Services began in a “Union Building”
at the start of the 20th century. The one-room wooden community church
was shared by the Baptists and the Methodists (Methodist Protestant, Congregational
Methodists, and M.E. Church, South). The first parsonage, owned by
the M.E. Church, South, was located behind the old Head Hotel.
The pastor would preach one service a month. Though it is said that
Rev. Isaac Patton, Sr. organized the church in 1901 or 1902, the first
record of the church dates to 1904.
While Rev. E.W. Corley served as pastor
(1937-39), a Leadership Training School was started in Chatham. In
the beginning, participants were housed and fed by members of the church.
The men of the church later built an activities building with a kitchen
and dining area. At least three people were inspired to enter the
ministry with the help of the Leadership School.
Rev. J.T. Garrett served as pastor
for 16 years (1941-57). During his pastorate, the current brick church
was built. Services were held at the town lodge hall during construction.
The first service in the new church was held on March 24, 1946. At
that point, the outstanding debt on the building’s cost ($16,276.41) was
only $100.
An education building was constructed
in 1958-59 under the leadership of Rev. R. DeBusk. It was paid off
by 1961, and Bishop Aubrey Walton led the dedication service on October
7, 1962.
Under the leadership of Rev. William
“Jack” Shaw (1974-80), the choir loft was renovated and the education building
was greatly expanded. The area of the existing education structure
became the fellowship hall. The building was consecrated in April
1979 and dedicated January 19, 1981. The pastor at the time of the
dedication was Rev. Jerry James.
Source: Chatham United Methodist Church, by Elaine Greer |
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