STARRSVILLE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

HISTORY and RECORD – HOMECOMING 2013

The Starrsville community was settled in 1821, by Silas and Elizabeth Starr and their children, who were soon followed by the Epps, Nix, Maxey, Franklin and Dabney families, among others. The exact year that the Methodist Church in Starrsville was organized has been lost in time; however, there was a Methodist presence in the area in the 1820s. The Starr family had been Methodist before moving to Newton County and it is likely the church had its earliest beginnings in home meetings. In 1825 land was given along Dixie Road north of the current intersection with Elks Club Road for Lane Methodist Church. Whether this church eventually moved to Starrsville or was a separate church is not known. As early as the 1820s the southeast corner of land lot 259, the current church property, was identified in deeds as “church property”. Research has revealed that in January 1836 Starr’s Chapel was listed as a church in the Covington Circuit quarterly charge conference minutes. Because it has been determined that the church was a going concern in January 1836 and was referenced in deeds as church property in the 1820s, the date of the church’s establishment has been set as circa 1830. In 1851, the name of the church was changed to “Starrsville” according to quarterly charge conference minutes.

A wooden sanctuary was built at some point and was used until 1901. It is not known if this was the first church structure or if it replaced another one. This building was located near the current barbecue shed in what is now part of the cemetery. The simply constructed building had two separate front doors, probably indicating the interior had two aisles leading to the pulpit. There were four large rectangular windows on each side of the building. When the school building that was also located on the same property burned in 1898, the church building was used as a school as well. Upon completion of the new brick sanctuary, the old church building was converted into a school building, for which it continued to be used until some time after 1912. Sometime following the construction of a new school building, located in front of the current Memorial Fellowship Hall, the old church building was demolished.

The property on which the church stands was given by Silas Henry Starr, Sr., son of Silas and Elizabeth Starr, to be used as a church and school. However, the land was not legally transferred until January 27, 1905, when the six heirs of Silas H. Starr, Sr. deeded the property to the trustees of the church.

In the early 1850s, Young J. Allen, the first missionary sent to China by the Methodist Church, was converted while attending a prayer meeting at this church. He boarded at the home of Silas H. Starr, Sr. and attended the Boys Academy that was located on the church property. Later, Mr. Allen graduated from Emory at Oxford where he enjoyed playing the violin. When leaving for China he gave his violin to Mr. James Belcher, a friend and classmate.

A new brick church was planned and work was begun in the spring of 1901. The building committee was Mr. J. A. Starr, Mr. T. A. “Dolph” Starr, and Mr. Austin (first name unknown). Mr. Dolph Starr, who died in August 1901, gave one thousand dollars toward the building of the church. The church was completed in November, 1901 and dedication services were held December 15, 1901.

The brick church was built on the same plot of ground as the old wooden church. A vestibule extended across the front of the building with two doors on each side opening into the sanctuary. The pews were arranged in three rows with an aisle leading from each door to the pulpit, which was in the high area now used as a choir loft. An organ stood at the front of the middle row of pews. There was no choir at the time, but those who loved to sing sat near the organ. Mrs. C. U. Skinner served as organist for many years.

A fund raising campaign to purchase a piano was started in 1913. Mrs. Lucille McDowell Green, Mrs. L. H. Cook, Sr., Miss Sara Anderson, Miss Carolyn Anderson, Mrs. J. H. Anderson, Mrs. D. B. Dixon, Mrs. Gladys Shannon, Mrs. Cindy Schell, Mrs. Lynn Craig, Miss Becky Lunsford, Mr. Glen Hildesheim, Mr. Jesse Couch and Mrs. Jana Harper, our current pianist, have served as pianists through the years. Those serving as organist include: Mrs. C. U. Skinner, Mrs. Gladys Shannon, Mrs. Cindy Schell, Mrs. Mary Jones, and Mrs. Kathleen Newton, our current organist.

The chancel rail was added later, with the exact date unknown. Years later two Sunday School rooms were added by partitioning each end of the vestibule and cutting double doors in the middle. This changed the interior, making a center aisle with pews on each side. A choir was organized and the upper pulpit was used as choir loft.

In 1938 the church was wired for electricity and new lights were installed. In 1947 gas heaters replaced the coal heater which had been used for many years.

While Walter Y. Murphy was pastor in 1953 – 54, new pews and pulpit furniture were dedicated. The pews were given in memory of loved ones and former members who had given much of their time and effort to the church in the past. At the dedication of the pews and furniture, Mrs. Katherine Epps McRae gave a tribute to Mrs. Dora E. Anderson who was instrumental in securing funds for the pews and furniture.

Many gifts were given through the years. The gold appointment for the communion table was given in memory of Mr. and Mrs. L. O. Piper by Mr. and Mrs. Alton Barnett and Mrs. Lila H. Maddox. An outdoor sign was given by Mrs. C. C. Epps in memory of Mr. C. C. Epps. The Henderson family gave a chandelier for the choir loft in honor of Mr. and Mrs. George Henderson, who were early workers in the church; Mr. Henderson served as Sunday School Superintendent and Mrs. Henderson served as a Sunday School teacher.

In July 1955 a new Sunday School building was added to the church, which consisted of five classrooms, two restrooms and a storage closet. The cost was approximately $5,000 which was paid by pledges and projects of different kinds. Many former members made contributions. One of the classrooms was later converted into a nursery. The building committee was composed of: Ronald Cook, Sr., M. D. McRae, Neil Bohannon, Herbert Corley, Jr. and D. B. Dixon.

Mr. A. C. Belcher served as Sunday School Superintendent about thirty years prior to his death in 1936. Mr. J. H. Anderson served for a time, and then Luther H. Cook, Sr. was elected and served until his retirement in 1959. At this time the Sunday School presented him with a silver service in token of his many years of faithful service. Mr. Charles Ewing was elected to succeed Mr. Cook and served until 1965, at which time Mr. George Patton was elected.

In early 1920 Mr. C. U. Skinner presented the primary class with small chairs. Pupils of the “Nora Belcher Class”, which was named in honor of Mrs. Jack Belcher who taught the class for many years, with the help of their teacher at the time, Mrs. L. H. Cook, Sr., raised money to purchase a register board.

Mrs. Fred Greer gave a piano that was used in the Sunday School building. Mrs. Carol Savage gave two white urns which were used to hold greenery as a decoration. Mrs. A. R. Russell gave a new pulpit lamp and Mrs. J. H. Anderson gave a vacuum cleaner. Shrubbery and other gifts have been given through the years. For a number of years Mr. and Mrs. Alton Barnett gave attendance pins for the Sunday School.

Many have served our Sunday School as teachers. Those known to have served during the first half of the twentieth century since the brick church was built include: Mrs. Laura S. Cook, Mrs. Nora Belcher, Mrs. C. U. Skinner, Mr. C. U. Skinner, Mrs. L. H. Cook, Sr., Mrs. Robertine B. Carmichael, Mrs. J. H. Anderson, Mrs. B. J. Anderson, Mrs. J. M. Aiken, Mr. R. D. Dorsey, Mr. Carl Savage, Mrs. Wilson Walton, Mrs. W. H. Corley, Jr. Miss Julia Ewing, Mrs. M. D. McRae, Mr. M. D. McRae, Mrs. Maud Barber, Mrs. M. O. Savage and Mrs. Neil Bohannon.

Additional improvements included new carpeting, an electric organ, railings for the front steps, repair of the interior and velvet curtains for the choir loft.

In 1965 a new heating system was installed, the vestibule was tiled and new front doors were added. The church was air conditioned in 1973. The lovely stained glass windows were installed in 1974 and new carpet in 1975. A secretary was given to the church in memory of Mr. Neil Bohannon by friends and relatives.

A Memorial Fellowship Hall, consisting of a kitchen, restroom and meeting area, was built in the fall of 1975 at an approximate cost of $6,500. This figure does not include the cost of much of the work which was done by many individuals. Additional tables were purchased; the UMW donated curtains; Mrs. A. R. Russell gave a microwave oven; and Mr. and Mrs. Cecil Lackey gave a refrigerator. A plaque listing the names of those in whose memory donations of $50 or more were made was placed in the building.

On April 20, 1977, a small tract of land (approximately 1.4 acres) located across the road from the church was deeded to the church by some members. In June of that year the church was recognized at the North Georgia Annual Conference for having the largest increase in membership of any church its size.

In 1978 a new roof was put on both the church and Sunday School building. Two anonymous donors paid the entire cost of this project. Other activities of 1978 were: a Sunday School class for young adults was organized; a choir director employed, and a group of senior citizens organized and were know as “The Joyful Workers”. Under the leadership of Mrs. Judy Ferrell this group enjoyed crafts at their monthly meetings. They and others purchased 25 additional hymnals for the church. Another activity was the compilation of a cookbook by the UMW. Mrs. Judy Ferrell and Mrs. Cindy Schell coordinated this activity with the profits donated to the building fund. Those serving as choir director since 1978 include: Miss Cathy Williams, Mrs. Diane Cook, Mr. Chris Argo, Mr. Todd Shumpert, Mr. Brad Bacon, Mr. Ward Gailey andMrs. Jana Harper, our current choir director.

The Memorial Fellowship Hall was enlarged in 1979. Additions were made to both the east and west sides of the building, with a breezeway connecting the west wing with the Sunday School building. This provided space for three Sunday School rooms as well as a larger meeting area. A stove and more tables were purchased. The Youth Fellowship donated an ice maker. The total cost was approximately $25,000.

On July 8, 1979 a Homecoming service was held with Dr. Walter Y. Murphy, former pastor, as guest speaker. The original Memorial Fellowship Hall was dedicated at this time and the new addition was consecrated.

Other improvements were made in 1979. The driveway was paved by Morgan Paving Company. Mr. Jack Morgan, owner of the company, donated about half of the cost of this project. A barbecue shelter was built by some church members. The trusses for this structure were donated by Mr. John Williams of Williams Brothers Lumber Company.

In April, 1981 green velvet pew cushions were placed in the sanctuary in memory of D. B. Dixon, Jr. by his wife, Mrs. Sara Anderson Dixon and their children, Miss Mary Jane Dixon and Mr. D. B. Dixon, III.

The roof of the sanctuary was replaced in the summer of 1981 at a cost of $8,310. Dedication of the Memorial Fellowship Hall additions was held on July 19, 1981, with Rev. Ben Sorrow, pastor, leading the service. Mr. Steven Grantham, a student at Candler School of Theology, Emory University, became the assistant pastor in January 1982 allowing both Starrsville and Newborn to have worship at 11:00.

A new piano was purchased for the sanctuary in July, 1982 at a cost of $2,285. Also in 1982, Mrs. Ruby Orr presented the church with a new communion service and a set of paraments in memory of her brother, Mr. Jimmy Morehead of Fitzgerald, GA. In early 1983 a second set of paraments was given by the UMW and the UMYF.

In December, 1982 ground was broken on the 1.4 acre lot across the street from the church, and work on a parsonage began early in 1983 and it was completed in June, 1983. The parsonage consists of a living-dining area, three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a den, a kitchen with a small eating area, a utility room and a double carport. It is a total electric building built at a cost of $35,634. A great deal of the work was done by members of the church and was financed by donations, loans from members and friends of the church and by profits from chicken barbecues, church bazaars, etc.

Some parsonage furnishings were purchased for $4,456 and many were donated. Rev. Jody Alderman, our first full time pastor, and his wife Debye, moved in June 23, 1983. The parsonage was consecrated on July 17, 1983 with Rev. Randall Williamson, Superintendent of the Atlanta-Decatur-Oxford District, conducting the service.

Trustees serving at the time of the parsonage construction were: Mr. James Anderson, Mr. Sidney Coady, Mr. T. Mort Ewing, Mr. Cecil Lackey, Mr. Guy McGiboney and Mr. Harold Newton. The parsonage committee was: Mrs. Jane Anderson, Mrs. Esther Couch, Mrs. Zelna Ewing, Mrs. Peggy Knox, Mr. Cecil Lackey, Mr. Guy McGiboney and Mr. Gene Whatley.

On November 4, 1984 the church honored Mrs. Frances Corley Cook, who had been a member of Starrsville United Methodist Church since August, 1907. This special celebration was in honor of her 88th birthday. Mrs. Cook served her church in many different areas including: Sunday School teacher for 20 years, UMW member for 60 years, treasurer for 13 years and communion steward for 33 years. At the suggestion of Mrs. Cook, Dr. Jimmy Thurman, a former pastor, was invited to deliver the morning message. Mrs. J. M. Aiken gave a tribute to Mrs. Cook and Miss Julia Ewing read the deed which relatives of Mrs. Cook had made when they gave the two acres of land on which the church and Memorial Fellowship Hall are built. A covered dish luncheon was served in the Memorial Fellowship Hall following the service.

On November 28, 1984 Mrs. Ruby Orr placed 40 few bibles in the church. In the Spring of 1985 plans for landscaping the church were made. The Cooperative Extension Service drew up the plans, with the land preparation and drainage done by Mr. Mort Ewing. The old shrubbery was removed and new shrubbery planted by Mr. Brian Mask, with grass also planted. The following donations were made to this project: fertilizer – Mr. Brian Mask; gravel – Georgia Marble Company with arrangements made by Mr. Royce Petty; mulch and seed – Mr. Mort Ewing; and sod – Mr. Bob Walker. Mr. Roy Varner, chairman of the Newton County Board of Commissioners, arranged for the gravel to be hauled by the Newton County Road Department. The UMW donated $1,000 to this project with the total cost being $1,950.

All loans made for financing the building and parsonage were paid in full on March 31, 1986, followed by a dedication service on June 8, 1986. Mr. Gene Whatley, chairman of the building committee, presented the building for dedication. Dr. Larry Bauman, Superintendent of the Atlanta-Decatur-Oxford District, conducted the service of dedication and Rev. Ben Sorrow, pastor when the parsonage was built, gave the dedication prayer.

A new lighting system was installed in the sanctuary in early 1987 in memory of Mrs. Grace P. Ewing. This memorial was given by the family and friend of Mrs. Ewing, with the presentation made by Mr. S. Alton Ewing on June 7, 1987 and accepted by Mr. Joe Couch, chairman of the Administrative Council. The Ewing family also gave a baptismal font in memory of Mrs. Ewing.

In early 1989, the Board of Trustees presented plans to the Administrative Council to provide additional Sunday School classrooms. The plans were accepted and approved by both the Administrative Council and the congregation. Mr. Walter Savage prepared a draft for an addition at the rear of the sanctuary. Space would be provided for four classrooms and to increase the size of the nursery. Also included in the project were: a covered drive-in handicapped entrance, an entrance to the cemetery from Chester Piper Road, a driveway around the church and Fellowship Hall, new lights and painting in the Sunday School building, changing the water flow around the building, and installation of a new septic tank.

Mr. Guy McGiboney agreed to supervise the work. He gave generously of his time and talent for several months. Work began in December and was completed in April, 1990 at a total cost of $32,200. The classrooms were first used on Easter Sunday, April 15, 1990. This project was financed by church reserve funds, personal donations and memorial gifts. The county road department furnished some gravel for the cemetery road. Greatly reduced charges for contract work were given by Burge Backhoe, Larry Casey and Sons, Mr. Robert Herring and Mr. Jim Worley. Members of the church also worked on this project.