At the time of its beginning
in September 1949, the fledgling congregation met at the school under the
leadership of Rev. Earl B. Emmerich. The first church was constructed
with a $20,000 donation (though more had to be contributed to finish the
building) by Mr. George B. Franklin, Sr. and Mr. Jesse E. Cochran.
On March 16, 1952, the first building was dedicated in a service led by
Bishop Paul E. Martin. Though it was a small community, with a post
office, saw mill, gin, and a few grocery stores, the church was very active
in those days.
The original church burned down
on March 6, 1960. Only the organ, refrigerator, stove, two tables,
and a few chairs were spared. Using the $35,000 in insurance
money, a new structure was soon built and was dedicated on December 15,
1963. A new sanctuary and the shell of an education wing had been
built. The education wing was later completed.
Over the years, much of the
area population has moved away or started worshipping at the Rayville church.
The church still worships with its small but faithful congregation. |
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