Our Legacy: Marvin stands at the crossroads
Windows from 1893 Marvin Church
Marvin began as many Methodist churches in the late 1800s in a "brush arbor," or grove of trees with a clearing where people gathered. Fiery preachers called on the name of the Lord, hymns united the community as one voice, and home-cooked food filled the common table at the fellowship meal.
In 1891, such a gathering in Columbia County marked the beginning of this church named for Bishop Enoch M. Marvin. That same year the church was chartered by 39 members in a schoolhouse on Belair Road.
Land donated
Captain Samuel Mays donated land at the corner of Wheeler and Belair roads for the first building which was completed in 1893. An annex was added to the building in 1927. In the Methodist tradition, the church was a part of a circuit which included Grovetown. The churches shared ownership of a parsonage located in Grovetown. From the original wood-frame building with its pot-belly stove and pews built by men of the church, the new 1950s building became a community landmark.
Easter Sunday dawned
Constructed of grey granite, the building has a distinct historic look. Compared to the sleek newly constructed buildings the rustic charm of the stones reminds us of its brush-arbor heritage. The three stained-glass windows at the entrance were moved from the original building to preserve the past.
Bound for growth
As the community grew, so did Marvin United Methodist Church. By 1980, a new Family Life Center was built on land purchased for expansion. The church’s centennial celebration, in 1991, welcomed the return of former pastors and members. It also marked the beginning of a new phase of construction. The second floor of the Family Life Center accommodates Sunday School classrooms and other church activities.
A church is more than its building
Today, this church is known affectionately as The Pumpkin Church because of the fall pumpkin sale and The Rock because of its rustic granite exterior. More importantly, this church is known for its Servant Leadership in the community through mission and outreach.
Honoring the Past, Embracing the Future
.
In 1891, such a gathering in Columbia County marked the beginning of this church named for Bishop Enoch M. Marvin. That same year the church was chartered by 39 members in a schoolhouse on Belair Road.
Land donated
Captain Samuel Mays donated land at the corner of Wheeler and Belair roads for the first building which was completed in 1893. An annex was added to the building in 1927. In the Methodist tradition, the church was a part of a circuit which included Grovetown. The churches shared ownership of a parsonage located in Grovetown. From the original wood-frame building with its pot-belly stove and pews built by men of the church, the new 1950s building became a community landmark.
Easter Sunday dawned
Constructed of grey granite, the building has a distinct historic look. Compared to the sleek newly constructed buildings the rustic charm of the stones reminds us of its brush-arbor heritage. The three stained-glass windows at the entrance were moved from the original building to preserve the past.
Bound for growth
As the community grew, so did Marvin United Methodist Church. By 1980, a new Family Life Center was built on land purchased for expansion. The church’s centennial celebration, in 1991, welcomed the return of former pastors and members. It also marked the beginning of a new phase of construction. The second floor of the Family Life Center accommodates Sunday School classrooms and other church activities.
A church is more than its building
Today, this church is known affectionately as The Pumpkin Church because of the fall pumpkin sale and The Rock because of its rustic granite exterior. More importantly, this church is known for its Servant Leadership in the community through mission and outreach.
Honoring the Past, Embracing the Future
.
 Present church built 1955 |  Marvin UMC Pumpkin Patch |
Marvin Church 4400 Wheeler Road, Martinez GA 30907 706-863-0510 A United Methodist Family of Faith
