes. The superintendent of the Sunday School is C. H. Cannon; secretary of the Sunday School, P. C. Gaillard. CHANGES THAT HAVE TAKEN PLACE IN 24 YEARS SOME OF THE HOSTS AND MEMBERS OF CONFERENCE IN 1878 In looking over the lists of "hosts" and "guests" published in The Newberry Herald at the time of the meeting of the Conference here in 1878, one is impressed with the small number that remain from 'that time. Here is a list of the members of the Conference in 1878 who are still living: John Attaway, W. H. Ariaill, J. W. Ariail, J. S. Beasley, Geo. M. Boyd, R. W. Barber, H. B. Browne, A. M. Chreitzberg, J. B. Campbell, A. J. Cauthen, W. A. Clarke, T. J. Clyde, J. A. Clifton, J. E. Carlisle, J. C. Counts, R. R. Dagnall, O. A. Darby, W. W. Duncan, D. D. Dantzler, G. W. Gatlin, T. G. Herbert, J. W. Humbert, G. T. Harmon, E. T. Hodges, W. W. Jones, R. H. Jones, W. H. Kirton, W. W. Williams, Samuel Lander, N. K. Melton, C. D. Mann, W. P. Meadors, E. M. Merritt, W. S. Martin, J. K. McCain, J. A. Porter, T. P. Philips. W. C. Power, G. H. Pooser, W. A. Rogers, O. N. Rountree, J. E. Rushton, W. R. Richardson, A. J. Stafford, A. J. Stokes, J. L. Stokes, J. C. Stoll, J. B. Traywick, Dove Tiller, S. D. Vaughan, H. W. Whitaker, T. E. Wannamaker, S. A. Weber, J. B. Wilson, Jno. O. Willson, and Geo. W. Walker. And when one comes to look over the lists of hosts in 1878 he is still more impressed with the flight of time and the number of these who have passed away. Here is a list of Newberry householders whose names appear in the printed list referred to as "entertainers" of the members of Conference in 1878, and who are now dead: J. M. Baxter, A. M. Bowers, Rev. I. Broadus, H. H. Blease, J. H. Blease, J. M.. Crawford, W. A. Cline, E. P. Chalmers, J. D. Cash, R. H. Clarkson, Junius E. Chapman, R. C. Chapman, A. C. Chapman, E. H. Christian, Dr. S. F. Fant, L. E. Folk, Rev. R. A. Fair, Thos. F. Greneker, J. D. Hornsby, Geo. W. H. Hunt, J. O. Havird, L. J. Jones., Silas Johnstone, D. W. T. Kibler, Col. Jno. R. Leavell, W. R. Lane, Wm. Langford, Thos. S. Moorman, Dr. O. B. Mayer, Mrs. C. Mower, A. G. Maybin, J. N. Martin, J. Y. McFall, R. L. McCaughrin, Judge M. Moses, J. K. G. Nance, J. O. Peoples, James Packer, J. P. Pool, W. C. Parker, Mrs. S. A. Pope, Dr. P. B. Ruff, Peter Rodelsperger, Jas. H. Rollison, B. J. Ramage, A. W. T. Simmons, B. J. Singleton, Thos. P. Slider, R. H. Wright, Z. L. White, Joseph Glenn, Jacob Kibler, Maj. J. P. Kinard, S. C. Merchant, Thos. M. Lake, R. T. Reagin, Jacob Sligh, Mrs. E. Swindler and David Buzhardt. What a change in the heads of families is made by a short quarter of a century.     CONFERENCE NOTES MANY OF THE MEMBERS ALREADY HERE THE OTHERS WILL COME TODAY COMMITTEE AND OTHER MEETINGS A good many of the members of the Methodist Annual Conference came in yesterday. The rest will come today. The first public service will be in Central Church tonight at 7:30 - the annual meeting of the Historical Society. The address will be delivered by Rev. A. J. Stokes, D.D. To these and all the other exercises of Conference the public is invited. Following are some of the appointments for committee meetings: Trustees of Columbia Female College tomorrow at 4 P. M.; class of first year in county supervisor's office; class of second year in office of Hunt, Hunt & Hunter, this morning at 9:30; class of third year in office of R. H. Welch this morning at 10; class of fourth year this morning at 9:30 in office over Herald and News office; managers and trustees of Epworth Orphanage in Central Church this afternoon at 3:30; the presiding elders at Central Church this afternoon at 2:30; board of missions in Sunday School room of Central Church this morning at 10; the Sunday School Board tomorrow afternoon; applicants for admission to Conference will meet in the office of the superintendent of education. There are ten presiding elders in the Conference. Seven of these have served districts four consecutive years, and will therefore have to move. Greenville and Sumter will ask for the Conference of 1903. The sessions of the Conference will open tomorrow at 10 A. M.. with the sacrament of the Lord's Supper. Nine of the preachers of the Conference died within the past year - ten, counting Rev. T. C. Ligon, who was a local preacher, and, by the way, one of the most useful and consecrated men in the Methodist Church. The libraries of three deceased preachers will be on hand during conference for sale - those of Revs. S. P. H. Elwell, G. E. Stokes and J. S. Porter. It is probable that there will be preaching every afternoon during Conference, though that will depend on the amount of business. The night sessions will be taken up mostly with addresses by "connectional officers," such as Sunday School secretary, commissioner of education, chairman of the board of church extension and others. THE PRESIDING BISHOP Bishop W. W. Duncan is a native of Virginia, but came to South Carolina when a boy with his father, Prof. David Duncan, who was professor of Greek in Wofford College from its opening in 1854 to his death in 1881. Rev. W. W. Duncan graduated at Wofford. The earlier years of his ministry were spent in Virginia. Later he was called to South Carolina to act as financial agent of Wofford College, and continued in that work until his election as bishop in 1886. Much of the bishop's work as presiding officer has been on the Pacific coast. He is an untiring worker, a splendid presiding officer and a most entertaining and instructive preacher. His home is in Spartanburg but about nine months of the year is spent by him away from home in the work of the church." -Copied from The Newberry Observer, Tuesday, December 2, 1902 Edition. METHODISTS IN COUNCIL One Hundred and Seventeenth Annual Gathering of the Denomination in South Carolina A LARGE BODY - Three Hundred and Seventy-four, Including Visitors Many Changes Since The Last Conference in Newberry, in 1878 The eighth session of the South Carolina Conference - which then included also the state of Georgia - was held in Newberry county in 1794, the seven preceding sessions having all been held in Charleston. We learn this from a very interesting letter contributed to The Newberry Herald December 11th, 1878, by Rev. A. M. Chreitzberg gt the time of the session of the Conference. He was then pastor of the church here. THAT CONFERENCE AT MT. BETHEL Dr. Chreitzberg says in his letter: "The first Methodist Conference in the state was held in Charleston March 22nd, 1787, Bishops Coke and Asbury presiding. The next six sessions of that body up to December 24th, 1792, were held in the same place. This section of the country was settled by immigrants from Virginia, among whom were the Finches, the Crenshaws and the Malones. Edward Finch gave thirty acres of land to the institution. The buildings were incomplete, and the daily sessions of the conference were held in 'an upstairs room of the house of Esquire Finch, twelve feet square - narrow quarters, it must be confessed, for thirty preachers to occupy, as Bishop Asbury says, 'to confer, sleep and for the accommodation of those who were sick. "Twenty-four preachers were stationed at this Conference in this state and Georgia. The membership then was 5,172 whites and 1 ,221 colored." GAINS IN 24 YEARS The conference has made great gains since 1878. At that time the number of traveling preachers was 155; now there are 290. Then the membership was 44,291; now it is 78,000. The value of the churches has increased from $515,144 to $1,101,085; the value of parsonages from $92,745 to $276,795.  THE KINDNESS AND COURTESY OF OTHER DENOMINATIONS The conference of 1878 held its sessions in the First Baptist Church, by the kindness and courtesy of that body, the Methodist Church being too small, and this time, when it appeared that the Methodist Church could not be equipped with electric lights in time, the congregation of the Lutheran Church of The Redeemer offered their handsome new church for the meetings of the conference. In this respect and in the generous hospitality extended by all denominations there is a practical illustration of the Psalmist's declaration: "How pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity." PRAYERS FOR GEN. HAMPTON It was about the time of the session of the conferences of 1878 that Gen. Wade Hampton, then United States senator, was thrown by a mule while hunting in the southern part of the state, his leg being so shattered in the fall as to necessitate amputation. The conference set apart an hour to pray for his recovery, and for the recovery of Bishop Pierce, who was also quite sick at the time and thus prevented from attending the conference, as he had expected Gen. Hampton had become very despondent, but it is said that when he heard that "those Methodist preachers at Newberry" were praying for him he determined to get well, and did. A GLAD DAY FOR NEWBERRY METHODISTS THE CORNER-STONE OF THEIR NEW CHURCH LAID WITH IMPRESSIVE CEREMONIES The congregation of the Central Methodist Church marked an important epoch last Thursday in their interesting history when the corner-stone of their new house of worship was laid with impressive ceremonies. The services were held in the old church at 4 o'clock P. M. In the chancel were seated the pastors of the different congregations in the city, together with Rev. Dr. J. A. Clifton, the speaker of the occasion, and Rev. W. I. Herbert, pastor of the congregation. The services were opened with the invocation to the Throne of Grace by Rev. J. L. Williamson, of the Presbyterian Church. The hymns were announced by Rev. Jno. W. Speake of the O'Neill Street Methodist Church, the first hymn being "Come, Thou Almighty King," after which the congregation was led in fervent prayer by Rev. M. G. G. Scherer, pastor of the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, invoking the divine blessing upon the congregation in their undertaking in the erection of a house of worship to the name and praise of. Almighty God. The well-known hymn, "Nearer My God To Thee," was then sung and was followed with the scripture lesson, Psalm 150, by Rev. W.I. Herbert. The address was then delivered by Rev.. Jesse A. Clifton, of Sumter. Dr. Clifton made an address very appropriate to the joyous occasion. His theme was "The Visible Church," and the speaker discussed the simplicity of its organization, its marvelous adaptability in meeting the wants of humanity and its consequent perpetuation for the purpose of saving the children of men. Each of these propositions was clearly set forth in a practical manner with the energy and fervor so characteristic of Dr. Clifton, and so highly appreciated by all who heard him and none the less by those in the congregation who had been accustomed to sit regularly under the preaching of the Word by him during his former and successful ministrations as pastor of the church in the recent past. At the conclusion of the address the congregation proceeded to the front of the new church, on Caldwell Street, where the corner-stone had been placed on the southwest corner of the granite foundation and where the ceremonies were concluded according to the stated form of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and the articles named below were placed in the corner-stone: ARTICLES PLACED IN THE CORNER-STONE 1. A copy of the New Testament - used by the late "Uncle Dick" Chapman, as he was familiarly known. 2. Hymn Book. 3. Copy of the latest edition of The Methodist Discipline, 1898. 4. Copy of the last minutes of the South Carolina Annual Conference. 5. List of the officers of church, including names of pastor, stewards, trustees and building committee. 6. List of officers and teachers of the Sunday School. 7. Copy of the contract for building the new church. 8. A written account of the first pennies given for building the new church. 9. A copy of the Southern Christian Advocate of November 8, 1900. 10. Copy of The Newberry Observer of November 8, 1900. 11. Copy of The Newberry Herald and News of November 9th, containing an account of the corner-stone laying and a synopsis of Dr. Clifton's address. 12. Text of scripture by request of Z. L. White: "Except the Lord build the house they labor in vain that build it; except the Lord keep the city the watchman waketh in vain." After the articles had been formally deposited in the corner-stone, the doxology, "Praise God from whom all blessings flow," was sung, and the congregation dismissed with the benediction by Rev. J. L. Williamson. On the highly polished face of the corner-stone appears the inscription: Central M. E. Church, South 1900 The first regular religious service held in the present church was November 10, 1901. The history of pennies placed in the corner-stone was given by Pastor Herbert, who said that actually the first penny given to him for the new church was handed him by a Presbyterian minister during a conversation in which he was telling him about his plans for beginning the work, when that certain minister asked: "Well, how much money have you raised?" "None at..all," replied Pastor Herbert. "Here's a penny," said the minister, "you cannot say that any more." The other penny was given by Pierce Gaillard, the little son of P. C. Gaillard, a member of the congregation. The little fellow handed it to his father one evening as he started from home to attend a meeting of the stewards, with the remark that it should be used in helping to build a new church. The congregation expects in the near future to worship in a handsomely appointed church. The old edifice has served its purpose well. It was built in 1833, being the second - the Baptist being the first, in 1832 - that was built in Newberry, which at that time could scarcely have been a town of more than two hundred inhabitants. Two generations and more have come upon the scene and passed away since that time, and there is possibly no person living in Newberry today who remembers when the old church was built. But if its walls could speak in human accents they could recount a history of noble deeds of Christian love and self-denial which permeated the lives and purposes of the fathers and mothers in Israel who builded for the generation which has taken up the legacy so richly bestowed by them, with a mind to work and to build a house of worship which shall be a credit to them and the great denomination which they represent, as well as in keeping with the progress of our city! -Copied from The Newberry Observer, November 15, 1900 Edition. Central Methodist Church of Newberry, S. C. is located on an entire city block, corner of Caldwell and Johnstone Streets. It is surrounded by a large lawn, with a stone terrace in front of the front entrance, which leads up wide stone steps to the porch, with an entrance on each side through a small vestibule. The interior presents an amphitheatrical form of seats on a sloping floor, in the rear of the church an elevated pulpit, and in the center of it a large pipe organ. The building is constructed of beautiful white pressed brick. The architectural style is Gothic, with tall steeples and high gables, with a steep roof. The arched effect is carried out in its porch entrance and its memorial windows of varied colored designs. The Sunday School or "Educational Building" as it is now called is in the rear of the church on the corner of College and Johnstone Streets. This building was built during the pastorate of The Rev. R. L. Holroyd and dedicated as a memorial to Mary Frances Wright, mother of Mr. Z. F. Wright. A centennial celebration was held in the church on November 13, 1932, presided over by The Honorable Eugene S. Blease, at the time the Chief Justice of the South Carolina Supreme Court. It was also a memorial meeting, commemorating the following members who were active in helping to build the new church: Former Chief Justice, The Honorable Y. J. Pope, The Honorable Z. F. Wright, The Rev. W. I. Herbert (one of the former pastors of the church and presiding Elder), Mrs. R. D. Wright and former Governor Cole L. Blease.  Interior view of recently remodeled Central Methodist Church, Rev. G. H. Hodges, pastor. Dedication services begin Sunday with the sermon by Rev. H. O. Chambers. Central Methodist Church was last remodeled in 1952-54 at a cost of $65,000. This remodeling of the church included a new roof, entire auditorium changed and rearranged, walls plastered, new wainscoting, new floor carpet from wall to wall, new pews, pulpit furniture, indirect lighting system, air conditioning, new Estey concert organ, walks around the church, entire church painted and grounds landscaped. The committee in charge of the remodeling was composed of Clem I. Youmans, Chr.; P. N. Abrams, Treasurer; M. O. Summer, A. W. Murray, R. R. Bruner, Jr., Henry Lominack, George W. Martin, John F. Clarkson and C. C. Hutto. Ministers who have served Central Methodist Church are as follows: Rev. Coleman Carlisle - 1820 (First pastor of Newberry Circuit); Rev. James Mullinix and Rev. Daniel Riley - 1821; Rev. Henry Bass and Rev. M. McPherson - 1822; Rev. Robert Adams - 1823; Rev. Joseph Holmes - 1824-5, supplied 1826; Rev. Barnet Smith - 1827; Rev. Samuel Dunwoody - 1828; Rev. David Derrick ­1829-30; Rev. John Watts - 1831-32; Rev. John Compton - 1833; Rev. Jacob Ozier - 1834; Rev. H. W. Ledbetter - 1835; Rev. Frederick Rush - 1836-7; Rev. David Derrick - 1838-9; Rev. Geo. W. Moore and Rev. John Tarrant - 1840-1; Rev. J. H. Zimmerman and Rev. D. Byrd - 1842-3; Rev. Samuel Dunwoody and Rev. L. M. Little - 1844; Rev. Samuel Dunwoody and Rev. A. B. McGilvary ­1845; Rev. Ira L. Potter and Rev. W. A. Connor - 1846-7; Rev. C. A. Crowell and Rev. S. H. Brown - 1848; Rev. W. A. McSwain and Rev. J. J. Harris - 1849; Rev. P. G. Bowman and Rev. S. H. Dunwoody - 1850; Rev. J. H. Zimmerman and Rev. Jas. H. Bouchelle - 1851; Rev. Colin Murchison and Rev. E. J. Pennington - 1852; Rev. Colin Murchinson and Rev. W. E. Boon - 1853; Rev. C. H. Walker and Rev. A. B. McGilvary - 1854. This brings the circuit down to 1854, when the church in the town of Newberry was set off to itself and made a "Station," its first pastor being the Rev. John R. Pickett - 1854. Then followed: Rev. W. A. McSwain - 1855-6; Rev. A. W. Walker - 1857-8; Rev. M. A: McKibben - 1859-60; Rev. Bond English - 1861-62; Rev. Thos. J. Clyde - 1863; Rev. J. Emory Watson - 1864; Rev. Jno. W. Humbert ­1865-6; Rev. W. S. Black - 1867; Rev. O. A. Darby - 1869-70; Rev. J. A. Mood­1871-2; Rev. Manning Brown - 1872-73; Rev. R. P. Franks - 1875; Rev. C. H. Pritchard - 1876-7; Rev. A. M. Chreitzberg - 1878; Rev. J. B. Campbell ­1879-80-81; Rev. R. D. Smart - 1882-3; Rev. Jessie A. Clifton - 1884-5; Rev. H. F. Chrietsberg - 1886; Rev. J. L. Stokes - 1887-8; Rev. W. S. Wightman ­1889-90; Rev. W. W. Daniel - 1891-2-3; Rev. A. J. Stokes - 1894-5; Rev. C. W. Creighton - 1896-7; Rev. W. I. Herbert - 1898-1902. Since 1902 the following ministers have served Central Church: Rev. S. H. Zimmerman - 1903-4-5; Rev. A. H. Best - 1906; Rev. B. M. Grier - 1907; Rev. J. W. Wolling - 1908-9; Rev. M. L. Banks - 1909-10-11; Rev. J. E. Carlisle ­1912-13-14; Rev. F. E. Dibble - 1915-16-17-18; Rev. C. E. Peele - 1919; Rev.J. L. Daniel- 1919-20-21; Rev. J. M. Steadman - 1922-23-24-25; Rev. R. L. Holroyd - 1926-27-28-29; Rev. J. F. Lupo - 1930-31; Rev. A. E. Holler - 1932-33-34-35; Rev. T. C. Cannon - 1936-37; Rev. H. O. Chambers - 1938-39-40-41; Rev. H. C. Ritter - 1942-43-44-45-46-47; Rev. G. H. Hodges - 1948-49-50-51; Rev. H. L. Spell - 1952-53-54-55; Rev. M. E. Derrick - 1956-57-58; Rev. T. H. Vickery ­1959-60-61-62-63; Rev. S. M. Atkinson - 1964-65-66; Rev. George S. Duffie ­1967-68-69; Rev. James H. Martin - 1970-19- . There are many who should be included in this history, but as I have been unable to locate their records the only thing I can do is mention some names that I remember or others have told me about. Some of these are Mr. Jim Epting and Mr. C. H. Cannon who both served long terms as Supt. of the Sunday School and in many other official capacities, Mrs. Mamie (Mrs. W. W.) Hornsby who served about 58 years as Supt. of the Beginners Dept., Mrs. L. G. McCullough who served as Supt. of the Junior Division of the Sunday School for 30 years, Miss Eugenia Epps who served as secretary of the Children's Division of the Sunday School for 40 years, Mr. P. C. Gaillard who served for many years as secretary of the Sunday School, and Mrs. Marvin Summer who served for 40 years as Supt. of the Intermediate Dept. REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON NOMINATIONS TO THE CHARGE CONFERENCE April 2, 1970 ADMINISTRATIVE BOARD Chairman: Harold Folk Ex-Officio: Pastor - Rev. James H. Martin    Associate - Rev. Jon Linder Lay Leader - A. C. Oxner    Church Treasurer - Steve Floyd Lay Member Annual Conf. (1971) - W. J. Raffield; Reserve - W. R. Buford Chairman, Trustees - John Norris; Chairman, Finance Comm. - Joe M. Roberts Secretary, Comm. on Nominations - Miss Sallie Lee Cromer Director of Music - Mrs. Paul Savko; Recording Secretary - D. W. Morison President, W. S. C. S. - Mrs. Richard L. Baker Chm., Council on Ministries - Mrs. David W. Morison Supt., Study Program - Claude Monroe Health and Welfare - Mrs. John Epps Two Youths Elected by Youth - Nancy Floyd, Bette L. Moseley Chairman of Property Committee - Paul Whitaker Chairman, Pastor-Parish Relations - Richard L. Baker Work Area Chairmen:      Education - M. M. Moseley; Evangelism - J. E. Hazel      Missions - Harvey Kirkland; Social Concerns - Harold Folk      Stewardship - Henry Mills; Worship - J. Harold Ruff Age Level Coordinators:      Family - W. E. Monroe; Adult - Mrs. H. B. Kirkegard      Youth - Fred Herren; Children - Mrs. L. H. Jordan District Steward - P. K. Harmon Records and History - L. C. Graham Members-at-Large: 1971 Billy Berley Mrs. S. E. Carter Curtis Chapman James V. Clamp Jimmy Davenport James Longshore George Martin Parker Martin Ted Murph Ray Nobles Sam P. Shannon M. L. Youmans 1972 Richard L. Baker R. R. Brown W. E. Dehihns Steve Floyd Charles Haile J. E. Hazel W. S. Hentz Mrs. H. B. Kirkegard E. K. Lominack Kibler Moon David W. Morison S. L. Shealy J. Ralph Williams 1973 Grady Bedenbaugh Pope Buford, Jr. Fuller R. Campbell W. A. Cromer Grady Graham J. W. Henderson George House George Huggin James Perry Joe M. Roberts Marvin Rucker Ralph E. Watkins COUNCIL ON MINISTRIES Chairman. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mrs. David W. Morison Work Area Chairmen: (Ex-Officio) Education - M. M. Moseley Missions - Harvey B. Kirkland Stewardship - Henry Mills Evangelism - J. E. Hazel Social Concerns - Harold Folk Worship - J. Harold Ruff Age Level Coordinators: (Ex-Officio) Family - W. E. Monroe Youth - Fred Herren Adult - Mrs. H. B. Kirkegard Children - Mrs. L. Hart Jordan  Other Ex-Qfficio Members: Pastor Lay Leader - A. C. Oxner Associate Pastor - Rev. Linder Chmn., Adm. Board - Harold Folk 2 Youths - Nancy Floyd, Bette Moseley; Supt., Study Program - Claude Monroe President, Women's Society of Christian Service - Mrs. Richard L. Baker COMMITTEES PASTOR-PARISH RELATIONS:  Chairman: Richard L. Baker Lay Member Annual Conference (Ex-Officio): L. Hart Jordan Others: W. R. Buford, Mrs. James G. Clamp, James H. Davis, Dave Hayes, Mrs. H. B. Kirkegard, Mrs. Sam P. Shannon, Ralph E. Watkins. NOMINATIONS AND PERSONNEL: 1970-71 - William R. Buford, O. M. Cobb, Miss Sallie Lee Cromer 1971-72 - James V. Clamp, T. C. Tindall, Mrs. Paul Whitaker 1972-73 - Mrs. H. B. Kirkegard, Harvey B. Kirkland, Mrs. Sam P. Shannon TRUSTEES: Elected by classes for three year term. 1971 - Dave Hayes, J. T. Norris, W. H. Tedford 1972 - John Clarkson, Harry D. Epting, Paul Whitaker 1973 - R. Wright Cannon, Steve C. Griffith Sr., W. Henry Lominack FINANCE: Chairman - Joe M. Roberts Ex-Qfficio: Chm., Administrative Board - Harold Folk Pastor Chmn., Council on Ministries - Mrs. David W. Morison Stewardship Work Area Chairman - Henry Mills Lay Leader - A. C. Oxner Treasurer - Steve Floyd Trustee elected by Trustees - John Clarkson Chairman of Property Committee - Paul Whitaker Others: 1971 - W. S. Hentz, E. K. Lominack, Ted Murph 1972 - Mrs. S. E. Carter, Mrs. E. J. Dickert, E. H. Tuggle 1973 - P. M. Brooks, L. C. Graham, W. J. Raffield BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS: (Elected by Trustees) Chairman - Paul Whitaker Mrs. Richard L. Baker, Harry D. Epting, John T. Norris, Mrs. C. I. Youmans COMMISSION ON EDUCATION: Chairman - Maurice M. Moseley Nancy Floyd, Fred Herren, Mrs. L. Hart Jordan, Mrs. H. B. Kirkegard, Claude B. Monroe, William E. Monroe, Mrs. David W. Morison, Bette L. Moseley, Mrs. Woodrow Ward  MEMORIAL GIFTS TO CENTRAL METHODIST CHURCH In Memory of: PEWS Given By: Mr. and Mrs. Robert Bennett Lominack Mr. and Mrs. W. Frank Lominack, Sr. & Dr. and Mrs. Reyburn W. Lominack Thomas L. Hicks, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas L. Hicks, Sr. The Chesley H. Cannon Family Zaccheus Franklin Wright Mrs. C. H. Cannon W. Ernest Merchant, Sr. R. Wright Cannon W. Ernest Merchant Eoline Merchant Gaillard & Peter Cordes Gaillard Abbie Gaillard Garvin Munson M. and Sallie Bell Buford Mrs. W. O. Miller Andrew Cornelius Thomasson and Texie Wilson Thomasson Mrs. Maggie T. Hartley Margaret David Carlisle Mrs. Eva James Wherry William Wallace Cromer Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Tedford John Colvin Adams and Anna Epting Adams Mrs. Cannon Gary Blease Cannon Gary Blease Elizabeth Blease Baker Mary Lillian West Mrs. S. T. West James Appleton and Mary Elizabeth West By their children Mrs. Mary Lane Whitaker By her husband and children Mr. and Mrs. George F. Hambright, and Mr. & Mrs. Richard C. Griffith Judge and Mrs. S. C. Griffith Henry Horatio Blease Judge Eugene S. Blease Saluda Blease Workman Jack Blease Workman and Judge Eugene S. Blease Mrs. Alma Hayes Mr. and Mrs. Dave Hayes S. I. Harmon Mr. and Mrs. A. C. Quattlebaum  COMMUNION TABLE In Memory of: Robert Downs Wright Given By: Mrs. R. D. Wright PULPIT FURNITURE In Memory of: Mary Elizabeth West Given by: Her children BAPTISMAL FONT In Memory of: Elizabeth Satterwhite Blease Given by: Judge Eugene S. Blease and MRS. Richard L. Baker BRASS ALTAR SET In Memory of: Given in honor of Miss Lucy Epps  Given by: The Lucy Epps Bible Class The following memorials were listed in a church bulletin published during the pastorate of The Rev. George H. Hodges, 1948-51: THE CHURCH MEMORIAL WINDOWS In memory of Uncle Mark - Rev. Mark M. Boyd, 1807-1900; Rev. J. W. Humbert, 1835-1906; Gen. H. H. Kinard, 1806-1869; Mrs. M. A. Kinard, 1809"1851; Dr. James P. Kinard, 1829-1854; Capt. John M. Kinard, 1833-1864; Mary M. Humbert, 1831-1910; Wright Memorial Window. Robert H. Wright, 1828-1896; Mary F. Wright, 1846; G. M. B. Epting, 1901; Miss Hedwig Wiskennon; Mary Stoddard, Stoddard Memorial, 1901. Rev. Walter 1. Herbert, 1899; Eddie Greneker, 1865-1884; Mary Butler Pope, 1876-1893; Samson and Rebecca S. Merchant; Thomas F. Greneker, 1827-1889; Cornelia G. Greneker, 1843-1923; James F. Epting, 1901; J. O. S. and Mary P. Livingston; Virginia L. Perry; Vida L. Carrington, 1875-1883; Sarah E. White, 1866-1895. THE CHIMES AND HEARING AIDS The chimes and hearing aids in the church were given by Mr. and Mrs. Guy V. Whitener, Sr. in memory of John B. Mayes, Douglas Crump, and Calvin Dennis, who died in the service of our country in World War II. THE WRIGHT MEMORIAL BUILDING in memory of Zaccheus Franklin Wright March 21, 1869-0ctober 26,1949 also in memory of his mother, Mary Frances Bowers (Mrs. Robert Herman Wright) January 16, 1846-March 3,1924 The Wright Memorial Building is our present Education Building with approximately fifteen classrooms and three offices, including the Pastor's Study. Our Superintendent of the Study Program (formerly Church School Superintendent) is Mr. Claude Monroe. The new parsonage was built in 1965 at 2117 Evans Circle during the pastorate of The Rev. S. M. Atkinson. This replaced the handsome two story brick parsonage with all conveniences one block from the church, built by Mr. Z. F. Wright in 1931, and deeded by him to Central Church Trustees. It was located on the corner of Caldwell and Boundary Streets and had replaced the two story frame parsonage that was located on the corner of College and Johnstone Streets. It was built during the pastorate of The Rev. S. H. Zimmerman, 1903-4-5. This parsonage was torn down to make room for the new Educational Building, which was dedicated as the Wright Memorial Building on Sunday, May 13, 1956. FIRST EPWORTH LEAGUE - January 31,1894 Roll of Officers Elected January 31,1894: President - Frank L. Bynum; First Vice-President - T. E. Epting; Second Vice-President - Miss Hettie Lake; Third Vice-President - Miss Eloise Welch; Secretary - J. W. Speake; Treasurer - Miss Lalla Stokes. Roll of Members: Frank L. Bynum, T. E. Epting, Miss Katie Rutherford, Miss Eloise Welch, , Miss Lalla Stokes, J. W. Speake, J. F. Stilwell, J. W. Chapman, Claude Greneker, Eugene S. Blease, Miss Carrie Rollison, Miss Hettie Lake, Miss Mamie Epting, Miss Lizzie Salter, Miss Mary Salter, Mrs. S. C. Stokes, J. H. Wicker, Jas. F. Epting, Miss Alice Hornsby, Miss Lois Fant, Z. F. Wright, Rev. A. J. Stokes, Miss Louise Tarrant, Miss Edith Henderson, Jno. A. Eddy, S. J. Wooten, Mrs. T. E. Epting, C. C. McWhirter, Mrs. J. H. Wicker, G. M. B. Epting, Miss Mary Suber, Miss Una Lake, , C. H. Cannon, Stanmore L. Cash, H. Beverly Stokes, W. G. Mayes, Miss Lucy Wright, Miss Annie Bynum, Wm. Blatts, Smith Langford, Wofford Waite, M. L. Spearman, Miss Emma Riser, Miss Kate Hueit, Miss Clara Cook, Miss Maud Fant, Miss Mary Bishop, Miss Laura Blease, and J. J. Lane. WOMEN'S SOCIETY OF CHRISTIAN SERVICE This is the birthplace of organized Woman's Missionary Work of the South Conference. The organization was effected December 16,1878. The S. C. Conference was in session, Bishop W. M. Wightman, presiding. His wife came and organized the work. First members were: Mrs. Y. J. Pope, Mrs. Harriet Lane, Mrs. W. T. Tarrant, Mrs. A. M. Chreitzberg, Miss Ada Moorman, Mrs. Jim Ruff, Miss Alice Kinard (later wife of Bishop A. Coke Smith), Mrs. Mathis, Mrs. J. Y. Culbreath, Miss M. E. Jones, Miss Lizzie White, Miss M. E. W. Pope, Mrs. Frank Fant, Mrs. T. S. Moorman, Mrs. A. C. Chapman, Miss Heddie Wiskerman. March 4, 1879, the Central Auxiliary (known then as Johnstone Street Methodist) was organized with 31 members. Mrs. Y. J. Pope was the first president; Mrs. T. S. Greneker and Mrs. S. F. Fant, vice-presidents; Miss Mary E. W. Pope, corresponding secretary; Miss Lillie Chapman, recording secretary; Miss Addie Moorman, treasurer. The membership was 31. Money raised for the rest of that year - $22. The society began to work and grow. It bore the expenses of a Bible Woman in Durango, Mexico, for three years. It sponsored sewing and cooking classes at the mills in Newberry. Mrs. J. W. Humbert, who made the missionary cause her very life, was the first Conference Corresponding Secretary. Mrs. W. I. Herbert was once a member; and later became President of the Woman's Missionary Society of the S. C. Conference. Miss Eliza McCullough (graduate of Scarritt) and once a missionary here; and Miss Lucy Epps (graduate of Missionary Training School in Nashville) were members. Mrs. J. W. White served as District Secretary 18 years. First, for the Home Society; and then for the United Missionary Society. Mrs. P. C. Gaillard was for a long time Superintendent of Young People for the Conference. The society grew from 31 members to 95 in 1928; and raised $751.21. THE NEWBERRY OBSERVER, FEBRUARY 21,1911 “The Woman's Home Missionary Society of Central Methodist Church elected the following officers at their meeting on Friday: Mrs. C. H. Cannon, President; Mrs. Burr Martin, 1st Vice-president; Mrs. W. H. Wallace, 2nd Vice-president; Mrs. J. W. White, 3rd Vice-president; Mrs. R. D. Wright, Recording Secretary; Mrs. C. M. Cook, Corresponding Secretary; Mrs. Cannon Blease, Treasurer; Mrs. P. F. Baxter, Agent Missionary Advocate; Miss Alice Hornsby, Treasurer Parsonage Aid Society." The South Carolina Conference meeting for reorganization was held in Chester, January 21, 1915. Mrs. J. W. White was secretary of the then called Cokesbury District (now Greenwood) of the Woman's Missionary Society. This was the title used when the Woman's Foreign Missionary Society and the Home Missionary Society combined. Mrs. White resigned in 1933, after 18 years of successful leadership. In 1926 the Cokesbury District had the distinction of helping to establish a scholarship at Scarritt College. There were 4 societies on the Honor Roll of Remembrance. Central was one written in the Book of Remembrance with letters that glow. December 1934, the society was on the Honor Roll for its ten successive years of work in all departments. December 1934, Mrs. J. W. White resigned as President, after 38 years as an executive in all departments of Mission Work.  October 1938, a big celebration was held at Central Church for the 60th anniversary of the Missionary Society. In 1940, after the Uniting Conference, the Woman's Society of the Upper Conference became known as the Woman's Society of Christian Service. It was organized at Grace Methodist Church, Union, S. C., with Mrs. R. D. Wright, presiding. Central had 28 members present. In 1950, the Central society gave $75 to the Greenwood District for support of Miss Louise Best, missionary to Brazil. In 1951, after 25 years of faithful service as treasurer of the society, Mrs. Agnes Schumpert resigned. In 1946, Miss Lucy Epps started a library for the church. 1951, the W. S. C. S. took it over as a project, with Mrs. F. Scott Elljott as promotor and adviser. April 29, 1953, the Wesleyan Service Guild was organized. The first officers were: Mrs. F. G. Hartley, President; Mrs. George Rodelsperger, Vice-president; Mrs. L. W. Bedenbaugh, Recording Secretary; Mrs. Keagan, Treasurer; Miss Jo Shannon, Promotion Secretary; Mrs. L. G. McCullough, Co-ordinator. October 14, 1968, a meeting of historical significance was held in a service of celebration. It was the charter meeting of the organization of the United Methodist Women's Society of Christian Service and Wesleyan Service Guild, held in the sanctuary of Central Church. The history of the organizations was given by Miss Sallie Lee Cromer. Purposes of the two expressed as follows: "to help women grow in the knowledge and experience of God, as revealed in Jesus Christ, to challenge them to respond to God's redemptive purpose in the world; to unite them in a Christian fellowship to make Christ known throughout the world; and to develop a personal responsibility for the whole task of the Christian church." Each woman signed her name in the Charter Book; and took part in the Agape Feast (love feast, fellowship meal) at the altar. On it the "Bread of Life" was symbolized by a loaf of bread, surrounded by its four basic ingredients. The charter certificate reads: "This certifies that the charter meeting of the Women's Society of Christian Service, Central United Methodist Church, 1005 College Street, City of Newberry, State of South Carolina, was held on October 14, 1968." Officers elected were: President, Mrs. Richard L. Baker; Vice-president, Miss Sallie Lee Cromer; Secretary, Mrs. L. Hart Jordan; Treasurer, Mrs. Paul W. Whitaker; Chairman of Committee on Nominations, Mrs. V. W. Rinehart; Christian Social Relations, Mrs. H. B. Kirkegard; Missionary Education, Mrs. F. Scott Elliott; Spiritual Growth, Mrs. W. H. Davis. Number of charter members enrolled: 95. Attested by: Mrs. Roy Parker, Conference President. The Reverend George S. Duffie, D.O., Pastor. The Society entertained Annual Conferences in 1885, 1901, 1922,1929 (the Jubilee Year) and the Upper South Carolina Conference in its 21st session, April 15-16,1936. Presidents and Terms Served: (Blanks occur where date not known.) Mrs. Y. J. Pope, 1879; Mrs. E. L. Cavenaugh; Mrs. George Davenport; Mrs. J. W. Humbert; Mrs. P. C. Gaillard; Mrs. C. H. Cannon, 1911; Mrs. Mary Fant; Mrs. J. L. Daniel; Miss Eliza McCullough; Mrs. J. W. White, 1918-38; Mrs. R. D. Wright, 193840; Mrs. M. O. Summer, 194045; Miss Lucy Epps, 194548; Mrs. M. O. Summer, 1948-49; Mrs. J. E. Wiseman, 1949-51; Mrs. F. Scott Elliott, 1951-55; Mrs. T. P. Crooks, 1955-59; Mrs. Steve C. Griffith, 1959-60; Mrs. Clyde Tindall, 1960-61; Mrs. J. E. Wiseman, 1961-63; Mrs. W. R. Buford, 1963-65; Mrs. W. H. Tedford, 1965-67; Mrs. Richard L. Baker 1967-. DISTRICT SECRETARIES: Mrs. 1. W. White, 1915-33; Mrs. L.. G. McCullough, 1933-49. DISTRICT PRESIDENT: Mrs. F. Scott Elliott, 1955-59. Officers of the W. S. C. S. 1969-70: President: Mrs. Richard L. Baker; Vice-President: Mrs. Ray Nobles; Secretary: Mrs. L. Hart Jordan; Treasurer: Mrs. Paul Whitaker; Secretary, Christian Social Relations: Mrs. Marvin Summer; Secretary, Missionary Education: Mrs. F. Scott Elliott; Secretary, Spiritual Growth: Mrs. W. H. Davis; Secretary, Program Materials: Mrs. A. E. Morehead. Officers of the W. S. C. S. 1970-71: President: Mrs. Richard L. Baker; Vice-President: Mrs. Ray Nobles; Secretary: Mrs. L. Hart Jordan; Treasurer: Mrs. Paul W. Whitaker. Area Chairmen: Committee on Nominations: Mrs. F. G. Hartley, Circle II; Christian Social Relations: Mrs. W. E. Monroe; Missionary Education: Mrs. F. Scott Elliott; Spiritual Growth: Mrs. Otis Whitaker; Membership: Mrs. E. E. Eurey; Local Church Responsibilities: Mrs. Phillips (Phil) Brooks; Program Materials: Mrs. Gordon Henry . Circle Leaders: 1. Mrs. F. Scott Elliott; 2. Mrs. F. G. Hartley; 3. Mrs. T. P. Crooks; 4. Mrs. Daisy Denning; 5. Mrs. Fred Herren. Wesleyan Service Guild Officers 1970-71: President - Mrs. John L. Epps; Vice-president - Mrs. Elaine Paul; Secretary - Mrs. George Rodelsperger; Treasurer - Mrs. Kibler Moon; Retiring President - Mrs. Sam P. Shannon. -Mrs. Woodrow Ward First row, left to right: Mrs. F. Scott Elliott, Teacher; Mrs. Cannon G. Blease, President; Mrs. J. W. White, Vice President. Second row: Mrs. J. C. Inabinet, Mrs. M. L. Duckett, Mrs. A. L. Longshore, Assistant Teacher; Mrs. R. M. Lominack, Secretary; Mrs. W. R. Bouknight, Mrs. C. H. Cannon, Treasurer. Third row: Mrs. D. L. Beacham, Mrs. D. J. Williams, Mrs. C. W. Fant, Miss Annie Bynum, Mrs. T. S. Humphries. Fourth row: Mrs. Holland Sligh, Mrs. H. D. Williams, Mrs. Henry Brown. Fifth row: Mrs. Richard L. Baker, Mrs. Douglas Hornsby, Mrs. George Senn, Mrs. O. M. Cobb, Mrs. John Waldrop. ELIZA MCCULLOUGH BIBLE CLASS The Eliza McCullough Bible Class was organized in 1910 by Miss Eliza McCullough, a Home Missionary. She came to Newberry from Edgefield, South Carolina. Miss McCullough taught the class from its beginning until her death in 1945. The earliest available record of the class is dated 1934 when Mrs. J. B. Walton was Recording Secretary. At that time there were 40 members on the roll, and at this writing only one is still living, Mrs. R. M. Lominack. Mrs. Lominack served the' class many years as Recording Secretary, having been elected in March, 1949. She became inactive during the past year because of conditions beyond her control, but still continues her membership. Teachers following Miss McCullough were: Mrs. Emma R. Longshore, Miss Dorothy Buzhardt, Mrs. H. C. Ritter, Mrs. L. G, McCullough, Mrs. F. Scott Elliott, Mrs. Matilda Crooks, Mr. A. C. Oxner. In 1924 Mrs. Cannon G. Blease was elected President of the class, and served until her death in June, 1967. Mrs. Blease rendered many services to the class as a leader and friend. She used her many talents for the furtherance of the Kingdom of the Master. Her thoughts were always with the sick and shut-ins, and her consecrated life was an inspiration to all. During its years of activity the class has had many projects. When the Newberry County Memorial Hospital was built, the class financed a room as a memorial to its first teacher. It is known today as The Eliza McCullough Room. Contributions have been made from time to time toward its upkeep. On Sunday morning, December 25, 1966, a certificate for an acre of land was presented to Mrs. Blease. This acre of land is at the South Carolina Methodist Camp at Cleveland, South Carolina, and was purchased at a cost of $50. This amount was contributed by personal donations of the members in honor of their long time beloved president. Mrs. Blease was further honored by having her picture appear on the cover of the South Carolina Methodist Advocate on December 3, 1964, and a related article appeared inside. The Golden Age Fellowship Group was organized on December 3, 1952 at the home of Mrs. J. W. White who was then Vice-president of the Eliza McCullough Bible Class. Thirteen members were present. This organization was sponsored by the above class and Mrs. H. D. Williams, a member of the class, assumed the responsibilities of organizational duties, since the original idea was hers. Mrs. J. W. White, a loyal, faithful and inspirational member of the class, passed away in 1961. She had been Vice-president for more than 12 years, and a member of the class since its organization. Her activities extended beyond the class for she served her church in many and various ways. The class gave a shower to Mrs. White, its oldest member, on her 85th birthday. This was a way of showing their love and esteem for her. In 1956, Mrs. Douglas Hornsby assumed the responsibility for taking "The Upper Room" to the hospital each month. This is distributed among the patients and many favorable comments have been received from them. These booklets are purchased by birthday contributions from class members. During the war, pocket-sized "Upper Rooms" were sent to the eight church members in the armed forces. The efficient and faithful secretary, Mrs. R. M. Lominack, sent get-well, birthday and sympathy cards to class members as long as she remained active. Since her retirement, Mrs. Andrena Oswald has carried on the project. Shut-ins are always remembered with a gift at Christmas time. Miss Annie Bynum, a long-time and faithful member, kept a scrapbook for the class which has been invaluable in compiling a history. This is kept in a large steel filing cabinet which the class purchased and which is kept in the class room. Many members have served the class faithfully from time to time but space does not permit the enumeration of each one. However, we do not want to overlook the very fine work of a Visiting Committee, Mrs. P. E. Way and Mrs. L. G. McCullough. These women, by their home visits, made many an afternoon brighter for the sick, the shut-ins and the bereaved. At present the class has twenty-one members who are active and four inactive members on the roll. The officers at this time are: President - Mrs. Harry D. Epting, Vice-president - Mrs. Richard L. Baker, Secretary /Treasurer - Mrs. Andrena Oswald, Honorary Secretary/Treasurer - Mrs. R. M. Lominack, Assistant Secretary - Miss Dorothy Buzhardt, Assistant Treasurer - Mrs. J. H. Perry. Submitted: August 12, 1970 by Mrs. Harry D. Epting, assisted by Mrs. L. G. McCullough and Mrs. W. D. Hornsby. CHESLEY CANNON BIBLE CLASS The Chesley Cannon Men's Bible Class This picture was made on the front steps of Central Methodist Church on February 19, 1949. The inserts  (omitted in this photo); on the left, R. D. Coleman, Jr., teacher, and on the right, Jack Hove, secretary. The Men's Bible Class of Central Methodist Church, Newberry, S. C., was organized in 1926 under the pastorate of the Rev. R. L. Holroyd. Mr. C. H. Cannon was Superintendent of the Sunday School at this time and took a leading part in organizing this men's class which later came to be known as the Chesley Cannon Bible Class. At the time of the organization, the present Sunday School Building had not been erected. The church was too small to accommodate this class, therefore, this class had to find quarters outside. It met for some time in the upstairs of the Scott Building, also for a number of years in the old Ritz Theater which was then located in the building on the comer of Main and College Streets - now occupied by Cooner's Store. At this time, it was inter-denominational and enjoyed a membership of around 200. In 1936, it was decided to move the class to Central Methodist Church, in the wing on the right side of the church, known then as the Sunday School room. Here the three adult classes met together for their devotional period and this part of the church was the class room for the men's class. At this point, the membership dropped to about 15 to 25 members. Several years later, this class was given the room on the right hand corner of the first floor of the Sunday School Building for their class and devotional. The class immediately purchased a piano and song books and secured Mrs. May Stuck Epting to play for the devotional period. This was about 1943. Later it purchased chairs. Following Mrs. Epting, Miss Harriet Dickert served as pianist for several years. At this time, the membership started to grow and has continued to do so. This growth was entirely through the personal interest of the members of the class and not through any organized membership campaign. The Chesley Cannon Bible Class engages in many outside activities and services, some of which are: Distribution of a large number of Christmas baskets each Christmas, distributes each Sunday Bible tracts to the inmates of both the city and county jails, broadcasts the Sunday School lesson every second Sunday, holds suppers for the entire class and their wives, makes a regular contribution to Boys' Farm, provides lunches for school children and engages in other activities, also supports the church and its program liberally. The class furnished its own equipment for its room: a piano, chairs, a beautiful mahogany pulpit, contributed by -one of its members, a pulpit Bible with special pages provided for each member to sign his name, etc. The class had a membership of 134 in 1955 and each Sunday found a room full of interested members. The number of members have varied from time to time at this date, September 1, 1970, the class has 65 active members and 16 inactive members. This drop is largely caused by the forming of the young Couples' Class and other adult classes. In an attempt to write up the history of the Chesley Cannon Bible Class, I have obtained the following list of past officials. The following, as far as I have been able to ascertain, are the only ones with us now, Sept. 1, 1970, who were members when the class was organized in 1926: Ben Dawkins, S. C. Campbell, P. K. Harmon, and Forrest Lominack. Past Presidents: Cannon Blease, S. C. Griffith - 26, P. K. Harmon - 32, Sam Hazel, N. C. Toole, L. W. Bedenbaugh, Tom Graham. I was unable to obtain definite dates of service of the above.  To the best of my ability, the following dates do apply: C. C. Hutto, 1938, 1939,1943-44; P. N. Abrams, 1939-40; R. R. Bruner, 1940-41, 1945-46; Y. T. Dickert, 1941-43; T. W. Hunter, 1944-45; J. C. Lee, 1946-47; L. C. Graham, 1947-48, 1963-64, 1968-69; J. L. Lipscomb, 1948-49; James H. Davis, 1949-50; Frank D. Graham, 1950-51; E. Kirby Lominack, 1951-52; Meredith Harmon, 1952-53; Heyward Davis, 1953-54; James V. Clamp, 1954-55; J. W. Henderson, 1955-56; Phil Brooks, 1956-57; Wilbur Reames, 1957-58; Wayne Martin, 1958-59; Fuller Campbell, 1959-60; W. H. Carter, 1960-61; Roy Ivester, 1962-63; Price K. Harmon, 1964-65; E. E. Eurey, 1965-66; James M. Longshore, 1966-67; Henry Mills, 1967-68; Grady Lee Halfacre, 1969-70; R. Wright Cannon, 1970-71. Teachers: Rev. R. L. Holroyd, 1927-30; Chesley Cannon; L. W. Bedenbaugh; Rev. J. F. Lupo, 1931; Mrs. A. E. Holler, 1935-36; L. Clifton Graham, 1936-47, (54-55-56 - one of 4 teachers); R. D. Coleman, Jr., 1947-52; J. W. Henderson, 1952-54; James B. Cartwright, 1954; Ed Hazel, 1962-70; Lamar Hazel, 1962-63; Meredith Harmon, 1962-70; Howard Kirkegard, 1962-63; Steve C. Griffith, Jr., 1962-65; A. C. Oxner, 1962-70; Prof. F. Scott Elliott, 1965-70. Secretaries: S. C. Campbell, 1932; P. K. Harmon; Tom Graham; Jack Hove, 1933-40, 1942-52; W. F. Partridge, 1940-41; Hugh Crooks, 1941-42; W. A. Attaway, 1952-53; J. W. Schumpert, 1953-55; Pope Buford; Henry Mills; Sam Shannon; W. A. Cromer; E. C. Rinehart, 1962-63; Melvin Attaway, 1963-64; Roy Stutts, 1964-65; F. R. Campbell, 1965-66; Harold Ruff, 1966-67; Frank Graham, 1967-68; Kibler Moon, 1968-69; William H. Shannon, 1969-70; F. R. Campbell, 1970-71. Treasurers: W. W. Cromer; Ralph Williams, 1955-56; Roland Hawkins; Henry F. Mills, 1962-63; Virgil Adams, 1963-64, 66-67; Kibler Moon, 1964-65; Paul Whitaker, 1965-66; Sam Shannon, 1968-69; Virgil Adams, 1969-70; William A. Cromer, 1970-71. Pianists: Mrs. May Stuck Epting, Miss Harriet Dickert, Miss Jackie Crooks, Mrs. Patsy Cromer Miller, Miss Eleanor Burnette. -Mr. L. Clifton Graham THE LUCY EPPS BIBLE CLASS The Lucy Epps Bible Class, April, 1950 Front row left to right: Mrs. Guy V. Whitener, Sr., Miss Lucy Epps, Miss Eunice Adams, Mrs. Virgil Adams, Mrs. Louise Carter, Mrs. Mae Hattaway; second row: Mrs. Thompson Dennis, Mrs. Viola Richardson, Mrs. George Rodelsperger, Mrs. Clarence DeHart, Mrs. W. H. Davis, Miss Josephine Shannon; third row: Mrs. Tilla W. Kaufmann, Mrs. B. F. Dawkins, Mrs. G. V. Clamp, Mrs. M. P. Davis, Mrs. F. G. Hartley, Mrs. Lamar Hazel and Mrs. James D. Brown. The Lucy Epps Bible Class was organized in the year 1931 by Miss Lucy Epps, Mrs. Tilla West Kaufmann, and Mrs. Louise Rogers Cox, with a membership of seven, under the name of The Young Adult Woman's Bible Class. Although the class was organized in November, 1931, a roll was not kept until May, 1932. The following names were listed: Mrs. Oscar Barr, Mrs. Richard Baker, Mrs. Ernest Clary, Miss Ethel Eddy, Mrs. C. C. Evans, Mrs. Ben Epting, Mrs. Mary Hornsby, Mrs. Eva McKissick, Mrs. H. J. Looney, Miss Carrie Norris, Miss Ola Norris, Mrs. Mary Fellers, Mrs: W. V. Bledsoe, Miss Louise Rogers, Miss Doris Tribble, Miss Tilla West, Mrs. Louise Taylor, Mrs. A. P. Shirley, Mrs. Price K. Harmon, Mrs. George K. Dominick, Miss Sarah Wilson, Miss Grace Cromer, Miss Eva Cromer, Mrs. G. V. Clamp, Miss Ada Cromer, Miss Lilly Mae Smith, Mrs. Paul Haile, Miss Georgia Porter, Miss Ruby Norris, Miss Leila Norris, Miss Dorothy Buzhardt. The class met in the vestibule of the church for a short time, but its membership grew so rapidly it was soon assigned to the small room adjoining the old organ room where it continued to meet until the remodeling of the church in 1952. During this period, the class met in the home of Miss Lucy Epps, for whom the class was named in 1936 when it became known as The Lucy Epps Bible Class. When the new annex to the Educational Building was completed, the class moved to the second floor of the building. Later it was moved to the first floor to the room now known as the Lucy Epps Bible Classroom. In 1952 the class took as a project the education of four native girls at Isabella Thorborn College in India, after a sizeable contribution for this purpose from a member, Mrs. F. G. Hartley. This project was continued until 1960 by sending approximately three thousand dollars for the education of these young women. For the past fifteen years or longer, a contribution of five dollars per month has been sent to CARE, also five dollars or more has been sent regularly to Boys~ Farm. Some of the other projects undertaken by this class include the donating of the cross and candlesticks for the Altar of our sanctuary in honor of Miss Lucy Epps, a contribution of fifty dollars to the South Carolina Methodist Camp for the purchase of one acre in honor of Mrs. F. G. Hartley, and a contribution of seventy-five dollars annually to our missionaries in Brazil. and many smaller gifts to many worthy causes. Miss Lucy Epps served as teacher of this class until her health forced her retirement at which time Mrs. F. G. Hartley became teacher and continued in this capacity for many years. In recent years, she has been assisted by the following as teachers for different Sundays: Mrs. F. Scott Elliott, Mr. A. C. Oxner, Mrs. L. G. McCullough, and Miss Josephine Shannon. -Miss Jo Shannon WESLEYAN SERVICE GUILD On April 29,1953 seven interested women met in the church office with Mrs. F. Scott Elliott and Mrs. White, District President, to discuss the formation of a Wesleyan Service Guild at Central. Members and prospective members of the Guild then met on May 12, 1953 at the church to complete plans for organizing a Wesleyan Service Guild at Central. At that first meeting the following officers were elected to serve: President - Mrs. F. G. Hartley; Vice-president - Mrs. L. W. Bedenbaugh; Recording Secretary - Mrs. George Rodelsperger; Promotion Secretary - Mrs. F. J. Harmon; Treasurer – Mrs. W. F. Smith. It was decided at that first meeting that the Guild would meet on the second Tuesday night in each month, which is still the regulat (sic) meeting night of the Guild. Since Mrs. Hartley who served as the first president, the following ladies have also served the Wesleyan Service Guild as President: Mrs. Ralph Haile, Mrs. F. J. Harmon, Mrs. James G. Clamp, Mrs. Ralph Watkins, and Mrs. Sam P. Shannon. Mrs. John Epps is presently serving as president. Since the formation of the Wesleyan Service Guild at Central, the Guild has tried to co-operate fully with the Women's Society of Christian Service. The purpose of the W. S. G. and the W. S. C. S. are basically the same. The majority of the women in the Guild are employed and this is the chief way the Guild is different from the W. S. C. S. The Guild has worked through the years since its formation with the W. S. C. S. on mission studies, receptions, and various other local church activities as well as supporting our mission program at home and abroad. -Mrs. James G. Clamp THE COUPLES CLASS The Couples Class of Central United Methodist Church was organized in the Blue Room of the new Educational Building on November 14, 1954, with several interested couples meeting with the minister, The Reverend Herbert Lee Spell. A list of prospective couples under forty years of age was presented at that time. These couples were contacted during the following weeks and the class met officially on the first Sunday in January, 1955. Officers were elected to serve for a period of six months. This method was used for several years after which the officers were elected on a yearly basis. Mrs. Sarah C. Spell served as the first teacher of this class. Then there were members who taught on a rotating basis as well as teachers from the Chesley Cannon Bible Class. Mr. Harvey Kirkland has taught this class for the past thirteen years except for a period in which the discussion form of teaching was used in 1968-69. The Couples Class has been composed of many members who lived in Newberry for short periods of time, therefore, the membership has changed almost completely several times during these years. A great number of its members have served the Church School and the Church in almost every capacity. The Couples Class feels honored to have had so many members to contribute their time and efforts to the continuing growth of God's work through Central United Methodist Church. -Mrs. E. Kirby Lominack THE FELLOWSHIP CLASS The Fellowship Class was founded November 9, 1958 under the leadership of Rev. Melvin E. Derrick and Mrs. Carolyn Eleazer Clamp. The Charter Members are: Mrs. Doney Crain Donkle, Mr. and Mrs. Jimmie B. Davenport, Mr. William E. Dehihns, Mr. and Mrs. John S. Derrick, Mr. and Mrs. Harold B. Folk, Mr. William E. Monroe. The first officers elected were: President - W. E. Dehihns; Vice-president – Mrs. John S. Derrick; Secretary and Treasurer - Mrs. J. B. Davenport. The presidents that have served are: W. E. Dehihns, W. E. Monroe, Harold B. Folk, James G. Clamp, J. B. Davenport, Sara Wardlaw, Blair Martin, Ben Bishop, Robert Beach, Billy Berley, James R. Fogle, Richard R. Brown, Gerald Mount. Some of the projects have been to help needy families at Christmas and during the year, provided money for young people to attend camps during the summer. Money is raised by serving suppers for the Boy Scout district meetings and also by bake sales. The Class has monthly socials which include the family. -Harold B. Folk THE CALENDAR SOCIETY The Calendar Society of Central Methodist Church was organized in February, 1908, through the efforts of Miss Alice Hornsby, Mrs. R. D. Wright and others. The Calendar was so named because the leader was the year, the year was to get twelve people to represent the twelve months, the twelve months were each to get four weeks, the four weeks were each to get seven days, and each was to pay ten cents per month. Mrs. R. D. Wright was the year of first president; Miss Alice Hornsby, secretary, and Mrs. W. W. Hornsby, treasurer. The main purpose of the Calendar Society was to help with the upkeep of the Church. The first thing bought was a Church carpet, and the next, a pipe organ. Some of the other things the Calendar Society did to help the Church were: bought two other carpets, choir robes and caps which they kept dry cleaned and built a cabinet for robes; bought two pianos and helped with the purchase of others; bought eight electric fans for the sanctuary, an electric refrigerator and hot water heater, new hynmbooks at three different times, an outdoor bulletin board, iron rails on front steps, choir chairs for old church, all brooms, cleaning equipment and supplies for many years, pulpit Bible, Bible markers, pulpit hangings, collection plates at one or more times and church flag; kept stained glass windows repaired, organ repaired and fresh flowers in church each week and kept the church's square in Rosemont Cemetery; bought the communion service we still use in 1970, and carried on many other projects, small and large. When the church was remodeled, the Calendar put in the lighting system at a cost of $1,680.00. The Calendar Society celebrated both its twenty-fifth and fiftieth anniversaries. Mrs. R. D. Wright, Mrs. Cannon G. Blease and Miss Annie Bynum were on the planning committee for the twenty-fifth anniversary. The following ladies were presidents of the Calendar Society: Mrs. R. D. Wright, 1908-1919; Mrs. Cannon G. Blease, 1919-1930; Mrs. M. O. Summer, 1930-36, 1940-43, 1957-58; Mrs. McHardy Mower, 1937-38; Mrs. H. L. Sligh, 1938-40; Mrs. J. Forrest Lominack, 1940-45; Mrs. J. E. Wiseman, Sr., 1945-47; Mrs. H. H. Brown, 1947-48; Mrs. P. K. Harmon, 1948-49; Mrs. David L. Hayes, 1949-50; Mrs. George Sessions, 1950-51; Mrs. C. I. Youmans, 1951-52; Mrs. G. K. Dominick, 1952-53; Mrs. Richard L. Baker, 1953-54, 1958-59; Mrs. T. P. Crooks, 1954-55; Mrs. W. H. Tedford, 1956-57; and Mrs. John A. Free, 1959-62. Dates accurate as far as sources of information available. After serving its beloved church faithfully and well for fifty-four years, the Calendar Society dissolved on May 14, 1962, feeling its purpose had been fulfilled. -Mrs. W. H. Tedford Biblography The Newberry Observer Genealogical History . . . . . . . . . . G. Leland Summer, Sr. Annals of Newberry . . . . . . . . . . Chapman and O'Neal South Carolina Methodist Advocate Newberry City Library and Others Appreciation to Mrs. Richard L. Baker, Mr. Harry Epting and Mrs. Ralph Watkins for their assistance in collecting information, and to all others who joined us in this project. Transcribed by Dena Thomason-Whitesell Back to Newberry County, South Carolina Genealogy Trails