Union services began at Bush
in 1900, when Methodists and Baptists met for worship in a Union church
across the highway from today's Bush UMC. In 1908, the Methodists
built a church of their own, which was located near the present Bush Library.
Around 1919 to 1920, the church was moved to J. E. Noble's property at
the intersection of Highways 40 and 41. The first pastor was
Rev. T. V. Peters. Some memories of those early days include shouting,
going to the mourners' bench, and traveling by horse & buggy over dirt
roads. Some of the early names in the congregation included Crawford,
Dutch, Fauntleroy, Jenkins, McLendon, Noble, Penton, Richardson, Russel,
Sticker, Tally, Thomas, Watts, and Williams.
By 1948, a new church building
was needed. The old church was torn down and a small wooden building
constructed on the present church site. That piece of land was donated
by Mrs. Emma Jenkins. This church was used until the present block
building was constructed in 1964. The new church was dedicated on
September 12, 1968.
The Fellowship Hall was dedicated
on January 19, 1985 by Bishop Underwood. An educational wing, with
3 classrooms and a choir room, was added in 1987. Activities at Bush
include an annual Christmas Candlelight service, monthly craft day, monthly
breakfast, annual children's day, and Sunday school classes for adults,
youth, and children. |
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