History of Antioch United Methodist Church


From the Wonderful old Sanctuary to the Beautiful and modern new one. Antioch has certainly come a long way since it's original days as an arbor church.  Below is some of the rich history of this great house of God's people.

    

    Antioch's first years of worship services were held under a brush arbor served by a Circuit Rider. In 1874, the Rev. P. S. Twitty was assigned by the Annual Conference as the first pastor. A log building was erected to take the place of the arbor. During the 1890's a framed building was erected taking the place of the log structure. In 1913 under the Pastorate of Rev. G. W. Curry an addition was built on to the existing structure.


    In 1949, under the Pastorate of Rev. Tyler Rauls the first auditorium was built adjacent to the existing building. Members cut their timber and donated lumber and their labor of love to build this building. The existing building was made into Sunday School rooms.

    Under the leadership and Pastorate of Rev. O. H. Rhodes, 1955-57, Sunday School rooms were added on the north side of the existing building. More rooms were added in 1969 under the Pastorate of Rev. Glenn McCranie.
   
    During the Pastorate of Rev. Curtis Tillman, 1959-1963, "The Lord's Acre" Program or "Harvest Day" began (each member pledging proceeds from 1 acre or 1 weeks pay) over and above regular tithes and offering. Today, this is still observed on the 2nd Sunday in November each year as "Harvest Day or Homecoming". Total collection from "Harvest Day" 2003 was $30,253.00.

    Through Antioch's 130 years, there has been 70 pastors to minister to the members and community. Currently, there are 223 members on the church roll. Over the years, Antioch has been placed with various charges and in October 1987, member voted to build a parsonage and go full time as a charge. Rev. Lamar Harper was the first to occupy the new parsonage.

    In 1994, under the Pastorate of Rev. Randy Mosley, the church needed to expand. Additional Sunday School rooms, a Pastor's Study, secretary's office, music room and additional rest rooms were added and the social hall was remodeled.

    In 2002, still under Rev. Mosley's Pastorate, the church voted to build a new Sanctuary and connecting wing. The beautiful and spacious Sanctuary seats 300 people. The connecting wing includes more Sunday School rooms, rest rooms, a church library and a modern kitchen. The Official Consecration was held on Pentecost Sunday, May 19, 2002.

    The Lord continues to bless us as we steadily move forward.

 


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