Little River UMC through the

years

The Sanctuary

The Fellowship Hall, built in the 1950's

Little River United Methodist Church was founded in 1830, and was originally located in another location, about a mile from where it now. It was moved to it's present location around 1854. Since then, many additions and improvements have been made. LRUMC is rich with history, and many past generations of present members are buried here in our cemetary. Our cemetary has grave markers dating back into the 1800s.For a more detailed history, see bottom of page.

In the late 1800's, Little River had a schoolhouse

on it's property, one of the first in Cherokee County.

This is the Teacher & class, about 1920.

LRUMC Congregation, about 1928

The following history was submitted by Odie Mae Long, or Church Historian.

Church History:

It all began in 1830, as a small family or community log church and has been growing ever since. Originally located down on Little River near Evans Bridge, the church took it’s name from the river. In 1839, twelve acres of land was deed to the trustees of Little River Church from John P. Winn, the same property where the church and cemetery are still located. The first log building at this location served as both school and church for the next fifteen years. Sometime soon afterward, and open air arbor was built in the flat that is now our parking lot and camp meetings were begun as tents or small cabins were built around the arbor and families came and camped for ten days and held worship services four times each day. In 1854, a new church building was erected on the knoll above the arbor, and is the same sanctuary we worship in today.

Cherokee County built a second school house on church property in 1891-92, and grades   1-7 were taught in this one room school until 1940, and the Masons used the second             floor as their meeting place.

During these early years, Sunday School met every Sunday, but worship services were held only once a month, as the pastor served 4 or more churches on his circuit. But the people were faithful and filled with spirit & ambition, and LRUMC continued to grow. At a later date as Sunday School addition was added to the rear of the church, then the church was remodeled and brick veneered. Over a period of time gas heat and electricity were added and a fellowship hall was built, with kitchen and bathroom facilities. Finally, air conditioning was added. Next came the large Education Building, which tied the Fellowship Hall to the Sanctuary.

What The Church Offers To The Community

There is a nursery for the youngest children, and a large class room for the next older kids, called Christ’s Kids. There are special teachers for study, crafts, acolyte training and singing. They meet every Wednesday for study, a meal and playtime. Sometimes they are brought into the Fellowship Hall at Wednesday Night Dinners, to sing for the adults. These children are provided special programs throughout the year.

The Easter Egg Hunt brings out dozens of children, and the Vacation Bible School does the same. Children’s church starts on Sunday mornings with Children’s Moments with the Pastor in the Sanctuary. They are then lead downstairs for the remainder of Children’s Church.

Our Youth have many activities during the year under the supervision of a paid Youth Director. They meet every Sunday evening for study, a meal, and fellowship with other youth. During the year they participate in special events, such as Atlanta Fest, weekends at Camp Glisson, attend concerts, join other youth groups for special events, and enjoy a Winter Retreat in January. They also conduct Worship Service on Youth Sunday. There are 3 adult Sunday School classes, with capable, interesting teachers.

Wednesday Night Meals are a favorite with everyone, enjoying a home cooked meal served hot from our own church kitchen. On Super Bowl Sunday, we each bring cans of soup to be sent to MUST Ministries, which we support all year long. We usually have 500 cans of soup for this occasion which is our goal. This is a Safe Sanctuary Church, and all workers with children must pass a training class.

Easter season is a special time in this church starting with Ash Wednesday to start the 40 days of Lent, after which we come to Maundy Thursday when we celebrate the Lord’s last supper. Then the Tenebrae Service of Darkness on Friday. The final celebration is on

Easter Morning at the Sunrise Service in the cemetery, followed by breakfast served by the UMM. That is followed by our 11AM Easter Service, which the LRUMC Chancel Choir do a wonderful job of presenting their “Cantata”.

In October, we observe Laity Sunday with one of our certified Lay speakers leading the Worship Service. In December we round out the year with many Christmas activities and parties for both children and adults. We are always growing and looking for new places of service as well as carrying on the programs of the past.

We have an active Shepherd’s program, where each member in the congregation has a personal Shepherd. We have Acolyte training, and these young children light the candles every Sunday, and then extinguish them at the end of the service.

The Chancel Choir practices each Wednesday evening, and the Bell Choir practices on Sunday mornings. The Youth at various times perform beautifully on Sunday mornings. The Adult Sunday School class meets once a month for a breakfast and once a month for lunch together.

There is an active Singles group who have planned activities each month. There is a breakfast hosted by one of the Sunday school classes once each quarter.

We provide a meeting place for the weekly Boy Scout Troop, Cub Scouts and Brownies. We also have the local AA group meeting at our church.

We are fortunate to have 3 Certified Lay Speakers in this church to help the Pastor when he cannot be there. We are proud to say that we have had one full time Pastor, who has been serving in the north Georgia Conference for many years.

Odie Mae has put together an incredibly detailed Church History book, which covers our history much more thoroughly. It is nicely bound, and is available thru the church.