Methodists revivals first reached
the area in the early 1800s. There was a Methodist campground as
early as 1834 at nearby Hayes Creek. The Centenary congregation was
formed in 1832 and recieved its official charter in 1842. Meetings
were held outdoors and in private homes. When the Franklinton Masonic
Lodge was built in 1851, the congregation began using its lower floor for
services. In 1883, church members began work on their own church
when "Uncle" John R. Wood donated a piece of land to the congregation.
The $1650 building was completed and dedicated two years later.
The next church building was
constructed in the early 1920s. The old church was taken down, and
services were held in the courthouse during construction. The first
service in the new facilities (which cost $11,900) took place on May 4,
1924.
The church continued to grow
and saw the need for even larger facilities in the 1950s. An educational
building was first built at a cost of $87,000. It was completed debt-free
and opened with a dedication service on May 13, 1956. The old sanctuary
was torn down and services were held in the fellowship hall while the new
$74,260 sanctuary was built. It was completed in 1958, and the opening
service was held on April 12, 1959. It was dedicated in 1964.
Shortly after the completion of the sanctuary, the parsonage on Williams
Street was built.
Source: Homecoming 1990 booklet |
