rere re Tere ere sere Zayegrels bs : stake Sect Sak een len deen Ino eee 2 i =% ¢ 42 4 ANE NE Pe ee ee eee ee en ee ee a hes Oh omen ag tad ra eretsie ) fe sistehe ‘ * fer feles b oh, ot . febetale , ~ —_ er SPRAYS YaryaPyeyerys yoy on ge Oe organ" . . fee = — et A Ft tet "e » ° wy a ae ee ee the i« thal j * eis¢ per o's . te te body (ole 3 - he 4 " va ANN STREET CHURCH TODAY ERTL ELAINE TE Ses i —— = | a = <—— | j ] | Che Story OF Che Methadists in the Port of Beaufort BY AMY MUSE a NEW BERN OWEN G. DUNN CO., PRINTERS 1941 J. Y. JOYNER LIBRARY EAST CAROLINA UNIVERSITY SO Ie YER ANTE MAA SMietae te Desi ave oe ny onoeeeee TO OUR EARLY FATHERS WHO WENT “DOWN TO THE SEA IN SHIPS” They that go down to the sea in ships, that do business in great waters; These see the works of the Lord, and his wonders in the deep. For he commandeth, and raiseth the stormy wind, which lifteth up the waves thereof. They mount up to the heavens, they go down again to the depths; their soul is melted because of trouble. They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man, and are at their wit’s end. Then they cry unto the Lord in their trouble, and he bringeth them out of their distresses. He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still. Then are they glad because they be quiet; so he bringeth them unto their desired haven. —PsatmMs 107, Verses 23-30. 643486 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS This story has been a cooperative undertaking starting with the idea which was our pastor’s, The Reverend Stanley Potter. He also selected and brought invaluable books to the writer from the Library of Duke University. Mr. M. Leslie Davis has generously furnished documen- tary material and stories from his rich store; Miss Annie Rumley has given access to hitherto unpublished material from her father’s papers; Miss Nannie Potter has lent early scrap books of “Miss Lilla” Willis and “Miss Sue” Buckman; Miss Marybell Delamar of Raleigh has been most codperative especially with material bearing on the Bell family and the old Anglican Church; “Miss Vera” Stubbs has placed her scrap books at the writer’s dis- posal; Mr. Aycock Brown has given access to his personal file of old Beaufort papers. In addition, a manuscript autobiography of “Miss Lilla” Willis in the possession of the author has been of enormous help. Besides these, the writer is indebted to over seventy- five members and friends of the Church here and else- where, who have, under questioning, patiently and graciously contributed, either by word of mouth or letter, those bits which have been assembled to make the story more complete. The writer also wishes to express her gratitude to Paul Neff Garber, Ph.D., Professor of Church History in Duke University ; Clifford J. Hornaday, Ph.D., New York City; and others who have read the manuscript in its entirety and made valuable suggestions. CONTENTS Page Foreword ije2. chests hs ee Before ‘the Societies a ek Ire eee iil The. Societies——176G-1%84 seis ie tee a A’Chiirch-178481844¢ seas oe ee ee A Church South—1844-1938 _________—____— aig AL A’ Church=21988 2" comer eames see eee as hig SEMAN RETIREE RG RETAIN CRAY ERE, CS TT RO RSE FOREWORD I agreed to write the story of our church thinking naively that I would collect the precious fast disappearing anecdotes and legends of early days and fit them into a framework of fact—nothing profound, a story of homely things and early struggles that would warm the hearts of homecomers as does the old caster on the dining room table or the stereoptican in the parlor beside the family Bible. It was to be the story of a church which, in part, is the story of a people and a town. It was to begin more than eight score years ago with a hymn singing group, exuberantly and enviably happy in their religious life, gathered together to organize a church. I thought it would be interesting to give the roll call of those first members since their descendants move among us to-day. Research has but confirmed the old truism that “begin- nings seldom have records.” Many facts have already slipped making the job largely a matter of running down one thing that leads to another and tediously fitting the whole together like a mosaic. T have not blurred nor omitted facts for the glorification of the Church. It has not been my plan to extol early leaders. If occasionally it sounds so, it is but an unin- tentional spilling over of admiration for those who endured hardships unimaginable to us and did so with joy.’ Even St. Paul never travelled on horseback on a hot day through pathless swamps beclouded with mos- quitoes, finding his way only by marked trees, nor did he know the experience of following strange paths infested with wild animals and hostile savages through rain and wind and storm not sure where night would find him. These leaders sometimes stopped “to bait at an ordinary,” sometimes shared the board of a hospitable settler, some- times ate nuts or berries from the woods. They had no homes, no families, few possessions except their horses, saddle-bags, Bibles, and hymnals. So rigidly were they deprived of anything remotely bordering on self-indul- gence that it gave a feeling of elation to discover that they were allowed such comfort as they could extract from a chew of tobacco. BEFORE THE SOCIETIES Bishops Francis Asbury and Thomas Coke wrote mem- bers of the Methodist Societies in the United States thus simply of the founding of Methodism here: “We think it expedient to give you a brief account of the rise of Methodism (so called) both in Europe and America. In 1729, two young men, in England (John and Charles Wesley), reading the Bible, saw they could not be saved without holiness, followed after it, and incited others to do so. In 1737, they saw likewise, that men are justified before they are sanctified: But still holiness was their object. God then thrust them out to raise a holy people. “During the space of thirty years past, certain persons, members of the society, emigrated from England and Ireland, and settled in various parts of this country.” George Whitfield was one of those that God “thrust out to raise a holy people.” Before the end of the year (1739) in which the first Methodist Society was organized in London, he was preaching in New Bern, North Carolina, and writing his friends that his preaching “was attended with uncommon influence.” Because he and John Wesley did not agree on some matters of doctrine, Whitfield was not properly classed as an itinerant Methodist preacher. He organized no societies and spoke of himself as a mem- ber and minister of the Church of England. However, in 1760, we hear of those in New Bern who called themselves by the name of Methodists. James Reed spoke of them as “ignorant, censorious, and uncharitable,” and in 1761 complained: “The Methodists of late have given me a great deal of trouble along the borders of my parish by preaching up the expediency of dreams, visions, and immediate revelations.” ‘The borders of my parish” may well have included Beaufort since one year before this, the vestry of the Church of England here appointed old Colonel Bell “to agree with Reverend James Reed to preach twice at the Chapel (Bell’s) for once at the town (Beaufort) and Straits.” Some of these enthusiasts that THE SOCIETIES 1766-1784 The first Methodist Societies in America were formed around 1766, in a room in the house of Philip Embury in New York and in the home of Robert Strawbridge in Maryland. Joseph Pilmoor in 1772 was the first itinerant Methodist preacher to visit North Carolina after the organization of the Societies. However, the first Con- ference, held in 1773 showed no members at all from North Carolina, 1160 in all the colonies, all but one hun- dred of which were above the Virginia line. In 1775, Robert Williams either visited the Colony or made a plan for a six weeks Carolina Circuit on which Edward Drumgole, Francis Poythress, and Isham Tatum were sent as preachers in 1776. Six hundred and eighty- three members were reported in the Colony at the beginning of this year, showing considerable work had already been done. Theoretically, Beaufort was on this Carolina Circuit, for the field was unlimited, and there was no circuit south of it, none west of it; but, added to difficulties such as wildernesses, swamps, and numberless bodies of water, Scarcely five weeks from the date of Conference, the Declaration of Independence was signed causing war talk and preparations to interrupt the work. Carteret County that June, for the first time, failed to mention and recog- nize King George III. To make matters worse, leaders in early Methodism were, according to Jesse Lee, whose Memoirs are preserved, “imprudent in speaking too freely against the proceedings of the Americans.” Feeling between Whigs and Tories was strong. Once classed as a Tory, a preacher’s usefulness was impaired and perse- cution followed. In spite of all this, at the close of the year, nine hundred and thirty members were reported in the State. In 1777, the circuit appears as the North Carolina Cir- cuit with John King, John Dickens, Lee Roy Cole, and Edward Pride as preachers. John King is said to have Pa, ide Sastae! 1 re nana eke eerie Ketan REE SORE ME OT LEAL OLE OP NL NT NNN AS, “RP TRE i et epeaaaianem diese hs yeni yd a Jie iy teen tn tar meh RNR er a ETE ed ES MER Serato asin ntl nite Ee ee — isite IN THE PORT OF BEAUFORT 15 visited New Bern Immediately back of our church is Lot 81 which was deeded to The Town of Beaufort in 1731 by Nathaniel Taylor, Proprietor of the Town of Beaufort, for use as a r, always “burial ground.” On the lot between the burial ground and the colored church stood “the house appointed for a Court House.” It had been deeded to the Wardens of the Parish of St. Johns by Richard Rustell in 1724. In it during the middle years of the seventeen hundreds, the Service of the Anglican Church Mgt read. er pee : ildi nm the same lot some Henateneoatet Christ. I often ees sfua fea new when the Methodists began using it. L. A. Potter, born 1844, remembered the old ee BY. church which, he said, stood until a short time before the . * 2 i} “ 2 i RL Teer’ Stubborn and Civil W. d described it in a manuscript “History 0: of Methodism oe a may Have besn our first apostle Methodism Beaufort”: “This building bot what Me a izati would n onsider a quaint, old fashioned affair, wi has been Leet euion oF Methodists in Beaufort inane tae underpinning for a foundation. The distress due to tHe War ary ye ve was a year of Superstructure was of native pine, heavy sills, joists, and was intimately con ae vig Whole Methodis t movement Plates, and doors calculated to insinuate that supernatural who had come bint fi dwith England. All the preachers strength would have to be exercised by the emissaries of Francis Asbury ‘stated Heine fee Cotta, except the evil one who effected an entrance with felonious in- the membership in the HBR & meee oe se that tent. The seats were straight benches with center sup- i i to either sex, ports but no backs, one half being assigned and he would be considered a bold bad man who ere to walk up the aisle set apart for females in search a comfortable seat.” Mr. Potter’s hypothetical man who innate hiding. went to the ladies side for a “comfortable seat” would fF iby been ex- Pe have b worse than “bold”. He would have Beaufort berets Brisa pao the only church in pelled se the Society, for the rule, “Let the ae carpe ings are extant from 1742, ek of the vestry meet. the women sit apart” was established among the Metho- dists from the beginning and reiterated in regulations following the organization of the Church. The ne fortable seats” on the ladies side, according to iss Aurora” Mace Bushnell, were their own chairs which A ladies took to the church and used in preference to the backless benches. J : Continuing from Mr. Potter’s account: ‘The pulpit, for it was then a pulpit and not a ag Nas Latte sin I t resembling somewhat a watch-tow oe ey aif eNelene Wall oleate at one end of the Church near the clergy had abandoned their Our ministers were he Methodist Episco- jf herman enenenenenananee BRyoow alt Ay these -BDeesents, Tuas Be CA etc beV (AFL. éne of the Bixhops of the AAR ARORA RANA 4 to is eh, by the “imposi ibe. ii, f. < s 4 ¢ , Proyer, have this day sot apart pen ats for the office of a % in ~eat Ketones Fear Judgment of the 7727-745 Ta ripes : han ahah e pn ue ps gos an of Baptism, Marriage, and the Burial of the ne adept d to feed the flock of Clagjat, 60 long as and. of sound words, acoarding oe a = METHODIST EPISCOPAL ¢ sh aes FOUNDED -A..D. 1784, : ¥ 4 Re ee 76 Ci apreR.y “MISS MARY” THOMAS? SACRAMENT TICKET — A CHURCH 1784-1844 It was 1784 before John Wesley felt the proper time had come to ordain our own ministers. As no further “civil or ecclesiastical authority” was claimed over the colonies, he says his scruples were at an end and he con- ceived himself at perfect liberty to exercise that right Which he doubted not God had given him. He ordained Dr. Thomas Coke in England and authorized him to ordain Francis Asbury in this country that the two of them might have authority to ordain elders to administer the Sacraments for the Methodists in America. Late in 1784 Freeborn Garrettson rode horseback 1200 miles, gathering together the Methodist preachers from New York to Carolina, to attend a conference called by Asbury to discuss the organization of the American Methodists. Sixty of the eighty-three preachers were present for the historic Christmas Conference held in Baltimore that year. Here the Methodist Episcopal Church of America was born, independent of England, just as those who formed it were politically independent. Thomas Coke and Francis Asbury were elected by the Conference to be Superintendents or Bishops of the new Church, and at the same Conference they ordained elders to administer the sacraments. The new organization was independent of England yet the founders went on record as being willing to defer to Wesley in matters of Church government. Now Metho- dism with John Wesley was not a separation from his former church but a drawing closer to God in his own church. With this in mind, it does not seem strange that the new Church was organized after the old pattern nor that he prepared a liturgy for the new church “little differing from that of the Church of England, or rather revised the Common Prayer Book. He advised all the travelling preachers to use it on the Lord’s Day in all the congregations, reading the Litany only on Wednesdays and Fridays, and to pray extempore on all other days. word ; i administer the sy on every Lord’s Day,”’* * *“The Supsinendaia @ ivate members. After a few ook was laid IN THE PORT OF BEAUFORT 19 This was revised in 1804 to read, “Will be put back on trial for six months.” The Conference allowed a salary of sixty-four dollars a year to each preacher, which they seldom received in full, and often pay was in kind: socks, shoes, leather, hams, chickens, grain. Furthermore, the Discipline States: “We will on no account suffer an elder or deacon among us to receive a fee or present for administering the ordinance of marriage, baptism, or the burial of the dead.” Later, a preacher accepted a fee for marriage but gave it to the stewards to be applied to his “quarterage”. Not until after 1800 was he allowed to keep it. To guard against “formality” in singing, the preacher, among other measures outlined, was cautioned to stop often and ask the people, “Now! Do you know what you Said last? Did you speak no more than you felt?” The early preacher and his horse were thought of to- gether—a man and a horse. At the first annual con- ferences it was customary to take collections for preachers who had lost their horses during the year. The Discipline Specified: ‘Be merciful to your beast. Not only ride Moderately but see with your own eyes that your horse be rubbed and fed.” What to do to guard against Antimomianism occupied much space in the early Discipline. Like early names in our own organization, this controversial subject has van- ished until the very word sounds strange to our ears. There is something else to be said for this 1784 con- gregation. Whereas Jesse Lee wrote in the War years, “Most of the time when they (the people) did assemble for divine worship, their conversation was principally turned upon the times and the distresses of themselves and friends. One would say, ‘My son is killed’; another ‘My husband is wounded or taken prisoner, or sickly, or likely to die’”’” Now the War was over, they were vic- torious, they had their own church independent of the State, their ministers were ordained and could go into all parts of the country without fear of the enemy! In 1785, the year of the first)annual Conference of the new Methodist Episcopal Church of America held in SSS ee TE — Sa i — - . aE In ERENCE ; SERS Ah Sadia Gee a ase - 4 TES PTR RE CPS NEE Fe ea sah PAE LES NRT RNY EIEN ee NIP YEH EHO Mec ena tala bury” where he “held quar “Many people, little religion.” North Carolina nothing great.” jected to see So little religion” ; again, little religion in this Place. There are evils here, the Meeting not solemn; the women appeared to be full of dress, the men full of news. These People are gospel slighters” > yet again, < enough”; Charleston, South Ca Satan, dissipation, an » “I am de- “T fear there is very Philip Bruce in charge and Ne Pointment. 21 IN THE PORT OF BEAUFORT almost any position in 1785 or thereafter was oie re te me Miraculous event: In the struggles of Tpatiaees satin? land, much like our Civil War in that 7 hak dieraied munities and churches were divided iii stare ietold Bruce was outspoken for the gat pasnesdng a that he was captured by Tories and abou eet eouna ie the nearest tree. His captors rifling his a sae eeehieh exhorter’s license. It saved his a Could bring himself to hang a ma De 4 tele aeee If, as R. H. Willis, in his history 0 eeu oto naa es pie were pelea tN A ates vib rd as a brilliant O’Kelly also visited us. O’Kelly As ate SO young preacher conscious of his cane elie Hipiedbal responsible for the first schism in the Pater of the Church—the schism that led to ep Rep rR eR rat Christian Church. All that happene z He ae at and it is not likely that we one a over matters of digress to say that O’Kelly withdrew no de aba al shee doctrine but administration. He was P iagee eee amendment before the Conference a fale sin enige preachers an appeal to Conference if dissati his objec. appointments, “and if the Conference Oe ae winnie tions, the Bishop shall appoint him “a wae se Retreat It is interesting to note that for the Gaba paca ar new organization The Republican pect aod tiem rps ee cause less power was given to the Bishops, fa 1790 "'hbtad Ware was our i i Mel M. Howe, and D. Dean on tl a ate ned out circuits embracing a ia SNR Ra “Burlington to Cape Hatteras and els ia Baa ates to some distance in Virginia.” He go ] hich is simple, ably, however, according to his Journa Mi peat th clear. interesting, earnest, and makes o ened eavale charge that he failed to visit was the loser. 1a Gere baad he says, “The hearts and homes of the ie ear de tay to receive us, so that we hesitated not ae nthe dwelling which might first come in mene eaeeMbet Wanted refreshment.” Again, “I canno sed BEARS I did not keep, for my own satisfaction, a re Eee aca a General Conference of that year, an exhortation found its way into the Minutes in which it is said that the term “Sunday School” was first used: “Let us labour as the heart and soul establish Sunday Schools i them, so in a short ti Were discouraged, and having no pay, and but little pros pect of doing good, Garber in his Ro- Session from morning until evening.” The Sunday School in Beaufort was probably organized “a promptly after 18998 I 23 IN THE PORT OF BEAUFORT 5 as 1834, It is mentioned in the Minutes of seat “more prosperous than ever” with a num both aaate and caine Hs eo Teese were able to say There is a story that ma See hool, but that they got all their “learning” in pena aie grt that goes back before the memory of sdeseniba Sunday The older members of our pee i ata compared with School sixty or more years ago as cru oe arate Sunday to-day. There were no song books, sei ithe Laura” School rooms, few classes, no ee years ago. Duncan can go back to the school of cape lasting until She describes it as starting at pita ne there was no “preaching” except the Sundays w. = nding memories “preaching” ; then until noon. Her outsta eated rhymed of the sessions are of the responsively a version of the Commandments beginning Gods before me. Supt.: Thou shalt have no sect iat > Children: Before no idol bend ihe a ae ttn and the never failing catechism. parent eer 8 (2 from went over and over the latter, the teac tiomemeiantatbe time to time to enlarge PBOnEEOTME ai and many of chism was stressed even until this cen tied remember those who do not consider themselves 0 art of Saturday Whienaibewelssthe gemma pert: preparation for e ; " ae Miss eaten still appa ek “amr ford’s “Certificate of pease spina roe dated pm petro It states that cs ure se Be aise 325, “has been admitted and is pare: at- the privileges of said Sunday School during r. oc ees a bought a reed organ! Just who es a a hance: I do not know, but Miss Sallie Piver too fereaey in 1875 turned it over to her fifteen year Old ee M Buckman, who played until her marriage eee Taylor. “Miss Mary” still trembles mn aoe veers trepidation when she learned on her ae pee tet organ that ex-Governor Vance was oe if Lacneaen She declares yet that she could rape any a8 pane with her part if her prother Samuel ha fright and stood by whispering, doing fine!” : For some years a i i t Purvis with a aeLues ae aoe ministers appari By se De i “a8 pal Conference. It was the policy ae a le in one ; i to hold the colored peop “ae olga aes ee After the Sa ee a. peat ganized in New York in lol¢, lored to munities including Beaufort and persuaded the co ; = ee ere = —— eb EE Sashes pas abe sheath ses cs, 12 aes oe Ra heed ad A Tesora etna muerte sce es mera aneernnn RP =a | 56 THE STORY OF THE METHODISTS join them. This was upsetting to the white Methodists so they appointed Robert O. Burton to see what he could do about it. He secured an appointment and came down to preach at Purvis Chapel. In telling of the experience in 1923, Mr. Bumpas said: “He told them that the mother church still loved them although they had strayed from the fold, and as evidence of their love, he had been charged with the duty of gathering all the colored Methodists under our care to be known as the Colored Methodist Episcopal Church of America. He invited them to come back home to the fold, urged them to reunite with us, and took his seat with the feeling of a man who had won his cause com- pletely.” The pastor of the A.M.E. Zion Church was present. That he fully understood what was on foot cannot be doubted; that he could skillfully confound the opposition is almost an understatement. He arose, announced, and read the lines of Charles Wesley’s hymn: Jesus great Shepherd of the sheep, To thee for help we fly; Thy little flock in safety keep, For O, the wolf is nigh! He comes of hellish malice full, To scatter, tear, and slay, He seizes every straggling soul As his own lawful prey. Us into thy protection take, And gather with Thine arm, Unless the fold we first forsake The wolf can never harm. We laugh to scorn his cruel power, While by our Shepherd’s side, The sheep he never can devour, Unless he first divide. O! do not suffer him to part, The souls that here agree, But make us of one mind and heart And keep us one in Thee! - remember Mr. Raven well. IN THE PORT OF BEAUFORT 57 Mr. Burton withdrew as there was none, eee Ee could do. Purvis Chapel Mission appears i uate ference Minutes of een fe ee Guat ee . James B. Bobbit who 1 . BL! nana purchased The Episcopal Methodist, Hey be North Carolina Christian Advocate, and became ee 1868, and J. W. Jenkins came here for Bees ses a Jenkins had four children. Private schoo : i : sath best advantages at that time. Mr. eee scien oy to finance four in school so he paid for t soni iy supplementing his sie duties wit “Miss Lilla” Willis’ school. $ mh 1872 to 1875, “Uncle Wheeler ee second time preaching at Ann Street and par oe m “ in absence of a preacher there, he held panel ste Straits. Alexander R. Raven who was here i 1876 also preached at the Straits having an appointment i d to find those who there once a month. It Is oe eke a special place in f the large number added parma hiarich aes att and because that num- to the church under his preac o the church through the includes so many faithful t t ough ti nae : ilies Lula” Duncan, Miss Sabra Adair, pd Laura” Duncan, the late Mr. Thomas Duncan, Celia” Dudley, “Miss Celia” Williams, and “Miss Belle Bae eee stated, J. W. Wheeler was here in er. Apparently, the Church was feeling a pe parsonage for in this year, according to” sy ee sia at the Court House, Frances Canaday, sy saa of the love and affection I bear the Met i " Lan 4 Church” deeded “part of the western ha sis we Ann Street across from our Church for teas sul erected within ten years from the date of the : i bad built within that time, the deed was ees He bie me : time to raise money in Beaufort, and the ited for lack of it. es MeConkls followed Mr. Wheeler. He was here h through the crisis of the great storm of 1879 when the i Id tide came in four to six feet higher than any person cou =o Oo [= eee Cotta esraeemusgamie nent acats “2 sae rnp rc ty ae nantes Init a esteem enemas nasumnennees See Cees he ec eMPEOINES ns en ok Seaweed. eRe 58 THE STORY OF THE METHODISTS remember before or anyone has seen since. It was the storm that destroyed the Atlantic Hotel, other smaller buildings, and piled furnishings, trunks, boats, and debris of all kinds high on the shore. After leaving Beaufort, Mr. McCorkle went back to the Presbyterian Church with which he had been associated before. Rufus Cicero Beamon came in 1880 and was here when our first sharpie was launched. He was only twenty yet this was his second appointment. It is written of him that he had “little education but was master of eloquent English through study * * * reserved * * * never a long list of intimates.” He had served the Conference forty- nine years when he died in 1926. The writer remembers him as he appeared in later life. After years of contact with people, he was still a poor mixer with no gift for small talk but enviable eloquence in the pulpit and in prayer. Just to the west of the Church, literally in the shadow of the building, is the grave of our next pastor, J. T. Arrington—another young man only twenty-three who died at the old Davis House while he was serving here. He was sick for a week only with what they use to call “hemorrhagic fever.” “Old Dr. Closs,” his stepgrand- father reached his bedside, but his mother was unable to do so. His last concern was for her: he asked that the news be broken easily to her, “She takes trouble so hard.” Deep and personal was the sorrow of everyone even though he had been here but eight months. In a copy of The Telephone for 1884, leap year, the editor playfully listed the marriageable gentlemen of the town presenting them to the young ladies as, “Creatures to whom you are permitted to pay your addresses this year.” Among them was “N. M. J urney, preacher, very dark brunette, full beard and black eyes, five feet ten inches high, one hundred and sixty pounds, thirty years old, quick, energetic, smart, a general gallant.” Those living today who well remember him at the time say this is an excellent description of Mr. J urney who was with us for the next three years. He was here the summer of the Charleston earthquake, and he was here that winter 59 IN THE PORT OF BEAUFORT emembered its like before or has The winter when the Shackelford Banks, the freezing while men who y from our so cold that no one r . acknowledged its equal since. Chrissie Wright foundered a crew lashed to the rigging an ignal helpless! would rescue them could only sign. ; shore unable to put out a boat Hat a Nek ait B. Dey, Mr. Dey’s fish boat, finally pro in to wharf at the foot of Turner Street. But one man e others were laid out in the sampleroom was revived; th thwest corner of Front of Mr. Billy Dill’s hotel on the sou i ; and a Streets and Mr. Jurney buried them in the 4 ti graveyard back of the Church. “Miss aa? i of standing in the cold of the upper p1azza 0 neh pe Queen Street watching as the men Ai saa ah cemetery on improvised biers, and ae u saat tells of the feeling of awe that came over her “ anes child she ran in to the cemetery and saw so wate re open at the same time. None of the men hikes nie fort, but it was an incident that would a reat people and to a people as compassionate ein a those in Beaufort, it left such an eats ey are hushed to-day as the story 1s retol ” alee pensation for the tragedy was the esta ae a ned Cape Lookout Life-Saving Station in 1887 w to have been a direct result of the event. ivenlisitess Julian Leecraft Rumley, for thirty-six cs Sa ah of the North Carolina Conference, yomed 3 es Sanne profession of faith under Mr. Jurney’s cust ‘2 eo the same period, Mr. Charles P. Dey joine Na vi A second contribution to our Church oe Si a a Dey immediately took an active part in t . oe jut ee steward and trustee. The organ, whic it ve SHR rebuilt and which we are now enjoying . 4 Leqntituse gift, was presented to the Church by hi i is wife. : : odes yaiea vee Mr. Jurney left aaa ufo art in Kinston, he married Miss Belle pan he pa She still comes down with her daug : ; Nec ahsehe? Wilkins, who has a cottage on Front Street. soya at eenanmentenscicert — 6 areca cats 60 THE STORY OF THE METHODISTS is as loyal, beloved, and admired a guest as Beaufort and Ann Street Church ever entertain. An old diary in my possession pictures these early 1880’s as peaceful happy days of autograph albums, dominoes, croquet, swinging lamps, hoop skirts, cisterns, feather beds, mosquito nets, ice cream festivals, “pound- ings” ; days when granulated sugar was a rare treat, when ice was brought from the North by boat for packing fish —not for individual use unless there was sickness or one luckily found a broken piece. They were days when courting couples gathered down on Whitford’s wharf and when at dusk everyone went to meet the mail boat. They were days when babies were sung to sleep and rocked to sleep in cradles; when funeral notices were neatly written on letter paper, a piece of dull black ribbon inserted be- tween the sheets and sent from door to door; and, without the ribbon, party notices were sent in the same manner with the names of all invited guests on the sheet. They were days when it was the habit to read the Bible before going to bed, when a young man had to formally ask a girl’s father for her hand, when one of the questions the father was apt to ask next to his financial prospects was, “What are your views on the temperance question ?” They were days before Sunday papers, when Sunday was spent in going to church and visiting friends and relatives. Following Mr. Jurney was John Wesley Jones. During his stay Charles Wesley Byrd served the Morehead City church, and we had the distinction of a revival conducted by John Wesley assisted by Charles Wesley. It was a meeting, however that stands out for more significant reasons than such a coincidence. It was the time when a number of our present day members joined the church including “Miss Lutie” Jones, Miss Rose Felton, “Miss Daisy” Hatsell, “Miss Mary” Arrington, “Miss Nancy” Beveridge, “Miss Sunie” Bell, and perhaps others, each of which have rounded out more than half a century in the Church. Under the next minister, F. A. Bishop, 1887, we ac- quired the present parsonage on Queen Street and a lot 61 IN THE PORT OF BEAUFORT Five- to the old Ireland place. ed by heirs of Alice P. Wolfe on s of Denard Rumley on August the old Denard Rumley house, was remodelled by the addition of opr pee Between it and the Ireland place stood a z : eae: cottage in which Mr. Wolfe hhad pera ipl George F. Smith followed Mr. Bishop but as A pic he stayed at the Davis House and ee ap ye a parsonage was rented to “Miss Sarah Fis a eat second year here, Mr. Smith married es oye ml sister of “Miss Laura” Duncan. ae te Rein 1a back repeatedly on visits and ea a ee Seith’s his family are annual visitors. It was Ne ¥ A aaa first year here that Willie Potter, son 0: f > aoe a5 Be John Davis, Jr., brother ef ia Mi Ane Still Island, drowned off the shore et ok Sel mite Zi i 0a ; wae onhay ee ana C. F. Sherrill ee putt in 1892, and in 1893 Robah F. Bumpas Ae the ephet iets and the North River Church was added @ et Bi Charge, Of Mr. Bumpas stvyan.”” To this all with scholar, a christian, and a gentleman. whom I have talked agree unreservedly. His interests were broad. At his death he is said to have left Greens- e, boro Female College a legacy of a acu aare k microscope, and seven hundred volumes inc. tific as well as religious works. he 1890’s the spirit of ch : Sh ee tae was taken to build a shell road from i i fa the oyster factory up Ann Street to ieske 8 uk a Dey had a naphtha launch built, The Sa e, ae, haa sengers and mail to -and from Morehead Ci ee ae was still confined to week days. People bss ti aii the old Colonial whatnots and drop lee aap lee ARR proving” their homes with heavy scro. ik a rolled oak pieces, Morris chairs, and aerated ork AE Bumpas, the improving interest bees TURE ait Chars ia DO ag es a neck Miss Sarah Church and Craven Street was boug'! haa eae cei Davis. On this, the present Sunday Sc extending on the north sixths of the lot was deed July 15; one-sixth by heir 20, 1887. The parsonage, ange was in the air. A =e eee 5 3 Se 62 THE STORY OF THE METHODISTS was built and the old building remodelled at a cost of $5,568.00. When completed according to a newspaper account written at the time of the dedication, we had, “A new and magnificient church.” During part of Mr. Bumpas’ stay he sufferéd from a serious condition affect- ing his eyes. At the New Bern District Conference of 1895, held at Newport, resolutions of Sympathy were passed “as he had been compelled to remain in a dark room for several months on account of his eyes, the light causing the most excruciating pain.” It was D. H. Tuttle, the next minister, who finished the work, raised the money to pay the indebtedness, and had the glory of serving the charge when the building was dedicated. When asked about the Church, a large number of people of all ages begin with Mr. Tuttle: “He ran the saloons out.” “He was a good person to build churches.” Some- times one story comes first, sometimes the other. Ac- counts have been as varied as the emotions of the tellers. He was undoubtedly a colorful, forceful, and courageous character. Militant for prohibition, he reiterated again and again, “I love the men, but hate the business!’ Be- hind the pulpit he had the words, “Be ye doers of the word and not hearers only” which passage seems to have been exemplified in his life in an unusual way. When Mr. Tuttle arrived, work on the Church was ata standstill, the congregation was sometimes worshipping in the Masonic Hall, sometimes in the Baptist Church. He announced upon arrival, “We've a job ahead of us, I cannot do it alone, no one in the congregation can do it alone, but we can all do it together.” This struck the key- note of his ministry here. Within a week, the carpenters were at work on the building and the congregation work- ing that they might be paid. Mr. Tuttle had a marked gift for enlisting cooperation. Everybody worked and everybody enjoyed it. He gave out needs from the pulpit as they arose and had Sunday School classes and indi- viduals pledge a bench or a pulpit chair, a door, a window, or even so small a thing as a brick. Jim Potter tells of gathering coon oysters, taking them home, opening them, and selling enough for a pound of nails. Jule Duncan dealt in clover. He says he pushed a wheelbarrow load 63 IN THE PORT OF BEAUFORT lace through eight inches of sand pe ihe yee ee aren to Mr. Ben Jones old home w. oe capt emcasir ameter cents. He bought roseattes wl ee cing: lled wooden ornamen ’ a ae st ta cents each, and he claims that it: took two i illian days work at the clover business bie pe : aa Duncan bought roseattes, too, but confe neocon’ time she thought somehow they were - aren een thing that she could wear on her coa : ree (Manson) and Lollie Duncan Calas biernen five cents a quart to finance their part, * eases say (Hill) and Corinne Chadwick ae pee iene et boy trundle a freezer around from ou seen eat wheelbarrow while they sold icecream ose ree saucer to make money for the ob oriors ‘ dete pa - were days before children’s ready made c en ne one’ bought for little more than the cost 0 ma i a nine Ladies Aid at their regular meatings on ere selling their finished work to busy mo i fe copanaad ime, too, of the Spanish American War. C0 dead one einen at the Fort. The report was curren isi e already interested in La a eee but sharpened their ” Duncan tells how she took ad- ‘ with vantage of this interest and her bee abn N Colonel Young, the Commanding Officer, sie A boat seeing trip for the benefit of the new tor twenty-five trip to the Fort and view of the troops all Tor When 7 centets: Thee mers ‘pala ae ay ae fa of her the Communion D eres ae mother, “Miss Charity” Read ane Hirde ated i t in memo: ; : A ee “et all about are memorial windows which . reap eee ilies. i by individuals or fami hool ears Whitehurst, who eri PUES ae teacher during these years, Say$ that Gh! : h. They day in the old churc ; celebrated on % ‘ rede The next celebration of ok were out of it for a y t Sunday in the remodelle dren’s Day was the firs church. interest. “Miss Laura sr SS fears See eee etic Sores eee Acre ertenenernecites Be gos hans aaa Sabah ee a a See eM ny seers 1 shinar eager tae Ren th Foe ec eae ea IN ERE TRC NREN 64 THE STORY OF THE METHODISTS Dr. J. C. Kilgo, then President of Trinity College, Rev. N. M. Jurney, Rev. R. C. Beaman, Rev. R. F. Bumpas, and Rev. L. S. Massey of Morehead City, were special guests at the dedication. After the group assembled, Mr. Tuttle announced that a debt of $350.00 still standing would prevent the consecration of the building. Cards were passed out and $90.00 above the required amount was raised, making a total of $1,600.00 raised among less than 400 members between Wednesday and Sunday, less than $180.00 of which was contributed from outside the charge. Mr. Bumpas preached on “The History of Methodism in Beaufort,” Miss Jennie Watson sang The Holy City, then five white haired stewards stood in a semicircle around the chancel rail: B. J. Bell, B. L. Jones, W. B. Duncan, C. P. Dey, and L. S. Forlaw. The latter being senior steward in both years and service made the prayer of dedication. Miss Gertrude Wheatley and Mr. John Rumley, parents of Mr. Jim Rumley, were supposed to have had the dis- tinction of being the first to marry in the new church, but Mr. Rumley was away on the water and the winds and tides prevented his returning at the appointed time so the first weding to take place was that of “Miss Annie” and Mr. Hugh Jones. An old newspaper clipping tells of it as “too beautiful for description” as the couple and their attendants stood before the new altar under an archway of white covered with green vines on the top of which were “two beautiful doves.” In 1897, the Lenoxville Church property was deeded to us, and the following year the Yearly Meeting of Friends at Guilford College, North Carolina, deeded the Core Creek Church, since known as Tuttle’s Grove to the trustees of Ann Street Church reserving only the right to hold Quaker services at any time not conflicting with the regular church program. In 1885 a Committee of Citizens leased lots 186, 144, and 152 on the northwest side of the Court House Square which had been “reserved for an Academy by an Act of the General Assembly in 1816.” They agreed to pay an annual rental of $6.00 and were to erect upon it a school Stis! cast IN THE PORT OF BEAUFORT 65 building for white children, the building to cost not less than $1,000.00. The following were on the Committee: Thomas Thomas, B. L. Jones, W. F. Dill, William Sabis- ton, J. B. Davis, N. W. Taylor, S. M. Buckman, S. J. Moore, Sarch A. Davis, J. B. Jones, J. C. Davis, W. B. Duncan, B. J. Bell, T. D. Noe, N. L. Carrow, M. R. Geffroy, F. Borden Mace, J. D. Davis, W. S. Chadwick, R. W. Bell, James R. Bell, and R. W. Bell, Sr. This school was built facing Market Street, now Turner, and for fifteen years was operated as the Beaufort High School. In 1900, the Methodists leased the land for ten years with the privilege of renewing for fifty years and operated it as a Methodist school. The records do not show just what the transaction was, but the Methodists seem to have come into possession of the building at this time. A member of the original Committee, with whom I talked, said that those of other denominations who were on the Committee sold their interest in the building to the Methodists who were already in the majority. He says the money received by the Episcopalians was put into St. Paul’s School, and he thinks that the Methodists likewise gave their part in it to their church. As there was no real estate transaction involved, no deed was required. Two years before this St. Paul’s School had been founded, and it existed until “Miss Nannie” Geffroy’s death in 1936. In all walks of life, and in all denomina- tions are those who were educated there. It was this school which competed with that operated by the Meth- odists. Apparently the Methodists had some difficulty in selling their school to all of their people for the Beaufort Bulletin, paper of the school and also of the town, states in one issue, “The Episcopalians of Beaufort have their church school and without exception members of that church patronize their own school. This is as it should be. The Methodists of Beaufort have their church school * * * yet some of our good Methodists patronize the other school. This is as it should not be.” Inci- dentally, Misses Grace Duncan and Bernice Hornaday ee nos. eters a Feit las al ahs oa 66 THE STORY OF THE METHODISTS were authorized agents for the paper—price twenty-five cents a year. The Methodists never exercised their privilege of re- newing their lease for fifty years. Instead in 1907, after operating the school for only seven years, the Church sold a strip of land on Broad Street, back of the A.M.E. Zion Church to the town for $1,250.00 “also that certain school house building now standing on the public Court House Square in the said town of Beaufort and com- monly called the Beaufort High School Building.” The trustees signing the deed were T. M. Thomas, C. P. Dey, T. W. Lindsay, H. C. Jones, C. L. Duncan, B. J. Jones, Charles L. Abernethy, and W. L. Arrington. The town offices were then in a little building on the east side of Craven Street owned by Mr. Winfield Chad- wick—the “lock up” down stairs, the Town Hall upstairs. Now the old school building was moved across the street to the strip of land purchased by the town where, with the removal of the cupola and a few other changes that grew out of the fire that burned the western end shortly after it was acquired, it stands to-day as our Town Hall. The last minister to serve the Church in the nineteenth century was Milton Davis Hix who was here for one year, followed by J. A. Hornaday from whose ministry our local Epworth League dates. With the turn of the century there was a church membership of 364 and Beaufort had a population of 2,145. In 1899 there had been a Fisheries Laboratory operating in a rented building; in 1900 Con- gress authorized a regular biological station; and in 1902, the Government Laboratory on Pivers Island was opened. Mr. Hornaday was followed by Rev. Hilliard Manly Eure in 1903, the year of the famous first airplane flight at Kitty Hawk. Mr. Eure was father of our present Trustee, Steward, Sunday School Superintendent, and Lay Leader, Mr. Numa Fletcher Eure. In 1906, Rev. J. H. Frizelle came. During his stay the present Court House was built and opened with a speech by Governor Aycock, and the railroad was brought from Morehead City to Beaufort. eae IN THE PORT OF BEAUFORT 67 At some elusive period early in this century, Beaufort changed considerably. Banker ponies were prohibited on the Town Marsh and Bird Shoal, so they were no longer able to swim across the channel at low tide to graze along the sidewalks or run up and down the streets at night. Artesian wells took the place of the old town pumps. A factory was built to manufacture our own ice. Sheds overhanging the sidewalks were removed, the picket fence around the cemetery was replaced with a wall, Dr. Maxwell came out with his Maxwell automobile in 1911, and from then on the familiar two-wheeled carts drawn by banker ponies began to disappear from the streets. The old ordinance prohibiting travel at more than ten miles an hour on straight roads or six around corners soon seemed foolish and later was repealed. The old fence around the town and the town gates were kept in con- dition until after 1910 then gradually people stopped closing the gates and no longer kept in repair, they disappeared. The picturesque net reels that stood on Bird Shoal fell into disuse and one by one disappeared the last going just about the time the board walk went. Somewhere along these years, too, women dropped their widow’s bonnets with the narrow white ruching about the face and the heavy black veils falling sometimes all around the head; sometimes from the back only. Days of the bonnets were days when a woman mourned for life. A dress for a second wedding was supposed to be at least “light mourning.” The railroad had something to do with the change, the light and water plants in 1909, the Inland Waterway in 1911, the World War, the radios that began to come around 1918—everything that tended to put us in closer touch with a larger world. In 1908 J. H. McCracken came for three years. During his stay Mr. and Mrs. A. F. Doan joined our Church. Like the Deys, though not Beaufort people, for the period of their stay here they shouldered an unusual amount of responsibility in the Church. Mr. Doan was both Trustee and Steward and Mrs. Doan served as President of the Missionary Society. er eS ee SAS. Ue =a SSS 68 THE STORY OF THE METHODISTS In 1912, the year of the founding of The Beaufort News that has been publishing our church notices and bringing us the news for nearly thirty years, Rev. Solon A. Cotton came to the Church. The next year, the year our old Colonial Court House was torn down, Rev. T. A. Sikes served the Church. In 1914, Rev. A. S. Barnes was sent, but after a few months he was appointed to the Methodist Orphanage at Raleigh where he still serves, and Rev. Frank Culbreth came here for three years. It was during Mr. Culbreth’s ministry that Rey. Arthur 4h Moore, who a dozen years later was to become a Bishop in the Church, was sent by Conference to hold a special meeting at Ann Street. During Mr. Culbreth’s ministry, too, old Purvis Chapel in which the members of A.M.E. Zion had been worshipping since the Civil War was formally given to them according to the deed “as a present.” Trustees who signed the deed were W. P. Smith, Thomas Duncan, G. W. Duncan, A. F. Doan, H. C. Jones, D. M. Jones, C. L. Duncan, C. P. Dey. Mr. Bumpas came a second time in 1917 and was here for four years including those of our First World War— the wheatless and meatless and porkless days when stores were closed and lights shut off at intervals to save coal, when we were buying Liberty Bonds and War Savings Stamps, singing Keep the Home Fires Burning or Beauti- ful Ka-ty, and young men were registering for the first draft or already in camp or “over there”. He was here also when plans for the Centenary of American Metho- dism were launched—that great world movement in behalf of missions. According to the records of the Church, forty-nine were taken into the Church on one Sunday of Mr. Bumpas’ last month here—the largest number at one time in our records. Incidentally, it was Mr. Bumpas’ forty-ninth year in the Conference. He lived to serve the Church sixty-two years, dying in California in 1933. Rev. E. B. Craven followed Mr. Bumpas. At the time he left, after serving three years, the two congregations —wNorth River and Ann Street,—for the first time aggre- gated five hundred and thirty-six members. It was IN THE PORT OF BEAUFORT 69 during his stay that a modern Beaufort Graded School was erected on the Court House Square and our own Educational Building—Sunday School class rooms in the rear of the Church—was built. The strip of land at the back of the Sunday School auditorium on which it stands had been bought from Mr. H. H. Hamlin and his wife in 1916. The Queen Street property had been mortgaged in 1889 when the parsonage was remodelled. Now it was mortgaged for a second time to do something constructive for the Church. Again the women busied themselves with a frenzy of lawn parties and suppers and children went out and sold candy and cookies until the very phrase “for the benefit of The Methodist Church Annex” became a byword. There were many personal subscrip- tions also, but it was in 1927 when Mr. James Rumley bought the lot between the parsonage and the Ireland place before the entire amount was raised and the parson- age released. During Mr. Craven’s ministry, too, Mr. Cecil Buckman gave the electric motor for our Church organ. Previous to that time sacred sounds same only when colored Skidmore Stevens—Skid for short—was there and worked the hand pump except for that one hot Sunday that Ben Jones was pressed into service in the absence of the usual incumbent—the Sunday unfortu- nately that Mr. Craven selected for a revival of some old forgotten hymns none of which stopped short of six or eight stanzas! In 1924, the year work was started on our street pav- ing, Rev. Eli Frank Lee came. A man with excellent training—a Masters degree from Columbia University, New York, and a Bachelor of Divinity from Union Semi- nary—he previously served Presbyterian Churches in both New York and North Carolina. Beaufort was his first charge in the Methodist Conference. It was during his stay here that the modern heating plant was installed in the church at a cost of $1,800.00 financed, it is said, by volunteer subscriptions made on one Sunday morning. Mr. Lee died in 1930, but his wife has a cottage in Beaufort, and she and her daughter come down in summer. — De Sn See oe Tews pee Se a as oT ic a a a NT I th le al a al at a a ak th ll SSS Se ————— 70 THE STORY OF THE METHODISTS For the next three years, we had another minister given to us by another church. Rev. Leland LeRoy Smith was first a minister of the Free Will Baptist Church. He joined our Conference in 1916. He was serving here the momentous year that our new highway bridge was opened, and the year of Lindberg’s historic flight to Paris. Rev. R. F. Munns came in the fall of 1929 and was back again each fall until 1932. He was with us _ when the depression and bank failures came taking away security from those who had felt secure and confusing and saddening everyone in town. Rev. C. B. Culbreth came in 1933 the year of the latest big storm that all but demolished whole sections of the County and our Town. Rev. C. T. Rogers was sent by Conference in 1934. Dur- ing Mr. Rogers last year here, Paul Green’s Lost Colony was shown for the first time at Manteo and the following year, Rev. L. D. Hayman from the Manteo section was our minister. = TTT RT A CHURCH 1938 The outstanding event of Mr. Hayman’s stay was the long considered and awaited union of the Methodist Episcopal Church, the Methodist Episcopal Church South, and the Methodist Protestant Church. It was his privi- lege to preach the first sermon after the union was an assured fact. At the 1939 Conference in Fayetteville, the unification for North Carolina was completed and Rey. W. Stanley Potter was sent to our Church. The follow- ing September, 1940, the Woman’s Foreign Missionary Society joined the obsolete class meeting, Ladies Aid, and Bright Jewels. In its place was formed The Laura Dun- ean Society of Christian Service with the three-fold program of prayer, giving, and service to help develop and support Christian work around the world. Mrs. Edward H. Potter was the first to head the new group composed of three Circles: Circle No. 1 under the leadership of Mrs. W. S. Chadwick; The Lizzie Chadwick Circle under the leadership of Mrs. F. R. Bell; and The Alma Potter Circle of young women, organized in March 1941, under the leadership of Mrs. William Potter. Two charter members of the new organization had also been charter members of the old Society when it was organized in 1887: “Miss Lizzie” Chadwick and “Miss Laura” Duncan. The writer has been able to find record of five Bishops having visited the Church in Beaufort: Bishop Francis Asbury, Bishop John Early, Bishop A. Coke Smith, Bishop William W. Duncan, and Bishop Paul Kern. The latter was here in the interest of the Centennial Move- ment, but did not preach. Bishop Asbury preached twice, making five times we have had the privilege of listening to sermons from our Bishops. Dividing the 163 years of the Church’s existence by five, we find it has been our privilege to listen to sermons from our Bishops about once every thirty-three years. If these visits had been spaced at even intervals, Beaufort children could be born and practically live out their life span, miss but one T= oe Barwa 72 . THE STORY OF THE METHODISTS church service, and never hear a Methodist Bishop preach. This makes a visit from our Bishop a tremendously im- portant occasion! Mr. Potter’s place in the history of the Church can only be determined with the passage of years. He may be remembered for inaugurating fellowship suppers as a means of gathering the congregation for informal “breaking of bread’ before prayer meeting hour at intervals throughout the winter; he may be remembered for his wise thoughts on world peace at a time when the world was torn with a Second World War; he may be remembered for inspiring the renovation of our pipe organ re-dedicated January, 1941; or he may be remem- bered because he planned our homecoming day and brought the Bishop down to help make it an occasion worthy of the one hundred and sixty-third birthday of a church. Remove not the ancient landmark which thy fathers have set. —PROVERBS 22, VERSE 28. — THE METHODIST CHURCH Southeastern Jurisdiction Charlotte Area North Carolina Conference New Bern District BEAUFORT CHARGE 1941 Bishop-in-Charge! 23°22 hs coe sa oP nh eat BF RSS CLARE PURCELL District Superintendent__. REVEREND J. A. RUSSELL Minister________ -REVEREND WILLIAM STANLEY PorTeR Director of Music. ai) SoC AMES WHEATLEY Organists a Mrs. Howarp C. JoneEs—Miss RutH LEwIs TRUSTEES N. F. Eure, Chairman B. H. Noe H. C. Jones C. S. MAXWELL F. R. Bett D. M. Jones G. W. Duncan BOARD OF STEWARDS G. W. Duncan, Chairman Mrs. Marearet Davis, Secretary Mrs. Rosert F. Trwerr, Treasurer James Porter, IIT N. F. Eure Mrs. M. S. SNowpEN R. W. Sarrit, JR. W: S. CHapwick Mrs. FRANK PINNER F. R. SEELEY Mrs. JoHN Rice J. A. Rarcuirre, JR. B. H. Nog C. G. GaskKILL C. B. Mornine CaLyvIn JONES F. E. Hooper J. O. Barbour Mars. LELA WILLIS Mrs. T. A. RicHarps R. H. How Mrs. WILLIAM WILLIS Maps. I. N. Moore C. F. CHAPPELL CHARGE LAY LEADER N. F. Eure LAURA DUNCAN SOCIETY FOR CHRISTIAN SERVICE President, Mrs. E. H. Porrer Circle No. 1 Leader, Mrs. W. S. CHapwick Lizzie Chadwick Circle_. eee BY Leader, Mrs. F. R. Bett Alma=Potter Circle =. Leader, Mrs. WinL1aAM PorrTer EPwortH LEAGUES Senior____ VirGINIA STANTON, Cownselor—CLaupD Mornina, President Intermediates. ae WILLIAM BLADES Parkin, Counselor Junior ....Mgs. JamEs Nog, Counselor—Mkrs. BEN Jonss, Asst. Counselor wows oe === ———S—SSSEE—————————————_———————— CHURCH SCHOOL Superintendent, NuMA FLEtcHER EuRE Secretary, JoHN Ratciiure Superintendent Children’s Division__._._Miss CHartorre V. SANDERS Nursery Department—Mrs. James WIztis. Beginners’ Department—Mrgs. Tom Gisgs Mrs. Leta WItIs. Primary Department—Class I—Mnrzs. H. C. Jonzs, Jr.* Class II—Mrs. Wim11am Porrer Class I1I—Mkrs. E. H. Porrrer* Superintendent Junior Division_____mmmttmmmmnmMmMrs. J. H. Neat Class I—Miss Sapm Moore Class II—Mrs. J. H. Neat Class III—H. C. Jones, Jr. Superintendent Intermediate Division_._____ Mrs. Frank Pinner Class I—WiLtIAM BLADES PARKIN Class II—Mrs. FrankK PINNER Class IlI—Mrs. H. C. Jonss, Sz.* Class IV—Miss Liztian Duncan* Superintendent Young People’s Division. Miss Vincinta STANTON Class I—Miss Vireinta STANTON Class II—F. R. SreLey* Class III—N. F. Burr* Superintendent Adult Division...-_»__»__ Mrs. A. A. PriverTs Young Adults—Mrs. F. R. Beri Mrs. VERA STUBBS Woman’s Bible Class—Mrs. W. STantey Porrer Men’s Bible Class—J. F. Duncan* *Those whose names are starred have served for ten years or longer. aaa PR PEM RET TN RT TEE TTT ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTY-THIRD ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION JUNE 15-22, 1941 TENTATIVE PROGRAM WORSHIP SERVICES by FORMER PASTORS June 15 11:00 a.m.—Rev. A. S. Barnes 8:00 p.m.—Rev. J. H. McCracken June 16 8:00 p.m.—Rev. L. D. Hayman June 17 8:00 p.m.—Rev. C. T. Rogers June 18 8:00 p.m.—Rev. C. B. Culbreth Rev. T. A. Sikes June 19 8:00 p.m.—Rev. E. B. Craven Rev. Frank Culbreth June 20 8:00 p.m.—Rev. R. F. Munns June 22 11:00 a.m.—Sermon by Bishop Clare Purcell Reception in Church parlors each evening after services for former ministers, visitors, and church members. | A COLLECTION OF MEMORIES A brief record of the years at Ann Street United Methodist Church, Beaufort, North Carolina, since 1941, as collected by Lou Nicks, upon the request of the 200th Anniversary Committee. National Printing Company Greenville, North Carolina 1978 wo Ar = Tae AR — bal SEEN i Hace ahsecsapspstan sare lites iB Hest Bae TEES Ann Street United Methodist Church corner of Ann and Craven Streets, Beaufort, North Carolina painted by Stephen Sebastian presented at Christmastime, 1976, by Integon Corporation Winston-Salem, North Carolina / Ss Beaufort-By-The-Sea 5 Here in this place where salty breezes blow, Where gulls circle the white-tipped blue silk sea, Here where the weathered wind-shaped cedars grow And water-oaks break tombstone secrets free, Memories are priceless - Antiques that mellow with the passing years. History stands sentinel Old homes settle gracefully into patterns . . . Time softened, love-colored Tall steeples rise above stained glass. Walks of cool elms and old-fashioned flowers Beguile me — whispering of majesty and mystery. Tears come quietly As evening does ... At home. a e Ann Street Church - 1978 es a The altar. The twin windows are in memory of the Rev. Jolt Rumley and the Rev. John Jones, the two local preachers “4 carried on with the work during the Civil War. The wooden cf between the windows was hand-carved by Charles Moore, 50” f the Eric Moores and grandson of the faithful Mrs. Ikie (Poll Moore who was known for years as THE WSCS. Conus Eure Building Pyright 1978 By Carol Bessent Hayman ceed by permission of the author and written especially for the 200th Celebration, Ann Nee United Methodist Church. Used first time in program, “A Heritage Celebration with 4 ‘sic and Poetry,” September 17, 1978. Mrs. Hayman, reared in Beaufort, is the thaighter of Mr. and Mrs. G. H. Bessent. She married Dr. Louis Hayman, whose father was © Reverend L. D. Hayman, a former minister of Ann Street Church. This educational building was dedicated to the glory of God on February 4, 1962, at a cost of over $200,000. iii Acknowledgements When the 200th Anniversary Planning Committee, consisting of Glen L. Harris, Mrs. James (Dot) Piner, James Wheatley, Mrs. Charles (Joyce) Griggs, James Potter, George Garrett, Mrs. Neil (Alice) Windley, and the Reverend Douglas Byrd decided that Ann Street United Methodist Church needed to bring Miss Amy Muse’s history up to date, the one person who was unanimously Considered for heading the project was Miss Emily Loftin. “Miss Emily” worked enthusiastically and diligently until her health demanded a curtail of her activities. Thus this story has become a collection of memories, instead of a history. Credit is given throughout to those who have con- tributed to make this a worthwhile keepsake for the next one hun- dred years. When this picture of Lou Nicks (on left) and Miss Emily Loftin was taken in June 1976, little did they realize that they would be in- struments through which a book such as this would come into being. a q Contents Page Foreword 3) sect tent ate alge Pty teks ches Ona a cane 11 Since! MissiAmy) Muse's Stony) acts orn ee es 13 W..C. Martin Follows Stanley Potter .................... 17 MheodoreJenkins\ Came Nexty- ce ep a 19 Shortysst ieee a race sun erage ie eGR ey Nee nas 21 B. D. Critcher’s Short But Meaningful Stay ............... 23 like Father, bike: Daughter acne ce a eae ag 24 Birth of the Eure Building During Young Administration .... . 26 The Early Years of a District Superintendent .............. 30 Double Blessing — Two Ordained Ministers............... 37 Now Program Director of the North Carolina Conference ... . 40 Ahy To RetireilnfBeaufort Sess ejstse oF delhe cote) dinate 46 Our200th Yearex. is its coking? Thee eye mai. cies 55 Reflections From Those Sent Out...................0.. 78 From God and Country to Campus Crusade.............. 79 “Train’UpsA: Childs: Birg.o ry serrate yn ity oi aaean te 81 Christi Diener nach Wien, Osterreich..............-0-00- 83 Serving as a Minister of the North Carolina ‘Annual, Conference*atye oes Are ee ores eara ne 84 The Influencejofa\Christiany. sae se eee 86 Assistant Director of Admissions of Louisburg College... .... 87 Other :Reflections/7.060 48) hha eerie ete eon 88 My.People27s Wand sauna nnpetua cia cn cto ral naam 88 Back:Home ste tie en mien enai ine Gah yp acion tone ay! 89 FromiEnglanditosAnn\ Streeter ias et) ee ee 91 Where'Do We.GoiFromiblereei essa) a er 94 SS. es 1 i Pena VO Foreword After having enjoyed and digested Miss Amy Muse’s Story, I wonder why I ever had the slightest notion that I could even touch a project to bring her magnificent record up to date. And yet I have felt driven to make an effort to do something before our 200th year slips away. This, however, is really not my work. It is the work of those who have contributed their memoirs and many others who have lived Christian lives among us. How much better can a story be told than to hear it first-hand from some of those who walked and talked and shared in its making? There are many others who could have added insights and perhaps one day will. — aa A a A A i NR A a a a ls eR a ena ae 2a Since Miss Amy Muse’s Story In 1939 when the North Carolina Annual Conference com- pleted its part in the unification of the Methodist Episcopal Chur- ch, the Methodist Episcopal Church South, and the Methodist Protestant Church, a new era began for Ann Street Church in Beaufort. Bishop W. W. Peele presided over the Annual Conference in Fayetteville when he appointed the Reverend William Stanley Potter to Beaufort. Dr. Potter stayed six years from November, 1939 to November, 1945 — longer than any other minister in the history of our church — and lovingly shepherded his flock through the difficult years of World War II. It was Dr. Potter who was instrumental in encouraging Miss Amy Muse to write The Story of the Methodists in the Port of Beaufort, which was beautifully done. This record covers a time beginning in 1739 when George Whitfield preached in New Bern, North Carolina, and. closes with this paragraph: Mr. Potter’s place in the history of the Church can only be determined with the passage of years. He may be remem- bered for inauguarating fellowship suppers as a means of gathering the congregation for informal ‘breaking of bread’ before prayer meeting hour at intervals throughout the win- ter; he may be remembered for his wise thoughts on world peace at a time when the world was torn with a Second World War; he may be remembered for inspiring the renovation of our pipe organ rededicated January, 1941; or he may be remembered because he planned our home- coming day and brought the Bishop down to help make it an occasion worthy of the one hundred and sixty-third birthday of a church. Indeed he is remembered for ALL of these things. At the time of Dr. Potter’s death on August 10, 1975, Dr. Reginald W. Ponder, who officiated at his funeral (and who is presently our District Superintendent of the New Bern District), wrote to the people of St. Luke Church in Sanford and later in the 1976 Journal of the North Carolina Annual Conference Memorials: William Stanley Potter no longer stands with us, but he has left us a legacy which I would like to mention. First, HE LOVED THE CHURCH. Though he was aware of its flaws, he believed in the Church as the mediating body of God’s grace and Jesus’ love. Second, HE LOVED THE PEOPLE. Stanley Potter was a Pastor, 13 LL a eee ee ae i a shepherd of the flock. No minister I have ever known was more attentive to the needs of people than he. Third, HE LOVED HIS FAMILY. Dr. Potter was a family man. His leisure activities revolved around his family. He received strength from them and they from him. We are grateful to Dr. Potter’s wife, Marion Smith Potter, who now resides in Sanford for making the following contribution to our collection. Remembrances Of Beaufort by Marion Smith Potter When we were in Beaufort, the Parsonage was located at 119 Queen Street where the A. T. Bowens now live. Mrs. Myrtle Sutton now owns the house next door which was empty at that time. One night my youngsters announced that someone was moving into that empty house. Of course, Stanley, Jr., and the other children settled themselves in front of the window to watch every movement made by the newcomers. Suddenly someone over there said, “Hello, Stanley.” It was the Sanders family who had been members of our church in Clayton! Margie Windley, Alice Adair, and Kathleen Iversen are members of that family. In 1939 boats came into the harbour on Saturdays to buy Provisions to carry to the smaller villages near by. Stanley was im- pressed when he saw 20 big fishing boats docked at one time. It meant business! They would buy at least $20 to $80 worth of groceries in one order! The second snow in 17 years in Beaufort fell in 1940. Or- dinarily, however, our Parsonage was in the proper Biblical at- mosphere. We had pomgranate bushes across the street; tamorisk trees in the yard; and a fig tree next door. Miss Lottie Sanders taught Stanley, Jr., in Sunday School. One day Miss Lottie asked where Stanley, Jr., got his mischievousness. When I told her that Grandmother Potter said he was his father all over again, Miss Lottie gave a gasp and said, “Well, how did he ever turn out like he is?” In June 1941, Ann Street celebrated her 163rd_ anniversary. There is a schedule of the preaching services that week by former ministers in Miss Muse’s Story. Each evening after the service, there was a reception that everyone enjoyed. On Sunday Bishop Clare Purcell preached. But on top of all this activity, that evening was the Daily Vacation Bible School commencement! The following year the Honorable J. Melville Broughton, Governor of North Carolina, gave the Homecoming Day address. 14 a ~ ———— —E Within two weeks the new pipe organ was dedicated. The War years were busy ones. I remember one Sunday Stanley held eight services beginning at 8:30 a.m. with a service for the men at Fort Macon and ending with the regular evening worship service. Quite often on early Sunday mornings, Stanley held services as the Dawn Patrol at the Civil Air Patrol base began their day, and he also held services at the prison camp. During those days, we had to keep provisions packed to take care of us for several days, in case we were notified to evacuate. When depth bombs were dropped off the coast, I remember well that we could feel the effects. Stanley was Home Service Chair- man of the Red Cross and was involved in caring for the survivors brought in. Even though there were sad war days, there were many happy times, too. We bought a home in Beaufort with the money that Stanley gave me that he received as wedding fees. Houses were not so expensive in those days and weddings between service men and their war-time brides were more than normal. The home is the old Allen Davis home on Queen Street, and it holds many precious memories for me. 3 Someone (I can’t remember his name) usually sat on the single pew in the back of the sanctuary, and every time Stanley got up to preach, he would pull out his watch and wind it. Then there was “Miss Polly” who lived with Mrs. Hatsell next door to the par- sonage! When Stanley was taking her into the church, Miss Polly thought that he did not get her name correct, so she turned around to the congregation and announced herself. The Wesleyan Service Guild was organized on January 8, 1945, at the home of Ada, Ethel and Mildred Whitehurst. I remember that I served as their advisor. The officers elected at that meeting were: Virginia Stanton, president; Lucille Ritter, vice- president; Betty Jane Merrill, recording secretary; Marie Campen, corresponding secretary; and Ethel Whitehurst, treasurer. I also remember that the Alma Potter Circle got its interest aroused by letters I received from a Mt. Holyoke College friend whose husband was a Presbyterian missionary in Barrow, Alaska. From all reports, your 200th Anniversary Drama, “The Best of All,” written by Ruth Barbour, was a huge success. It would have been fun to have seen “Mrs. Stanley Potter” and her hubby por- trayed by Luanne Davis and Royal Windley. I turned actress myself once in Beaufort when the town gave the play, “The Ship That Never Returned” by Mrs. Grayden (M. C.) Paul. We had planned to retire in Beaufort but our plans were changed when the family scattered. We thought we would be nearer to all of the children at Sanford. I think of Beaufort as home, too, however. ax =. a The Reverend W. Stanley Potter on Easter 1940 Stanley and Marion Potter in the Fall of 1973 ee September 1939 - Stanley, Jr., and Louise on the parsonage porch, 119 Queen Street. Calvin and David Ward Jones with Frank and Louise Potter. W.C. Martin Follows Stanley Potter Ann Street Church has been blessed with great preachers, which certainly includes the Reverend William Christian Martin who came in 1945. The Reverend Leon Hall said, ““W. C. had the ability to see what needed to be done, the vision to plan how to do it, and the drive to get the job done.” John Waldrop wrote in the 1967 Journal of the North Carolina Annual Conference that Mr. Martin was “an eloquent orator in the pulpit like several of his con- temporaries, but at public prayer he had few equals. . . . He did not move people with flowery phrases. He moved them to action. he was an evangelistic preacher of the old school and people respon- ded in marvelous ways.” After six years on the Wilmington District, Mr. Martin served Roxboro where his first wife died. His next appointment was Ann Street in Beaufort, and Mr. Martin was married for the second time to Elizabeth Raines of Abbeville, South Carolina. Unfortunately, Mr. Martin became ill while in Beaufort and stayed only two years. He and Mrs. Martin retired in Clayton where he died on February 22, 1967. As in the case of Marion Potter, we are grateful that Elizabeth Martin has graciously sent the following memoirs of her stay with us. A Letter From Mrs. Elizabeth Raines Martin My husband, the Reverend W. C. Martin, was in Beaufort in 1945-1947. I taught school there, and we enjoyed it very much. The people were nice to us, and | believe they enjoyed my husband’s preaching. I met a blind lady, “Miss Martha” Jones, whom I loved dearly. I found excuses to visit her often as I couldn’t believe she could cook, but found her doing just that. I tried to do things for her. I enjoyed going home with Patsy Daniels. Her mother, Mrs. Ten- nie Daniels, could make the best chocolate pies! I used her recipe today. The best Sunday School teacher that I ever had was Mrs. Vera Stubbs. Each Christmas I write to her and send her a little gift. She and her mother (Mrs. Sarah L. Hill) were my best friends. They lived a short distance from the parsonage. My husband’s health was not good and he wanted to move nearer his folk. We were sent to Clayton, and I am here today. iy! ee = : SS ee = : sah When my husband passed away in 1967, we had had 21 life together. He taught me what real life was by his eile 2 Theodore Jenkins Came Next Theodore and Ormah Jenkins served Ann Street as a team between 1947-52. They now live in retirement in High Point, North Carolina. They remember Beaufort with fondness as you can see. Reminiscing About Our Years At Ann Street Church, Beaufort, N.C. by T.R. Jenkins, D.D. We enjoyed five wonderful years at Beaufort, serving Ann Street Methodist Church in 1947-52. During those years 235 new members were added to the church roll and 108 babies were bap- tized. The primary classes of the Sunday School became so crowded that Miss Lottie Sanders went before the official board to explain the problems arising and asked for additional space. A small wooden building was erected in the middle of the 500 block on Ann St., dedicated January 29, 1950 and named the Lottie Sanders Building in honor of “Miss Lottie” for her years of service to the church and especially in the primary department of the Sunday School. This building contained the church’s first kitchen facilities and became a popular meeting place for committee and board meetings and Sunday School class parties. On Sunday morning, July 31, 1949, I had the privilege of an- nouncing that Deagon Organ Chimes were to be installed by the Norton Chimes Equipment Company of Atlanta, the donors being Mr. Henry Hatsell and Mrs. Elizabeth Davis Hatsell. They gave the chimes in memory of their parents, Mr. and Mrs. Allen Davis and Mr. and Mrs. George A. Hatsell. They also gave the hearing aides installed on the back of the pews. Mr. and Mrs. Allen Davis once owned the house on Queen street that the Stanley Potters bought. Mr. Allen Davis was one of the few who had been a part of the church from Purvis Chapel built in 1820. The Davises’ daughter, Elizabeth Davis Hatsell, ser- ved as church organist for many years. Mr. and Mrs. George Hatsell once lived in the George Read Home on Orange Street. It was the house in which Caleb Bell was converted as George Read prayed for him. Caleb Bell later became the first to enter the Methodist ministry from Beaufort. We had an excellent Official Board during those years of 1947- 52, and some of the outstanding leaders were Harry Saunders, Mrs. \eara Stubbs, the person Mrs. Martin rememb: 8 : ec ee ee nae ete 19 sao cabiaai aad eed aaa cee eaiedaiex sia - 3 Sees 12S. — others whose names escape me for the moment. While I am thinking of names, however, I cannot forget Mr. and Mrs. Van Potter. Mr. Potter grew up in Beaufort, and they came back there to retire.Mr. Potter was lovingly thought of as “Mr ae as ied ee ie class of young adults for years. These Ouples loved him — is i i is oe seve m — and this is not to mention what he It might be interesting to recall two or three humorous things that happened during our ministry there: Miss Lottie Sanders was for many years the head of the Primary Department of the Sunday School. One Sunday morning one of the children came in with some flowers, and made the request that Miss Lottie carry them to Jesus. Miss Lottie expressed to the child what a thoughtful thing her request was, but, she said, “I hadn’t planned to go right now.” ‘ The puppy we owned at that time soon realized that on Sunday morning the chimes would play and that we would be going to ae This meant that we couldn't let him out on Sunday mor- fy 1 3 ae : ay hide, and then about church time, would show up One of the most interesting characters in our church was our sexton. He came to Beaufort during the Depression Era, but even- tually became Ann Street Church janitor. When we came to Beaufort, he had become an institution at the church. No one could know the love and appreciation he had for the church until he or she had the opportunity of watching him walk down the aisle and place the hymn numbers on the Hymn Board for the morning church service. The sense of pride in that simple duty of his radiated throughout his whole countenance — and, one knew that he considered that to be an honor and privilege —‘and it was Everyone knew that “Shorty” was an essential part of the church. No one knew more about what the church owned than “Shorty” and he kept up with those things. i 20. aheiiiiaeiineimetei ee a a Shorty Is An Institution at Beaufort Church by T. R. Jenkins Pastor of Anne Street Methodist Church (As appeared in the N.C. Christian Advocate) Elmer Edwin DeCamp is his real name, but all of us here know him as “Shorty.” I suppose not over fifty people in_the whole church know his real name. They don’t need to know it. He is affectionately known as “Shorty,” and “Shorty” he is to young and old alike. He meets the quali- fications for his nickname well because in height he is hardly more than five feet, and weighs in round numbers right around a hundred pounds. We do not know too much about his background. He tells us, however, that his father’s name was Edwin Ruben DeCamp, and his mother’s, Sarah Jane Newman DeCamp, To this union, “Shorty” was born November 22, 1866, at Stanford, Conn. According to his version—and there is no reason to doubt what he says—he has traveled extensively north, south, east and west. He remembers when New York City was a comparatively small town, and can tell you about how as a boy he used to play along portions of Fifth Avenue which were not then within the city limits. He has come in contact with, and known intimately, some of the world’s great. He takes pride in this fact, and it is well that he should. He acted as one of the pall bearers at Fanny Crosby's fu- neral. He was particularly fond of this great hymn writer, and any time one of her hymns is sung in our services he joins in with great gusto. Came to Beaufort in 1933 “Shorty” came to Beaufort in 1933 with a WPA crew. For some years previously he had lived in Norfolk, Va., having been associated with the shipping industry. He had not been in Beaufort very long before he joined the staff of Ann Street Methodist Church as sexton. He has been ever since, a vital part of the institutional life of the church, In fact, he is an institution within nm hofore, on again, another I suppose, “Shorty.” “Shorty” has made of his job a position. He is a full-time sexton. When I say “full-time”, I mean not only his status in relation to the amount of time he spends in the fulfillment of his responsibilities. The church is his life. Yes, the church— Ann Street Methodist Church — just about consumes all of his time and thought. In winter on Sunday mornings, he is at the church at three o’clock. Winter and sum- mer, his janitorial duties consume the ma- jor portion of his time. Not a meeting, funeral or wedding does he miss. Of course, “Shorty” fusses about many things—and well does he have a right to do so. By his own admission, “We never tell him anything.” We expect him to be a mind-reader and to know about our meet- ings, even if we don’t think to tell him. Not a hymnai is removed froin its rack in the church without his knowing it sooner or later, and woe be to the offender once he is apprehended. The children—“What’s the matter with ’em; they didn’t do that way when I was growing up.” That’s his comment about them; but all of them love him nevertheless. He doesn’t mean half he says in a derogatory way, the way he says it—he’s got to talk, and talk he does. He loves every inch of our historical old church, and everybody who is connected with it. “Shorty” and Ann Street Methodist Church belong to each other, and each would be the poorer without the other. At His Magnificent Best If one would see “Shorty” at his mag- nificent best, though; it would of necessity have to be on Sunday morning. He rises above his five-foot stature when, upon re- ceiving the day’s church bulletins from the hands of his minister, he makes his way to the hymn number-board at the front in the sanctuary, arranging his spectacles in proper fashion on his nose: for, however menial a task it nay seem to others, “Shorty” knows he is performing an important chore. The confident and steady stride with which he approaches the chancel, the important bearing char- acterizes his very moment as he places the hymn numbers in position, would indicate to all observers that this is no ordinary re ch he is engaged. And it isn’t! Because of his age, “Shorty” is unable to work as he once could. He will be 85 next November. But he sees that the things are done. For, to him, being a sex- ton of Ann Street Methodist Church, Beau- fort, is not just a job, it is a position; it is not just a series of responsibilities to as- sume and duties to perform, it is his very life. sage beter a ee ‘ “Shorty” = SEER eee 2 Se ee 2 SSS Ss THEODORE AND ORMAH JENKINS Theodore with Beaufort. 15-year-old Jeanne In front of the parsonage at 119 Queen Street, 1947-1952... | Jeanne today with her husband, Bob Boswell, on their 20th wedding anniversary. B.D. Critcher’s Short But Meaningful Stay At the time this book is being put together, word has been received that Martha Cotton Critcher is seriously ill. We are doubly grateful, therefore, to the Reverend B. D. Critcher for having taken his precious time from her in Raleigh to write us a note. I might add a word here that many Beaufort residents remem- ber Mr. Critcher as the “best preacher” ever sent to Ann Street Church. The Critcher’s daughter, Cotty, came back to Ann Street later to work as Director of Chritian Education. The Reverend and Mrs. B. D. Critcher (Duke and Martha Cotton) A Note From B.D. Critcher The one year that I served Ann Street Church in Beaufort was a very pleasant one. The people were gracious and cooperative. There were two tragic deaths that year — Miss Lillian M. Dun- can and Elizabeth Bell, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. F. R. Bell. The secretary and I revised the roll. In fact, I believe we made a new roll. SS It was the year of the United Evangelistic Mission, a simultaneous revival and_ visitation evangelism in the Southeastern Jurisdiction. We had a preacher from South Carolina to help us. I was assigned to the Greenville District in South Carolina and brought the morning devotions to the entire group in one of the Methodist Churches in Greenville. We received sixty new members into the church at Ann Street in 1952-1953! Miss Lillian Duncan, who will be remem- bered for the many years she played the organ. Like Father, Like Daughter During the years 1953-1957, when the Reverend J. D. Young was pastor, Cotty Critcher Potter became Director of Christian Education. We gladly hear now from Cotty who lives in Roanoke Rapids. Sharing In Ann Street History by Cotty Potter Thank you for asking me to share in the history of Ann Street United Methodist Church. Some of my fondest memories are in- terwoven in the life of this historic church and town. Being the first Director of Christian Education was not an easy task and yet I feel that it was one of the highlights of my Christian experience, for it entailed a great deal of courage, growth and prayer. There were several events that highlighted the three years I ser- 24 SN EO EEE TEE PTS ASP BERTIE ROTTS ved Ann Street. First was the gigantic task of staffing a pple educational program and furnishing a completely new Wek modern building, but the people of Ann Steet came through ae flying colors and not only was the building completely furnishec and staffed, but there was a substitute teacher for every class. This was truly a lesson in faith. “st The second event that stands out in my memory is the Christ mas program that first year. The entire Church School from Kin- dergarten up participated in a simple presentation of Sim Pi mas story, ending with a White Christmas for needy families an candle lighting. A ieporctcry school for the Kindergarten Department ae a Saturday night recreation program for the youth are two other events that stand outinmy memory. I pray God’s richest blessings upon this church that I have ser ved and loved so dearly. Cotty Potter 25 ee SSS SSS Birth Of The Eure Building During The Young Administration The Reverend J. D. (“Doc”) Young came to Beaufort in 1953. He and his wife, Rubye, now live in retirement in Durham, North Carolina. They had many happy memories of Beaufort as they tell their story. Our Life in Beaufort by J.D. Young Being appointed to Ann Street Church in Beaufort was an en- tirely new experience for someone who grew up in Arkansas and his wife in Tennessee. We had thought living on the coast would be like a year round vacation. Even though the climate was delightful most of the time, we soon realized it wasn’t always bright, sunny skies and balmy ocean breezes. “Hazel” struck Beaufort with devastating blows that first October of my pastorate. The natives seemed to take it in stride but to new-comers it was an unforgetable experience. During my stay of four years, we en- countered three other hurricanes. I'll never forget trying to locate two TV antennas that were blown away during these storms. Of course, only pieces were ever found. I'm sure any minister would want to leave a church feeling he had accomplished something that was worthwhile and lasting. I’m proud that the Eure Education Building was undertaken during my pastorate. On February 14, 1955, the Church Loyalty Dinner brought together almost 400 members of the church to discuss plans for the drive to raise money for a new education building. Wiley Lewis was appointed chairman of the solicitation com- mittee, N.F. Eure chairman of the monitoring committee, and Gerald Hill chairman of the stewardship committee. Climaxing two weeks of preparation and one week of solicitation, 55 men of the church attempted to call on every church family, the canvassers reported a total of $164,820 pledged — the pledges to be paid in three years. The contract for the new building was let on June 19, 1956; and the Ground Breaking Service was held June 24, with Mrs. N. F. Eure, widow of the late Mr. Eure (Mr. Eure died May 23, 1955) turning the first spade of earth. Taking part in the ceremony were: Braxton Adair, chairman of the official board; E. W. Downum, 26 church school superintendent; Leslie Moore, superintendent of the church school at the time the building ied a started; and mith, chairman of the commission on education. ae eae building was named for the late N. F. Eure who was a faithful and outstanding leader in the church and Son munity for 40 years and served as superintendent of the ee school for 20 years. He was the son of the late Reverend H. M. Eure who was pastor of Ann Street Church 1903-1906. 4 The building was completed my last year at Ann Street a Open House was held the last Sunday before Conference. Mus of the credit goes to the diligent and faithful leadership of t ie building committee composed of William Potter, chairman; Leslie Moore, Braxton Adair, Mrs. Ann Neal (Brown), and Mrs. Virginia ee things happened to the church during my stay: We were ushered into a new parsonage at 109 Chestnut Sine the first Sunday we arrived in Beaufort. A Director of C elt Education (Cotty Potter) was added to the church staff. ee t- time church secretary was employed and the Methodist ay Club was organized. Last but not least the unique and mea e “Shorty,” the janitor, died. I’m sure there has never been another jani uite like that little man. ; : since it has been more than twenty years that we lived i Beaufort, it is hard to recall the many things that probably Ishou remember and would like to, but there are a few things Ne ei to be unforgetable, such as — the dining each Sunday at t 2 ne Inn as the guests of Mrs. Anna Pierson. How we enjoye i delicious food! Our first experience of an Oyster Roast” was a the home of the Piggie Potters, and for our first Clam Boke we were quests of the Robert Safrits. | remember the picture of “Miss Sunie” Bell driving down Front and Ann Streets in that ee coupe of hers — also how upset she-was when the big clock in t z sanctuary was removed. I recall the congregation bringing es repellent at the night services to overpower the mosquitos. ( x i was prior to the town’s spraying for the pests.) We well ee . Myrtle Duncan Sutton’s taking us to the Community Conce e Co) hear the Canadian pianist, Ray Dudley, whom our daughter later married. The Easter Sunrise Service in the church cemetery ae always a moving experience as well as the many outstanding musical programs that the choir presented during our ven Virginia Hassell became choir director and organist when Ru Butler had to give it up because of arthritis. Ruth had been a won- 1 organist. ; ae Aapeton and loyalty of the members of Ann Street made it a privilege and pleasure to serve them and be a part cle progress. My sincere wish for this historic church is that te Christian spirit will continue to lead on to greater victories for the Master. 27 eee Rubye and Doc Young on the front steps of the new parsonage at 109 Chestnut Street. Also in the picture are their daughter, Edna Frances, and Rubye’s mother. SSS Ss A group of Sunday School friends in 1955 gather for a party: Ist row, | to r, Clara Safrit Cunnings, Bonnie Ward Hamm, (two uniden- tified girls), and Anita Windley Hardesty. 2nd row: Donna Sabiston, Bertie Eubanks Nealy, Elizabeth Potter Olsen, and Jennifer Tarkenton. Ruth Butler who is loved and appreciated for her long years as organist. During the years that Ruth Butler was organist, her arthritis gave her a great deal of trouble. However, she had the very help she needed in Barbara Harris, who later married Robert M. Davis. Barbara was in her junior and senior Years in high school but did a tremendous job Barbara Harris Davis at the organ. Later Barbara studied music abroad and now teaches music in Hampton, Virginia. She and Bob and their three daughters have restored an old Victorian home in Yorktown, Virginia, where they live. Jim and Ruby Wheatley today. Jim directed the choir for 12 years, when Ruth Butler was organist. bn The Early Years Of A District Superintendent No one is loved more than John and Alice Cline. Now serving as District Superintendent of the Rocky Mount District, let’s give John himself an opportunity to speak for Ann Street. The Clines’ Move to Beaufort by John M. Cline When the Clines moved to Beaufort in July, 1957 our family consisted of John and Alice, Linda (2 years) and Johnny (5 weeks). We found that many things made Beaufort “Delightfully Different.” Residents of Ann Street sat on their porches to visit with neighbors; Santa Claus came to town on a boat to thrill the children; at nightfall in the autumn menhadden boats stretched out from the inlet across the ocean like a parade of Christmas trees as far as eye could see; menhadden roe was available without charge to any who would climb aboard the loaded boats to break open the fish. The first Sunday preached at Ann Street was the Sunday following the reading of the appointments at the 1957 Annual Conference in session at Centenary Church in New Bern. This was the Sunday following the moving into the Eure Building. The building was beautiful but not yet completely finished by the workers. The Ladies Bible Class met in the Ladies Parlor at the Eure Building but soon word came to me that they were not happy to meet in the new building. They voted to move back to their classroom in the old building. Albert Gaskill was their teacher. The men of Jule Duncan’s class moved rather quickly out of the multipurpose room to take squatter’s rights in the ladies parlor and continued to meet there for the remainder of my pastorate at Ann Street. Soon I was approached by Mrs. Provost Quidley about the need for a Sunday School class for middle adults who were not then attending any class. She and I approached Robert Safrit about taking this class. To our delight he accepted and that class, meeting in the multipurpose room, grew to be one of the largest and most influential classes of the church school. : In the Spring of 1958 we began to make plans for revival ser- vices. Stanley Potter, Jr., was Chairman of the Commission on Evangelism. Disclaiming any expertise in this area, he was eager to 30 do anything we requested to prepare for the revival. I requested the opportunity to preach and challenged the Commission, the Official Board, and the Church: “T'll fill the pulpit, if you will fill the pews.” And they did just that. Stanley Potter strung a banner ‘across Ann Street proclaiming the dates of the revival. Neigh- borhood prayer services were held in preparation for the revival. A 24 hour prayer virgil was held at the altar of the church throughout Saturday, Saturday night and Sunday morning. The revival was exciting and a great manifestation of God’s presence and power. On Wednesday night the invitation to an un- conditional relationship with Christ met with a moving response; the altar filled as others waited to find a place to kneel. This type of service and altar experience were repeated on Thursday and Friday nights, and God’s blessings fell richly upon our church membership. One of the most meaningful services at Ann Street was the Sun- day evening service. Attendance was about one hundred and a large percentage were young people of public school age. The youth choir, under the leadership of Mrs. Lela Willis, sang. Other youth, not in the choir, ushered, took up the offering, and added to the congregation. Each service included, prior to the sermon, a prayer time at the altar. The lights were dimmed during the prayer, the organ was played softly, and that sacred experience at the altar was one strong cause for the vital and well-attended evening service. The staff of the church at that time was: Director of Christian Education, Mrs. Stanley Potter, Jr.; Church Secretary, Mrs. Homer Lewis; Director of Adult Choir, Mrs. Charles Hassell; Director of Youth Choir, Mrs. Lela Willis; Janitor, Mr. W. J. Michael. (Later Frank and Frances Knight were hired to do the janitorial work of the church.) Within a few weeks after moving to Beaufort I announced that I would be keeping regular hours at the church each morning. A committee was appointed to provide a study for the pastor across the hall from the church secretary’s office. The study was well- planned and beautifully decorated and was another step in the growth and progress of the church. Soon in the first year we began to publish each week a church paper called “Ann Street Chimes”. This added to the work of our secretary, Mrs. Lewis, but it was an opportunity to reach each member of the church each week with a message and important announcements. The New Bern District Conference was held at Ann Street in 1959. The custom at that time was for the Conference to be held on a week-day morning and afternoon with the noon meal provided by the host church. Those attending the Conference paid for the meal which was provided by the host church. As we made preparation for the District Conference, the ladies under the 31 —— SSS SSS leadership of Mrs. Eulalie Potter and Mrs. Elva Safrit felt that they wanted to feed the District Conference without charge. This they did in the grand style and hospitality that was typical of the ladies of Beaufort. It was a great day and was the 100th anniversary year of the time when Ann Street, Beaufort, was host to the meeting of the North Carolina Annual Conference. Ocracoke was then in the New Bern District. I remember that a Mr. Wahab was delegate to this District Conference from Ocracoke. He called me and said that he would have to take the mail boat the day before and would need to spend the night in Beaufort. The David Beveridges, who were friends to all the people at Ocracoke, were his hosts for the night. A part of our memories at Beaufort have to do with hurricanes Helene and Donna. Helene began to move in upon us on Sunday and fell upon us with full force Sunday night. Most of us were so busy on Sunday that we had not had time to hear the radio and the hurricane news. This included Frances Bell, who had just returned from being a member of our North Carolina Work Team and Caravan to Europe. The evening service was set aside for her report on her trip and the showing on her slides. She was not aware that a hurricane was moving in as she made her report and showed her slides. However, a nervous few of us had great dif- ficulty in not interrupting the program to get everyone home safely. Our anxiety was not necessary as everyone made it home without mishap. Helene did much damage to the Front Street business area but very little to our church property. Hurricane Donna came a later year and did more damage to Beaufort and destroyed the causeway between Beaufort and Morehead City. The greatest damage was on Saturday afternoon and night. I had a wedding for Ray Willis and Mary Lou Owens scheduled for Saturday afternoon. A couple of hours before the wedding I received a phone call from Mrs. Frances Knight. She lived across the street from the church and could see from her window that one of the stained glass windows had blown out of the church. I drove cautiously to the church, and Frances met me there. The window had blown in upon the pews. I was able to hold it back in place sufficiently for her to nail it. (Later our insurance company helped us repair that and some other damage.) The storm raged on. I was soaking wet and tried to dry my clothes by a gas heater in the study. There was no electricity, and the organ could not be used for the wedding. My pulpit robe, which I kept at the church, was dry and hid my wet clothes. As the wind moaned and the building creaked, Mrs. Virginia Hassell played the wedding march on the piano which then sat in the area we called the Sunday School room. During the counseling sessions the bride said that she wanted a large crowd at her wed- ding. There were six or eight people present; under the cir- cumstances that seemed to me to be quite a large crowd. 32 The church was not air conditioned. At the morning services the windows were pushed out to let in that pleasant Beaufort breeze, and we fared well. The evening situation was different. The tem- perature was not a problem, but with the falling of dark, the tur- ning on of the lights, the opening of the windows was a cordial in- vitation to the mosquitoes to move in from the cemetery, which they did without any reluctance. These were not days of shouting and hand clapping at church services, but the smacking of hands was not an unusual sound as worshippers defended themselves against the mosquitoes. Some Sunday nights I went home from church, filled the bath tub with cool water and cooled my ankles from the fire kindled by the swarm of mosquitoes that found it easy to bite through my thin socks above my shoe tops. In July of 1960 Beaufort celebrated her 251st Anniversary. Ann Street Church members were very active in this celebration, as they were in all civic undertakings such as the Christmas parade and the pirate invasion. Among the many activities of the 1960 celebration was a musical drama written and directed by Mrs. Grayden Paul that included many of the residents and friends of Beaufort. This play was presented in the Beaufort School auditorium. Ann Street, as usual, had her large contingent of par- ticipants, including myself. I played the part of Rev. J.M. Boatright, Methodist minister and circuit rider. An Easter sunrise service was begun at Fort Macon in 1961. The responsibility for the ritual fell to me. With help from Dr. H.E. Spence of Duke University we worked out a sunrise service very similar to one used at Duke University. We had the Morehead City High School Band and a chorus made up of church choirs throughout the county. The service was an amazing success. Quite a traffic jam occurred on the road leading to Fort Macon. Those were happy days for the Clines. The church responded with love and cooperation. The membership grew from 776 to 835. There was always an eagerness on the part of the people to be “the best” and “the most”. If all my memories were put on paper they would fill space that rightfully belongs to other pastors whose hearts were gladdened by the people of Ann Street Church and Beaufort. 33 = SSS SSS : = John and Alice Cline today with Johnny and Linda. A typical picture taken in 1961 that could have been made any year, with any preacher. David and Gerry Beveridge were always perfect hosts for their parsonage family. Pictured here with Cap't Dave are Mrs. Grace Eure (back to camera); Alice Cline with Johnny; John Cline between "Miss Sunie” Bell and Linda Cline. In the rear is Miss Martha Jones. SE HE PES EET The Rev. John Cline speaking to churchgoers. Those seen in the picture from | to r: Willie Guthrie, Miss Mat Duncan, Laura Gibbs, Mildred Leister with daughters, Carol and Janet; Ruth Gibbs; Louise, Ralph and Buddy Thomas; and Mrs. Emma Webb. A true Kitchen Crew: | to r: Mrs. Lucretia Johnson, Mrs. Eunice Lewis, Mrs. Margaret Win- dley, and Mrs. Julia Arrington. SEG See | SSS enna Double Blessing — Two Ordained Ministers Not often does a church receive two ministers in one family — especially in the years 1961-1965. Ann Street Chruch considered herself quite fortunate to receive Dwight and Frances Fouts — both ordained Methodist ministers — for the price of one! The Fouts now live in retirement (although it doesn’t sound like retirement to me) in Lexington. Here’s their story. Ann Street United Methodist Church June 1961 — June 1965 by Dwight L. Fouts In June 1961 I became the minister of Ann Street Church, most of whose members were dedicated, faithful, loyal, and actively engaged in the service of Christ and the church. About six years prior to my arriving, the Eure Education The teacher of this Church School Class during the pastorate of John Cline is Mrs. Jackie Lewis. The children, from | to r are: Randy Feagle, Keith Lewis, Bill Chappell, Dianne Hill, Broa : 2 Sammy Gibbs, Tommy Knox, Johnny Cline (with his thumb in his mouth), Joey Mason, Addie Building was erected at a cost of over $200,000, including fur- Yopp Cantrell, Royal Windley, and Wade Windley. Back to camera, Billy Manning. nishings. Having paid the balance due of $10,000 after my arrival, the building was dedicated on February 4, 1962, by Bishop Paul N. Garber. Assisting in the service of dedication were Dr. A. Jarvis Hobbs, District Superintendent of the New Bern District and the | Reverend John M. Cline, a former pastor. A community-wide census sponsored by the Methodist Men was taken in October 1961. The census taken in 1050 homes revealed 171 prospective members for Ann Street Church. A visitation follow-up was organized and carried out, the visitors going in pairs. During the four years, 1961-65, 144 members were added to the church membership roll. After allowing for deaths and tran- sfers, the membership rose from 835 to 905. Miss Kay Hinson was employed as education assistant for the summer of 1961 and Miss Wanda Ballard for the summers of 1962-63-64. A number of children from the Methodist Home for Children in Raleigh were placed in the homes of the congregation during summer and Christmas holidays. Nancy Huntley and Jeffrey Salter were selected by the North Carolina Methodist Conference as two of eight young people to go on a European Caravan for ten weeks in the summer of 1964. - 5 Nancy and Jeffrey made interesting reports to the congregation Ralph Leister (who for years served secretly as “unofficial maintenance man") passes the when they returned. offering plate to: Front row, | to r, Mary Privette, Mrs. Sunie Bell, and Braxton Adair; Back row, Margaret Windley, Clara Quidley Inscoe and a friend of Clara's. 37 SSS sss SS A new heating system for the sanctuary, including air con- ditioning, was installed in 1962 at a cost of $15,000. In October 1961 a contract was let for $16,478 to the Swartz Organ Company for a new pipe organ. The Wesleyan Service Guild contributed $12,021.70 of this money. Consecration ser- vices planned and carried out by Mrs. Charles Hassell, included an organ recital on October 4 by Mr. Louis A. Potter, F.A.G.O.; vesper service and love feast on October 5; and festival choir and organ concert on October 6. The service on October 6 drew an overflowing congregation, 550 seated and standing, and an estimated 100 outside the sanctuary. The combined choir was composed of Ann Street adult choir and other choirs of Beaufort and Carteret County. The Windley property, 132 Craven Street, was purchased in the Spring of 1965, and the Reverend John H. White was em- ployed as full-time Minister of Education in May 1965. During these four years Ann Street Church made much progress in emphasizing and carrying out the total program of the United Methodist Church. Many individuals and groups spent much time and effort in serving Christ and the church. Among the many persons deserving special mention, no one was more deserving than Mrs. Nell Lewis, office secretary and treasurer. She was quite devoted to Christ and the church. She was efficient, versatile, loyal, and self-sacrificing. She always responded willingly when called upon to do many things. She was a great help to the minister and the church, especially as editor of the Chimes. The church went all out on a gala party for us shortly before we left. It was a combination retirement and going-away dinner party. Everything was planned for fun and entertainment. Mrs. Charles (Virginia) Hassell as hostess, kept everything moving. We were presented a dining table for our new home out in the rolling hills, near Lexington, North Carolina. We also received a solid cherry bedroom suite and a chair for the dining table. The party and the days that followed made us feel welcomed to go back to Beaufort for visits. That we have done a number of times with much en- joyment. 38 ua 7s. (a Seite The Reverend Dwight L. Fouts. . . ...and Frances Typical of the many weddings performed in the Ann Street Church by the Reverend James Miller (whose memoirs follow) is this one of Suzanne Guthrie and Charles Gerald Letchworth. Suzanne's paternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. C.C. Guthrie, were married at this altar in 1900. Now Program Director Of The North Carolina Conference The Reverend James H. Miller, Jr., is now serving as the Program Director of the North Carolina Annual Conference and is living in Raleigh. But once upon a time he lived among us in Beaufort. Read what Jimmy has to say. The Millers At Ann Street Church — Beaufort - 1965 - 1970 by James H. Miller, Jr. We moved to Beaufort in June 1965 from St. Luke Church in Goldsboro. I remember the day on which our moving van pulled into the yard and our car was unloaded. The yard was filled with the neighborhood children who were just hoping that the new pastor would have some children, and we did. Susan was to enter the third grade at the time we moved to Beaufort and Patsy was ready to enter the second grade. They went to Beaufort Elemen- tary School, which was nearby, within walking distance of the par- sonage. I was pleased to find that the chairman of the official board at the time we moved to Beaufort was Holden Ballou, who had been a high school classmate of mine in Morehead City. I said many times that my moving to Beaufort was like throwing Brer Rabbit into the briarpatch, because I had spent all of my teenage years in Morehead City and had come to love the coast and its people, so Beaufort was a “natural” for me. We could not have lived in a better place during the childhood years of our girls. The neighborhood was filled with a lot of children. It was a deadend street and, therefore, was a safe place for them to play at all times. : On Labor Day Sunday, 1965, a special service was held in which people were invited to come to church wearing their work clothes, and they did - nurses uniforms, overalls, filling station uniforms and caps, etc. These were the dress for the day, and we had an excellent attendance and a fine service. In 1965, there were morning and evening services held in the church. We began a “church night” with the Commissions and Of- 40 ficial Board meeting on the same night. The church bell was repaired and reinstalled in the steeple ready to be used each Sun- day to invite people to Sunday school and worship. One of the most amazing things about Ann Street Church in 1965 was that in a congregation of over some 800 members, there were 56 college students. In 1966, we began Sunday evening fellowship, which was a family oriented worship and study and recreation occasion. I remember what good cooks members of the Methodist Men Organization were. They prepared most of their own meals. | especially remember the good charcoaled mullet and clam chowder. I also remember the Robert Safrit Christmas parties and Harkless Wooten’s baked scallop dish. I also remember the fine picnics that we shared together on Heritage Day. It was a tradition during the years that I was in Beaufort to have Holy Week services in the chapel of the Eure Building in the early morning. These services were well attended and very meaningful. New Methodist Hymnals were bought for the sanctuary. When I moved to Beaufort, I discovered that the church was to have a Minister of Education for the first time. At the same time, only $20,000 of a $50,000 annual budget had been underwritten by pledges. We struggled financially all that first year, but it was not difficult to convince people of the need for an every member can- vass program in the spring of 1966. We had a very successful one under the leadership of Tom Eure. From that time on, we had no real financial struggles like we did the first year. Homecoming had been held from time to time in past years. However, in 1966 it became an annual affair called Heritage Sun- day. We had our first Heritage Day celebration in June, 1966, timed on the last Sunday in June to coincide with the Old Homes Tour. In preparation for this first Heritage Day, we asked people to look around and find items of historical interest to the church and congregation. The first communion table used in the church turned up and was purchased and placed in a museum area of the church. Also, an old flagon and chalice used for communion ser- vices many years ago was returned to the church. Sacrament tickets, pictures, old Sunday school cards, etc. began showing up at the church as we prepared for this first historical celebration. Miss Amy Muse, who had written a very fine history of Ann Street Church was the speaker for Heritage Day in June, 1966. Susan Miller organized a Children’s Choir in 1966 with Ruth Butler as accompanist. The Children’s Choir had 47 members in 1966 and increased to over 60 by 1967. They sang for the first time in the Thanksgiving service in 1966. (T’ hree-hundred forty- five people were in Church that Sunday morning.) They had choir 41 robes made by persons in the church, which matched those worn by the adult choir. That same year they put on a Christmas pageant, “A Christmas Story”, by Robert and Jeanna Graham. A brass altar set was given to the church by the Robert Safrit class honoring their teacher, Robert Safrit, Jr. on Christmas 1966. During my years in Beaufort, we began using acolytes. The WSCS contributed paraments to the church in 1967. These were sewn by Bellzora Chadwick, who was then President of the WSCS. Bellzora and the WSCS were also responsible for raising money to furnish the church parlor in the Eure Building. Jule Arrington built two oak flower stands for the sanctuary and also an oak display table for historical materials. Sunday, June 30, 1968, was a time for celebrating the 190th anniversary of Ann Street Church. During my years in Beaufort, there were several student educational assistants. Joe Mann worked two summers; Patricia Potter, one summer; Lynn Moore, one summer; and Julie Ballou, one summer. Virginia Hassell, who, for a number of years had been an outstanding organist and choir director at Ann Street Church, resigned in the early part of 1968. On February 4, 1968, the church observed Virginia Hassell Sunday as a tribute to her and gave her the old organ bench which had been refinished by Jule Arrington. Mrs. Jackie Watkins served as organist and choir director for a short period of time, then Gregg Bell from Morehead City served as organist and choir director during the summer of 1967, and continued to serve as permanent organist following that time. Greg instituted the candlelight carol service the Christ- mas of 1968. This became an annual tradition for the church, one which saw the sanctuary filled to capacity and beauty (which can- not be described) with the pointsettias and candles that decorated the church, providing an appropriate setting for the beautiful Christmas music the congregation came to expect from Greg and the choir. One of the things that I remember about the Ann Street congregation is how well they sang. On the first Sunday that I preached there, I remember the enthusiasm of the choir and how well the congregation sang the hymns. Very few people stood and held the hymnals without joining in the congregational singing. This was a thrilling and inspiring thing to me as a minister. During my years in Beaufort, I served as President of the Ministerial Association. One of the projects that I started was the Volunteer Hospital Chaplaincy Program at Carteret General Hospital. This was a very meaningful program, in which local ministers served one week at a time as volunteer chaplain at the hospital. They received training for this ministry, which not only provided visitation for all the patients in the hospital, but was a means for notifying the patients’ pastors that they were patients in 42 a naan EERE RROI the hospital. There were several interesting happenings in the Methodist Church during my five years in Beaufort. In 1968, The Evangelical United Brethren denomination and the Methodist Church merged and became the United Methodist Church. There was a restructuring of the church, so that we began to have an Ad- ministrative Board and Council on Ministries structure. The WSCS became United Methodist Women. District Superin- tendents during this time were The Reverend Grady Dawson and The Reverend Charles Mercer. During these years the church moved from a mimeograph machine to an offset press,which greatly improved our capacity for printing. We could do our own letterheads, bulletin backs and newsletters, as well as doing the inside of the church bulletin. Three persons served as church secretary during my years in Beaufort, Nell Lewis, Alice Windley, and Susan Miller. Both our daughters were confirmed as members of the church during our years in Beaufort. Susan joined on Palm Sunday 1968, and Patsy was confirmed on Palm Sunday 1969. I am sure that Ann Street Church is one of the few churches that could have members go out into the woods to find palmetto palms for decoration on Palm Sunday. On both occasions when Susan and Patsy joined the church, my father, The Reverend J. Herbert Miller, participated in their confirmation. I remember the Easter egg hunts which were sponsored by the Martha Jones Circle. I remember the first Chrismon tree in 1968 and the Sunday in February of 1968, when there was snow in Beaufort, an unusual occurrence, and only 100 people in church. There was no organist and we had to sing without the organ. I remember the Sunday just after Hurricane Gladys by-passed our coast. Many of the members were wielding mops, because of the torrential rains that had accompanied Gladys, and they were mop- ping up water in their homes caused by wind and rain. I remember also a special service held on August 31, 1968, which emphasized folk hymns in the Methodist Hymnal and featured music by guitar, drums, clapping, etc. It was lively service, and people seemed to enjoy participating. At the close of the service, one member greeted me at the door with these words, “I want you to be sure to let me know when you have another service like this, so I can stay home”. I remember the Methodist Men Organization for the continual building projects. They built a robe cabinet for the children’s choir, and renovated a room for the choir on the second floor of the church building. On the 50th anniversary of Purvis Chaped Chur- ch, our congregation shared with theirs in a service of worship, in which I preached and the choir from our church sang. I remember the night when I was doing some work in the study 43 SSS Ss and had to call the police to accompany me to the parking place of my automobile. The reason for this was that a number of winos stayed in the old Loftin Motor Company Building just across the street from the study and when | started to make my way across to the car that night, I could see these figures coming out of the shadows toward me. I beat a hasty retreat to the study, locked the door, and called the police. During the five years that I was in Beaufort, I had 105 funerals. Shortly after | moved to Beaufort, Branch Bank opened a new building and assigned Bill Branch as its manager. The interesting thing was that Bill Branch and I bore a striking resemblance to one another. In fact, Miss Matt Duncan could not tell us apart. She would often see both of us as we left the Post Office in the mor- Thelma Ward holds her grandson, Ward = Jimmy. Miller was the minister when acolytes were ning, and she would always ask on greeting us, “Am I speaking to Tobin, as Mr. Miller looks lovingly at the __first used. However, this acolyte was serving Ann the Preacher or the Banker?” One year, Bill Branch did the baby. Street Church on Easter ihe It eases to be the narration of the Christmas program in the church, while I sang in 3 TEOGTe pictured on left — Ward Tobin. the choir. This was confusing to people and they wondered which of these was the Banker and which was the Preacher. I remember a very beautiful party that was given to the children’s choir one year in which Margie Windley dressed dolls in robes just like those which the children wore and had outstanding refreshments. I remember the afternoon when I was talking on the telephone and lightning struck the steeple of the church, peeling off shingles like scaling fish and knocking the decorative spire from the top of the steeple to the ground. We had the shingles replaced and replaced the decorative spire with a metal cross to which was attached a lightning rod. During the early years in Beaufort, the church purchased a fine new studio piano for the choir room, and it was purchased by persons contributing money equal to the cost = of one key on the keyboard. The minister's wife, Susan Miller, poses with Miss Emily Loftin and, | to r, Charles Ed- One summer, a man visited Ann Street Church, who said that ware falet Bowen, Virginia Moore, and Gibbs Sisters, taken one Sunday in 1966: | his name was Otway Burns. He came from South Carolina. He Frederick Moore. This was the first yearthe to r, Mrs. Ethel Dudley, Mey Hs "onal was a descendant of Otway Burns, the Privateer, who is buried in church people began to dress in Colonial lo ans oda l serch 8 ie on herbage the Old Burying Ground behind Ann Street Church under the costumes for Heritage Day. Bm lola nua egeter cannon from his ship. “The Snapdragon”. By the way, Susan and Patsy were photographed in front of Otway Burns’ grave for one of the Beaufort Historical Association’s brochures. In June, 1970, the North Carolina Annual Conference moved the Millers to New Bern, where I became the pastor of the Cen- tenary United Methodist Church. Nell Lewis told me when | moved to Beaufort that | would have every experience that a minister could have while I was there. I think Nell was right, but I also want to say that every experience I had in Beaufort was an enjoyable and meaningful one. We look back upon all our years there as very happy ones, and we always look forward to an op- portunity to return and renew acquaintances. Virginia Moore (Jr.) sits between the “preacher's kids" — Susan Miller, (Jr.) and Patsy Miller. eee cee ee ee SSS SS Yj Ah, To Retire In Beaufort Nostalgia gets to everyone once in awhile. When the bug bites to return to Beaufort though, one might as well give in. It seems that the folk at Ann Street Church havea unique way of accepting their ministers, and invariably these ministers long to return. Even though the Stanley Potters bought a home on Queen Street and returned often to visit, they never really returned to live permanently. However, in June 1977 Robert and Lou Nicks moved into their retirement home at 110 Gordon Street to live until death do them part. The following year (January 1, 1978) Sadie Downum, the widow of the Reverend Edgar W. Downum, who had lived in retirement in Beaufort for many years, died leaving one other minister’s widow living in Beaufort. This is Mrs. Raymond (Ethel) Bolles, whose husband served as a Supply Pastor of Sneads Ferry. Another outstanding Methodist minister and his wife are retired in Beaufort — the Reverend and Mrs. A. DeLeon Gray. Leon never served Ann Street but the pull to return to Carteret County came from Saralee who was born in Atlantic and reared in Beaufort. Leon was for 27 years superintendent of the Oxford Or- phanage and in 1972 was Potentate of the Sudan Temple. Dr. and Mrs. R. Grady Dawson do not live within the town of Beaufort but across the bridge on Evans Street in Morehead. Dr. Dawson served as District Superintendent of the New Bern District, and Mrs. Dawson was formerly Elizabeth Howland, daughter of William Franklin Howland, who grew up in Beaufort. The highlights of the years 1970-1975 are given to us by Bob Nicks. Highlights by Robert L. Nicks Adventuresome excitement filled the air that March day in 1970 when my district superintendent shared the “moving list” with me. There were about six possible places I could be sent. Living in the central part of North Carolina had suited Lou and me, particularly since we were only twelve miles from my 95-year- old mother and about eighty miles from Lou’s mother. “Tm a traveling Methodist preacher,” I said to the D.S., “and I will go where I’m sent, as I promised when I joined the conference. 46 SET: Sec aeaaees cea eaniianE al ae ae So Seater meee : However, I do hope it will not be Beaufort. We have cae against the place. It’s just so far from home, and our mothers inni eed us more.” prietuelataiats realize what an unrealistic statement that sr th should have known that ae is es the heart is. An red our hearts to Beaufort to stay. ennue our five fruitful years of service (1970-75), air things happened to us and to our people. Two ae _ we had Christmas Open House at the parsonage, a pit held in two different places. Our guests waded one a seals yard on Chestnut Street the first year to wiggle in an - —_— the small rooms of the old parsonage. The next year on Sealy : Drive the church and towns people lingered by the ae \ die the Christmas tree in the formal living room, had oT ecg spacious dining room, meandered through the She ifu kitchen, and warmed by the fireplace in the roomy hs hence The beautiful white curtains with PNG soaeeabihapeia a Si in the kitchen and bathrooms had been made and ona na : Whitehurst sisters. ce de small LN pence Lt: se ret donor who handed Lou a e neared dollars with this note attached: apa seek fe ey Ho This Uillislprt Alcs tale GNHS, small items you will need. This will help. ; bit line Harris and Virginia Safrit spent a who haynes ane Cloth Barn i. Goldsboro picking out material ther windows in the new house. ‘ , fonOniernes Day our first year in Beaufort we lab ~ privilege to drop in on Roxie Lewis to wish her a “ ue’ = mas.” The next year our Administrative Board and Pe se er inspired to use Miss Roxie’s last gift as a starter to fal ey ee ching pews” in the rear of the sanctuary and to carpet the or sanctuary and parsonage were not the only Bie ieee on new life. Everyone was moved the seer ea ats Mr. Jule Arrington (brother of our beloved Miss ii ie vis into the fellowship of the church on profession of fait s x P will always be remembered especially for his nis i ie straight from the GRIT — that he freely gave to Robe! ; : sie the Friendship Church School Class. One Sunday gee = “i someone called for path a Mr. ib sehr : Spee me down to sleep, I pray Thee, Lord, my : fe ie before I wake, I pray Thee, Lord, my soul to f Buore the next Sunday, Mr. Jule’s prayer had been parade piano was placed in the sanctuary in his memory by this class ng after this. sce of other late beginners were the romances a ie jet Minnie Smith (who met in the washerette) and Roy and Ode 47 ferson Willis. Joining these two couples in holy matrimony sparked new life for many. As our church family grew, so did the generosity of the people. Leslie Moore owned a building adjoining the Eure Building property that he wanted the church to have in honor of his par- ents, Ikie and “Miss Polly.” When the plan was presented to use the property for a larger parking lot and playground, the perfect time came to initiate a kindergarten and day care program of our own. Under the guidance of Thelma Ward this program was launched and has proven to be a very useful service to the com- munity at large and has given our church an opportunity to love and train those who are entrusted to our care. As Coordinator of Education, Thelma brought out the talents of others with almost a magical touch while staying in the background herself. One of the most valuable happenings of the Vacation Church School was the inspiration the boys received when working with wood under the direction of Carl Lane. Years from now when the boys still have their wooden lamps, they will remember the light that shown through Carl’s eyes and will let their light shine, too, to glorify God. At the time we moved to Beaufort, Lou was a conference of- ficer of the Women’s Society of Christian Service. This gave an opportunity for the women of Ann Street to entertain the con- ference executive committee. The delightful shrimp luncheon with “Miss Alma” Potter’s homemade hot rolls and Grayden Paul’s tales of Beaufort was a very satisfying experience. That evening the whole church heard first-hand from our workers in Robeson County and Pembroke and the Wesley Foundation at Greenville. Other conference people came, too. For two years we were honored to have our bishop speak on Heritage Day — but again the bishops changed. In 1972 Bishop William R. Cannon was the guest preacher, and in 1973 Bishop Robert M. Blackburn preached. Each brishop reminded the packed sanctuary of the days Bishop Francis Asbury visited Beaufort twice and, on his second visit, found the people (according to his diary) “much im- proved”. It probably took Bishop Asbury two visits to understand the genuine ways of the coast people. Bishops are blessings; however, Romans 12:4 has something to say about there being many parts of the body which cooperate to support the whole. One such time occurred when a truck driver from Fairfax, Alabama, coordinated our Lay Witness Mission. Lovingly he let God use him to open more doors to spiritual growth and Christian caring. Robert Safrit and Holden’ Ballou (and scores of other people) were the laymen who helped to make this experience great, but Milford Chewning cannot be forgotten. In fact, Milford paved the way for a wholehearted recep- tion of the Reverend B.R. Samuels from Hydabad, India, who 48 spent eight days with us, telling of “his children” on the other side rid. fee did outsiders come to our church to share ae messages but I also had an opportunity to enrich my life ae Carteret County. Dave Beveridge, Captain of : SILVERLAKE, the Cedar Island-Ocracoke ferry, was chairman oh the Pastor-Parish Committee in 1974. He and Gerry patos and contributed generously to a special fund to send me to Dallas, Texas, to attend the National Conference on Evangelism. What a for a pastor! ate of the need for transportation for all age groups of ee church, the Jule Duncan Bible Class sponsored the purchase ae brand-new Dodge Mini-bus. It was particularly dedicated “A : e young people (who were led by Charles and Helen Sisal ‘or their activity and interest in church projects an eg ings. However, all age groups have sung hymns in the bus on the way tings and back home again. a Mone Eencnes linger. The Sunday morning oe 2 oh children always held a special place for me. But then so di s ue God taught me a lot through Cindy, the precious ee me was confident she would be found in the choir loft. Is a ae y be indebted to the invaluable secreterial services ren ss 2 Lucile Safrit Smith and Virginia Chadwick Moore, and ie e fan tiring service of Harry Saunders with financial peeorde nS ie who served as chairmen of the Administrative Board a ee ae i praise. These were Ralph Leister, Hugh Salter, an pen Brooks. I can still see the loving face of our daughter, pene! ou, and her new husband, Pat Stephenson, as | joined t ne ip marriage at the altar of Ann Street Church. Two gees Ae den Nicks and Chris Rooker, were baptized there also. ( pl Nicks was baptized later during my retirement.) et coul * more rewarding than the love of a congregation a = an ee successful stapedectomy? oe - es it is living i ng these same loving people. ay enone ae gives me a little edge on these fellow ante 3 who have only memories to recall. Do you remember oe crip ture that says in essence, “O, how those Christians ove one another?” I can rejoice over and over that we are living among isti iends. ee i I don’t have the “position” (nor the Peary) that Doug Byrd has, I have the unique privilege of sitting ts as: congregation and being a part of the Fellowship Class. i g been here for Ann Street’s 200th year has been exciting, an an proud of Lou for having taken the time and trouble to.collect an it this history. See a my church school class, and the well-prepared lessons of Robert Safrit and the inspired singing of George Lewis 49 reminds me of an incident that happened while we were here that merits mention. One day Robert Safrit, who is walking high up the ladder of the Shrine Sudan Temple, said to me, “Preacher, what The Methodist Church needs is a fez!” He really thought he was getting the best of me in his teasing, but silence was the word. Then the idea hit me! In about a month our class would be having one of those out-of-this-world Christmas parties. Robert was right. What he needed was a Methodist fez to wear in conjunction with his Shrine fez. With the help of Ethel, Mildred and especially Ada Whitehurst, we designed and made Robert a fez. The brim of the hat had felt letters reading “Ann Street United Methodist Church.” It had three panels labeled faith, hope and love depicted with the use of the Christian calendar colors and gold tassel representing the pervading Holy Spirit. 1 presented the fez to Robert at the 1973 Christmas Party. I had to make another little visit to the hospital in 1978 which turned out to be a blessing because | learned that we had made the right decision about a loving place to live. In addition to Emily Clyde and Wiley Lewis’ staying with Lou during my operation, I received oodles of get-well cards from my Christian friends of Ann Street. Truly bread cast on waters through the years are coming back to Ann Street Church as she celebrates her 200th birthday and begins a new century of service for Jesus Christ our Lord. ROBERT AND LOU NICKS It was because of Robert's devotion to Christ and his loving understanding of me that | had the courage to attempt getting the information together for this book in such a short period of time. Therefore, | dedicate A Collection of Memories to him. 50 SS SS SS ee arsonage was bought in 1974 and i a rhanntay: Chairman; Robert Guthrie and Harry Sycamore Drive. This Committee consisted of Vivia' Harry Willis, Dora Dean Ballou, Lucille Ann Street parsonage located at 206 the Parsonage Planning and Location Safrit, Leslie Moore, Eugene Brooks, Saunders. Il, pictured here in front Helping his neighbors was a favorite pastime for C.Z. Chappe! erlhibineene in 109 Marsh Street in 1977. Because of his years of ere to Ann Street, he was made an Honorary Life Member of the Administrative Board. = SSS SSS In 1974 the United Methodist Women sponsored a Calendar Party under the direction of Virginia Hults. Each circle decorated a table depicting a different holiday. St. Patrick's Day. Ann Neal Brown, standing. Robert Nicks, Sylvia Springle, Nell Thomas can be seen. Freda Barbour, Minnie Bessent, Elizabetn Murphy, Dora Hall, and Neil Windley join the party. The Bride's Table was prepared by Hazel Harker, Ethel Bolles (standing), Elva Safrit, July 4 table shows Vonnie Smith, Stanley Chiyo Rice and Louise Spivey. Potter, Marion Potter, Elizabeth Chadwick and Neva Bell, The Rev. B. R. Samuels of Hybadad, India, visited Ann Street in 1975 for revival ser- vices. Seen | to r, front row, Lou Nicks, Bellzora Chadwick, Joyce Griggs; back row, Ivey Chadwick, Mr. Samuels, and Mr. Nicks. William Hardy Ashley Garrett Gabriela Diaz John Adkins Lindsey Forsythe Debra Russell Dana Deaton Michael Ricks ANN STREET METHODIST 1972 - 1973 . Daniel Diaz Ward Tobin iain rel mata Sue Buchanan, Instructor as sae fect a aM Michael Lilly Julie Lawrence asi wy; penal Barbara Hawkins Tom Owens aap Kerry Willis Heidi Hewitt =“ blac Shelley Buchanan Ivey Lynn Gates poe habia Christina Gooding Steven Hamilton And then. KINDERGARTE BUCHANAN 1973 -1974 ard Aldriage Jesse Thomas Garner Il Geneva Roberts Sabiston) Chantel sineeest aay ci Ward Tobin Melissa Hill Christopher Graham pigs James Range, Jr. Holly Beamon Tommie Lee Culpepper proce urace iy LAN Scott Hobgood Dawn Elizabeth DeVane Kevin Golden shehsir Rare olractoe William Louis Willis Ashley Garrett Gloria Gaye Willis Derothy Honker, Asst. Instructor James Curtis Dudley, Jr. Michelle Stone Julie Lawrence Deer aey tick ee Miniter William Hardy Debra Russell Valerie Willis fev. . On May 25, 1975, Robert and Lou Nicks, suspecting that the upcoming N.C. Conference was planning to move them, decided to take a last bike ride on Front Street to enjoy God's beautiful handiwork. Instead, because of a bike accident, they went to Carteret General Hospital to get ese pictures were taken in June just before Robert's broken collarbone and concusion fixed. Th leaving Ann Street... “Miss Tennie” (Mrs. Burton Daniels) looks as if she will plant a kiss on the preacher. Carl Ed- wards is in the background. Myrtle Duncan Sutton who lived next door to many parsonage families enjoys Clarence Guthrie's joke with Lou Nicks. Kathleen Sadler is in the background serving where she’s usually found. Leonard Safrit died that year. Virginia seems to Singing was the order of the evening. Here Will be thanking her minister again for caring. (Fox) Downum cranks up the pianist, Jan Smith, and singers, Helen Chappel, Noma Davis, and Kathleen Sadler. = ————— ee Our 200th Year Regardless of our past, today is the only time we really have. This 200th Anniversary Year through the leadership of our present pastor, The Reverend Douglas L. Byrd, has truly been a memorable one. “Celebrations” by Douglas L. Byrd Few persons have ever had the privilege of being a part ofa church as she moved from the close of a second century into the opening of a third. What a privilege it has been to be the minister of such a church! From the first Sunday of my pastorate in ‘ Beaufort, June 8, 1975, to the closing months of this 200th an- niversary it has been one of the richest experiences of my life and ministry. Nowhere we have lived and served have we felt more at Sai than in this marvelous town of Beaufort. From the day we move into the lovely parsonage my wife Carolyn, our daughter ae our son Gary, and I have felt the warmth and friendship of the | people of Beaufort. ; moagnntes seek after my ministry in Beaufort began, the rich heritage of this church began to unfold. Heritage Sunday was an experience many had known before in Beaufort, but to the ibe parsonage family it was a new and exciting experience. e Reverend James H. Miller, Jr., a former minister of Ann Street Church, was guest minister; and it was truly a day of celebration. Never a week passed that more of the greatness of this churc did not become evident. Each week brought a new challenge and new opportunities for mission and ministry by minister and hayes sons alike. A good example of this can be seen in the outstanding service rendered by the Kindergarten-Day Care Center. fhe program, under the leadership of such a dedicated staff o workers, is still one of the most important ministries the church renders in our community. Another example is the renewed com- mitment of the “Church Family at home” to the “Church Family away at college.” In the fall of 1975a concerted effort was initiated to keep in close contact with the youth away at college. If their notes of thanks have been a measure of whether this ministry has been appreciated, it certainly deserves a passing grade. 7 As the ministry grew and expanded so did the need for financial support. This increased support came as the needs were made 55 SSS SSS known and the opportunities were opened to the membership. The fall 1975 stewardship program “Let Love Guide You” literally became just that kind of experience, and through the faith- ful stewardship of God’s people called Methodists, new channels of mission and ministry began to open both in and beyond the local community. A continuing effort to be faithful to our Lord’s call to “make disciples of ALL people” began to result in increased support to the world-wide mission concerns of the Church as well as continuing support for local ministries such as the ministry of love by United Methodist Women through the Station Club (a program for emotionally handicapped persons in our county). Ann Street women have become “adopted sisters” to those who Participate in the Station Club.The women are also faithful to their program of expressing to bereaved families of our church their sympathy in a tangible way as they provide meals and offer their services in ways that are helpful. Remembering how Jesus shared food with the hungry multitude on the hillside, the Church Family rose to another challenge in the spring of 1976 — “Meals on Wheels”. This daily service of carring has literally been a “lifeline” for many persons who otherwise would find it difficult or impossible to have a well- rounded meal at least once each day. “A Holy Season of Love” was not only the theme for the observance of Lent 1976, but it could well describe what was actually happening because of the growing love of God’s people called Methodists for each other and for other persons whose lives they touched. Heritage celebration seemed to be ignited as United Methodists of the North Carolina Conference and the Western North Carolina Conference joined together in a Bi-Centennial Celebration at Duke University on April 3, 1976. Ann Street was one of the honored churches, being one of the oldest Methodist churches in the state.Nine persons represented our church in this celebration — Mrs. Neil Windley, Mrs. John Moore, Sr., Miss Virginia Sue Moore, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Jarman, Mrs. Albert Mc- Neil, Mrs. Charles Farlow, and Reverend and Mrs. Douglas Byrd. They proudly carried the banner of our church which had been beautifully designed and made by the Young Women’s Circle. Could one find a more significant celebration for Christians than that of Easter? Easter 1976 brought joy to our church in the beautiful cantata presented by the Chancel Choir — “No Greater Love.” The celebration theme continued to mount as we joined in our “Celebrations of Methodism” in May — celebrating Methodisin’s birth in England, her spread to America, as well as her birth, growth, and future in Beaufort. A spring observance of Laity Sunday with a message by Mr. Ernest Smith of New Bern (a former lay leader of the New Bern District), quarterly celebrations of the Sacrament of Holy Communion, along with the weekly cor- 56 porate worship services by the Church Family helped to here alive and growing the spirit of celebration through worship. “és each occasion of worship the sanctuary has glowed with i 4 beauty of lovely flowers, the sounds of inspiring music, a faith ul proclamation of the Word, and a loyal congregation of apr On special occasions such as Easter and Christmas the labors ° love which added special decorations were always appreciated. . The year 1976 was a significant year in our nation as we share in her 200th birthday. Ann Street Church, only two years younger, welcomed another opportunity to rejoice as Heritage Sunday 1976 came. There was such a response to the eee Sunday Worship Experience that requests from the Sy y called for a repeat of the musical-narration program during ; following week. This program brought together the rich heritage o: ation and our church. Paik Sep nnrgeemente to the physical facilities began to be quite wae A most appreciative congregation welcomed the pews et = Eure Building parking lot by donors who chose not to be ‘ ma tified. The long-dreamed-of project of painting the epee ° ae sanctuary building was completed in the summer of il) H ter need for extensive repairs to the steeple was include i project. The “Beacon to God” which has stood atop the A; nied : for these many years was given new life through united e s ‘ the Church Family. The landscaping of the front of the sanc ee building by one of our members who chose to remain aS was a project well-received by a grateful Sone ate one oe a much to the beauty of our church. Two years later t e Wesley Circle accomplished a similiar project at the Eure ae aie As exterior repairs and improvements were taking Pp ae ot Y side was taking on a new face also. The Wesleyan Circ’ e adop 5 the hall in the rear of the sanctuary building as their next prise, and before long new paint, carpet, and lighting gave this ie fe) the building new life. The United Methodist Women ng eda new public address system for the sanctuary replacing the sae devices for those having difficulty with hearing. A new Bulle i Board was placed in front of the sanctuary building in memory 5 Frank Roland Bell by Mrs. Neva Bell, their children, and grand- ey as important as building, is the care of what has been built. A “new day” in the care of our church facilities ae if August 1976 as one of our own, A. B. Hooper, assumed t . s fa responsibilities for care of the building and grounds. He rep are Gib Divens who had served faithfully for several years. Mem e continue to marvel at the beautiful care our church receives at : e hands of A.B. How fortunate we have been in having suc : dedicated staff during the years! Mrs. John Moore, Sr., our cae Secretary-Treasurer, has shown outstanding dedication to her 57 SSS SSS SSS work in the church and continues to be an inspiration to all who know her and especially to those who are privileged to work with her. We are reminded often through the beautiful music how for- tunate we are to have such a gifted and dedicated Director of Music — Organist as Mrs. Jan Smith! Mrs. Jack Ward, who joined the Church Staff several years ago as Education Coordinator has for the past two and one-half years been full-time Director of the Kindergarten-Day Care Center — and what a blessing she has been to our church ! We are grateful for the service Miss Jackie Hovis rendered as Director of Christian Education prior to her resignation recently. Artists are always looking for something of beauty as the subject _of their paintings. With the beautification efforts, Ann Street Church became a worthy subject for the brush and watercolors of artist Stephen Sebastian who was commissioned by Integon Cor- poration to paint our church for duplication on their Christmas cards to be sent all over the world Christmas 1976. In addition to this distinguished honor, each family received from this cor- poration an 11” x 14” copy of this painting suitable for framing. Singing, rejoicing, caring, sharing — Christmas has always been an important and meaningful experience. Old Traditions that con- tinue to give rich significance to Christmas have been joined by new experiences of remembering others, a revival of Christmas caroling in the community, and a Christmas Eve Worship Service. A greater effort was also made to have a planned ministry to per- sons with special needs at this season of the year. The story of Ann Street Church could not be written without lifting out some of the major victories of the women of the church. While adopting the restoration of the sanctuary pews seemed like a modern-day “Goliath”, no task has been -too large for the women to tackle. The spring of 1977 was the official starting point for this effort which upon completion made it possible to preserve as well as beautify the nearly 100-year-old curved pews in our lovely sanctuary. Seldom has there been more evidence of cooperation than evident in this endeavor. Many families and in- dividuals shared their generous gifts to make this project possible. A Memorials and Gifts Book was placed in the Heritage Room to recognize those who shared in the restoration of the pews. No group in the church has shown greater loyalty and com- mitment to missions than the women. In addition to their regular annual support for missions they have shared in many other mission projects both local and world-wide. They have recognized several persons through the years with Honorary Life Mem- berships. During the period from June 1975 until late fall 1978 the following persons received this great honor as a gift was made to missions in the name of the honorees: Mrs. Emma Guthrie, Mrs. Gwen Morning, Mrs. Dora Dean Ballou, Claude Morning, Jr., 58 eS iyo Rice, Mrs. Elizabeth Lewis, Mrs. and Mrs. Roy Willis, vo oe Quidley, Reverend R. L. Nicks, and Reverend Dousiae Byrd. I know that each of these persons cherish this honor a oO. 5 oe ae members of our Church Family have recive’ signal honors — certainly too many to mention; but two 0: nee could not be omitted. On October 1, 1975, the Chase a an ference elected Mrs. Alma Potter and Mr. CyZ: Chappel , in ° the position of Honorary Life Members of the any ive Board. What a joy it was to visit them the next day an 12 s ee with these two Christian saints the honor bestowed upon them by i ch Family. ‘ Nath eer In Song” brought to the hearts and lives of our Church Family some of the real joys as well as ig aupeseni? responsibilities of being followers of Jesus Christ. i i ane ‘i wright, from Chatam, New Jersey, sang his way into the ane the people of Beaufort as he used his gifted voice to proc siren Gospel in song”. For many of us this was truly a “singing i i 977. se i Ait 6 oor over nine months before the beginning ao 200th year, the Administrative Board elected a caine and Planning Committee to begin plans for what promised to 2 nae perience that would obysusibe remapetee aka a on sao share in it. Members named to that com v weg non airperson), Mrs. James I. Piner (Vice Chairperson), eee = Charles Griggs, James Potter, Il, iiss mag Mrs. Neil Windley, and the minister Douglas Byrd. fe) 08 as this committee been elected than it began a aratesie pais! planning, working, and preparing that would lead Ann i Church through a great year of celebrating. But, there uss ane) a celebration that was to come before the 200th year beg i 77. Pre a John Cline returned to Beaufort, where he so been held in such high esteem, to share the Heritage Day masa on June 26, 1977. Over ae palate epuicipated indhs! eet hip Service, and nearly were pr 1 neni? Picnic. The 1977 Heritage Day Committee hair posed of Mrs. Neil Windley (Chairperson), A. B. bigantes a ine Wheatley, Mrs. Charles Chappell, Mrs. Charles Griggs, an y see of the most enjoyable features of the 1977 celebration ae the Heritage Room. This room was a project of the al : cle — taking what had for several years been two prea i areas and turning them into a beautiful museum w a - heritage of Ann Street Church could be carefully preserve i gratefully enjoyed. Again, the women of the church rose to nape challenge and did not cease their efforts until their goa 59 reached. United Methodist Women and the circles which com- pose this organization have been a major part of preparing for celebration as well as the reason for celebrating in Ann Street Church. Summertime in Beaufort is a memorable experience. The children have enjoyed Vacation Church School and other ac- tivities that have given them fullfillment and meaning. Our youth have discovered new opportunities for Christian growth as they have enjoyed activities under the leadership of our summer Youth Directors. Dennis Goodwin, a native of Morehead City, was direc- tor in 1974 and 1975. Donald Stewart, a student at East Carolina University, was the director for the summer of 1976. In June 1977 Miss Jackie Hovis joined our full-time Church Staff as Director of Christian Education and began a ministry with children, youth, and adults. A highlight of the summer of 1977 for the Methodists of Beaufort was the return of the Reverend and Mrs. Robert L. Nicks to make their home here in retirement. Many years earlier the minister who had received me into my home church in Wilmington, N.C., by profession of faith, the Reverend Edgar W. Downum and his wife, Mrs. Sadie Downum, also chose Beaufort for their retirement home. In more recent years the Reverend and Mrs. A. D. L. Gray chose to retire in Beaufort. It is not by chance that these families who faithfully served the Church for many years chose Beaufort as their home following their retirement. In July 1977 a new ministry began — “Moments of Meditation” — a 24-hour telephone devotional ministry. One month later the lovely handbells arrived and a new phase of our music ministry was initiated. The handbells were made possible by donations from numerous people, but the basic gift was given by Mr. and Mrs. Dalton Humphrey in memory of their parents, Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Humphrey and Mr. and Mrs. Clem Willis. The music ministry at Ann Street has been such an important part of the total program. There are choirs for all ages — Choristers (young children), Agape Singers (youth), and the Chancel Choir (adults). There are also two handbell choirs and other occasional informal music groups such as a Senior High Ensemble and Men’s Singing- Fellowship. Numerous special programs by these choirs have helped the church realize the importance of music in worship, celebration, and life. From the steeple of the church, music is shared daily by the new chimes which were given by the Ralph Leister family and friends in memory of Mildred M. Leister. The chimes have become a familiar and loved sound in Beaufort. With each passing year the laity have seized upon more op- portunities for witness and service. Laity Sunday, an annual ob- servance,is always meaningful; but the week by week faithfulness 60 of the laity explains in large part the success of the church. With a foundation none less than Jesus Christ and with building material composed of faithful disciples such as those in Ann Street Church, the church must succeed. Such was the case in the fall of 1977 as the “Big Step Forward” was taken. This stewardship theme ac- curately described what the church was doing as we moved from 1977 into 1978. 1978 — “The Year of Celebration”. One goal prevailed throughout the year and that was to make this experience one that would draw us closer to our Lord and closer together as a Church Family as we celebrated this great milestone of Methodism in Beaufort — 200 years. The 200th year began with a Communion Service on January first. “Do you really have to show a Sacrament Ticket to get in church this Sunday?” someone asked as a replica of a Sacrament Ticket was sent to each member. This worship experience cen- tered around the significance of The Last Supper but also highlighted the custom of years past when the Sacrament Ticket was necessary for admission to the meeting of the Society at which time the sacrament was celebrated. January 8 was Covenant Sunday, and again as on the previous Sunday the heritage attire was the fashion of the day for wor- shipers. This custom was followed throughout the year and added a great deal of meaning as well as color to the many celebrations. The Marriage Covenant Renewal Service on February 12 was an experience that many will long cherish. Nearly 400 persons par- ticipated in this worship service as 60 couples who were maried in Ann Street Church or by the ministers of this church came to renew, with other couples who were present, their marriage vows. Needless to say, a great deal of planning and preparation went into the year of celebration. United Methodist Women continued their efforts to beautify the church building as their Pew Project was completed and the interior of the sanctuary was repainted. The next step was the renovation of the upstairs hall, the handbell choir room, and the chancel choir room. The Wesleyan Circle completed the Heirtage Room by the installation of a lovely display cabinet in which to place items of historic value to the church. Afterwards they officially turned over their completed project to the church. But, the men would not be left behind. The J. F. Duncan Class proceeded to have the floors of the sanctuary refinished while the pews were removed and being restored. United Methodist Men also completed other projects during this time such as a new sidewalk at the Eure Building, purchase of some needed office equipment, and the addition of several tables and other needed items in the church. Lent and Easter were highlights of the celebration year. Maundy Thursday was the occasion for'a very meaningful and unusual 61 celebration of Holy Communion as the congregation gathered around tables in the form of a cross. This was possible since the pews were removed at this time for the restoration project. The Easter Sunrise Service on the beautiful Beaufort waterfront was attended by over 200 persons, many of whom also enjoyed a delicious Breakfast served by United Methodist Men in the Eure Building. The Easter Morning Worship Service helped to conclude a very meaningful Lent and Easter celebration. The time for the climax of the 1978 celebration had come. Preparations had been made for a week that would implant itself in the minds and hearts of many people whose lives have been and are being touched by Ann Street Church. Never has the church looked more beautiful than when she was opened on June 23-24 for the annual Beaufort Old Homes Tour. Gracious hostesses conducted tours with justifiable pride. On the evening of June 23 the curtain opened on “The Best of All’, a drama of Methodism in Beaufort written by Mrs. Ruth Bar- bour, a noted writer of the area. A capacity crowd in the auditorium of Beaufort Elementary School was drawn into the story of how Methodism was born in the Port of Beaufort and how it grew to its present position. The drama was under the direction of Miss Jackie Hovis, our Director of Christian Education. The en- tire cast as well as the stage crews with the exception of three or four persons came from the membership of our church; and while we were all amateurs in the drama field, a remarkable job was done in the presentation of this exciting drama. The stage was set for June 25, 1978, our 200th Anniversary! In order to allow adequate time, the hour of the service was moved back to 10:00 a.m. as another “drama” began to unfold — not a stage drama — as on June 23 — but this time a drama of actually who we have been and who we are — what we have done and what God expects us to do — what has happened and what is happening. The Agape Ringers, the Agape Singers, the Choristers, and the Chancel Choir joined in lifting a mighty sound of praise to God as the sanctuary was overflowing with wor- shipers. The warmth of God’s presence was real and joyful as God’s messenger for the hour began his “visit to Beaufort” as “Bishop Francis Asbury.” Dr. Robert L. Curry, minister of the historic St. George’s United Methodist Church, Philadelphia, dressed as Bishop Asbury would have those nearly 200 years ago, made the first Methodist bishop in America come alive and “revisit” Beaufort as he had earlier visited on two occasions in the late 18th and early 19th century. If those who were present have allowed the remembrance of this worship experience to fade, perhaps you will need only recall that immediately following Dr. Curry’s moving message the congregation broke into an extended round of applause. : 62 Following the worship celebration between 600 and 700 per- sons flooded the lawn of the Eure Building for the traditional Heritage Day Picnic, a fellowship gathering that will long be remembered. : The spirit of celebration did not die as the month of June ended. Neither did the spirit of enthusiasm and dedication that had become so real and visible during the preceeding months. The evening of September 17 was the occasion for“A Heritage Celebration with Music and Poetry.” Mrs. Carol Bessent Hayman, a native of Beaufort, an affiliate member of Ann Street Church, and a gifted poet, shared several beautiful poems which lifted up the theme of our rich heritage in the town of Beaufort. Mr. Gregory Bell, a former Director of Music at Ann Street, presented a concert of sacred organ music; and he was joined by his lovely wife, Mrs. Beth Marshburn Bell, who sang a number of beautiful solos. She was accompanied by Miss Susan Dermid of Wilmington, where the Bells are now involved in a music ministry. Another musical program was enjoyed on October 22 in the late afternoon as the Carteret Chorale, a musical group of youth and adults from our own county, presented a most enjoyable con- cert in the sanctuary. At the request of Mr. Laurence Stith, direc- tor, this concert was dedicated to the memory of Mrs. Virginia Staton Potter to whom death came only a few days earlier on Oc- tober 9. On the eve of Thanksgiving the congregations of Ann Street, Straits, and North River United Methodist Churches united in a Service of Thanksgiving in the sanctuary of our church. This celebration was especially significant since these churches share much of the same heritage back through the past 200 years. Ann Street Church was pleased to host the 1978 New Bern District Conference on December 10 as we shared with the Methodist leaders of our district some of the highlights from the historical drama “The Best of All.” Advent and Christmas promise to be experiences that will help us seal a year of memorable celebrations. Outstanding musical programs, beautiful decorations, meaningful worship experiences, acts of love and sharing — all these are the ingredients that will help make the season of celebrating our Saviour’s birth a fitting conclusion for a year that will go down in the history of this church as “The Year of Celebration”. What a joy and privilege it has been to be the minister of this great church at such a significant point in her history! The Reverend Douglas L. Byrd and his family 8 St ERSTE RESET TTT This banner was made by the Young Women's Circle and was carried by Ann Street delegates to the Bi-Centennial Celebration at Duke University on April 3, 1976. The steeple of Ann Street Church was used as a guide for the ships to come across the Beaufort Bar in the early sailing days. Dot Piner designed the banner and played the major role in preparing it. Alice Windley assisted. er OT TROT TOT QUARTERLY SACRAMENT TICKET Ann Street United Methodist Church 1778 - 1978 Minister “As often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come." I Cor. 11:26 Sacrament ticket issued to all who wanted to participate in Holy Communion during our 200th anniversary year. Headstone located in the Old Burying Grounc next to the church. There are six former pastors buried here. It seemed the right place for their final resting place since many of them hac Eagle Scout and Scout Master John Moore, Jr., presents a plaque of appreciation to Charles Jarman for Ann Street's years of sponsoring Troop 201. Another Ann St. member who deserves mentioning for his interest in Scouts is David Jones, holder of the Silver Beaver Award. Covenant Sunday January 8, 1978 the men and women sat on op- posite sides of the sanctuary as done 200 years earlier. Marriage Covenant Renewal Ser- vice February 12, 1978 All couples who had been married in the church (and others who wan- ted to join in) renewed their wed- ding vows. Easter Sunrise Service on the Beaufort Waterfront with the — Reverend Douglas Byrd leading. March 26, 1978. RT TNT PRS EI TIT eee i : : Virginia Hassell, who was organist and choir director for many years, is shown here with her husband, Charles, and Miss Lena Duncan. f Sonik Also are Mrs. Neva Bell, Miss Lessie Arrington, and Mrs. Mabel Jones, three who are always present at church services when health permits. Another person who has returned home to live after having been away for years is Mrs. Alma Howard. Here she smiles at her mother and honorary life member of the Administrative Board, Mrs. Alma Potter. Mrs. Woodard smiles at her husband, Dr. W. L. Woodard, former church school teacher and a Paul Harris Fellow of Rotary International. es A Historical Drama Celebrating The 200th Anniversary of Ann Street United Methodist Church Beaufort, N. C. 8 P.M. June 23, 1978 Beaufort Elementary School ... Ruth Barbour Jackie Hovis ...Jan Smith Written By.. Directed By . Musical Direction By ... Cast of Characters Walter Phillips Joyce Griggs junny Ingram Michael Taylor Hollister Dunwic! Scene 1 — 1778 Church House Isaiah Chadwick James Hancock Ephraim Gaskill Preacher John King Girl..... Hugh Lee Fulcher Jack Williams, Jr. ohn Michael Farlow Keith Willis Scene 2 — 1780 Woods near Beaufort Phillip Bruce .. Gary Byrd Scene 3 — 1806 Methodist Church Jack Humphrey rad Griggs Betty Weeks James Glenn Caleb N. Bell Suzannah Bell Scene 4 — 1836 Manney House ...Gary Byrd ichael Farlow Dr. James Manney Anson Chadwick . Elijah Whitehurst Jack Carter Rev. J. M. Boatwright Keith Willis Scene 5 — 1863 Burnsides’ Headquarters John Rumley .... . Jack Williams, Jr. Maj. W. B. Conley Bob Fell Scene 6 — 1879 Ann Street Church Rev. W. P. McCorkle ... Mrs. McCorkle Mrs. Murray Sam ‘ Will ‘ulford Sarah Fulford... Zilphie Fulford Gov. Thomas Jarvis Mrs. Jarvis ....... Will Downum Elizabeth Lewis ..Margaret Taylor . Brad Taylor Glenn Taylor .. Linda Garrett . Julie Stewart ... Jarvis Herring . Edna Lewis THERE WILL BE A FIFTEEN MINUTE INTERMISSION Scene 7 — 1886 Ann Street Cemetery Jack Carter Jack Humphrey Rev. N. M. Jurney Louis Potter..... Scene 8 — 1898 Dunwick Parlor .. Doris Farlow Tami Hults ...Bob Fell Caroline Dunwick Lollie Dunwick . Rev. D. H. Tuttle. Scene 9 — 1940 Ann Street Parsonage ... Royal Windley ... Luanne Davis Rey. Stanley Potter Mrs. Stanley Potter . Mrs. Ed Potter .... . Theresa Jones Mrs. W. S. Chadwick Julie Stewart Mrs. F. R. Bell ...... .. Edna Lewis Scene 10 — 1978 Eure Building Rev. Douglas Byrd ...... Rev. Douglas Byrd Extras Ashley Garrett Roland Hawkins Vivian Huntley Kathleen Iverson George Lewis Esther Merrill George Merrill Gwen Morning Colleen Piner Tom Piner Blanche Williams PRODUCTION STAFF Stage Manager .. -Dot Piner Set Crew .... Richard Harker, Julie Stewart, John Daniels, Keith Willis, Kevin Willis, Glenn Taylor, David MeNeill, John Farlow, Tim Farlow 68 ... Alice Windley .Jimmy Piner, Brad Griggs, Susan Willis .. Jack Williams, Jr., Nelson Paul, Bob Fell, Jack Carter, Tim Farlow Props ..... ...Thelma Ward, Vonne Smith Make-up ... . Julie Stewart Stage Crew 00.0 .. Kevin Willis, Libby Chappell, John Farlow, Luanne Davis Publicity .. Joyce Griggs, Julie Stewart, Williams, Jr., Royal Windley Bor Office. .... Doris Farlow, Dorothy Harker, Janet Praygodzinski Ushers ....... Curtis Struyk, Carlton Lewis, Greg Piner, Beth Cantrell, Dottie Harker, Kay Williams, Lawson Bridges, Crystal Graham, Joni McKay, Angela Rogers Scene Hairstyles by “Sally's” and “The Duchess” Poster and Program Cover by Connie Mason Special Thanks To: Beaufort Elementary School Carteret Community theatre Carteret News-Times Daniels Men’s Wear Dee-Gees Josiah Bell House Huntley’s, Inc. Sally Herring The Christian Book Nook Mr. Curtis Lancaster Mrs. Virginia Hults Stamper’s Jewelers Willis Gulf Service WBMA WMBL “THE BEST OF ALL’ is produced in conjunction with the 200th Anniversary of ANN STREET UNITED METHODIST CHURCH under the guidance of the 200th Anniversary Committee: Glen L. Harris, Chairperson Dot Piner Jim Wheatley Joyce Griggs James Potter George Garrett Alice Windley - = SSS Ss — ——— = SG Jack Humphrey conducts the funeral for CHRISSIE WRIGHT victims. Mourners are, | to r: Colleen Piner, E.W. Downum (not showing), Kathleen Iversen,, Gwen Morning, George Merrill, Theresa Jones, Tom Piner, Jack Carter, Pat Humphrey, George Lewis and Blanche Williams. Jackie Hovis directs, | to r, Glenn Taylor, Bob Fell and Gary Byrd. Brad Griggs playing the part of Caleb Bell tells his minister, Jack Humphrey, that he, too, during the hurricane of 1879. wants to become a minister. Glenn Taylor comforts Julie Stewart when the Atlantic Hotel was destroyed Keith Willis brings the sermon to, | to r, Jack Williams, Jr., E.W. Dawncn Saundra Perry, Tom Piner, Kathleen Iversen, Gwen Morning, Roland Hawkins, Hugh Lee Fulcher, George Lewis, and John Michael Farlow. RT TREE EET PETTITT AT ATT A EET ae = aan enna 2a apenas = EPI EP TL ETI LNT LI TL TS EE ELC TIT 2 200th Anniversary June 25, 1978 1778-1978 Ann Street United Methodist Church Ann and Craven Streets Beaufort, North Carolina DouGLas L. BYRD, Minister Our 200th Anniversary “AN EXPERIENCE OF CELEBRATION AND WORSHIP” June 25, 1978 Eleven O'clock “I love Thy Kingdom, Lord, the house of Thine abode, The Church our blest Redeemer saved with His own precious blood.” (The Book of Hymns) THE ORGAN PRELUDE—“Toccata in G” ... .-«. Eliot THE LIGHTING OF THE ALTAR CANDLES Laurel Simpson, Acolyte THE INVOCATION *HYMN OF PRAISE 17—“How Great Thou Art” WORDS OF WELCOME CONCERNS OF THE CONGREGATION CONGREGATIONAL HYMN SINGING—Some of Our Favorites HYMN 228—“The Old Rugged Cross” *HYMN 28—“O God, Our Help In Ages Past” *HYMN 221—“Standing on the Promises” *THE AFFIRMATION OF OUR FAITH—“The Apostles’ Creed” I believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; the third day he rose from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen. SPECIAL MUSIC BY THE AGAPE RINGERS (Youth Handbell Choir “Pastoral” Hunnicutt Flutist: Vonne Smith “Praise to the Lord, the Almighty” THE MORNING PRAYERS Silent Prayers ‘The Corporate Prayer The Choral Response SPECIAL MUSIC BY THE CHORISTERS (Children’s Choir) “You and I” . Hymn Tune ‘Sleeth PRESENTATIONS BY UNITED METHODIST WOMEN ...... Mrs. Gwen Morning, President SPECIAL MUSIC BY THE AGAPE SINGERS (Youth Voice Choir) “Walk Softly in Summer” .. Butler “Rejoice, Man” ... . McCain THE GIVING OF OUR TITHES AND OFFERINGS TO GOD ‘The Offertory—“His Eye Is On The Sparrow” Gabriel Pianist: Mrs. Gwen Morning Organist: Mrs. Jan Smith *Dedication of Our Gifts “The Doxology” (No. 809) The Prayer of Dedication AN ANTHEM BY THE CHANCEL CHOIR “Sanctys” enn it abt otra Solgist: Mrs. Sylvia Springle THE LESSON FROM THE HOLY SCRIPTURES . THE HERITAGE DAY MESSAGE—“On The Wings of a New Age” (A Narration on Bishop Francis Asbury of early American Methodism) Dr. Robert L:Curry *HYMN OF CELEBRATION 294—“I Love Thy Kingdom, Lord” *THE BLESSING OF OUR HERITAGE PICNIC *THE BENEDICTION *AN ANTHEM BY THE CHANCEL CHOIR “With a Voice of Singing” ~a ro *THE CHIMING OF THE HOLY TRINITY “In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit” *THE POSTLUDE—“A Tune for Trumpet” 0.0000 (*) Denotes congregation standing THE HERITAGE PICNIC 12:00 Noon On the Lawn of the N. F. Bure Education Building THE ALTAR FLOWERS ‘The Altar Flowers today are dedicated to the glory of God and given in memory and in honor of the members of Ann Street United Methodist Church during her two hundred years of service in Beaufort. Dr. ROBERT L. CURRY Dr. Robert L. Curry is minister of the historic St. George's United Methodist Church in Philadelphia, the oldest Methodist Church in continuous service in the world. He is providing leadership with distinction in this great church in the “City of Brotherly Love.” His unique talents, his great love for the Church and for our rich Methodist heritage, and his commitment as a faithful minister of Jesus Christ provide his best credentials as he comes to share with us in our 200th Anniversary Celebration today. OLD BURYING GROUND SPECIAL OFFERING You are reminded by the special offering envelope inserted in your bulletin today of the opportunity to share in the restoration and care of the Old Burying Ground adjacent to our church. This cemetery is a part of our church's heritage. ‘and you are urged to share in its preservation. Please use the special envelope for the Old Burying Ground Offering. 200th ANNIVERSARY PLANNING COMMITTEE Since March 1977 our 200th Anniversary Planning Committee has worked diligently to insure that this year of celebration, and especially this day, is an experience to be remembered by all of us. We are greatly indebted to this committee. Glenn Harris, Chairperson Jim Wheatley Mrs. Dorothy Piner, Vice Chairperson James Potter Mrs. Alice Windley, Secretary George Garrett Mrs. Joyce Griggs Douglas Byrd In addition to this committee there are many, many others too numerous tolist who have helped make this a great experience for Ann Street Church. To each of these un-named, we offer our heartfelt thanks. CHURCH HISTORY TO BE PUBLISHED Before the close of 1978, our year of celebration, a revised and up-dated history of Methodism in Beaufort will be published. It will include pictures and accounts of our 200th Anniversary Celebrations. HERITAGE DAY — 1978 200th Anniversary Dr. Robert L. Curry and the Reverend Douglas L. Byrd sing lustily preceeding Dr. Curry's monlogue of Bishop Francis Asbury. ttc) Ex> (ie) kxD> da Usherette Margie Windley passes the of- fering plate. The congregation June 25, 1978 The Chancel Choir sings praises to God for 200 years. Members of the choir are: Alice Adair, Helen Chappell, E. W. Dewnum, Joyce Griggs, Roland Hawkins, Sally Herring, Virginia Hults, Jack Hum- phrey, Pat Humphrey, Patsy Hum- phrey, Jackie Hovis, Kathleen Iverson, Nita Jarman, Theresa Jones, George Lewis, Esther Merrill, George Merrill, Gwen Morning, Saundra Perry, Colleen Piner, Tommy Piner, Sylvia Springle, Glenn Taylor, Blanche Williams, Fanny Willis, and Alice Windley. George Lewis, Dot Piner, Jackie Hovis, George Merrill, Dr. Curry, Mr. Byrd, Carolyn Byrd, Florence Phillips and Roland Hawkins gather for a chit-chat before the big Heritage Day service. A typical picture of Gwel Morning, President of the UMW: who was instrumental in raising the needed money to have thé pews refinished. IPD THE PICNIC — 1978 Following the 200th Anniversary Jethro Quidley and James Willis help Aline Harris with food and tables. Virginia Moore, = car John Moore, Glen Harris, and Vance Fulford arrange tables. church secretary, stops to speak to Ann Street minister, Douglas By rd, at the picnic, Heritage Day. Hugh and Jef- frey Salter and Mildred Sewell look on. LEI Aa? AnZ'2 Reflections From Those Sent Out Nothing tells more about a church than the quality of lives that leave her bounds to reach out to others. Ann Street has had a part in the development of Christian lives for 200 years. We are privileged to hear from a few who have gone out into full-time Christian service. Hugh F. Jones is living on the campus of Oklahoma State University and sharing his faith with other young people.:Hugh tells us what part Ann Street Church played in his life. Hugh is the great, great, great grandson of the Reverend John Jones who was one of the two local preachers who held Ann Street together during the Civil War. (See p. 53, Miss Amy Muse’s Story.) Julie Ballou Logan is now living in Raleigh with her husband, Robert, and precious little Leslie. Julie is the daughter of Holden and Dora Dean Jefferson Ballou. Julie’s “easy” summer job at Ann Street Church led to a deeper life than she had ever imagined. 3 The writer of “Christi Diener nach Wien, Osterreich,” or in- terpreted “Servants of Christ to Vienna, Austria,” Bill and Lou Ann Temple, along with Holly and Nathan, at present live in Loveland, Colorado, but by the time this book is published, may be already in Austria. Bill says, “Four years at Dallas Theological Seminary instilled in us a strong desire to serve where the need is great but the workers are few. The needs of Eastern Europe and the providential workings of the Lord in our lives have led us to this point.” The Temples are going to Austria as full-time field staff with the International division of Campus Crusade for Christ. The only person at present who grew up in Ann Street Church and now serving in the pastorate of the North Carolina Annual Conference is the Reverend Charles C. Smith. At present he is serving Perkins United Methodist Church in Shawboro. Charles is the son of Lance and Allie Smith. Jill, his wife, is the daughter of Mahlon and Blanche Williams. They have two children, Chuck and Kathy Jo. Another person who gave freely of her time in helping with the young people, singing in the choir, and who in 1976 married a minister is Brenda Edwards Goodnight, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Carl Edwards. Brenda and Talmadge (better known as “T”) are living in Hookerton, Norht Carolina, with their son, Matthew Robert (named for the Reverend Robert Nicks who introduced them), where “T” is serving First Christian Church. Mr. and Mrs. Edwards are both "preacher’s kids” so having a daughter married to a minister is quite natural for them. 78 From God And Country To Campus Crusade By Hugh F. Jones My junior year in high school was exciting for me in many ways. I had just finished my work on the God and Country program with the Reverend Robert L. Nicks. One of the assignments he had me do was read through the New Testament. This had brought many questions to mind; foremost — how does one become a Chris- tian? Up until this point I thought it was by going to church and living a good moral life. Obviously, it was much more than this. The New Testament characters exhibited a more abundant life style than what I was experiencing. Kathy Bowen Tolson was president of the United Methodist Youth Fellowship at the time. Observing her life and hearing her talk about God as if she knew Him convinced me that I was missing much. That spring (April 1972) our church had a lay wit- ness mission. This was the first time that | understood in a clear way that a person had to receive Christ or trust Him personally for his salvation. I was afraid that He wouldn’t be real, but the possibility of knowing God personally gave me the faith to make that decision. Mrs. Clarence (Lucille) Guthrie’s class provided some good in- formation as we were studying the Old Testment at the time. One of the biggest assets to my spiritual growth was a Bible study on the Gospel of John with Brack Tesh and Joe Moore. This was the beginning of my love relationship with Christ as we made per- sonal application from God’s word. | was learning more about my heart commitment. So many of the things I had learned earlier were now becoming a part of my life. Upon arriving at Carolina, I became involved with Campus Crusade for Christ. Here I received some real practical training in how to share my faith as well as how to develop my walk with the Lord. Christ became a bigger and bigger part of my life as I learned more about who He is and what He has done for me. During my junior year in college I began to think seriously about His calling me into full-time service. Phil. 3:8 game me such encouragement to pursue that route. I began to see that the real joy of life is in knowing Christ and helping others know Him. Upon realizing that the only two eternal things are men’s souls and the Word, | decided to invest my life in things of value. Being familiar with Campus Crusade for Christ and its objectives, I realized I could use this established platform to have the greatest impact for Christ. 79 No two persons have given more time to their church than Howard C. Jones, Sr., and Carrie Lee Skarren Jones (who died March 21, 1969). Howard is the great grandson of John Jones who helped hold Ann St. together during the Civil War. Hugh F. Jones, son of Howard and Mary Fond Jones; grandson of Howard, Sr., and Carrie Lee Jones; now serving Christ on Oklahoma State University campus “Train Up A Child...” by Julie Ballou Logan “Train up a child in the way he should go and, when he is old, he will not depart from it.” (Proverbs 22:6) This is one of the most comforting promises God’s Word gives to parents. As a child I was trained in God’s way. My parents took me to Sunday school and church regularly. We had family devotions at home. Yet a time came when I questioned and doubted my religious heritage. | strayed from God and sought to lead my own life. My church and parents had taught me about God, but only I had the power to give Him control of my life. Following my junior year in college I was hired to be the sum- mer youth director here at Ann Street Church. On the outside | was an average church-goer, but inside I was empty and seeking ways to fill this void in my life. Suddenly I found myself needing to lead others into something I had not experienced. But God is faithful! During my first day at work another member of Ann Street, Bill Temple, came by the office to tell me about his work with Campus Crusade for Christ. As he spoke | could see that God had changed his life. Bill talked of knowing Jesus in a per- sonal way — as a friend. After he left I “dared” God to come into my life and change me, too. That summer became very exciting for me as I began to read God’s Word and see Him fulfill His promises. I was priviledged to be used here at Ann Street as the MYF and I together studied the Bible. Having experienced the life-changing power of God’s Word, I became involved in a church Bible study group when I returned to college in the fall. Upon graduation the Lord opened the door for me to work as assistant youth director with that church. Although I investigated other possibilities, the Lord led me to this church which emphasized developing a personal relationship with Jesus through daily Bible study, prayer, and deep relationships with other Christians. Eight years have passed since I began getting to know Jesus ina personal way. Yet each day the Lord’s love and faithfulness are shown. After five years in full-time Christian service, the Lord has led me to serve Him in a “lay” capacity as a mother and active church member. Altogether my life style is constantly changing, the Lord remains constant. “The Lord’s loving kindness indeed never ceases, For His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; Great is Thy faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:22-23) 81 SSS SSS AP ee A LES ¥ Aree Christi Diener nach Wien, Osterreich by Bill Temple I trust this finds you in good health and continuing to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. I count it a privilege to participate in helping bring up to date the church’s history. Mrs. W. G. Temple, my grandmother, a member of Ann Street for many years, had four sons and two daughters. My dad was the second son. In 1962 my parents, within the plan of God, fulfilled their years of life on earth. My sister, Cheryl, and I, because of the love shown us by my grandmother and my aunt and uncle, Mr. and Mr. S. T. Vick, came to live in Beaufort. In time I attended Ann Street Methodist Church. To understand the role Ann Street Methodist has played in my life it is necessary to realize that I came to Ann Street after being steeped in the Roman Catholic faith for 15 years. I was taught that the only way to God was through a priest and involved the keeping of a system of legal observances and holy days of obligation. Needless to say, although I was “religious,” I did not Leslie, daughter of Julie Ballou Logan and know Jesus Christ as my personal Lord and Saviour. For the sake Robert, as taken by proud grandparents, lisldet and Dora Dace ballad of brevity, I came to receive Christ in the solitude of my college room my third year at the University of North Carolina. A staff member with Campus Crusade for Christ was to my own recollection the first person to sit down with me and probe my relationship with God and explain how to become a Christian. While I did not receive Christ through Ann Street, I must acknowledge that God in His unsearchable ways used the Church to overcome the prejudice I had as a Catholic towards anything not Catholic. Subsequent to my salvation, the people of Ann Street played a major role in helping to launch me into two years of fruitful ministry with Campus Crusade for Christ. That ministry in turn led me into fulltime Christian service. Presently, we are pursuing full-time missionary service in the region of the Iron Curtain. Again, we are hoping to be involved with Ann Street in a mutual ministry. b : “ Li Bill and Lou Ann Temple with Holly and Nathan 83 a SS Aisi Aa eet 4 ¥artrees _ Serving As A Minister In The N.C. Conference by Charles C. Smith In August 1964 we left Beaufort and the official membership role of Ann Street United Methodist Church. My work carried us to Jacksonville, North Carolina, where we lived until June 1974. We left there to enter a new work and a new community — Shawboro, North Carolina. In this new community I am now the pastor of Perkins United -Methodist Church: How I arrived at this new work is part of the history of Ann Street. I am the son of Mr. and Mrs. Lance M. Smith and as a child attended Sunday school at Ann Street. As I look back over those years, I have come to understand the importance of having one’s roots firmly planted in the heritage of a church such as Ann Street. The first thing I remember about Sunday school was that we met in what is now the church office. There was no education building and all of the Sunday school classes were in the church building. Miss Lottie Sanders was my teacher. When one is a child, one does not begin to love the things that make up a church. Only when you are older do you learn to see and feel the memories of youth. Then they become the things on which your life is built. I met the girl who would become my wife in the MYF at Ann Street. Her name is dill, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Mahlon P. Williams. Jill and I were married in June 1960 in Ann Street Church with the Reverend John Cline performing the ceremony. Both of our children, Chuck and Kathy Jo, were baptized in Ann Street. While we were living in Jacksonville in 1972, | felt the call to en- ter the ministry of the church. At first I tried to ignore the call. It was hard to believe that the Lord could or would use me as a minister of His word. But the call would not leave. It had to be an- swered with a “yes.” dill and I decided that if the Lord wanted us to minister, it would have to be both of us. We believed that He would open the doors so that I could get the schooling that I needed to serve Him. Once the decision was made, the doors did open are still opening. There have been grants, scholarships, and loans that have paid for four years of schooling. Even though we are not officially on the membership roll of Ann Street, we are still part of the church. It’s a part of our religious heritage. From Ann Street we learned what it is to be a part of God’s family. Wherever God leads us — wherever He sends us — Ann Street Church will go with us. 84 Lynn Moore Barnes with husband, Russell, and daughter, Christy. Lynn Moore Barnes, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Moore, Sr., is a 1971 graduate of Methodist College, Fayetteville, where she majored in Christian education. Lynn now lives with her husband, Russell (Rusty), and daughter, Christy, in Fayetteville. (Two other Ann Street young people who have had schooling at Methodist College are Ricky Farlee and Vickie Loose.) Lynn Barnes’ reflec- tions prove the value of the Christian example of those who work in the church. SSS SSS a Aa peed a 4B ¥artres The Influence Of A Christian by Lynn Moore Barnes My “conversion” did not take place at Ann Street although I was a member at the time. But certainly the ground was laid by the regular attendance that was required by my parents who have always been very active. Again, I did not know it at the time, but the Directors of Christian Education who were employed at Ann Street in my growing up years were influential. In fact, I can remember watching one of them and saying, “I could never do that. One thing I'll never be is a Director of Christian Education!” How that was to change. . . When | had my conversion in the eleventh grade, Ann Street and its worship became very dear to me even though I was not bery good at explaining what happened to me. It was then that I decided to go into full-time Christian service, that is, the work of an Education Director. My number one model was the Rev. John White who had been employed as Minister of Education at Ann Street for only six months. Even now, he is a close friend of mine. He was a unique individual and one that I wanted to be like in his dedication and ability to communicate with youth. He was so honest in his faith. In 1968 I served as Youth Director for the summer at Ann Street. Although it had its disadvantages in that everyone seemed to remember me as a little girl, or at least it seemed that way to me! I learned a lot and enjoyed it. | can remember telling my Daddy one evening that I was so happy to be doing that work — and that I knew that God had called me to do it. Since then I have spent five years working in Christian Education. Although at this time I am not specifically in that type of position, I am sure that I will do it again someday. Assistant Director Of Admissions At Louisburg College by Janet Leister Although Beaufort isn’t home anymore and I seldom have the opportunity to attend Ann Street, the experience I had there are still a prominent part of me. When I recall Senior High days, I think fondly of those who influenced me most — people like Reverend Nicks and Mrs. Lucille Guthrie. Their love and un- derstanding showed me that Jesus is very real and their knowledge of Christianity encouraged me to study the Scriptures. Another church member, Mrs. Carol Hayman of Jacksonville, encouraged me to attend Louisburg College, the only junior College of North Carolina Conference. After receiving an A.A. from there and a B.A. from UNC-CH, I found myself back at Louisburg and am currently Assistant Director of Admissions. I travel mainly in Virginia and parts of North Carolina encouraging others to attend Louisburg. As Ann Street is rich in history, so is Louisburg College. We are the oldest church — related junior college in the nation — char- tered in 1787, just nine years after Ann Street. I would personally like to wish Ann Street a happy 200th birthday and may you have many more ! Janet Leister standing by the fire with her father, Ralph. 87 SSS SS === age Rad F Obekd h yartres Other Reflections When we, Robert and Lou Nicks, lived in Raleigh at the Methodist Home for Children (before we were sent to Ann Street), one of the most familiar expressions was “my people.” Each child had a sponsor (a church, a circle, a guild, a church school class) and that sponsor sent to the Home a certain amount of money semi-annually to clothe the child. When the money arrived, the child’s houseparent took the child to town to buy the needed articles of clothing to replace those he or she had worn out or outgrown. Always this group was referred to as “my people.” Quite often the sponsoring church group would remem- ber the child at Christmas, on his birthday, and other special oc- casions. It was a happy experience to have a child run up to us and say, “Look what my people sent,” or “my people are coming.” One such child was Lilian Pruitt — now Lilian Pruitt Hammond — who lives in Raleigh helping young people by teaching Spanish in junior high. Lilian was sponsored by the Women’s Society of Christian Service of Ann Street Church for all the years that she lived at the Methodist Home. We gladly hear what Lilian remem- bers. It seems that more and more persons are seeing the values of living in Beaufort. Especially interesting are those who return after having tried their wings in other places. Sadie Moore Dill, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ikie Moore, is one such person and tells us about her memories. Mrs. Jarvis (Sally) Herring “flew the coop” for a couple of weeks in November 1978 to travel with Mrs. Neil (Alice) Windley to England for the re-opening of Wesley’s Chapel. I cannot think of a better way to close our reflections than to get Sally to tell somethings of her trip for this historic occasion. My People By Lilian Pruitt Hammond It is with great fondness that I think of you at Ann Street United Methodist Church on the celebration of your 200th year. Some of the members of your church became very dear to me as a result of having invited me into your homes. Also your women’s organization was very generous in providing me with a clothing 88 EEE : FRENTE PoP allowance twice a year while I resided at the Methodist Home for Children in Raleigh. For all of your generosity and kindness, I am thankful. During the summers and Christmases of 1959 and 1960 I spent my vacations in the home of Alice and Neil Windley and their children, Anita, Kenneth and Royal. Also I recall a short visit with the Leonard Safrit family. These visits were very enjoyable for they provided me with the much needed experience of small family living. Summers were made fun by my entering into the ac- tivities of the youth of your church. My special appreciation goes to the Windleys for making those Christmases even happier. It was requested that I tell you a little about myself since I left the Methodist Home for Children. In 1968 I was graduated from Greensboro College with a B.A. in Spanish. For one year I taught in Burlington and then moved back to Raleigh. This is my tenth year teaching at C.B. Aycock dr. High in Raleigh. In December of 1972 Kenneth Wayne Hammond and I were married. Presently he is an assistant registrar at North Carolina State University. We hope that before too long we will have a child. I thank you very much for your interest in me. My life has been made richer for having known you all. Back Home by Sadie Moore Dill Coming back home to Beaufort has been a dream for many years, and it is especially nice to be a member again of Ann Street United Methodist Church. Being back at Ann Street is fulfilling a warmth and love that I have missed since being away. I well remember Miss Lillian Duncan who taught me in Sunday school when I was about eight years old. She was the one who was responsible for my having learned the books of the Bible. Mr. N. F. Eure was the Sunday Schoot Superintendent when I played the piano for the Opening Exercises. My, how I admired Mr. Eure! And Mrs. Neva Bell had a class of pre-teenage girls. It is as if it were yesterday when she said, “Now, Girls, you are ap- proaching the age of dating. Keep in mind when you are on a date that you will not do anything on that date that you would be ashamed for your Mother to see.” Miss Neva’s teaching stayed with me and sustained me. My Mother, Polly Moore, loved her church more than anyone | have ever known. I know she is happy in Heaven knowing that I am back home and picking up where I left off over thirty years ago. My family and old friends have welcomed me back with open arms, and I want also to show more love for them in the future. 89 Lilian Pruitt Hammond, now a teacher of Spanish, once lived at the Methodist Home for Children, and was sponsored by loving friends of Ann Street Church. ast l Clara Safrit's Party — December 28, 1960. Lilian dances with Jarvis Herring, Jr. Others from left to right are: Seated on left: Bill Fulford (with white socks); standing: Charles McKee with hands on the shoulders of Wade Neal; Sarah Phillips, Anita Windley Hardesty, Clara Safrit Cummings, Patricia Potter Phillips, Margaret Pake Laughinghouse, Judy Thomas Brake and Linda Simpson Harris. Seated on the right: Mary Lee Gibbs Daughtry, Bonnie Ward Hamm, and Susan Taylor Turner. Se ~ 2 EE From England To Ann Street It is unique that during this 200th anniversary of Ann Street Church, it should also be the 200th anniversary of the opening of old City Road Church in London — Wesley’s Chapel. Methodism began in the heart of John Wesley, and now it is believed that the heart of Methodism will be in the restored chapel. Ann Street is grateful to have had two of her members attend the re-opening of Wesley’s Chapel — Mrs. Jarvis (Sally) Herring, Sr., and Mrs. Neil (Alice) Windley — on November 1, 1978. The North Carolina Conference delegation was led by the Reverend and Mrs. John Cline, who served in Beaufort from 1957-61. Sally has come home jubilant, grateful, renewed. Hear her own story. “O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing. . .” by Sally Herring Before leaving for England, I had read John Wesley’s Journals, and | was beginning to understand something of our father of Methodism. But not until I walked as a pilgrim where he had been and shared in the services with worshipers (half of whom were Americans who had contributed to the chapel’s $2, million restoration), did I feel I really knew that great Christian whose heart was “strangely warmed.” We were caught up in the festive occasion and experienced ourselves the knowledge and feeling of John Wesley’s devotion to Christ and his open door policy to ALL — regardless of their station in life. The one thing that impressed me most is that Wesley’s Chapel is not just a shrine to Methodism for tourists to admire. It is a living church with a minister (Ron Gibbons) and a congregation. The chapel is located in a section of London that obviously needs a center for serving'the people. Even though I was impressed with the fanfare of trumpets that escorted Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip into the chapel, knowing that never before had a reigning British Monarch (tem- poral head of the Church of England) attended a Methodist Ser- vice, another event meant even more to me. That took ‘place the night before (October 31, 1978) when, at a banquet for more than 950 Methodists from all the world — nearly 800 from the United States, four from Carteret County, two from Ann Street, stood up and sang Charles Wesley’s hymn: 91 “O for a thousand tongues to sing My great Redeemer’s praise The glories of my God and King The triumphs of His grace. It rang out with love for each other and for God like I’ve never heard before. That’s when my heart was strangely warmed. Alice and I were happy to represent Ann Street at such an historic occasion, but nothing is like home! Wesley's Chapel, London — “the Cathedral of Methodism," opened in 1778. Restored and re-opened November 1, 1978. — O for a thousand tongues to sing my great redeemer's praise!" Alice Cline said to attend the reopening of Wesley's Chapel made her proud to be a Methodist. From left to right are: Sally Herring, Alice Windley, John Cline, and Alice Cline. — ESTE TEP RE TESCO This picture, taken by the Rev. John Cline, shows the Queen of England and Prince Philip riding in the royal carriage frémp Suckingham Palace to the opening of Parliament on Novem- ber 1, 1978. This same day the queen attended the reopening of our protestant Wesley's Chapel — a historical event never before done by a reigning British Monarch. The prince read the Scripture. 92 FAT TI IT TE Ikie and Polly Moore (now deceased) parents of Sadie Dill, who wrote the article "Back Homes.” They also have other children in the church: Eric and Leslie Moore and Nita Jar- One of the memorable men who taught Sun- | day School ar Ann St. for years was “Judge” Julian F. Duncan, Sr. Here he is pictured in a characteristic pose in the Court House. The calendar on the wall reads 1938. The class he taught was named in his honor and is still quite active. His granddaughter, Lou Willis, says that he was offered judgeship but he said he could not judge his fellowman. However, the title stuck anyway. T. D. (Tommy) Eure gave freely of his time — yet he worked behind the scene much of the time. It was Tommy's father for whom the Eure Building was named, and also his grand- father was a Methodist minister. Miss Charlotte Sanders (better known as “Miss Lottie") is standing in front of her home on Front Street waiting to go to church where she spent most of her time. Her home was the Sloo House (now owned by Mrs. Harvey Smith) built in 1768. Miss Lottie is buried in the Old Burying Ground adjacent to the church, SSS SES Where Do We Go From Here? With youth like this PLUS Christ, Ann Street United Methodist Church has a great future ahead. AGAPE SINGERS under the direction of Jan Smith with the help of Virginia Hults: Ist row, | to r: Michael Taylor, Kyle Willis, Sonny Ingram, Tami Hults, Donna Hawkins, Tim Farlow, and , Brad Griggs; 2nd row: Beth Hill, Lene Williams, Vonnie Smith, Gary Byrd, and John Farlow. Not pictured is Pat Merrill. Elementary II and _ Ill. Teachers: Carolyn Byrd and Lynda Garrett; | to r, a visitor, Keli Hults, Brad Taylor, Christy Bridges, Janet Carol Bierman, Crystal Lewis, Ashley Garrett, Kim Willis, and Jeff Jordan. Kathy Lewis works with Jennifer Smith, Nathan Fulford and Tanya Fulford. PEO TIE — Grades VII and VIII with Leonard ee : Safrit, Jr., Teacher. 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