The new Methodist Church of this place was dedicated last Sunday by Bishop Galloway, to whom the keys of the church were delivered by W. T. Rush, one of the officers of the church. The dedication sermon was fully equal to the expectation of those who had never heard the eminent divine. Owing to the rawness of the day, and the fact that it was uncertain whether the Bishop would officiate, so that no notice had been given through the county papers, the congregation was not so large as it otherwise would have been. But from those present, a handsome subscription was taken up, sufficient to pay off the small debt due on the building.

From the Yazoo Valley Flag, March 26, 1887

The approaches of the new Methodist Church are without any sidewalks, will not our city fathers see to it, that the sidewalks to the church are planked, and our ladies not be compelled to wade through mud and dust in getting to and from this house of worship.

From the Yazoo Valley Flag, May 7, 1887

The members of the M. E. Church have sold their former parsonage property to Mr. S. A. Johnson and purchased from Hon. W. T. Rush, the lot next to Mrs. Parker's residence, where they will erect a handsome new parsonage as soon as the same can be constructed. We congratulate our Methodist brethren upon the interest they are manifesting in improving their church property. The new parsonage will be much more convenient to the church for the pastor and his family than was the old one.

From The Greenwood Enterprise, March 15, 1895

Our energetic and progressive Methodist brethren are going to build a $10,000 brick church edifice. Dr. Price, the worthy pastor, informs THE ENTERPRISE that he has already succeeded in getting $5,000 subscribed for that purpose. We are gratified to know that work will probably begin on the new church within the next thirty days. Good churches speak well for any community.

From The Greenwood Enterprise, March 6, 1897

The new Methodist Church will, we learn, be erected on the site now occupied by that house of worship- inasmuch as the committee could not find a suitable location elsewhere.

From The Greenwood Enterprise, March 25, 1898

A $12,000 Methodist Church

Plans and specifications were received by the Methodist church building committee last week for a magnificent edifice. They were drawn by Architect Hunt of Chattanooga, Tenn. Judging from these plans, the church will be as handsome and comfortable a structure as can be found in the state. Everything is modern. Architect Hunt has submitted $12,000 as the amount necessary to complete and furnish the church. We understand that nearly $7,000 has been already raised. The building committee has set May 31 to receive bids of contractors and let out the work. A town, it is said, is judged by its churches. If such is true, Greenwood will, in a few years, be one of the leading towns of the state.

From the Greenwood Commonwealth, May 12, 1898

METHODIST CHURCH LET

$12,000 THE BID

Messrs. Ludwood & Pickell, contractors of Aberdeen and Koscuisko, secured the contract for the building of the new Methodist Church of this city. The bid is not to complete the church but only to raise the walls, roof, etc. Another contract will be let later to place windows and furnish it.

From The Commonwealth, June 30, 1898

THE NEW CHURCH

Plans Discussed in View to its Speedy Completion

Last Wednesday night, pursuant to a call of the pastor, the trustees, the board of stewards, and the building committee, a rally of the members of the Methodist Church was held in order that an expression of opinion might be given concerning the best plans for hurrying to completion the handsome new church that has been contracted for. After a short scripture lesson and prayer by the pastor, the meeting was thrown open for a general discussion of the subject.

Rev. J. H. Mitchell exhibited the plans and specifications of the new edifice, which the building committee has contracted for with Linderwood & Puckett. The contract with them is for the building alone, without windows, seats, carpets or lights, to cost $12,600. It is estimated that the church, when completed, will cost about $16,000 and will be one of the handsomest in the state and the best arranged and most strictly up-to-date of any in the south. The plans and specifications call for a one story building so arranged that the Sunday school room, classrooms and main auditorium may, for special occasions, all be thrown into one, and a person in the smallest classroom can see and hear a speaker as readily as if seated in the main auditorium. When finished, this building will surely be an honor to our city and would do credit to a much larger place.

Mr. W. A. Gillespie, who has been acting as secretary for the building committee, stated that a joint meeting of the above mentioned committee, an assessment was made on the entire membership of the church, and, while the amounts assessed would not be considered binding until approved by the individual members who, however, will be interviewed within the next ten days concerning their several assessments. They pursued this plan because it is the Methodist way of doing and in order that the committee might make an estimate of the amount they could reasonably count on. The assessment amounts to something over $18,000, and of course some friends on the outside are expected to assist materially. In fact, some have already generously volunteered to contribute.

Messrs. R. Thayer, F. R. Austin and others, delivered short addresses on the necessity of having the new church finished as soon as possible, the wisdom of the building committee in their selection of plans, the work of the Sunday school, the Ladies’ Home Mission Society and the Epworth League propose to do, etc. Considerable interest was manifested and we are convinced that much good will result from this rally.

From The Delta Flag, August 26, 1898

The work on the new Methodist Church goes right along in spite of the fever and quarantine. We understand sufficient money has been raised to carry the rough work, wall, roof, etc., to completion. By the time this is done the balance will be raised to complete the structure, which will be one of the largest and best- constructed churches in the state.

From The Commonwealth, September, 8, 1898

Work on the new Methodist church is moving right along, and it looks as though there was really going to be something to show for the money being invested. The building promises to be an honor to our town and everyone should endeavor to have some stock in it.

From The Delta Flag, January 20, 1899

The New Methodist Church

Tomorrow at 11:30 o'clock, the laying of the cornerstone of the new Methodist Church, which is considered to be one of the finest in the state, will take place. Rev. J. H. Mitchell invited Bishop Chas. B. Galloway to deliver the address, which was accepted. Bishop Galloway is one of the most learned divines of the M. E. Church, and the services on the occasion referred to above will be of universal benefit to all listeners. The ladies of the church will have a magnificent lunch on hand which will be served to any who wish to contribute to the church, and it is hoped that a great many will want to contribute.

From The Delta Flag, April 14, 1899

The laying of the cornerstone of the new Methodist Church took place Saturday afternoon, in the presence of a large and intelligent audience. Bishop Galloway delivered a magnificent address.

From the Delta Flag, April 21, 1899.

CORNERSTONE CEREMONIES

The dark, angry looking clouds and rain last Saturday morning kept a large number of our citizens from being present at the impressive ceremonies attending the laying of the cornerstone of the new Methodist Church in this city. Bishop Charles B. Galloway of Jackson had been invited to deliver the sermon. Owing to the inclemency of the weather, the original plan of holding the services in the new edifice was abandoned, and the exercises were held in the old church. Bishop Galloway, accompanied by Rev. Dr. Murrah, president of Millsaps College, arrived on the 11 o'clock train and proceeded to the church. The services were begun about 11:30. Prayer was offered by Dr. J. W. Jones, general chaplain of the Confederate Veterans, which was followed by a few appropriate selections by the choir. The pastor, Rev. J. H. Mitchell, then arose and after a few remarks relative to the ceremony, introduced Bishop Galloway. The bishop arose and in as eloquent a sermon of one hour and fifteen minutes as we ever listened to, held the congregation in his masterly power. At the close of his address, another selection was sung and the entire congregation, led by the pastor, proceeded to the new church to complete the ceremony. On arriving, Dr. Murrah read the lesson and at the close the bishop pronounced the words of dedication. Deposits were then called for and the following were placed in the stone: Religious papers, testaments, Bible, hymn book, discipline, Christian Advocate, membership roll of the church, names of the trustees, building committee, the pastor and presiding elder. A coin was deposited by Mr. Lake, a letter by J. T. Spivey, The Commonwealth, The Enterprise, The Delta Flag, officers of the Presbyterian Church and societies, a list of all who worked on the church, a silver dollar by Mr. J. Attlesey, cards of M. Fatheree and Bishop Galloway, paper by Miss Alice Mitchell. When the last deposit was in, a prayer was offered and the long-metre doxology closed the services. The Methodists of Greenwood have reason to feel proud of their church, for it is not excelled in architecture and convenience by any in the state.

From The Commonwealth, April 21, 1899

The work on the new Methodist Church is rapidly nearing completion. The windows, which are grand, have been put in and the interior is beginning to present a churchlike appearance. A contract has been let for the seats and as soon as the floor is laid, they will be put in place. The city is proud of its new church.

From The Greenwood Commonwealth, May 19, 1899

A special service will be held in the new Methodist Church next Sunday by the pastor, Rev. J. H. Mitchell. This is the first service in the new church, and every one is invited to attend. The Sunday school service will begin promptly at 9:30. Let all the children come.

From The Greenwood Commonwealth, June 16, 1899

Methodist Church Opening

Last Sunday Morning was an Auspicious Occasion.

On last Sunday morning the doors of the new $20,000 Methodist Church were thrown open to the public for the first time, and at least 500 people listened to the magnificent sermon that was specially prepared for the occasion by the pastor, Reverand J.H. Mitchell, the text being taken from the 2nd Chron. 6:18, and was highly appropriate to the day. The choir, which was composed of the following ladies and gentleman, rendered some beautiful selections: Misses Alice Bew, Anna Belle Thayer, Hattie Dulaney, Lena Aron, Lillie Mitchell, and Messrs. W.R. Cole, W.S. Vardaman, and F.J. Scott, flute, while Mrs. Mitchell was organist.

This church is undoubtably the finest and most complete edifice of worship in the state, and our Methodist friends are to be congratulated on posessing such a one. Regular services next Sunday: Everybody invited.

From the Delta Flag, June 23,1899.

The old Methodist church, recently purchased by J. T. Spivey, is being handsomely arranged into a residence of six rooms, large hall and bath room, and will be occupied by Mr. Spivey when completed, which will be in about ten days.

From The Delta Flag, August 18, 1899

Rev. Mitchell informs the editor of The Flag that no service will be held in the Methodist church next Sunday. The new pews are now being placed in position and it will require at least ten days for their completion. Services will be held next Sunday, however, and all are invited.

From The Delta Flag, September 22, 1899

The New Methodist Church

This magnificent edifice of worship is now about completed, and to Revs. W. S. Shipman, J. W. Price and our present pastor, Rev. J. H. Mitchell, the thanks of the entire community, and especially the Methodist brethren, are out-pouring. This church, when the pipe-organ, carpets and chandeliers are placed, will cost upwards of $21,000, and critics from the large cities have pronounced it one of the finest places of worship in the South.

The funds for building this church were raised by popular subscription, many of the contributors belonging to no faith at all.

The new seats and pulpit, which are now in place, cost about $900 and they are of the latest style, besides being convenient. The seating capacity is about 1,000, five hundred in the auditorium proper, and five hundred in the Sunday school and reception rooms.

Besides the large pipe organ, which will be immediately behind the pulpit, there will be two others, one in the Sunday school and one in the “infants” department.

There are about 150 scholars and on Sunday morning an average of about 75 attendants. The officers of the Sunday school are: R. T. Jones, Superintendent; W. A. Gillespie, Secretary, and Boyd Brister, Librarian. The teachers are: R. L. Wall, F. R. Austin, Miss Carrie Gillespie, Miss Dora Crockett, Mrs. Polly Duncan, Capt. Estes, R. V. Pollard, Mrs. Chas. Melton, Rowan Thayer and Mrs. J. H. Mitchell.

The church has a membership of 265, and to Mesdames F. R. Austin and T. S. Mayre, are due their thanks for the beautiful chairs which adorn the pulpit, and to Mrs. Neal Miller for the handsome Bible which graces the alter.

Rev. Mitchell has selected a very able subject for next Sunday morning, it being “Duty to the Brethren”, taken from Genesis 4:9. This subject is one which will touch the hearts of everyone, and Rev. Mitchell would be gratified to greet a large congregation.

From The Daily Flag, October 6, 1899

Services Methodist Church

The services at the Methodist church next Sunday, 11 a.m., will be held in the lecture room of the church, as the auditorium is closed during the building of the new pipe organ.

The pastor at this service will preach upon the theme, “Hindrance to the Religious Life of Greenwood”. Those who are interested in the “Better Town Movement” are invited to attend.

From The Commonwealth, October 11, 1907

RINGING THE BELL

The large bell in the tower of the Methodist Church, which has been silent for so many years, will be rung on Sunday morning, next and every Sunday morning thereafter. Listen for it and heed the voice of it, reminding you of your duty to your Maker, to observe His day.

From The Greenwood Daily Commonwealth, April 25, 1924

METHODIST BUSINESS MEN’S BIBLE CLASS

The men’s Bible class of the Methodist Sunday School had a very interesting service yesterday at the Greenwood Theatre. Two hundred and twenty men were present to hear Mr. Bingham’s fine address. At the suggestion of one of the new members of the class, an invitation is being extended to the local Shrine Club to attend the class next Sunday. Mr. Moore of the Character Builder’s Class of Memphis will address the class next Sunday.

From The Greenwood Daily Commonwealth, May 19, 1924

The organ of the First Methodist Church is being completely overhauled at a cost of some four hundred dollars. A piano will be used until the organ is in condition again. A special free will offering is being asked by the pastor next Sunday. The plan is to ask no one for so much as a penny for this work, but care for it through the incidental offering.

From The Greenwood Commonwealth, March 22, 1928

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