4400 Wheeler Road , Martinez GA 30907 706-863-0510

History of Marvin UMC from 1891 - 1986

History of Marvin United Methodist Church

            Marvin United Methodist Church had its’ origin in 1891 from a ‘Brush-Arbor Revival’ conducted by the Reverends W. S. Stevens and W. I. Delph.

            The church was organized that same year in a school house on Belair Road with thirty-nine charter members. (Those are recorded in back.)

            Land for the first structure was donated by Captain Samuel Mays at the intersection of Wheeler and Belair Roads.  The building was erected largely by the members and was dedicated in 1893 and named in honor of Bishop Enoch M. Marvin.  The Reverend Robert Toombs Dubose was the first pastor.  One hundred dollars was given by the Board of Church Extension.

            The charter trustees were: G. W. King, W.H. Cliett, J. E. Gibbs, James Savage, and W. B. Young, Sr.  The oldest deed is recorded in Columbia County, register Book 2, page 14.

            The first Sunday School was organized in 1893 with W. B. Young, Sr. as it’s’ superintendent.  Marvin was placed on the Grovetown circuit in the Augusta district with five other churches which were: Grovetown, Philadelphia, Mann Memorial, Sardis, and Pierce Memorial with part ownership in a parsonage in Grovetown.

            In 1927, a Sunday School Annex of three rooms was added to the rear of the original building.

            In 1950, plans were made to construct a new building to meet the increasing growth needs as we moved from a circuit church to a half station.  The new structure to be located diagonally across the road from the original site and facing Wheeler Road.  Mr. C. N. Nichols donated approximately one and one-half acres for the new structure which was to be constructed of grey granite from Elberton Georgia.  The trustees were: J.P. Hardy, B.C. Walton, and I.P. Gibbs, Sr.

            Marvin became a half-station with Pierce Memorial in 1951 and helped construct a parsonage on Jackson Road.

            In 1952, Marvin became a station and construction of the new building began.  Mr. G.W. Gibbs supervised the work.  The pastor, Rev. Clifford Wheelis was instrumental in getting the granite donated and stone masons from Elberton were hired to do the stone work.  Members gave many hours of volunteer labor.  Three memorial windows given in memory of Homer Stewart, George W. King, and J.E. Gibbs were removed from the front of the old church building and placed over the entrance of the new edifice.  In July 1952, Marvin received $1500 from the Division of Home Missions and Church Extension.

            A parsonage was built across the road in 1953 on land given by J. Henry Wilkerson.  Timbers from the original church building were used in the construction.  Rev. and Mrs. Clifford Weathers were the first occupants.

            The building planned in 1950 was completed in 1955.  Furnishings were given in memory or honor of loved ones.  (Memorials are recorded at end of the history.)  The first wedding in the fellowship hall was uniting Betty Jo Norris and Charles Putnam on December 20, 1953.  The first wedding in the completed sanctuary was that of Lila M. Hensley and J. Emory Lewis in June 1955.  The first service held in the sanctuary was on Easter Sunday 1955 by the pastor, Rev. Clifford T. Weathers.  Rev. Clifford Wheelis, the former pastor, was invited to bring the morning message.

            Membership was 180.

            (The source from which this history has been derived is the church register and   quarterly Conference records.)

                                                                        Mrs. Alma G. Young

                                                                        Historian

            On October 11, 1955, Evans School burned and the Board of Education of Columbia County used the rear portion of our church for classrooms until some time in 1957 when the new school had been completed.

            A cemetery policy was established in 1961.  Lots were available by purchasing a certificate for $12.50 per single lot or a four lot section of $40.00.  These certificates may be purchased from any member of the Board of Trustees.  A cyclone fence was purchased for $725.00.  A cemetery fund has been established by families of the church which pays for the maintenance. 

            During a revival in 1962, Jimmy Fulcher, a member of our church received a call to give his life for full time Christian service.  Rev. Clyde Backstack was the pastor and the guest evangelist was Rev. Andrews of Macon.  Jimmy has served on the mission field in Spain and was partially supported by the United Methodist Men and Women and personal friends.

            Gail Conley Bales, another former member, is sharing God’s love with the unfortunate through the Rodney Bales Ministry in Belisse, where they are building a home for under-privileged children in a very remote area.  The Mildred Walton Sunday School Class and the Thelma Smalley Circle of the United Methodist Women help support this ministry.

            The Bonnie Gray Memorial Library was established in memory of Bonnie by her parents Mr. and Mrs. W.M. Gray in 1966.  (A catalogue of books is filed with the history.)

            Claire Bailey was memorialized in 1980 with a contribution for the infant nursery by her maternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Walter Fulghum.  (Frances and Danny Bailey were her parents.)

            Because of inadequate space and a need for a larger one, the parsonage across the street from the church was sold in 1972.  A larger one was purchased at  4181 Wheeler Road for approximately $28,000.  The Rev. Julian Scott and family were its first occupants.

            A policy of guidelines for the use of the sanctuary and fellowship hall was established January 1, 1975.  (Details filed under church policies.)

            A Task Force was organized February 17, 1978 to raise money for purchasing a bus to be used by the church for various activities.

            On May 14, 1979 approximately an acre and a half adjoining the church property on the northeast was purchased for $25,000 from Gordon Byrd.  A loan of $20,000 from the Georgia Railroad Bank was obtained to help pay for the purchase.

            July 22, 1979, $165,000 was borrowed from First Federal to be used in the construction of a Family Life Ministry Center.

            At Homecoming, October 7, 1979, a Ground-Breaking Ceremony for the new Family Life Ministry Center was held.  Rev. William G. Griffin, the pastor, invited Rev. Wesley Thomas, a former pastor to deliver the homecoming message.  Participants in the ground-breaking were: Edward Nichols, Harold Gibbs, G.W. Gibbs, Steve Garrison, Fred Garrett, Glenn Fulghum, Walter Fulghum, Lamar McElveen, Sheryl Farr and Greg Lines.

            The new Family Life Center was designed to have a large, full sized multi-purpose room with stage to serve as a gymnasium for various sports or assembly room.  It also includes a library, counseling room, pastor’s study, secretary’s office, classrooms, nurseries, and kitchen.  One unique feature of the library is the wall designed as the “Wall of Living Stones.”  This wall is a living history of all persons who have been a part of the history of Marvin Church, including pastors, charter members, past, present, and future members.  Each brick attached on which is engraved the name of the person memorialized or honored.  A memorabilia volume presented by Marye and Fred Garrett, “The Wall of Living Stones of Marvin Church,” may be found in the secretary’s office in which are recorded those who have been honored or memorialized and by whom.

            The name for the new center, Friendship Hall, was selected by an impartial committee.  The “Consecration of Friendship Hall” was held Sunday, November 2, 1980 after the morning worship.  Those participating were: Rev. William G. Griffin, Jr., pastor, Dr. Charles E. Hoover, superintendent of the Augusta District and Bishop Joel D. McDavid, Bishop of the North Georgia Conference.

            On Palm Sunday, March 27, 1983, the “Dedication of the Cornerstone Box” was held.  This was a copper box to be placed behind the cornerstone of the new building and containing historical items.  Those items were: the Holy Bible, the Church History, Crosses (constructed of wood from pews of the original 1893 Sanctuary), the Family Life Center Documents, the 1983 Record of Shepherd and Care Groups, the 1983 Budget of Marvin United Methodist Church, the Palm Sunday Bulletin, the Columbia News, the Pictorial Directory, the Photographic History, the Musical History, the Warranty Deed, the 1954 Cookbook, and the Signature Page.

            The building and planning committee for the Family Life Ministry Center was composed of the following members: John Ballard, Walter Fulghum, Pete Garland, Fred Garrett, Steve Garrison (chairperson), Hugh Meyer, Jimmie Nichols, Edward Nichols, Charles Pangle, Jackie Pangle, Jim Hemphill, Curtis Jenkins, Emory Lewis, Alene Patterson, Greg Toole and Margie Young.

            On Easter Sunday, April 3, 1983, the “Unveiling, Placing, and Dedication of the Cornerstone” of the Friendship Hall was held with the pastor, Rev. William G. Griffin, Jr., leading the service assisted by Hugh Meyer and Steve Garrison who unveiled the cornerstone.  Mr. Otis Belding, Jr. placed the cornerstone and Dr. Charles E. Hoover, Superintendent of the Augusta District delivered the Easter message.

            A “Pick a Pot” salad luncheon was held in the spring of 1982 after the Sunday morning service.  Enough money was donated to finish equipping the kitchen.

            The second floor of the Friendship Hall was poured and stairs build in 1984, but the upstairs was not needed at that time so concentration was centered on completion of the 1^st floor.

            On February 6, 1984, Marvin received $10,000 from the Church Extension Funding Committee.

            March 25, 1984 the Trustees entered into a contract with Columbia County to exchange 0.25 acres for 0.048 acres to improve the safety of traffic flow at the intersection of Wheeler with Beverly Drive and Belair Road.

            The Fellowship Hall was redecorated under the sponsorship of the Mildred Walton Class in 1986, purchasing new tables and chairs and adding needed accessories.

            New carpet was installed in the Sanctuary, Narthex, and balcony in 1985 through a gift from the will of a faithful and devoted member, J.D. Norris, who passed away in 1985.  A gift of $10,000 to the Methodist Children’s Home in Decatur, GA was also left by J.D. Norris.

            $192,000 was borrowed in 1986 from the Georgia Railroad Bank to refinance the current principle balance of a loan, to pave and landscape the parking area, to purchase a heating system for the gymnasium of Friendship Hall, to purchase playground equipment, and fencing for a Mother’s Day Out program.

            The first floor of Friendship Hall was completed in 1986 with the exception of the heat for the gymnasium which was installed in February 1987.

            Activities enjoyed for their value and participation: Homecomings—former pastors returning to deliver the message: Henry Norris, Clifford Wheelis, Clifford Weathers, Marvin Poe, Wesley Thomas, Richard Frazier, Malcolm Paterson, Plemon Folds, Bill Griffin.

            Pictorial directories: 1972, 1975, 1981, and 1985.

            United Methodist Women—Earlier circles which have been discontinued: Carrie Hightower, Annie Maude Gray, Lois Day.  Present Circles—1986: Susannah Wesley, Allee Sneed and Thelma Smalley.

            United Methodist Men, Church of the year of Augusta District in membership gain in 1979, softball leagues (trophies on display), bazaars and craft fairs, barbecue dinners (pork and chicken), morning coffee on Sunday A.M., joint Thanksgiving dinners and services with Evans Baptist, alternating host and pastors with combined choirs, Shepherd’s program, Stewards of Love, Prayer chains and Telephone Network.  Youth directors for Summer: Ephraim Davis of Warrenton in 1982, Jane White of Augusta in 1983.  Chancel Choir and Ensemble under direction of Julie Lewis Davis.  Instrumental Music provided by Lila Lewis at the piano and Sara Hemphill at the organ.  Living dramatization of the Last Supper, Spiritual Enrichment Weekend presented by laymen of Marietta First Methodist, entertained in homes by members of our congregation.  Revival in 1986—Guest Minister, Rev. Charles Sineath, Marietta First.  Participating in serving the needy in Soup Kitchens in Augusta, distribution of U.S.D.A. Foods, Food Pantries, and Clothes Closets for needy, Family Wednesday Night dinners and Bible Study, Mother’s Day Out Program organized in 1986.  (With good response.)  F.L.P. (Friendly Loving People) Senior Citizen’s Club organized in 1986 with Mary Brigham as president.

            (Information collected from files, minutes, and quarterly conference records.)

            Membership—610 in 1986.

                                                            Marye Y. Garrett

                                                            Historian

MEMORIALS:

Three windows over the entrance:

            George W. King

            May 27, 1828-December 10, 1910

            James E. Gibbs

            February 16, 1862-June 22, 1925

            Homer H. Stewart

            April 28, 1866-June 28, 1911

Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane:

(erected in choir loft in 1974 and presented in memory of Mr. and Mrs. J.T. Reeves by their seven children, Adele R. Key, Alberta R. Lamborn, Joseph E. Reeves, Alvin J. Reeves, Raymond M. Reeves, John Wesley Reeves, and Lloyd Reeves.

Windows in sanctuary:

            In Memory of Milo W. Nichols and in Honor of Charles N. Nichols by Edward            and Mary Nichols

            In Memory of George T. and Alice McLean Walton by children

            In Memory of W.L. Fate Gray and Carrie Gray by children and grandchildren

            In Memory of Mr. and Mrs. Franklin P. King by family