|
small (250x250 max)
medium (500x500 max)
Large
Extra Large
large ( > 500x500)
Full Resolution
|
|
Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2013 http://archive.org/details/fremontunitedmetOOjack A History Of Fremont United Methodist Church Fremont, North Carolina ^Orth Carolina State Library Raleigh, N. C, >nt Uni Methodist Church 1869-1981 s A History By Jock M. Benfield, Minister PREFACE Methodism had been in existence for well over a century before Fremont had her first Methodist church. In fact, the denomination had been in the United States (colonies) since 1766. "Phillip Embury, a lay preacher from Ireland, began to preach in the city of New York. At about the same time Robert Strawbridge, another lay preacher from Ireland, settled in Frederick County, Maryland, and began the work there. In 1769 Wesley sent Richard Boardman and Joseph Pilmore to America, and two years later, Francis Asbury, who became the great leader of American Methodism." So states the 1980 BOOK OF DISCIPLINE of the United Methodist Church. North Carolina Methodism began, according to many church historians, when Joseph Pilmore preached at Currituck courthouse on September 29, 1772, but the oldest established congregation is Centenary, New Bern. This church began holding services on December 25, 1772, with Joseph Pilmore preaching. It was not until about twenty-eight years later that a church was established in Wayne County. The North Carolina Con-ference Historical Directory indicates that Providence, south of Goldsboro, and Bethel, near Hood Swamp, were founded about 1800. They were followed by Salem, near Belfast, around 1805. In our own neighborhood, Yelverton at Faro was founded around 1845, and in nearby Wilson County, Stantonsburg church was founded in 1833. These two churches were on the main road from Waynesborough to Tarboro. Methodist circuit riders may have passed through these various communities many times on many unrecorded oc-casions prior to these dates. They may have preached in private homes, meeting places, school houses, and under bush arbors. Our dates are from deeds and local church histories. Fremont Methodist Church history begins in the days following the Civil War, nearly a century after Methodism came to our state. It was an era when many other churches were also being established as a part of the reconstruction effort. Among the twenty nine United Methodist Churches in Wayne County, Fremont was the ninth to be founded. Ac-cording to the deed, the date was March 25, 1869. Following is a list of the Wayne County United Methodist Churches in chronological order of their accepted founding date: 1. Providence 1800 2. Bethel 1800 3. Salem 1805 4. Ebenezer 1840 5. Yelverton 1845 6. St. Paul, Goldsboro 1849 7. Smith Chapel 1853 8. Indian Springs 1853 9. FREMONT 1869 10. Pine Forest 1870 11. Mt. Olive 1870 12. Beston 1871 13. Falling Creek 1874 14. St. John, Goldsboro 1875 15. Mt. Carmel 1878 16. Daniels Memorial 1878 17. Eureka 1880 18. Zion 1881 19. Seven Springs 1891 20. Saulston 1892 21. St. Joseph's, Pikeville 1903 22. Garris Chapel 1909 (Please notice the gap!) 23. St. Luke 1950 24. Airboro, Goldsboro 1954 25. Westwood 1955 26. New Hope, Goldsboro 1956 27. Jefferson, Goldsboro 1957 28. Brogden 1958 29. Walker Memorial 1963 , EARLY DAYS In the only printed church history prior to this one, which was a newspaper article for the Goldsboro News Argus, the statement is made that "the story of the Methodist Church in Fremont before March 25, 1869, is one of questioning and surmise." Now, after much research by this author, that statement remains true. Although the North Carolina Con-ference Historical Directory indicates "founded about 1861 according to local church information," this information has not been found or that date substantiated. In the old conference journals, there is no record of "Wayne Circuit," of which Fremont was a part, until 1869. There was a "Wayne Mission" in 1867 and 1868 which may have been at any of several locations in the county. In the 1864 conference journal, a "Nahunta Colored Mission" was listed "to be supplied." Whether this refers to the town (as Fremont was then named) or to some other area of the vast Nahunta Swamp is not known. This was the only time it was listed. In regard to the town and name, "Nahunta," the date of March 25, 1869 (date of church deed) preceded the changing of the name of the town from Nahunta to Fremont by just one week, the latter being accomplished by an act of the General Assembly on April 1, 1869. No significance is drawn from this other than that a great deal of local history took place in that week which was to affect greatly this community for years to come. Then, too, some of the people involved in both incidences were the same. The church deed was between M.F. and Piety Jeffreys and the Trustees of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, for the purchaseof a piece of land "to erect and build a house or place of worship for the use of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South." The trustees were A.J. Finlayson, Wm. Bryant, J.M. Jenkins, J.J. Scott, J.J. Bardin, J.G. Barnes, and J.H. Barnes. Of these, only J.J. Bardin and James H. Barnes appear in the oldest membership book in our possession. They were probably charter members. J.M. Jenkins shows up later in the same roll book as having joined the church in 1894. A.J. Finlayson was a local Methodist preacher who un-doubtedly had a hand in the organization of the church, as he later did with Mt. Carmel near Pikeville. According to an old document among church records (undated), "In 1869 the Rev. A.J. Finlayson, a local Methodist Preacher. ..who also founded the Mt. Carmel Church near Pikeville. ..was preaching in the old Lodge which stood where the Community Building now stands and with the help of others organized the Fremont Methodist Church." The document goes on to give the date of December 10, which is incorrect, and the names of the trustees, all of which are correct except one, J.M. Perkins, who is not listed on the deed. Even though A.J. Finlayson may have been holding services in the Nahunta Masonic Lodge at that time, he was doing so as a local preacher. He therefore was not ordained and appointed, per se, and he was not listed in the conference journal. A great man he was, however! In the Raleigh Christian Advocate, there is an address by the Reverend Jno N. Andrews (our first minister of record) on the occasion of the laying of the cor-nerstone of Goldsboro M.E. Church, South, on July 12, 1883. In that address, Mr. Andrews stated, "A.J. Finlayson also became a local preacher. He was not educated, but he was converted; not eloquent, but earnest. No citizen of Wayne has impressed himself for good upon the religious public for two generations as did Finlayson for the nearly thirty years of his ministry. After the war Wayne and Lenoir circuits were revived and rebuilt through his instrumentality. He was in-strumental in building seven churches. He gave bountifully of time and money to the cause of Christ, and his death was one of great calmness and peace." A.J. Finlayson was born August 20, 1824, and died on July 9, 1881. Since he was not a conference member, no memoir appears in the conference journal. We do not have the first membership roll book from 1869 to 1886, therefore our records are incomplete, including the names of charter members. J.J. Scott, J.G. Barnes, and Wm. Bryant may have appeared on that earlier roll, but it is also o (J o E 01 3 u o> possible that they were never members of the church since this was not necessary in order to be a trustee of the church. We know something about some of the trustees from secular documents. J.J. Scott was the first mayor of Fremont. J.J. Bardin (also spelled Barden) was the druggist. M.F. Jeffreys, from whom the land was purchased, was a town commissioner. He later joined the church in 1893, but his wife, Piety, did not join until 1901. Jeff M. Jenkins was the policeman in 1880 and also the Fremont reporter for the Goldsboro Carolina Messenger during the 1870's. Old newspaper accounts state that the Methodist Church was the first and only church in town for several years, although there were other churches nearby such as Aycock Primitive Baptist, Memorial Primitive Baptist and Yelverton Methodist Episcopal, South. Then, too, it was possible that the Old Lodge was used occasionally by other church groups. It was quite common for a building in those days to be used as a church, school, and for town meetings and other meetings. Old Lodge was occupied by the Masons upstairs and was used as a church and school downstairs. Governor Charles B. Aycock attended school there from 1867 to 1872, which was the same time that Methodist services were being held there. Some old church stationary in 1928 states at the top: "old church built in 1876" and "our aim-new church 1928-29". Other information states that the first building was constructed in 1873. Why it took four to seven years to construct a building on the property is not known. 1894-1932, Washington district 1932 1954, New Bern district 1954 Goldsboro district was formed. Fremont has been in this district since then. THE MINISTERS There have been thirty-eight ministers who have served the Fremont church. John N. Andrews is the only one to have been appointed two times. As explained in a previous section, AJ. Finlayson is not counted among these ministers since there is no official documentation that he was ever appointed to the Wayne circuit prior to 1869. He is recognized, nevertheless, as most definitely having an important part to play in the foun-ding of the church. Even though the annual conference session met in December in those earlier years and the ministers probably did not arrive on the scene until January of the following year, for the pur-pose of computation the year of the listing of the appointment in the journal is the year used as the beginning of a tenure. For instance, John N. Andrews is listed in the 1868 journal as having been appointed in December of that year to serve the Wayne circuit. Since the deed was dated on March 25, 1869, one can assume that John N. Andrews was the first minister of-ficially assigned. There is a possibility that A.J. Finlayson may have unofficially served at that point in time until the December, 1869, session of annual conference. For that reason, it is difficult to give the first minister an absolutely clear starting point. Nevertheless, as stated above, John N. Andrews is being listed as first. CHARGE ALIGNMENTS It is difficult to ascertain the churches on the circuit in the early days since the conference journals did not list them by name until 1926. Prior to that time, beginning in 1883, only the number of churches and-or Sunday Schools was given. Fremont became a part of the Wayne Circuit in 1869 which was one of just a few charges in the New Bern district. We are not sure what other churches or how many were on this circuit. Nearby churches existing at that time were Yelverton and Salem, both of which were possibilities. It is more likely that Wayne Circuit covered the churches in Wayne County. In 1873, Lebanon Church in Greene County is listed in the North Carolina Historical Directory as having been on the Fremont (actually Wayne) circuit. Another church begun that year was Black Creek, therefore we probably were associated with these two churches, from their birth for many years. The first statistical data on the Wayne circuit appears in the 1883 journal, noting 5 Sunday Schools, 438 members, one parsonage valued at $700 and 5 churches valued at $6,000. The pastor's salary was $700 (same as the parsonage value!). To put things further in proper perspective, there were only 183 ministerial members of the conference which covered the entire state of North Carolina! We are supposing that the five churches at that time were Fremont, Beaman's Chapel (later Eureka), Yelverton, Black Creek, and Lebanon. Saulston was organized in 1892 and became an entry into the membership roll book for the Fremont circuit in that same year, making a total of six churches. It appears that Saulston remained on the charge until 1920. Lebanon left the circuit, according to the membership book, about 1917. With these two churches apart by 1920, the circuit became a four-point charge wiih Fremont, Black Creek, Yelverton, and Beaman's Chapel. This charge alignment continued for the next thirty-four years, which may be a record for four-point circuits! In 1954, Fremont became a station church for the first time in her history. Eureka and Yelverton became a two-point charge, as they remain today; and Black Creek became a part of the Rocky Mount district. The charge was known as the Wayne circuit from 1869 to 1888, at which time it became the Fremont circuit. It was called this until 1954. The district alignments were as follows: 1869-1890, New Bern district (The North Carolina Con-ference separated from the W.N.C. Conference in 1889) 1890-1894, Wilson district 1868-73 JOHN N. ANDREWS does not appear on another list of the church's ministers as the first pastor; however, he is listed in the conference journals as the pastor of the Wayne circuit during this period of time. He was born on June 21, 1826, the son of Dr. S.A. Andrews of Wayne County. He was educated for a physician and entered the practice. According to Dr. Edgar Perkins' scrapbook "he was regarded as a disbeliever in Divine Revelation, but having a Christian woman for a patient, and witnessing her triumphant death, he became deeply af-fected and at once sought the Christian's faith. He joined the church, entered the ministry, and his pious labors have been abundantly blessed." He professed faith at Holt's mill near Princeton in 1849. He also served the Wayne circuit in 1882-84. In 1885, he took 2-3 weeks off to visit his children, riding almost 400 miles with his wife. He died on the return trip to Roanoke circuit where he was serving. He is buried in Goldsboro. THE WAYNE CIRCUIT WAS DISTRICT IN 1869 IN THE NEW BERNE 1873-75 R.A. WILLIS was born in Rockingham County, February 19, 1836. He was the father of the Reverend R.H. Willis. He joined the conference in 1858 and served the church for 50 years. He was a presiding elder (district superintendent) for four dif ferent districts. He died in 1910 and is buried in Littleton, N.C. 1875-77 X*"****^ 1881 82 F.H. WOOD is listed in the conference journal as appointed to the Wayne circuit for these years and is on the list of ministers appearing in a newspaper article in the early 1940's. He is not on another list of ministers, however, in the church archives. Nothing more is known about him. W.H. CALL is not listed among the chronological deceased ministers of the conference which means that he either was a local preacher or had moved to another conference or had dropped out of the ministry before his death. Nothing is known about him. 1882-84 JOHN N. ANDREWS served the Wayne circuit for a second time. See above 1877 79 W.C. GANNON is listed in the conference journal as having served these two years and is also listed in the above article as "Cannon," a misspelling. Nothing more is known about him. . -'*" 1884-87 RUFUS CICERO BEAMAN was born in 1860 in Rocky Mount. He joined the conference in 1877 as a 17-year-old lad, and spent almost fifty years as an itinerant minister. He later became a presiding elder on two occasions: Wilson district in 1897-98 and the Durham district 1910-13. He was a General Conference delegate in 1910. He served some of the larger churches in the conference. He was called Dr. Beaman which was probably an honorary title since he appears to have been self-educated. Eureka was begun as Beaman's Chapel in 1887 according to the deed and Dr. Beaman's tenure, although an earlier date is ascribed as being 1880 for the church's founding. He died in 1926 and is buried in Willow Dale Cemetery in Goldsboro. 1879-81 N.M. JURNEY was assigned to Wayne circuit for these two years and is listed as having a Fremont address, the first such address listed in a journal. No memoir could be found of him either. 1887-89 W.J. CROWSON has no memoir in the conference journal nor is he listed in the chronological deceased roll. Nothing is known about him. The Circuit was called Fremont circuit for the first time in 1889. It should be noted also that the North Carolina Conference divided from the Western North Carolina Conference in this same year. Rockingham called him "a patriarch in Methodism." His memoir notes that when "gas buggies came out, he built one for himself." He was 94 years old when he died on December 23, 1951. He is buried in Raleigh. His daughter-in-law, Jean, lives in Smithfield, and is quite active in Goldsboro district activities. 1889 93 W.W. ROSE was born in 1858 in Warren County and died in 1913. He is buried in Franklinton, N.C. Fremont circuit became a part of the Wilson district in 1892. Fremont circuit was in the Washington district in 1895. 1899-01 1893-95 W.H. PUCKETT was born on March 17, 1856, in Tyrell County. According to his memoir, he was reared in the church and became superintendent of Sunday School at 17 years of age and learned to exhort at 18. He began to preach at age 20 and "attended school between laying by the crop and the gathering of the same." He died in 1912 and is buried at Smithfield. FRANCIS BRAGG McCALL was born February 26, 1858, in Scotland County. His first wife died when their son was three weeks old. He married a second time and was the father of three more sons and six daughters. His memoir speaks of his mother and her diligence in training him and his siblings: "When he was but a lad, she would take a lunch, for it was four miles to their church, St. John's, and she and the boy would walk to church. The effect of such training was manifest. Out of that house went three into the itinerancy (ministry)." He died in 1928 and is buried in Gibson, North Carolina. '} 1901-02 THOMAS J. DAILEY was born in 1849 in Alamance County. His memoir in the journal was written by another of our ministers, B.P. Robinson. He was converted in 1877 at about age 28, was licensed to preach in 1880 and served for a while as a lay preacher. Then he joined the conference in 1883. His health failed in 191 1 and he finally retired in 1914. He was living with a daughter in Deland, Florida when he died in 1935. 1895 99 CONDOR PARSON JEROME was born June 16, 1857, in Mecklenburg County. He retired after serving Pikeville and his son, Robert L. Jerome, was appointed to follow him on the same charge. Robert went on to serve the church well and is now deceased. Bishop Costen J. Harrell wrote a daughter of his affection for the elder Mr. Jerome, stating that he (Jerome) was his (Harrell's) pastor when he went away to college and a devoted friend and helper always. The Post Dispatch in • 1902-06 1918-22 D.L. EARNHARDT was born in 1854 in Salisbury, North Carolina. He was the father of the Reverend Daniel Edwin Earnhardt. This is mentioned because the latter joined the church as a youngster in May, 1904, and later served the conference as a minister until his death in 1976. A third-generation minister, the Reverend Edwin L. Earnhardt, grandson of D.L., is presently serving Rose Hill United Methodist Church. D.L. Earnhardt died in 1928 and is buried in Durham, N.C. 190608 WILLIAM TAYLOR PHIPPS was born in 1881 in Towsen, Maryland. He was a graduate of Baltimore Polytechnic In-stitute with an engineering degree. He worked for a while with an oil company before he heard the call to the ministry. He went then to Vanderbilt University and joined the conference in 1907. After serving the church for 43 years, he retired in 1949. He was described as a strong, robust man. He used his training as an engineer and architect. The first church he helped to design and build was the church at Swan Quarter, the one which replaced the "church moved by the hand of God." He died in 1968 and is buried in Pittsboro, North Carolina. 1922 25 JAMES ADOLPHUS DAI LEY was born on May 23, 1868, in Alamance County. He was married to Matilda Howland of Graham. They had three children. His memoir states that he had "a great gift as an exhorter and was at his best at revivals." He died on November 18, 1945, of a heart attack at Duke Hospital. -x CHARLES ROBERT TAYLOR was born November 29, 1855, at Seaboard, North Carolina. He joined the Virginia Conference in 1878. He also served in Arkansas for four years. His memoir states that he described himself as a skilled "cotton-picker" and liked to be called a "cotton pickin' preacher." He died on August 27, 1908, while serving the Fremont circuit. He is buried in Greenville, Virginia. 1908 10 BENSON H BLACK was born in Monroe, North Carolina, the son ol a noted Methodist minister, Dr. William S. Black, editor of the Raleigh Christian Advocate and a presiding elder Benson Black attended Trinity College (now Duke) where he played football and was a big supporter of Duke athletics all of his lite He retired in 1941, died in 1946, and is buried in Durham, North Carolina. .•~..» 1925-27 NATHAN BRADLEY STRICKLAND was born in 1878 in Johnston County. He became a teacher at age 20 and later was a principal. He was called to preach and was admitted into the conference in 1911 at age 33. After serving for 38 years, he retired in 1949. His father was a minister as were two of his brothers. He died at the Methodist Retirement Home in Durham on June 9, 1958, and is buried in Johnston County. 1910 14 RUFUS RHODES GRANT was born October 13, 1871, in Northampton County. He died February 23, 1946, and was buried in Fairfield, North Carolina. 1914 18 JULIAN LEE CRAFT RUMLEY was born in Beaufort, North Carolina, on June 14, 1870. His memoir states that "delicate health" kept him from serving many of the leading ap-pointments. He retired in 1924 at age 54 for health reasons. He died in 1928 and is buried at Farmville, North Carolina. 1927-29 ROBERT E. PITTMAN was born in 1867 in Lenoir County. He was married to Eugenia Coward of Griffon and they had seven children. He was a former river boat captain on the Neuse River and often related stories of his ventures. He was known throughout the conference as "Captain Bob," but locally some of the youth nicknamed him "Steamboat Bob." He died in 1936 and is buried in Durham. 1929-33 JSSKmamm KIRBY FORMY DUVAL was born in 1884 in Brunswick County. He is described in his memoir as a "great circuit rider," having served sixteen charges over 40 years, mostly rural multi-church charges. He died in 1964 and is buried in Durham. 1941-44 BENJAMIN PORTIVANT ROBINSON was born August 27, 1880. He was called to preach at age 23, and served the Methodist Church tor 39 years. Fremont was his last ap-pointment, retiring in 1944. His memoir describes "his broad smile, friendly greeting, and the sunshine of his soul." Mrs. Robinson (Victoria) suffered a partial stroke of paralysis while they were at Fremont. It was while he was pastor that the brick renovation and addition was completed and dedicated. Bishop Clare Purcell came for the dedication service. Mr. Robinson died on November 26, 1952 and is buried in Raeford, North Carolina. 1944-47 JOHN CEPHAS WILLIAMS was born on August 20, 1882. His wife was Maggie Lee Dixon of Rockingham County. On Oc-tober 26, 1947, Mr. Williams preached his last sermon at Fremont on the subject, "The Place of the Church and Religion in the Life of Man." In that sermon he said there were three things a Methodist preacher must be ready to do: (1) preach (2) move (3) die. After the service, he went immediately across the street to the parsonage, lay down on his bed and died. His memoir, from which this information is taken, fur-ther states that "the board of stewards of the Fremont Church drove in a body the 150 miles (to Rockingham County) to the graveside to attend the last rites of their beloved pastor." He is the "Williams" of the Hooks-Williams Circle. 1933-37 EDGAR RALPH SHULLER is now retired and living with his wife, Mary, at Yaupon Beach, Southport, North Carolina. He transferred to the North Carolina Conference from North Arkansas in 1930 and served Kenly and Garner before Fremont. He served eight other charges after he left this charge until his retirement in 1968. 1947-49 LAFON C. VEREEN is presently the Administrator of the Wesley Pines Retirement Home in Lumberton, North Carolina where he has served with his wife, Joyce for the past six years. He has been with the Methodist Retirement Homes since 1972. He also served as Executive Secretary of the Conference Board of Missions, as the Associate Director of our Conference staff in the areas of witness, outreach, involvement. Other churches he has served include Trinity (Wilmington), Fairmont (Raleigh), Farmville, and Warrenton. 1937-41 CECIL WAYNE ROBBINS is retired and living with his wife, Eloise, at 1202 Bickett Blvd., Louisburg, North Carolina. After leaving Fremont, he served Mt. Olive and Warrenton. In 1949 he became editor of the North Carolina Christian Advocate. In 1955 he was named President of Louisburg College, a position he held until he retired in 1974. At present he serves as a retired supply pastor. Dr. Robbins was a Jurisdictional Delegate in 1952 and a General Conference Delegate in 1956, 1964, and 1968. 1949 (part) 8 JOHN D. CRANFORD was born in 1893 in Davidson County. He served only a portion of 1949 at Fremont after Mr. Vereen was re-assigned to Warrenton early in that year. Mr. Cranford died in 1963 and is buried at Denton, North Carolina. 1949 1953 WILLIAM ELMER HOWARD was born in Denver, North Carolina in 1895. Mrs. Howard (Bessie) lived in Mt. Olive for some time after Mr. Howard died in 1968, but she is now residing at the Methodist Retirement Home in Durham for the past several years. Mr. Howard is buried in Goldsboro. this time, the church had always been with three to five other churches. The six years he served were among the most productive in many ways, most notably in membership gains. The people recognized his ministry by naming the new educational building in his honor. After leaving Fremont, he served the following churches: Wallace, Divine Street (Dunn), Hay Street ( Fayetteville), and now Edenton Street (Raleigh), the conference's largest church. At the 1979 annual conference session, he was selected to be the "favorite son" candidate for the episcopacy and became the official nominee at the 1980 session. The elections were held at the Southeastern Jurisdictional Conference, Lake Junaluska, in July, 1980, but Dr. Kirby was not elected. He is married to the former Sally Broome, whose mother, Mrs. L.R. (Dot) Broome, is presently a member of the church. Dr. Kirby was a delegate to the 1976 and 1980 General and Jurisdictional Conferences. 1960-64 JOHN HERBERT WALDROP, JR. is presently serving in the Wilmington District, having just recently returned to the conference boundaries after serving various administrative positions with a nursing home, as a drug consultant, with alcoholic rehabilitation, etc. He was the minister when the present parsonage was built. 1953-54 DAVID MILTON LEWIS died on December 30, 1979, during the writing of this history. At the time of his death he was serving the Troy circuit, in his fourth year there. He served the con ference for 32 years. He was the last minister on the Fremont circuit. His memoir in the 1980 journal states that he was born on December 26, 1911 in Hertford, North Carolina. He was a graduate of Atlantic Christian College and Asbury Theological Seminary with a term in the Navy in between. He served the Church for over 31 years. Although he was 68 years old at the time of his death, he had not yet retired. On Sunday morning, December 16, 1979, he suffered an aneurism and "succumbed to the Lord's ultimate call" two weeks later. See the section on Membership Books for a quotation by him. Fremont became a station appointment in 1954. The Gold-sboro District was also formed as a new district in the same year. 1954 60 1964-68 EDWARD PORTER ARMSTRONG is presently serving as an associate minister with the Pamlico Parish, and is residing with his family at 1102 Cherry Lane, New Bern, North Carolina. 1968-69 KERMIT L. BRASWELL is serving as the District Superin-tendent of the Elizabeth City District, after serving five years at Queen Street (Kinston), and six years at Westover (Raleigh). He was a Jurisdictional Conference Delegate in 1980. WALLACE HINES KIRBY began his itinerant ministry at Fremont as the first "fulltime" minister of the church. Prior to —v~. 1962-72 E. CLIFFORD SHOAF is presently serving Mebane since 1978, after six years as the Director of Field Education, Duke Divinity School. He and his family reside at 205 S. Fourth St., Mebane, North Carolina. retirement, he was designated "superintendent emeritus." The children referred to him as "Daddy Barnes." His funeral was held on March 22, 1961, at Edenton St. Methodist Church in Raleigh. He was buried at Raleigh's Oak-wood Cemetery. 1972-76 RUSSELL S. HARRISON and his wife, Julia, are retired and living at 2629 Cornwallis Road, Durham, North Carolina, after serving for 42 years in our conference. THE REV. P.C. YELVERTON was born on January 8, 1933 at the Wayne County farm of his parents, Thomas Jarvis and Madie Bell Minshew Yelverton. After the death of his mother in 1936, he was reared in Fremont by his aunt, Miss Clyde M. Minshew, a present member of the church, and his grand-mother, Mrs. Pernecie West Minshew, who died in 1948. He joined the church at the age of 16. He graduated from Fremont High School in 1950, Atlantic Christian College in 1953, and took further studies at Duke Divinity School. He was ordained Deacon in 1955 and Elder in 1957 and has served the church for 27 years in the North Carolina Con-ference. His appointments have been Pollocksville Charge, Kinston Charge, Brogden Church, Dover Church, Hopewell- Moriah Charge, Browning-Smith Charge and presently the Faison United Methodist Church in the Goldsboro District. 1976 I. JACK M. BENFIELD is the present minister. His wife is the former JJaannee Wrenn tC_ooaatteess ofr Gearner,. They have two i ney nave daughters, Terri, age 20, at Peace College, and Susan, age 17, at home. He served as a Jurisdictional and General Conference Delegate in 1980. SONS OF THE CHURCH THE REV. A. S. BARNES was born July 11, 1873, to Mr. and Mrs. Wiley Barnes, members of the church. After receiving his education in Fremont, he went on to attend and was graduated from Trinity College (now Duke University). He was admitted on trial into the North Carolina Conference in 1896. Five charges are listed in his memoir, namely: Wilmington, Whiteville, Clinton, Oxford, and Smithfield. In 1915, he became superintendent of the Methodist Orphanage in Raleigh, remaining in that position for 33 years. In 1948, upon his 10 MEMBERSHIP BOOKS (1) The oldest membership roll book in the archives is probably the second one which existed. The first one from 1869 to 1886 is lost. The oldest one on hand has the date 1886 on the title page, dating it at or after that time. It is assumed from all evidence that R.C. Beaman revised the rolls sometime around 1886 87. This is based on the entries. At the time of the revision, the members' names were alphabetized and numbered only 79. From that point on until September, 1900, the members were listed chronologically. There were 192 members added to the roll in that period of time; however, with the losses by death, transfer, withdrawal, etc., the net membership in 1900 was still only 125. Toward the end of the book, the membership is again alphabetized by either T.J. Dailey or D.L. Earnhardt; and once again, beginning in January, 1903, the membership roll was kept chronologically until April, 1906. The only member presently living whose names appears in this book is Miss Ethel Cooke. She joined the church on March 25, 1906, when she was 14 years old. (2) The second oldest membership book in the archives has the rolls of the six churches on the Fremont circuit at that time; namely Fremont, Beaman's Chapel, Lebanon, Saulston, Yelverton, and Black Creek. Some confusion exists in this book. Entries are made in the previous book until 1906, yet it appears that this book was begun around 1901 by looking at the register of marriages. Upon closer examination of the writing, ink, etc., it is believed that this book was kept concurrently with the first one for a portion of time, and that someone transferred certain recorded information that was dated earlier. This book is on microfilm in the State Archives and History Library in Raleigh. The last date of an entry appears to be in 1928. This book is in great need of repair, but then after 22 years of constant use as a membership book for six churches, there is no wonder! (3)The next membership roll book was revised by R.E. Pittman, and undoubtedly in this book there was also some overlap during the process. The first marriage registered was on December 14, 1927, but it appears that the first five marriages recorded were all copied the same day with the same pen, the last being June 7, 1928. This coincides with the last entry in book two. This particular book has the rolls of four churches: Fremont, Eureka (formerly Beaman's Chapel), Yelverton, and Black Creek. It appears from other evidence that these four churches became a four-point charge about 1920, an arrangement that remained that way for the next thirty-four years. Probably the last entry into this book was a note on the Register of Pastors page, written by the Reverend David M. Lewis. It reads "The Fremont Methodist Circuit was divided on September 5, 4:30 p.m. in Eureka Methodist Church. The First Methodist Church, Fremont, N.C., the Eureka-Yelverton Methodist Charge, and Black Creek, transfered to the Rocky Mount District. The charge was divided, and I was the last pastor of the Fremont Methodist Circuit, (signed) Rev. David M. Lewis Sept. 6, 1954." This is the only time the church has been called "First Methodist Church." There were about 160 members on roll in 1928 when this book was begun. The roll was then kept chronologically until 1952 at which time it was once again alphabetized within the same book. (4) The fourth membership roll book was revised in October, 1953, with the number of members entered at 282. The Reverend David M. Lewis was the pastor at that time. It is not certain why he chose to write the above statement in the other book rather than this one. This fourth book has the rolls for all of the churches on the charge, namely, Fremont, Eureka, Black Creek, and Yelverton. (5) The membership roll was once again revised in August, 1955, under the pastoral leadership of Wallace H. Kirby. After the revision, the number entered into the new book was 252. As mentioned before, the church became a station appointment in 1954, and Mr. Kirby was the first fulltime pastor for the next six years. These proved to be the most prolific years in mem-bership gain. Mr. Kirby received 146 members into the church. During the same period, 69 were lost by death, transfer, etc. Still the net gain of 77 new members was quite substantial for this town and country church! The membership had grown to 313 in 1960. This book was used by the next five ministers until 1976. (6) The present membership book was updated and revised as of 1976 under the present pastoral administration. See the section on More Recent Days for information regarding deaths since June, 1976. One will also find a list of full members at the end of this book. LEADERSHIP In this section certain positions of leadership have been selected. The fact that these individuals are lifted up is based primarily on the availability of information regarding names, dates, etc. as well as their importance. There are many others through the years who have given untiring effort and time in many different capacities whose names do not appear on a list. This is in no way to lessen what they have meant to the church. Board Chairpersons No information is available for the years prior to 1913. 191314 George D. Best 1914-26 1926-27 1927 54 No information available for these years. J.B. Lane No information available for these years. Marvin Yelverton and James Bruton thought to have served some during the 1954-55 1955-56 1956-57 1957-59 195961 1961-62 1962-64 1964 66 1966-67 1967-68 latter part of this period, but no definite dates. Thurman Hooks Glenn Hooks John B. Mayo Jesse S. Stewart Samuel J. Cole John L. Pippin Leonard Hooks Wyatt Whitley James Bruton James E. Peacock, Sr. In 1968, the name changed from Official Board of Stewards to The Administrative Board 1968-70 1970-72 1972-77 Cecil Evans Jim Sutton Cobb Jesse S. Stewart Beginning in 1973, church years coincided with calendar years instead of June to June or in the iate fall as in earlier years. 1978-79 1980 F. Lemuel Overman Mrs. Leroy (Betsy) Johnson Please note that Betsy Johnson was the first woman to serve in this capacity. Lay Leaders No information is available for period prior to 1923 or for the years 1930-50. 1923-24 F.M. Watson (church) G.A. Yelverton (charge) 1924 26 G.R. Benton 1926-30 J. Arthur Best (charge & church) 1950-57 Paul C. Blalock, Sr. 1957-63 John Blackman 1963 66 Thurman Hooks 1966-68 James E. Peacock, Sr. 1968-70 W. Darron Flowers 1970-72 John Blackman Beginning in 1973, church years coincided with calendar years. 1973-74 1975-78 1979- Dan Shackleford W. Darron Flowers Ken Ellis Treasurers No information is available for the years prior to 1939 except the following: 1905-? W.M. Barnes 1929-30 OR. Aycock 1930-31 J.B. Exum 1934.35 G.A. Yelverton Other years known are as follows: 1939-40 CD. Hooks 1947-49 Marvin Yelverton 1949-62 James Bruton 1962-68 Burton D. Smith 1968-70 Mrs. Norman (Annette) Yelverton 1970-78 James Bruton 1978- Burton D. Smith Sunday School Superintendents No information isavailable prior to 1903 and for the years 1941- 49. It is known mat J.B. Exum, Jr. served longer than 1941 but it is not known when he stopped or who took his place. 1903-04 1904-36 I 1 32 years!) P.H. Spence J. Arthur Best 1936 41 plus J.B. Exum, Jr. 1949 50 James Bruton 1950 53 Thurman Hooks 1953 59 John B. Mayo 1959 61 Samuel J. Cole 1961 63 J.J. Cole, Jr. 1963 65 L.C. Robinson 1965 77 (12 years!) Homer Pierce 1978 80 Dan Shackleford 1981 Bobby Cooley Organists In the 1880's and early 1890's the accompanist tor the church services was Mrs. J.L. (Maude Barden) Bryan. It is also known that in 1903 the pianist-organist was Miss Alice Best. For several years, the accompanist was Charity Darden. Though the above information is sketchy, it was felt that the names should be included even if the dates were uncertain. An October 13, 1928, report of the Woman's Missionary Society indicated the giving of "$940 to church building under construction." That was a tremendous gift in that day! 1917-44 (27 years!) 1944-54 Jarvis Hare Jones Mrs. Joe (Louise) Newsome It should be noted that it was during this time that the ac-companist, Mrs. Newsome was also playing for the Missionary Baptist Church on alternate Sundays. The choirs also sang at both churches. 1954 66 1966- Mrs. Leland (Ladelle) Pate Mrs. Lemuel (Sylvia) Overman It should be noted also that there were some months of overlapping when two or more of the accompanists were ac-tive. BUILDING AND IMPROVEMENTS "The original church was a frame building, one room, and was completed in 1873. The church bell was on a post in the front yard but was later transferred to its proper place in the steeple." So states a local brief history. It continues: "During the early part of the century, a section of the front of the church was partitioned off for Sunday School rooms. Over the years minor changes in the pulpit and choir loft were also made." From the March 23, 1923, quarterly conference minutes, James A. Dailey, the pastor, mentions "plans for a new church building for Fremont in the near future." The stewards that year were G.D. Best, J.B. Lane, G.A. Yelverton, E.B. Yelverton, E.C. Cobb, G.R. Benton, E.G. Deans, J.B. Exum. The Church Lay Leader was F.M. Watson. Other leaders in-cluded J. A. Best (Evangelism), Mrs. CD. Hooks (Missionary Committee), Miss Beulah Hooks (Social Service), G.D. Best (Stewardship and Tithing), J.B. Lane (Lay Activities). On January 7, 1924, the pastor reported to the quarterly conference that "the charge was planning through the efforts largely of the Women's Societies to put water works in the parsonage at an early date." No further mention is made in the quarterly conference reports about building until January 23, 1926, when N.B. Strickland, P.C. (Pastor in charge) writes in his report that there is a "great need for Sunday School rooms and efficient teachers" in Fremont. Then a year later on January 16, 1927, a similar report states "a lack of Sunday School rooms and sufficient number of teachers." Nothing more that year. Still another year later on January 22, 1928, the pastor, R.E. Pittman, wrote that a "carload of brick was given toward a new church at Fremont and unless this unselfish gift inspires others to do likewise, I shall be very much disappointed." Six months later, on June 16, he wrote, "We hope to begin on a new church at Fremont. Cash is coming in well and enough has been raised to justify a start. We hope that this new church will soon be a reality." 12 On April 4, 1929, a resolution was passed at quarterly con-ference authorizing the trustees to "accept a donation from the Duke Endowment for the purpose of completing the Fremont Methodist Church, South." No amount was specified. Then on September 13, 1929, "our Sunday School building at Fremont has been started and when completed it will be ample for future needs of the church." In the March 16, 1930, minutes still another resolution was passed "to accept a donation of $2,000 from Duke Endowment for completing the Fremont Methodist Church, South, par-ticularly for immediate help on the Sunday School annex." At the September 14, 1930, quarterly conference, it was stated "Our Sunday School building at Fremont which we are now enclosing, will be a great help to our work there." Why was the completion of this building and renovation work taking so long? The reader will remember that the carload of bricks was donated over two and a half years before. Those who lived then could best answer with one word, "Depression!" It was not just a one year phenomenon. K.F. Duval, P.C, in his February 21, 1932, Q.C. report wrote, "Most of our folk have lost heavily of this world's goods and some about all they possessed; and, of course, this has had its weight on many a life. I have tried, God helping me, to encourage such not to lose their grip on God." He and God must have been successful as we see evidenced today and as we see from the record on February 24, 1935, in E.R. Shuller's report, "the church at Fremont expects to begin work on the Sunday School annex some time next month. They have collected and pledged at the present time between four and five hundred dollars for that purpose." That amount was probably worth considerably more in 1935 than it was prior to the Depression. After another couple of years of struggling, the report at quarterly conference on May 1, 1937, was "the Fremont Church School has five new class rooms available which will greatly relieve the congestion in the church auditorium." If the reader will recall, they needed this relief in 1923! "Plans are under way to complete the church building at Fremont this year. This will involve an expenditure of ap-proximately $1,250." So states a March 20, 1938, pastor's report. And on July 16, 1939, "During the quarter, five ad-ditional Sunday School rooms have been plastered at Fremont." According to the brief local history, previously referred to, the interior of the educational building was completed in 1941 or 1942. This agrees with an article (no date or name of newspaper) which was published at the dedication of the building and renovation. In part this article reads "Fremont Methodists Sunday night will dedicate their recently remodeled church structure. Bishop Clare Purcell of Charlotte will preach and a special invitation is extended to all former pastors and members to be present, the Rev. B.P. Robinson, pastor of the church said." "The completed project represented an investment of about $5,000 for the 250 members of the church and all bills were paid as the work progressed. A baptismal font has been installed and an electric cross placed. Ten memorial windows have been placed." The article then goes on to give information which is being shared elsewhere. The article has a picture of Rev. B.P. Robinson, the new completed church, and the old church. However, someone made a mistake. The picture of the old church is not our church but some other! It looks nothing like the picture which you will find at the first of this book. Nothing else appears in the quarterly conference minutes for several years concerning building and improvements. David AA. Lewis was the pastor in 1954 and on September 5, wrote of "a piece of land being donated in the rear of the Fremont Church in order that our present plant might be enlarged to meet the present and future needs of our church and com-munity." The local history states that "in 1957 the congregation erected a modern educational building on the rear lot at a cost of $41,000. It houses six classrooms, a fellowship hall, kitchen, minister's study, lounge, and toilet facilities. The Exum family gave the furnishing for the building in memory of John B. Exum (Jr.) who was superintendent of the Sunday School for a number of years." N^Hk This building was dedicated by Bishop Paul N. Garber on May 22, 1960, as the Wallace Hines Kirby Building in honor of the minister serving the church from 1954-60 during the con-struction. Mr. Kirby was also the first fulltime minister for the Fremont Church, the charge having been divided in 1954. The parsonage at that time also had been needing renovation for some time. After the dedication of the Kirby Building, in-terest began in renovating the parsonage which was built in late 1909 or early 1910. In October, 1960, the plans for remodeling the home were presented to the Official Board. The estimated cost was $6,398.47. There was interest at the time for both remodeling the old parsonage and building a new one. Committees were appointed to investigate and obtain the data regarding both plans. A report was given in May, 1961, regarding remodeling at a cost of $8,300 and two plans for building a new parsonage were submitted at a cost of $14,200 and $15,200 respectively. Action was deferred until later. i ~i&2i *mmt. m meetings, and board meetings, it was finally decided by the Official Board on August 12, 1962, to "authorize the parsonage building committee to submit plans to contractors for bids on the new parsonage." The work was begun in March, 1963 and was completed in November at a cost of $19,500. Different organizations and individuals donated the furnishings. The $11,000 note for parsonage indebtedness on November 2, 1963, was paid in full on April 9, 1968. The old parsonage which stood where the present parsonage now stands was built in late 1909 or early 1910. The deed for the property was dated March 25, 1909 and was purchased from the Person family by the church for $750. The trustees at that time were G.D. Best, EC. Cobb, J.B. Exum, N.D. Minshew, F.E. Sauls, and W.S. Lane. Of these, G.D. Best, E.C. Cobb, and J.B. Exum were Fremont members. The others were members of the other circuit churches. The property upon purchase ex-tended all the way from Sycamore Street to the property of the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad Co. On August 13, 1909, about five months after the purchase, a portion of the lot was sold to J.R. Short on condition that "if the party. ..shall not within two months from this date move and locate upon the lot herein conveyed, the building used as a Hotel, formerly the Bardin property, the title to the lot herein conveyed shall upon repayment immediately revert." Undoubtedly Mr. Short moved the Hotel to the property. This is the front portion of the residence of Mrs. John B. Hooks, Jr. A 1902 map of the town showing the location of buildings and dwellings does not show a building on that corner or where the parsonage later stood, but it does show a large building in the geographical center of the block behind the stores on Main Street where no building now stands. It is our understanding that this was where the old Bardin Hotel was located. Why did the trustees want the building to be moved by Mr. Short to its present location? One answer possibly was to provide more privacy from the railroad station. Thus, there have been parsonage families living across from the church on the corner of Carolina and Sycamore Streets for almost three quarters of a century! m, • • After several months of deliberations, surveys, committee 13 - V Before these two parsonages across the street from the church, a parsonage was located about four blocks away, on Goldsboro Street. This is now Mrs. Gela Flowers Musgrave's home. The lot was purchased in 1883 from Mr. and Mrs. W.E. Fountain. The trustees were J.J Bardin, J.H Barnes, G.D. Best, W.E. Fountain, James Dickinson, E.S. Dees, and Jno K. Smith. The deed read that it was "nearly a half acre together with the houses. ..as a parsonage or house for the preacher in charge of Wayne circuit of M.E. Church, South," This was the parsonage for about 27 years. Where the minister lived prior to this parsonage is not known. We do know that the preacher in 1881 is listed in the journal as living in Fremont. No deed, however, has been found before the one above. Possibly he boarded with someone. Other major improvements in building and renovations include the remodeling of the sanctuary in 1966, especially the chancel and choir areas. New carpeting, dorsal, and kneeling cushions were installed at that time. The sanctuary was also air-conditioned at this time. The pastor's study was moved from the Kirby Building to the educational annex in 1970. The Reverend E. Clifford Shoaf and Cecil Evans paneled the study and did the major portion of the work. Also in 1970, the sanctuary received a major painting and other repairs. A new heating and air-conditioning system was installed in the Kirby Building in 1971. The Men's Class converted the former pastor's study and church office in the Kirby Building into a classroom for men in 1972. The parsonage was centrally air-conditioned in that same year. New sanctuary lights were installed in 1973 in memory of Anne Turlington by Mrs. P.M. Best and other relatives and friends. The Junior High classroom was enlarged by removing partitions in 1974. An organ fund was begun also in 1974. A new air-conditioning unit was purchased in early 1976. See "More Recent Days" for information since 1976. WOMEN'S ORGANIZATIONS The following synopsis of the history of Fremont's organizations for women was submitted by Mrs. Bernard Pike, who undoubtedly had saved it from many years ago. It has no date. It appears to have been written after 1940. It is printed in its entirety. A BRIEF OUTLINE OF "THE WOMEN'S MISSIONARY SOCIETY" OF THE FREMONT METHODIST CHURCH As best I can remember, about 1899 or 1900, a small group of women, twelve or fifteen, I would say, most of them being members of the Fremonf Methodist Church, organized a society known as "Home Missions." If I remember correctly, the Methodist Conference had two societies at this time, The Home and The Foreign. The charter members of our organization were: Mrs. W.H. Speight, who at that time was in charge of the Fremont High School and Dormitory; Miss Laurie Speight, daughter of Mrs. W.H. Speight, and who later married Mr. J.B. Hooks; another daughter of Mrs. W.H. Speight, Miss Daisy, who was the first wife of Rev. A.S. Barnes; Miss Florence Fields, who married Mr. CD. Hooks; Mrs. John Davis; Mrs. Geo. D. Best; Mrs. A.G. Bogue, and Mrs. C.C. Aycock. There were others whose names I cannot remember. I became a member late in the year of 1900. Mrs. C.C. Aycock was the first president of our HOME MISSION SOCIETY. She was made a Life Member on the occasion of the society's Annual Conference which was held in our church in April, 1905. It is interesting to remember that we werepriviledged in having as our guest at this Conference Miss Bell H. Bennett, founder of Home Missions. Mrs. Aycock served as president for a period of twenty-three years, during which time the Home and Foreign Missionary Societies were consolidated. Following her, Mrs. Gertrude Exum was elected president and served eleven years. She retired about 1928, being followed in order by Mrs. I.F. Yelverton, Mrs. CD. Hooks, Mrs. CM. Pippin, Mrs. W.A. Copeland, Mrs. J.G. Mayo, and Mrs. Beulah Hooks Scott. The consolidation of the Home and Foreign Missions resulted in the "Women's Missionary Society" whose responsibility consisted chiefly in carrying on the mission work of "Young People," "Bright Jewels," and "Baby Division." During the year 1932 our organization was transferred from the Washington District to become a part of the New Bern District. On September 13, 1940 the name "Women's Missionary Society" was changed to the "Women's Society Of Christian Service." The Charter Members have all passed away, as have many other members. But we know their efforts were not in vain; for the memory of the great work of those members who are with us no more serves as an incentive for us. And I feel that the accomplishments of our present membership of fifty is a fitting and just tribute to the original "Home Missions." Respectfully submitted, Miss Lula Perkins Author's Note: The organization continued to be called the Women's Society of Christian Service until 1972 when it was renamed The United Methodist Women, which it remains today. At present the United Methodist Women of Fremont has 73 members in four circles. The Hooks-Williams Circle is named for Mrs. Clennon D. (Florence) Hooks, mother of Charles T. Hooks, Sr., and for Reverend John Cephas Williams, former minister of the church who died in 1947 while serving Fremont. The Exum Benton Circle is named for Mrs. George R. (Margaret) Benton, Sr., mother of Margaret B. Whitley and Annette B. Yelverton; and for Mrs. John Burt (Gertrude) Exum, Sr., grandmother of Anne E. Hinnant. The Annie Best Circle is named for Mrs. Paul M. (Annie) Best, mother of Eleanor B. Turlington. The Stewart-Pike Circle is named for present members, Mrs. Jesse (Jessie) Stewart, who helped organize the circle in 1980; and for Mrs. Bernard (Mariana) Pike, who served the church for many years until she recently moved. Presidents of Women's Organizations 1899-16 Mrs. C.C Aycock 1916 27 Mrs. J.B. (Gertrude) Exum, Sr. 1927 -30 Mrs. I. Frank (Mary Margaret) Yelverton 1930-31 Mrs. CD. Hooks 1931-34 Mrs. CM. Pippin 1934-35 Mrs. W.A. Copeland 1935-37 Mrs. J.G. Mayo 1937-38 Mrs. H.G. Selby 1938-40 Mrs. Beulah H. Scott 1940 42 Mrs. J.K (Christine) Richardson 1942 ? Mrs. Bernard (Mariana) Pike Information incomplete on these years J.B. (Sue) Hooks, Jr. Marvin (Delia) Yelverton J.M. (Helen) O'Neal W.R. Dees John (Libba) Blackman Beulah H. Scott Oscar (Evelyn) Turlington Norman (Annette) Yelverton Lamont (Polly) Whitley Hugh (Eleanor) Turlington Jesse (Jessie) Stewart C. Taylor (Mary Jo) Hooks Cecil (Hazel) Evans Marvin (Delia) Yelverton Russell (Julia) Harrison Lamont (Polly) Whitley Burton D. (Martha Lou) Smith 1948-49 Mrs. 1949-50 Mrs. 1950-51 Mrs. 1951-52 Mrs. 1952 54 Mrs. 1954-57 Mrs. 1957-59 Mrs. 195961 Mrs. 1961-63 Mrs. 1963-65 Mrs. 1965-67 Mrs. 1967-69 Mrs. 1969-72 Mrs. 1972-73 Mrs. 1974-75 Mrs. 1976 79 Mrs. 1980- Mrs. 14 MEMORIALS AND GIFTS There have been many gifts in memory and in honor of persons associated with Fremont United Methodist Church. These cannot be listed in their entirety. For further knowledge, please consult the Memorial book in the case in the vestibule of the church. Listed below are some of the major gifts. Stained Glass Windows (with inscriptions) c. 1942 G.D. Best 1848-1930 Steward 55 years Clennon D. Hooks 1872-1941 and Florence Hooks 1886-1940 Pearl Sallenger Hayes 1886-1940 Jarvis Hare Jones - Organist 27 years John B. Hooks and Laurie S. Hooks Jake Goodman Mayo 1888-1940 Cora Becton Newsome 1857-1928 Matt Becton Peacock 1888-1918 Thomas Waters Corbin and Susie Boggs Corbin Memorial Pews (north side near front of sanctuary) c. 1942 Jeremiah Shackleford & Emma Thompson Shackleford by Arthur Shackleford Herman Paul Shackleford 1895-1918 by Arthur Shackleford Mrs. Gertrude Exum Rufus Milton Batts 1875-1933 Other Pews (north side of sanctuary) given by Isaac Dees Hugh A. Evans Jesse M. Bogue Dr. C.H. Rand C. Douglas Hooks Charles T. Hooks H. Milton Best Carrie Boyd Dees Pews (south side of sanctuary) given by building committee P.C. Blalock, Chm. J. A. Best W.Y. Whitley G.W. Davis, Treas. Dr. G.R. Benton W.P. Jones J.W. Aycock J.B. Exum H.J. Dickinson M.C. Yelverton J.B. Lane Pews (center section) given in memory of Barden Vance Ida Garris Hooks Frank S. Hooks Clarence Hooks by Beulah Hooks Scott Brass Vase given by Braxton Davis in memory of Mrs. Eunice Davis Chimes given by J.B. Lane Family and Leroy Hayes in memory of Lane Yelverton Sound Board given by Jesse Davis in memory of Mrs. Ora B. Davis Communion Tray given by Judy Thompson in memory of Mr. and Mrs. June Davis Vestibule Picture, Fernery, and Sconces given by the children in memory of Dr. and Mrs. George R. Benton, Sr. Hat and Coat Rack given by Mr. and Mrs. W.Y. Whitley. Sanctuary Lights given by Mrs. P.M. Best, family and friends in memory of Anne Best Turlington, March 6, 1947-April 11, 1970. Pulpit Bible given by J.J. Cole in 1956. Altar Paraments given by Mr. and Mrs. Charles Exum in memory of John B. Exum, Jr. 1957 Memorial Case in Vestible in memory of John B. Hooks, Jr. Dorsal (Dossal) given by General Thomas Corbin in 1956 (no longer hanging) Communion Rail Cushions given by Mrs. J.K. Richardson 1956. Lecturn Light given by Mrs. Reuben Hooks. Illuminated Cross (now in fellowship hall) given by Cobb Family in 1942 in memory of Edgar Clarence Cobb and Minnie Bryan Cobb Church School Furniture (Kirby Building) given by the Exum Family in memory of John B. Exum, Jr. Piano (fellowship hall) given by General Thomas Corbin in honor of Sylvia Overman 1977. Pew Cushions given by Mrs. J.K. Richardson in memory of J. Kyle Richardson 1980 Antique Needlepoint Picture: "Christ and Woman at Well" given in memory of Wyatt Whitley 1980 Draperies in choir room given by Mr. and Mrs. John Blackman 1981 in memory of members and relatives of members who died in 1980 in honor of the 60-uppers in the church in honor of the choir members New flooring in fellowship hall and kitchen given in memory of Jesse Stewart through memorial funds and by the family 1981 Library and Archives Room furnished in memory of E. Thurman Hooks by memorial funds and the family 1981 Allen Digital Computer Organ by memorial funds and gifts by many in 1976. Please consult memorial book in vestibule. Hymnals and Pew Bibles were given in memory, in honor, and by special gifts. In addition to the above gifts, the Memorial Committee in consultation with the families has used memorial monies for supplying many needs throughout the buildings, including carpeting, drapes, painting, etc. Chancel Chairs given by Dr. and Mrs. George R. Benton, Sr. Communion Table given in memory of Frank M. Watson by Mrs. Frank M. Watson. Pulpit in memory of Charity Darden Watson 1868-1913 by children Cross and Candlesticks in memory of J. Rose, Jr., by Mr. and Mrs. John C. Rose, Sr. Offering Plates in memory of William D. Mason, Jr., by Mr. and Mrs. W.D. Mason, Sr. Baptismal Font in memory of Wyatt E. Yelverton Margaret M. Yelverton Walter R. Whitley Elizabeth Y. Whitley, by Mr. and Mrs. W.R. Whitley c. 1942. Piano in memory of Harvey Whitley by Mrs. Harvey Whitley and Lamont Whitley. Hymnal Board in memory of John B. Exum, Sr. Hymnal Board in memory of Mrs. Ora B. Davis. Brass Vase given by Mrs. Reuben Hooks. 15 MORE RECENT DAYS (1976-Now) For almost five years now the author has had the privilege of serving Fremont United Methodist Church. At the first Ad-ministrative Board meeting in the summer of 1976, one goal which he mentioned was the writing of this history. Now it has become a reality. Please bear with him now as he walks through these last few years with the reader. An organ fund had been begun in 1974 and as of May, 1976, a total of $2,396 had been given. In September, the Ad-ministrative Board appointed a committee to investigate the cost and to make a recommendation for a new organ. The committee brought a report in October, recommending the purchase of an Allen Digital Computer Organ for $12,667.20. The board approved. At the same time, the furnace in the main building, which had given problems and had been constantly repaired for several years, finally became too dangerous to operate. It was decided that this also was a real need. By faith, the board approved the combining of this effort with the drive for the organ. With the use of some memorial funds and special contributions by the people, both the new organ and the new furnace were installed and fully paid for in December, 1976, at a cost of almost $15,000! These efforts seemed to motivate the people in other areas as well. New choir robes were given in memory and honor of loved ones in 1977. A piano for the fellowship hall was given by General Thomas Corbin in honor of Sylvia Overman, church organist. A new roof was donated for the Kirby Building by Mr. and Mrs. D. Frank Hinnant in memory of Mrs. J.B. Exum, Jr. Since that time, a great deal of effort has been made in im-proving our buildings. With the exception of about four classrooms, every part of the buildings has been painted inside and most of the outside including the roof. A small fire during the Christmas season of 1979 made it necessary to paint the sanctuary. New carpeting covers the upstairs of the annex and in two classrooms in the Kirby Building. A new floor has been given for the fellowship hall and kitchen by the family in memory of Jesse Stewart. Beautiful draperies adorn the choir room, donated by Mr. and Mrs. John Blackman. They also contributed a glass fireplace screen for the fellowship hall. A new library and archives room is being furnished in memory of E. Thurman Hooks, and new carpeting for the entire down stairs of the annex is to be installed in May, 1981 . Shrubbery was added to the south line of the property, providing much beauty to the landscape. A large lot behind the Kirby Building was purchased in 1979. This is presently being used for recreation. Additional shrubbery lines the back of that lot also. The 80 Uppers included (front row, left to right) Mrs. Lillie Williamson, Mrs. John Walker, Mrs. Beulah Davis, Miss Ethel Cooke, Mrs. W. Frank Yelverton, Mrs. F. M. Watson, Mrs. A. J. Flowers; (second row) Wyatt Whitley, Mrs. I. Frank Yelverton, Mrs. Harvey Dickinson, Harvey Dickinson, John C. Rose, Mrs. Beulah Scott, Mrs. Elizabeth Keith, Mrs. J. K. Richardson, J. Kyle Richardson. The first annual 80-UPPERS DAY was held in 1978. This day honors all members and constituents who have reached the age of 80 or above. On that first occasion, fifteen of the twenty-two were present. Their picture (above) appeared on the front page of the North Carolina Christian Advocate on March 18, 1978, and in the local newspaper, The Weekly News. This continues to be an annual event. In 1978, the first Homecoming Day in several years was held with the Reverend LaFon Vereen, former pastor, delivering the sermon. In March, 1981, the Ladies Class was renamed the "Scott- Richardson Class" in honor of Beulah Hooks Scott and Christine Richardson. Few people have contributed so much in so many ways as have these two ladies through their gifts, their labors and their service. In the past four years, an emphasis has been placed on missions with specific directions toward world hunger and missionary salary support. Dr. and Mrs. Kennie Linn, missionaries to India, have been the recipients. It is an-ticipated that they will visit the church in the spring of 1981 when they retire and return home. This special emphasis on missions placed Fremont number one in the Goldsboro District with $2,500 in 1978. In 1979, Fremont was second only to the largest church in the district, and in 1980 the giving had slipped to third behind the two largest churches-but not far behind! The senior high and junior high United Methodist Youth Fellowships have contributed a large part of these monies through 24 hour fasts and rock-a-thons during the Lenten season. In addition, our United Methodist Women continue to do great things on the conference, district, and local levels. It is difficult to evaluate a church's ministry and mission to the people, the community, and the world. Dollars and cents can be computed, but services and prayers and other in-tangibles cannot be. In many moving and touching moments, one becomes a part of the lives of others and subsequently a part of one another's personal and family histories through the years. During these brief years these moments have been experienced. Since the author became the pastor in June, 1976, there have been twenty-four deaths among the membership. In addition, there have been several others among the constituency. While this may not sound like a lot for a large church in a large city, it is quite a lot for a town and country church of about 330 members. The love which flows to and fro in these situations can only be measured subjectively and in the heart. As we list the mem-bers who have died these past four and a half years, it is done so with love, remembrances and prayer. Hooks Rose Best Mrs. Michael (Suzanne) Hugh A. Evans Mrs. John C. (Ruby) Mrs. Paul M. (Annie) Hubert D. Corbin J. Thadeus Hooks James L. Bruton Charles M. Pippin Robert L. Stevenson, Sr. W. Wayne Hooks Steven Scott Yelverton Marvin Yelverton Mrs. Edgar L. Best Wyatt Y. Whitley Jesse S. Stewart Mrs. Marvin (Delia) J. Madero O'Neal Mrs. Charles (Ruth) Laura Pippin Danka Harvey Dickinson E. Thurman Hooks Mrs. George (Beulah) Davis Mrs. W. Wayne (Joyce) Hooks Mrs. Jim Sutton (Deane) Cobb Mrs. Preston (Eleanor) Day Yelverton Pippin March 3, 1977 March 24, 1977 June 10, 1977 November 13, 1977 February, 1978 July 20, 1978 August 27, 1978 September 9, 1978 November 21, 1978 January 21, 1979 March 10, 1979 April 3, 1979 June 30, 1979 October 2, 1979 November 10, 1979 February 19, 1980 March 4, 1980 March 20, 1980 April 9, 1980 May 4, 1980 June 21, 1980 October 25, 1980 December 16, 1980 January 28, 1981 April 21, 1981 16 North Carolina State Libra, Raleigh, N. C. PRESENT MEMBERSHIP Following is a list of those persons who were full members of the church as of 1981. Abernathy, Mrs. Gregg (Joan) Aycock, Beverly Yelverton Aycock, Mrs. Glenn (Ruth) Bal lance, Mrs. Dorothy S. Barker, Mrs. Lynn Evans Barnes, J. Dempsey Barnes, Mrs. J. Dempsey (Rena) Bell, Mrs. Lee Roy (Flora Crews) Bearnon, Mrs. Dwaine (Mary Sue) Benfield, Mrs. Jack M. (Jane C.) Benfield, Terri Benfield, Susan Benton, Binford E. Jr. Benton, Donna Lynn Benton, Mary Mumford Blackman, Dr. Jesse A. Blackman, Mrs. Jesse A. (Norma) Blackman, John Blackman, Mrs. John (Libba) Blackman, T. Gibson Blalock, Paul C. Jr. Blalock, Mrs. Paul C. Jr. (Teenie) Blalock, Paul Cameron III Blow, A. Carlton Bogue, Mrs. Susie Mae Bolding, Mrs. Robert (Barbara) Bolding, Lori Broome, Mrs. L.R. (Dorothy) Brown, Mrs. Joe (Betty) Bruton, Mrs. James L. (Winnie Dorothy) Butler, Mrs. Nannie G. Cobb, Jim Sutton Cobb, Kay Coe, Mrs. Charles (Sally L.) Cole, Mrs. J.J. Jr. (Sarah) Cole, J. Jerald III Cooke, Ethel Cooley, Bobby Cooley, Mrs. Bobby (Penny) Cooley, Bob Cooley, Burt Corbin, General Thomas G. Cox, Mrs. John (Mary) Curtis, Mrs. Kay Y. Danka, William Davis, Alice Lorene Davis, Arnold Davis, Mrs. Arnold (Lillie) Davis, Mrs. Braxton (Winnie Ruth) Davis, Mrs. Carl (Pauline) Davis, Mrs. Randall Davis, Mrs. Russell Sr. (Virginia) Davis, Russell Jr. Davis, Spencer LaVerne Davis, William G. Davis, Winston Davis, Mrs. Winston (Bertha) Davis, Gary Dees, Isaac Jr. Dickinson, Mrs. Harvey (Ada) Drummond, William M. Drummond, Mrs. W.M. (Vicki) Dubberly, Clinton D. Dubberly, Mrs. C. D. (Lamonte) Dubberly, David Edmundson, Mrs. Donald (Phyllis) Edmundson, Don Edmundson, Charles Edmundson, Tracey Edwards, Sidney Ellis, Ken Ellis, Mary Ellen Ellis, Mrs. Barnes (Molly) Evans, Andy Evans, Cecil Evans, David C. Evans, Mrs. Hugh A. (Elizabeth) Evans, Junius Evans, Mrs. Junius (Bobbie) Evans, Steve Evans, Kenneth 17 Evans, Mrs. Robert (Rhonda) Exum, J. Burt III Ferrell, Mrs. George (Barbara) Ferrell, Laura Gayle Fields, Willie Flowers, Mrs. A.J. (Melissa) Flowers, Lou Ellen Flowers, Mrs. W.A. Flowers, Darron Flowers, Mrs. Darron (Mary Lee) Flowers, Keith Flowers, Beth Gamble, James O. Jr. Gamble, Mrs. James O. Jr. (Emily) Gamble, James O. 1 1 1 Gibson, Mrs. Billy (Scotty) Gilleran, Mrs. Dennis (Linda R.) Hayes, Mrs. Bert (Kirk) Hayes, Bill Hicks, George Hicks, Mrs. George (Lib) Hill, Mrs. T.C. Jr. (Isabelle) Hill, T.C. Ill Hill, Mrs. T.C. Ill (Ava) Hinnant, D. Frank Hinnant, Mrs. D. Frank (Anne E.) Hinnant, David Hinton, Mrs. T.W. Holland, Gifford G. Hooks, Charles T. Sr. Hooks, Mrs. Charles T. Sr. (Cora) Hooks, C. Taylor Jr. Hooks, Mrs. C. Taylor Jr. (Mary Jo) Hooks, Kim Hooks, Charles Till Hooks, Curtis Wayne Hooks, Mrs. Earl (Ruth) Hooks, Alma Hooks, Lewis Hooks, Mrs. Thurman (Edna) Hooks, Glenn Hooks, Mrs. Glenn (Hazel) Hooks, Rob Hooks, Jacob I. Ill Hooks, Mrs. J. Thaddeus (Bebe) Hooks, Mrs. John B. Jr. (Sue C.) Hooks, Leland Hooks, Leonard Hooks, Mrs. Leonard (Edith) Hooks, Matthew Earl Jr. Hooks, Michael Lee Hooks, Katherine Hooks, Michael Hooks, Mrs. Wayne (Nona) Home, Mrs. J.D. Home, Mrs. Jerry W. (Teresa H.) Jackson, Elizabeth Jackson, Jennifer Jackson, Mrs. Margaret T. Johnson, Mrs. Jerry (Libby C.) Johnson, Leroy Johnson, Mrs. Leroy (Betsy) Johnson, Lynn Johnson, Doug Johnson, Mark Johnson, Mrs. Mark (Cheryl) Jones, R. Donald Jones, Mrs. R. Donald (Liz) Jones, Don Jones, Lisa Jones, Randy Kearney, Mrs. Bill (Julia H.) Keith, Mrs. C.G. (Elizabeth) Kyles, Mrs. Allen (Anita) Lambert, Mrs. Rusty (Judith) Langston, Jane Langston, William L. 1 1 1 Lee, Ava Lee, Mrs. Waverly (Peggy) Lee, Edith Litchworth, Mrs. Stephen (Edwina) MacMillan, George MacMillan, Jimmy MacMillan, Hope Mason, W. Donald Mason, Mrs. W. Donald (Mary Love) Mason, Libby Mason, Steve Mason, Donna 18 Matthews, Larry Matthews, Mrs. Larry (Linda) Matthews, Bryan Mayo, David M. Mayo, Mrs. John B. (Adelaide) Mayo, Ann Reid Milleson, Mrs. Rick (Jean E.) Minshew, Miss Clyde Minshew, Mrs. Mabel Mdore, Mrs. Sally P. Mooring, Deborah Lynn Mooring, Mrs. Donald (Linda) Mooring, Mrs. Marvin (Virginia) Mooring, Sue Katherine McBride, Mrs. CD. (Eliza) Nelms, Julian Nelms, Mrs. Julian (Gwynne) O'Connell, Mrs. Elizabeth O'Neal, Ben Ray O'Neal, Mrs. J. Madero (Helen) O'Neal, Joel O'Neal, Mrs. Joel (Judy N.) O'Neal, Melissa Outland, Mrs. Lena A. Overman, Lemuel Overman, Mrs. F. Lemuel (Sylvia) Overman, Fred Pate, Mrs. Gerald (Judith) Peacock, Mrs. Clarence Jr. (Jessie) Peacock, Mrs. Frank L. Jr. (Mary Hall) Peacock, Howard Peacock, James Peacock, James E. Sr. Peacock, Mrs. James E. Sr. (Nancy R.) Peacock, John R. Peacock, Dr. James E. Jr. Peacock, Kay Peacock, Raymond Peacock, Mrs. Raymond (Betsy) Pennington, Mrs. Allyne Peoples, Mrs. Frank (Anne Y.) Pierce, Homer Pierce, Mrs. Homer (Ida Jean) Pierce, Sammy Pierce, Frank Pierce, Patty Pike, Mrs. Clarence (Evelyn) Pippin, Charles R. Pippin, Mrs. Earl (Edna) Pippin, John L. Pippin, Mrs. John L. (Inez) Price, Mrs. Theodore (Corrine) Price, Connie Price, Jerry Richardson, Mrs. J. Kyle (Christine) Rimberg, Mrs. John (Joella) Rollins, Mrs. Gary (Connie) Rose, Gary Rose, John C. Rose, Kent Rose, William Dickinson Sager, Kathryn Joanne Sasser, Mrs. El wood Sr. (Frances) Sasser, El wood Jr. Sasser, Frank Sasser, James Wyatt Sasser, Sammy Sasser, Mrs. Sammy (Winnie Sue D.) Scott, Mrs. Beulah Hooks Shackletord, Dan Shackleford, Mrs. Dan (Grey) Shackletord, Jeffrey Singleton, John Sr. Singleton, Mrs. John Sr. Singleton, John Jr. Skinner, Mrs. Michael (Mary Lucy) Smith, Burton D. Smith, Mrs. Burton D. (Martha Lou) Smith, Freddie Smith, Burt Smith, Catherine E. Smith, Mrs. Ed (Martha) Smith, Mrs. Phillis C. Smith, Mrs. Ralph Sr. (Grace) 19 Smith, Ralph Jr. Smith, Mrs. Ralph Jr. (Betsy) Smith, Brad Smith, Lee Smith, Mrs. Rex (Linda B.) Smith, Sandra Lee Starling, James T. Starling, Mrs. James T. (Lillian) Stevenson, Mrs. Robert L. Sr. (Faye) Stevenson, Robert L. Jr. Stevenson, Mrs. Robert L. Jr. (Susan D.) Stewart, Henry L. Stewart, Mrs. Jesse S. (Jessie) Stewart, Keith Stewart, Mrs. Keith (Lynda) Strickland, Timothy Suggs, Mrs. Billy S. Sullivan, Mrs. John (Sara P.) Swindell, Mrs. Scott (Susan) Taylor, Mrs. Kathryn Taylor, Lynn Taylor, Robert L. Thornton, Mrs. S.D. (Ruth) Thompson, Mary T. Triana, Mrs John (Belle P.) Treadaway, Mrs. H.H. (Mary Jane) Turlington, Mrs. Hugh (Eleanor B.) Turlington, Mrs. Oscar (Evelyn) Turner, Mrs. Terry Valley, Mrs Muriel P. Watson, Mrs. Frank M. (Edith) Wetzell, Mrs. Ralph (Diana) Whitford, Mrs. Thomas A. (Teenie) Whitford, Ella Ann Whittord, Tommy Whitley, D.H. Whitley, Mrs. Harvey (Margaret) Whitley, H. Lamont Whitley, Mrs. H. Lamont (Polly) Whitley, Dr. H.L. Jr. Whitley, Mrs. H.L. Jr. (Candy) Whitworth, Mrs. Richard (Frances) Wiggs, Mrs. Charles (Hazel) Winbon, Doug Winbon, Mrs. Clarence (Maude) Winders, Charles Wyndham, Mrs. Vickie Wooten, Robbie Wooten, Mrs. Robbie (Terry) Worrell, Mrs. Frank (Carolyn) Yelverton, Deborah Ann Yelverton, George E. Sr. Yelverton, Mrs. George E. Sr. (Kay) Yelverton, Eddie Yelverton, Bill Yelverton, Mrs. I. Frank (Mary Margaret) Yelverton, Jack Yelverton, Mrs. Jack (Lida) Yelverton, John Yelverton, Mrs. John (Reba) Yelverton, John Edwards Yelverton, Mrs. John E. (Patty) Yelverton, Patrick Yelverton, Mrs. Norman (Annette) Yelverton, Stephen T. Yelverton, Mrs. J. Tom (Leila) Yelverton, Mrs. W. Frank (Ann) Carolina State Library igh, N- Q. 20 GC 287.6756395 B465f Benfield, Jack M. Fremont United Methodist Church, 1869-19 III III 3 3091 00079 1111 DATE DUE DEMCO 38-297
Click tabs to swap between content that is broken into logical sections.
Title | Fremont United Methodist Church, 1869-1981 : a history |
Other Title | History of Fremont United Methodist Church, Fremont, North Carolina |
Creator | Benfield, Jack M. |
Date | 1982 |
Subjects |
Fremont United Methodist Church (Fremont, N.C.)--History North Caroliniana |
Place |
Fremont, Wayne County, North Carolina, United States |
Time Period |
(1860-1876) Civil War and Reconstruction (1876-1900) Gilded Age (1900-1929) North Carolina's industrial revolution and World War One (1929-1945) Depression and World War Two (1945-1989) Post War/Cold War period |
Publisher | [North Carolina : s.n., 1982?] |
Rights | Religion in North Carolina see http://digital.ncdcr.gov/cdm/ref/collection/p249901coll37/id/23786 |
Physical Characteristics | 20 p. : ill., ports. ; 28 cm. |
Collection |
General Collection. State Library of North Carolina |
Type | text |
Language | English |
Format | Histories |
Digital Characteristics-A | 2052 KB; 30 p. |
Digital Collection | General Collection |
Digital Format | application/pdf |
Audience | All |
Pres File Name-M | gen_religion_fremontunitedmethodist1981.pdf |
Full Text | Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2013 http://archive.org/details/fremontunitedmetOOjack A History Of Fremont United Methodist Church Fremont, North Carolina ^Orth Carolina State Library Raleigh, N. C, >nt Uni Methodist Church 1869-1981 s A History By Jock M. Benfield, Minister PREFACE Methodism had been in existence for well over a century before Fremont had her first Methodist church. In fact, the denomination had been in the United States (colonies) since 1766. "Phillip Embury, a lay preacher from Ireland, began to preach in the city of New York. At about the same time Robert Strawbridge, another lay preacher from Ireland, settled in Frederick County, Maryland, and began the work there. In 1769 Wesley sent Richard Boardman and Joseph Pilmore to America, and two years later, Francis Asbury, who became the great leader of American Methodism." So states the 1980 BOOK OF DISCIPLINE of the United Methodist Church. North Carolina Methodism began, according to many church historians, when Joseph Pilmore preached at Currituck courthouse on September 29, 1772, but the oldest established congregation is Centenary, New Bern. This church began holding services on December 25, 1772, with Joseph Pilmore preaching. It was not until about twenty-eight years later that a church was established in Wayne County. The North Carolina Con-ference Historical Directory indicates that Providence, south of Goldsboro, and Bethel, near Hood Swamp, were founded about 1800. They were followed by Salem, near Belfast, around 1805. In our own neighborhood, Yelverton at Faro was founded around 1845, and in nearby Wilson County, Stantonsburg church was founded in 1833. These two churches were on the main road from Waynesborough to Tarboro. Methodist circuit riders may have passed through these various communities many times on many unrecorded oc-casions prior to these dates. They may have preached in private homes, meeting places, school houses, and under bush arbors. Our dates are from deeds and local church histories. Fremont Methodist Church history begins in the days following the Civil War, nearly a century after Methodism came to our state. It was an era when many other churches were also being established as a part of the reconstruction effort. Among the twenty nine United Methodist Churches in Wayne County, Fremont was the ninth to be founded. Ac-cording to the deed, the date was March 25, 1869. Following is a list of the Wayne County United Methodist Churches in chronological order of their accepted founding date: 1. Providence 1800 2. Bethel 1800 3. Salem 1805 4. Ebenezer 1840 5. Yelverton 1845 6. St. Paul, Goldsboro 1849 7. Smith Chapel 1853 8. Indian Springs 1853 9. FREMONT 1869 10. Pine Forest 1870 11. Mt. Olive 1870 12. Beston 1871 13. Falling Creek 1874 14. St. John, Goldsboro 1875 15. Mt. Carmel 1878 16. Daniels Memorial 1878 17. Eureka 1880 18. Zion 1881 19. Seven Springs 1891 20. Saulston 1892 21. St. Joseph's, Pikeville 1903 22. Garris Chapel 1909 (Please notice the gap!) 23. St. Luke 1950 24. Airboro, Goldsboro 1954 25. Westwood 1955 26. New Hope, Goldsboro 1956 27. Jefferson, Goldsboro 1957 28. Brogden 1958 29. Walker Memorial 1963 , EARLY DAYS In the only printed church history prior to this one, which was a newspaper article for the Goldsboro News Argus, the statement is made that "the story of the Methodist Church in Fremont before March 25, 1869, is one of questioning and surmise." Now, after much research by this author, that statement remains true. Although the North Carolina Con-ference Historical Directory indicates "founded about 1861 according to local church information," this information has not been found or that date substantiated. In the old conference journals, there is no record of "Wayne Circuit," of which Fremont was a part, until 1869. There was a "Wayne Mission" in 1867 and 1868 which may have been at any of several locations in the county. In the 1864 conference journal, a "Nahunta Colored Mission" was listed "to be supplied." Whether this refers to the town (as Fremont was then named) or to some other area of the vast Nahunta Swamp is not known. This was the only time it was listed. In regard to the town and name, "Nahunta," the date of March 25, 1869 (date of church deed) preceded the changing of the name of the town from Nahunta to Fremont by just one week, the latter being accomplished by an act of the General Assembly on April 1, 1869. No significance is drawn from this other than that a great deal of local history took place in that week which was to affect greatly this community for years to come. Then, too, some of the people involved in both incidences were the same. The church deed was between M.F. and Piety Jeffreys and the Trustees of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, for the purchaseof a piece of land "to erect and build a house or place of worship for the use of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South." The trustees were A.J. Finlayson, Wm. Bryant, J.M. Jenkins, J.J. Scott, J.J. Bardin, J.G. Barnes, and J.H. Barnes. Of these, only J.J. Bardin and James H. Barnes appear in the oldest membership book in our possession. They were probably charter members. J.M. Jenkins shows up later in the same roll book as having joined the church in 1894. A.J. Finlayson was a local Methodist preacher who un-doubtedly had a hand in the organization of the church, as he later did with Mt. Carmel near Pikeville. According to an old document among church records (undated), "In 1869 the Rev. A.J. Finlayson, a local Methodist Preacher. ..who also founded the Mt. Carmel Church near Pikeville. ..was preaching in the old Lodge which stood where the Community Building now stands and with the help of others organized the Fremont Methodist Church." The document goes on to give the date of December 10, which is incorrect, and the names of the trustees, all of which are correct except one, J.M. Perkins, who is not listed on the deed. Even though A.J. Finlayson may have been holding services in the Nahunta Masonic Lodge at that time, he was doing so as a local preacher. He therefore was not ordained and appointed, per se, and he was not listed in the conference journal. A great man he was, however! In the Raleigh Christian Advocate, there is an address by the Reverend Jno N. Andrews (our first minister of record) on the occasion of the laying of the cor-nerstone of Goldsboro M.E. Church, South, on July 12, 1883. In that address, Mr. Andrews stated, "A.J. Finlayson also became a local preacher. He was not educated, but he was converted; not eloquent, but earnest. No citizen of Wayne has impressed himself for good upon the religious public for two generations as did Finlayson for the nearly thirty years of his ministry. After the war Wayne and Lenoir circuits were revived and rebuilt through his instrumentality. He was in-strumental in building seven churches. He gave bountifully of time and money to the cause of Christ, and his death was one of great calmness and peace." A.J. Finlayson was born August 20, 1824, and died on July 9, 1881. Since he was not a conference member, no memoir appears in the conference journal. We do not have the first membership roll book from 1869 to 1886, therefore our records are incomplete, including the names of charter members. J.J. Scott, J.G. Barnes, and Wm. Bryant may have appeared on that earlier roll, but it is also o (J o E 01 3 u o> possible that they were never members of the church since this was not necessary in order to be a trustee of the church. We know something about some of the trustees from secular documents. J.J. Scott was the first mayor of Fremont. J.J. Bardin (also spelled Barden) was the druggist. M.F. Jeffreys, from whom the land was purchased, was a town commissioner. He later joined the church in 1893, but his wife, Piety, did not join until 1901. Jeff M. Jenkins was the policeman in 1880 and also the Fremont reporter for the Goldsboro Carolina Messenger during the 1870's. Old newspaper accounts state that the Methodist Church was the first and only church in town for several years, although there were other churches nearby such as Aycock Primitive Baptist, Memorial Primitive Baptist and Yelverton Methodist Episcopal, South. Then, too, it was possible that the Old Lodge was used occasionally by other church groups. It was quite common for a building in those days to be used as a church, school, and for town meetings and other meetings. Old Lodge was occupied by the Masons upstairs and was used as a church and school downstairs. Governor Charles B. Aycock attended school there from 1867 to 1872, which was the same time that Methodist services were being held there. Some old church stationary in 1928 states at the top: "old church built in 1876" and "our aim-new church 1928-29". Other information states that the first building was constructed in 1873. Why it took four to seven years to construct a building on the property is not known. 1894-1932, Washington district 1932 1954, New Bern district 1954 Goldsboro district was formed. Fremont has been in this district since then. THE MINISTERS There have been thirty-eight ministers who have served the Fremont church. John N. Andrews is the only one to have been appointed two times. As explained in a previous section, AJ. Finlayson is not counted among these ministers since there is no official documentation that he was ever appointed to the Wayne circuit prior to 1869. He is recognized, nevertheless, as most definitely having an important part to play in the foun-ding of the church. Even though the annual conference session met in December in those earlier years and the ministers probably did not arrive on the scene until January of the following year, for the pur-pose of computation the year of the listing of the appointment in the journal is the year used as the beginning of a tenure. For instance, John N. Andrews is listed in the 1868 journal as having been appointed in December of that year to serve the Wayne circuit. Since the deed was dated on March 25, 1869, one can assume that John N. Andrews was the first minister of-ficially assigned. There is a possibility that A.J. Finlayson may have unofficially served at that point in time until the December, 1869, session of annual conference. For that reason, it is difficult to give the first minister an absolutely clear starting point. Nevertheless, as stated above, John N. Andrews is being listed as first. CHARGE ALIGNMENTS It is difficult to ascertain the churches on the circuit in the early days since the conference journals did not list them by name until 1926. Prior to that time, beginning in 1883, only the number of churches and-or Sunday Schools was given. Fremont became a part of the Wayne Circuit in 1869 which was one of just a few charges in the New Bern district. We are not sure what other churches or how many were on this circuit. Nearby churches existing at that time were Yelverton and Salem, both of which were possibilities. It is more likely that Wayne Circuit covered the churches in Wayne County. In 1873, Lebanon Church in Greene County is listed in the North Carolina Historical Directory as having been on the Fremont (actually Wayne) circuit. Another church begun that year was Black Creek, therefore we probably were associated with these two churches, from their birth for many years. The first statistical data on the Wayne circuit appears in the 1883 journal, noting 5 Sunday Schools, 438 members, one parsonage valued at $700 and 5 churches valued at $6,000. The pastor's salary was $700 (same as the parsonage value!). To put things further in proper perspective, there were only 183 ministerial members of the conference which covered the entire state of North Carolina! We are supposing that the five churches at that time were Fremont, Beaman's Chapel (later Eureka), Yelverton, Black Creek, and Lebanon. Saulston was organized in 1892 and became an entry into the membership roll book for the Fremont circuit in that same year, making a total of six churches. It appears that Saulston remained on the charge until 1920. Lebanon left the circuit, according to the membership book, about 1917. With these two churches apart by 1920, the circuit became a four-point charge wiih Fremont, Black Creek, Yelverton, and Beaman's Chapel. This charge alignment continued for the next thirty-four years, which may be a record for four-point circuits! In 1954, Fremont became a station church for the first time in her history. Eureka and Yelverton became a two-point charge, as they remain today; and Black Creek became a part of the Rocky Mount district. The charge was known as the Wayne circuit from 1869 to 1888, at which time it became the Fremont circuit. It was called this until 1954. The district alignments were as follows: 1869-1890, New Bern district (The North Carolina Con-ference separated from the W.N.C. Conference in 1889) 1890-1894, Wilson district 1868-73 JOHN N. ANDREWS does not appear on another list of the church's ministers as the first pastor; however, he is listed in the conference journals as the pastor of the Wayne circuit during this period of time. He was born on June 21, 1826, the son of Dr. S.A. Andrews of Wayne County. He was educated for a physician and entered the practice. According to Dr. Edgar Perkins' scrapbook "he was regarded as a disbeliever in Divine Revelation, but having a Christian woman for a patient, and witnessing her triumphant death, he became deeply af-fected and at once sought the Christian's faith. He joined the church, entered the ministry, and his pious labors have been abundantly blessed." He professed faith at Holt's mill near Princeton in 1849. He also served the Wayne circuit in 1882-84. In 1885, he took 2-3 weeks off to visit his children, riding almost 400 miles with his wife. He died on the return trip to Roanoke circuit where he was serving. He is buried in Goldsboro. THE WAYNE CIRCUIT WAS DISTRICT IN 1869 IN THE NEW BERNE 1873-75 R.A. WILLIS was born in Rockingham County, February 19, 1836. He was the father of the Reverend R.H. Willis. He joined the conference in 1858 and served the church for 50 years. He was a presiding elder (district superintendent) for four dif ferent districts. He died in 1910 and is buried in Littleton, N.C. 1875-77 X*"****^ 1881 82 F.H. WOOD is listed in the conference journal as appointed to the Wayne circuit for these years and is on the list of ministers appearing in a newspaper article in the early 1940's. He is not on another list of ministers, however, in the church archives. Nothing more is known about him. W.H. CALL is not listed among the chronological deceased ministers of the conference which means that he either was a local preacher or had moved to another conference or had dropped out of the ministry before his death. Nothing is known about him. 1882-84 JOHN N. ANDREWS served the Wayne circuit for a second time. See above 1877 79 W.C. GANNON is listed in the conference journal as having served these two years and is also listed in the above article as "Cannon," a misspelling. Nothing more is known about him. . -'*" 1884-87 RUFUS CICERO BEAMAN was born in 1860 in Rocky Mount. He joined the conference in 1877 as a 17-year-old lad, and spent almost fifty years as an itinerant minister. He later became a presiding elder on two occasions: Wilson district in 1897-98 and the Durham district 1910-13. He was a General Conference delegate in 1910. He served some of the larger churches in the conference. He was called Dr. Beaman which was probably an honorary title since he appears to have been self-educated. Eureka was begun as Beaman's Chapel in 1887 according to the deed and Dr. Beaman's tenure, although an earlier date is ascribed as being 1880 for the church's founding. He died in 1926 and is buried in Willow Dale Cemetery in Goldsboro. 1879-81 N.M. JURNEY was assigned to Wayne circuit for these two years and is listed as having a Fremont address, the first such address listed in a journal. No memoir could be found of him either. 1887-89 W.J. CROWSON has no memoir in the conference journal nor is he listed in the chronological deceased roll. Nothing is known about him. The Circuit was called Fremont circuit for the first time in 1889. It should be noted also that the North Carolina Conference divided from the Western North Carolina Conference in this same year. Rockingham called him "a patriarch in Methodism." His memoir notes that when "gas buggies came out, he built one for himself." He was 94 years old when he died on December 23, 1951. He is buried in Raleigh. His daughter-in-law, Jean, lives in Smithfield, and is quite active in Goldsboro district activities. 1889 93 W.W. ROSE was born in 1858 in Warren County and died in 1913. He is buried in Franklinton, N.C. Fremont circuit became a part of the Wilson district in 1892. Fremont circuit was in the Washington district in 1895. 1899-01 1893-95 W.H. PUCKETT was born on March 17, 1856, in Tyrell County. According to his memoir, he was reared in the church and became superintendent of Sunday School at 17 years of age and learned to exhort at 18. He began to preach at age 20 and "attended school between laying by the crop and the gathering of the same." He died in 1912 and is buried at Smithfield. FRANCIS BRAGG McCALL was born February 26, 1858, in Scotland County. His first wife died when their son was three weeks old. He married a second time and was the father of three more sons and six daughters. His memoir speaks of his mother and her diligence in training him and his siblings: "When he was but a lad, she would take a lunch, for it was four miles to their church, St. John's, and she and the boy would walk to church. The effect of such training was manifest. Out of that house went three into the itinerancy (ministry)." He died in 1928 and is buried in Gibson, North Carolina. '} 1901-02 THOMAS J. DAILEY was born in 1849 in Alamance County. His memoir in the journal was written by another of our ministers, B.P. Robinson. He was converted in 1877 at about age 28, was licensed to preach in 1880 and served for a while as a lay preacher. Then he joined the conference in 1883. His health failed in 191 1 and he finally retired in 1914. He was living with a daughter in Deland, Florida when he died in 1935. 1895 99 CONDOR PARSON JEROME was born June 16, 1857, in Mecklenburg County. He retired after serving Pikeville and his son, Robert L. Jerome, was appointed to follow him on the same charge. Robert went on to serve the church well and is now deceased. Bishop Costen J. Harrell wrote a daughter of his affection for the elder Mr. Jerome, stating that he (Jerome) was his (Harrell's) pastor when he went away to college and a devoted friend and helper always. The Post Dispatch in • 1902-06 1918-22 D.L. EARNHARDT was born in 1854 in Salisbury, North Carolina. He was the father of the Reverend Daniel Edwin Earnhardt. This is mentioned because the latter joined the church as a youngster in May, 1904, and later served the conference as a minister until his death in 1976. A third-generation minister, the Reverend Edwin L. Earnhardt, grandson of D.L., is presently serving Rose Hill United Methodist Church. D.L. Earnhardt died in 1928 and is buried in Durham, N.C. 190608 WILLIAM TAYLOR PHIPPS was born in 1881 in Towsen, Maryland. He was a graduate of Baltimore Polytechnic In-stitute with an engineering degree. He worked for a while with an oil company before he heard the call to the ministry. He went then to Vanderbilt University and joined the conference in 1907. After serving the church for 43 years, he retired in 1949. He was described as a strong, robust man. He used his training as an engineer and architect. The first church he helped to design and build was the church at Swan Quarter, the one which replaced the "church moved by the hand of God." He died in 1968 and is buried in Pittsboro, North Carolina. 1922 25 JAMES ADOLPHUS DAI LEY was born on May 23, 1868, in Alamance County. He was married to Matilda Howland of Graham. They had three children. His memoir states that he had "a great gift as an exhorter and was at his best at revivals." He died on November 18, 1945, of a heart attack at Duke Hospital. -x CHARLES ROBERT TAYLOR was born November 29, 1855, at Seaboard, North Carolina. He joined the Virginia Conference in 1878. He also served in Arkansas for four years. His memoir states that he described himself as a skilled "cotton-picker" and liked to be called a "cotton pickin' preacher." He died on August 27, 1908, while serving the Fremont circuit. He is buried in Greenville, Virginia. 1908 10 BENSON H BLACK was born in Monroe, North Carolina, the son ol a noted Methodist minister, Dr. William S. Black, editor of the Raleigh Christian Advocate and a presiding elder Benson Black attended Trinity College (now Duke) where he played football and was a big supporter of Duke athletics all of his lite He retired in 1941, died in 1946, and is buried in Durham, North Carolina. .•~..» 1925-27 NATHAN BRADLEY STRICKLAND was born in 1878 in Johnston County. He became a teacher at age 20 and later was a principal. He was called to preach and was admitted into the conference in 1911 at age 33. After serving for 38 years, he retired in 1949. His father was a minister as were two of his brothers. He died at the Methodist Retirement Home in Durham on June 9, 1958, and is buried in Johnston County. 1910 14 RUFUS RHODES GRANT was born October 13, 1871, in Northampton County. He died February 23, 1946, and was buried in Fairfield, North Carolina. 1914 18 JULIAN LEE CRAFT RUMLEY was born in Beaufort, North Carolina, on June 14, 1870. His memoir states that "delicate health" kept him from serving many of the leading ap-pointments. He retired in 1924 at age 54 for health reasons. He died in 1928 and is buried at Farmville, North Carolina. 1927-29 ROBERT E. PITTMAN was born in 1867 in Lenoir County. He was married to Eugenia Coward of Griffon and they had seven children. He was a former river boat captain on the Neuse River and often related stories of his ventures. He was known throughout the conference as "Captain Bob," but locally some of the youth nicknamed him "Steamboat Bob." He died in 1936 and is buried in Durham. 1929-33 JSSKmamm KIRBY FORMY DUVAL was born in 1884 in Brunswick County. He is described in his memoir as a "great circuit rider," having served sixteen charges over 40 years, mostly rural multi-church charges. He died in 1964 and is buried in Durham. 1941-44 BENJAMIN PORTIVANT ROBINSON was born August 27, 1880. He was called to preach at age 23, and served the Methodist Church tor 39 years. Fremont was his last ap-pointment, retiring in 1944. His memoir describes "his broad smile, friendly greeting, and the sunshine of his soul." Mrs. Robinson (Victoria) suffered a partial stroke of paralysis while they were at Fremont. It was while he was pastor that the brick renovation and addition was completed and dedicated. Bishop Clare Purcell came for the dedication service. Mr. Robinson died on November 26, 1952 and is buried in Raeford, North Carolina. 1944-47 JOHN CEPHAS WILLIAMS was born on August 20, 1882. His wife was Maggie Lee Dixon of Rockingham County. On Oc-tober 26, 1947, Mr. Williams preached his last sermon at Fremont on the subject, "The Place of the Church and Religion in the Life of Man." In that sermon he said there were three things a Methodist preacher must be ready to do: (1) preach (2) move (3) die. After the service, he went immediately across the street to the parsonage, lay down on his bed and died. His memoir, from which this information is taken, fur-ther states that "the board of stewards of the Fremont Church drove in a body the 150 miles (to Rockingham County) to the graveside to attend the last rites of their beloved pastor." He is the "Williams" of the Hooks-Williams Circle. 1933-37 EDGAR RALPH SHULLER is now retired and living with his wife, Mary, at Yaupon Beach, Southport, North Carolina. He transferred to the North Carolina Conference from North Arkansas in 1930 and served Kenly and Garner before Fremont. He served eight other charges after he left this charge until his retirement in 1968. 1947-49 LAFON C. VEREEN is presently the Administrator of the Wesley Pines Retirement Home in Lumberton, North Carolina where he has served with his wife, Joyce for the past six years. He has been with the Methodist Retirement Homes since 1972. He also served as Executive Secretary of the Conference Board of Missions, as the Associate Director of our Conference staff in the areas of witness, outreach, involvement. Other churches he has served include Trinity (Wilmington), Fairmont (Raleigh), Farmville, and Warrenton. 1937-41 CECIL WAYNE ROBBINS is retired and living with his wife, Eloise, at 1202 Bickett Blvd., Louisburg, North Carolina. After leaving Fremont, he served Mt. Olive and Warrenton. In 1949 he became editor of the North Carolina Christian Advocate. In 1955 he was named President of Louisburg College, a position he held until he retired in 1974. At present he serves as a retired supply pastor. Dr. Robbins was a Jurisdictional Delegate in 1952 and a General Conference Delegate in 1956, 1964, and 1968. 1949 (part) 8 JOHN D. CRANFORD was born in 1893 in Davidson County. He served only a portion of 1949 at Fremont after Mr. Vereen was re-assigned to Warrenton early in that year. Mr. Cranford died in 1963 and is buried at Denton, North Carolina. 1949 1953 WILLIAM ELMER HOWARD was born in Denver, North Carolina in 1895. Mrs. Howard (Bessie) lived in Mt. Olive for some time after Mr. Howard died in 1968, but she is now residing at the Methodist Retirement Home in Durham for the past several years. Mr. Howard is buried in Goldsboro. this time, the church had always been with three to five other churches. The six years he served were among the most productive in many ways, most notably in membership gains. The people recognized his ministry by naming the new educational building in his honor. After leaving Fremont, he served the following churches: Wallace, Divine Street (Dunn), Hay Street ( Fayetteville), and now Edenton Street (Raleigh), the conference's largest church. At the 1979 annual conference session, he was selected to be the "favorite son" candidate for the episcopacy and became the official nominee at the 1980 session. The elections were held at the Southeastern Jurisdictional Conference, Lake Junaluska, in July, 1980, but Dr. Kirby was not elected. He is married to the former Sally Broome, whose mother, Mrs. L.R. (Dot) Broome, is presently a member of the church. Dr. Kirby was a delegate to the 1976 and 1980 General and Jurisdictional Conferences. 1960-64 JOHN HERBERT WALDROP, JR. is presently serving in the Wilmington District, having just recently returned to the conference boundaries after serving various administrative positions with a nursing home, as a drug consultant, with alcoholic rehabilitation, etc. He was the minister when the present parsonage was built. 1953-54 DAVID MILTON LEWIS died on December 30, 1979, during the writing of this history. At the time of his death he was serving the Troy circuit, in his fourth year there. He served the con ference for 32 years. He was the last minister on the Fremont circuit. His memoir in the 1980 journal states that he was born on December 26, 1911 in Hertford, North Carolina. He was a graduate of Atlantic Christian College and Asbury Theological Seminary with a term in the Navy in between. He served the Church for over 31 years. Although he was 68 years old at the time of his death, he had not yet retired. On Sunday morning, December 16, 1979, he suffered an aneurism and "succumbed to the Lord's ultimate call" two weeks later. See the section on Membership Books for a quotation by him. Fremont became a station appointment in 1954. The Gold-sboro District was also formed as a new district in the same year. 1954 60 1964-68 EDWARD PORTER ARMSTRONG is presently serving as an associate minister with the Pamlico Parish, and is residing with his family at 1102 Cherry Lane, New Bern, North Carolina. 1968-69 KERMIT L. BRASWELL is serving as the District Superin-tendent of the Elizabeth City District, after serving five years at Queen Street (Kinston), and six years at Westover (Raleigh). He was a Jurisdictional Conference Delegate in 1980. WALLACE HINES KIRBY began his itinerant ministry at Fremont as the first "fulltime" minister of the church. Prior to —v~. 1962-72 E. CLIFFORD SHOAF is presently serving Mebane since 1978, after six years as the Director of Field Education, Duke Divinity School. He and his family reside at 205 S. Fourth St., Mebane, North Carolina. retirement, he was designated "superintendent emeritus." The children referred to him as "Daddy Barnes." His funeral was held on March 22, 1961, at Edenton St. Methodist Church in Raleigh. He was buried at Raleigh's Oak-wood Cemetery. 1972-76 RUSSELL S. HARRISON and his wife, Julia, are retired and living at 2629 Cornwallis Road, Durham, North Carolina, after serving for 42 years in our conference. THE REV. P.C. YELVERTON was born on January 8, 1933 at the Wayne County farm of his parents, Thomas Jarvis and Madie Bell Minshew Yelverton. After the death of his mother in 1936, he was reared in Fremont by his aunt, Miss Clyde M. Minshew, a present member of the church, and his grand-mother, Mrs. Pernecie West Minshew, who died in 1948. He joined the church at the age of 16. He graduated from Fremont High School in 1950, Atlantic Christian College in 1953, and took further studies at Duke Divinity School. He was ordained Deacon in 1955 and Elder in 1957 and has served the church for 27 years in the North Carolina Con-ference. His appointments have been Pollocksville Charge, Kinston Charge, Brogden Church, Dover Church, Hopewell- Moriah Charge, Browning-Smith Charge and presently the Faison United Methodist Church in the Goldsboro District. 1976 I. JACK M. BENFIELD is the present minister. His wife is the former JJaannee Wrenn tC_ooaatteess ofr Gearner,. They have two i ney nave daughters, Terri, age 20, at Peace College, and Susan, age 17, at home. He served as a Jurisdictional and General Conference Delegate in 1980. SONS OF THE CHURCH THE REV. A. S. BARNES was born July 11, 1873, to Mr. and Mrs. Wiley Barnes, members of the church. After receiving his education in Fremont, he went on to attend and was graduated from Trinity College (now Duke University). He was admitted on trial into the North Carolina Conference in 1896. Five charges are listed in his memoir, namely: Wilmington, Whiteville, Clinton, Oxford, and Smithfield. In 1915, he became superintendent of the Methodist Orphanage in Raleigh, remaining in that position for 33 years. In 1948, upon his 10 MEMBERSHIP BOOKS (1) The oldest membership roll book in the archives is probably the second one which existed. The first one from 1869 to 1886 is lost. The oldest one on hand has the date 1886 on the title page, dating it at or after that time. It is assumed from all evidence that R.C. Beaman revised the rolls sometime around 1886 87. This is based on the entries. At the time of the revision, the members' names were alphabetized and numbered only 79. From that point on until September, 1900, the members were listed chronologically. There were 192 members added to the roll in that period of time; however, with the losses by death, transfer, withdrawal, etc., the net membership in 1900 was still only 125. Toward the end of the book, the membership is again alphabetized by either T.J. Dailey or D.L. Earnhardt; and once again, beginning in January, 1903, the membership roll was kept chronologically until April, 1906. The only member presently living whose names appears in this book is Miss Ethel Cooke. She joined the church on March 25, 1906, when she was 14 years old. (2) The second oldest membership book in the archives has the rolls of the six churches on the Fremont circuit at that time; namely Fremont, Beaman's Chapel, Lebanon, Saulston, Yelverton, and Black Creek. Some confusion exists in this book. Entries are made in the previous book until 1906, yet it appears that this book was begun around 1901 by looking at the register of marriages. Upon closer examination of the writing, ink, etc., it is believed that this book was kept concurrently with the first one for a portion of time, and that someone transferred certain recorded information that was dated earlier. This book is on microfilm in the State Archives and History Library in Raleigh. The last date of an entry appears to be in 1928. This book is in great need of repair, but then after 22 years of constant use as a membership book for six churches, there is no wonder! (3)The next membership roll book was revised by R.E. Pittman, and undoubtedly in this book there was also some overlap during the process. The first marriage registered was on December 14, 1927, but it appears that the first five marriages recorded were all copied the same day with the same pen, the last being June 7, 1928. This coincides with the last entry in book two. This particular book has the rolls of four churches: Fremont, Eureka (formerly Beaman's Chapel), Yelverton, and Black Creek. It appears from other evidence that these four churches became a four-point charge about 1920, an arrangement that remained that way for the next thirty-four years. Probably the last entry into this book was a note on the Register of Pastors page, written by the Reverend David M. Lewis. It reads "The Fremont Methodist Circuit was divided on September 5, 4:30 p.m. in Eureka Methodist Church. The First Methodist Church, Fremont, N.C., the Eureka-Yelverton Methodist Charge, and Black Creek, transfered to the Rocky Mount District. The charge was divided, and I was the last pastor of the Fremont Methodist Circuit, (signed) Rev. David M. Lewis Sept. 6, 1954." This is the only time the church has been called "First Methodist Church." There were about 160 members on roll in 1928 when this book was begun. The roll was then kept chronologically until 1952 at which time it was once again alphabetized within the same book. (4) The fourth membership roll book was revised in October, 1953, with the number of members entered at 282. The Reverend David M. Lewis was the pastor at that time. It is not certain why he chose to write the above statement in the other book rather than this one. This fourth book has the rolls for all of the churches on the charge, namely, Fremont, Eureka, Black Creek, and Yelverton. (5) The membership roll was once again revised in August, 1955, under the pastoral leadership of Wallace H. Kirby. After the revision, the number entered into the new book was 252. As mentioned before, the church became a station appointment in 1954, and Mr. Kirby was the first fulltime pastor for the next six years. These proved to be the most prolific years in mem-bership gain. Mr. Kirby received 146 members into the church. During the same period, 69 were lost by death, transfer, etc. Still the net gain of 77 new members was quite substantial for this town and country church! The membership had grown to 313 in 1960. This book was used by the next five ministers until 1976. (6) The present membership book was updated and revised as of 1976 under the present pastoral administration. See the section on More Recent Days for information regarding deaths since June, 1976. One will also find a list of full members at the end of this book. LEADERSHIP In this section certain positions of leadership have been selected. The fact that these individuals are lifted up is based primarily on the availability of information regarding names, dates, etc. as well as their importance. There are many others through the years who have given untiring effort and time in many different capacities whose names do not appear on a list. This is in no way to lessen what they have meant to the church. Board Chairpersons No information is available for the years prior to 1913. 191314 George D. Best 1914-26 1926-27 1927 54 No information available for these years. J.B. Lane No information available for these years. Marvin Yelverton and James Bruton thought to have served some during the 1954-55 1955-56 1956-57 1957-59 195961 1961-62 1962-64 1964 66 1966-67 1967-68 latter part of this period, but no definite dates. Thurman Hooks Glenn Hooks John B. Mayo Jesse S. Stewart Samuel J. Cole John L. Pippin Leonard Hooks Wyatt Whitley James Bruton James E. Peacock, Sr. In 1968, the name changed from Official Board of Stewards to The Administrative Board 1968-70 1970-72 1972-77 Cecil Evans Jim Sutton Cobb Jesse S. Stewart Beginning in 1973, church years coincided with calendar years instead of June to June or in the iate fall as in earlier years. 1978-79 1980 F. Lemuel Overman Mrs. Leroy (Betsy) Johnson Please note that Betsy Johnson was the first woman to serve in this capacity. Lay Leaders No information is available for period prior to 1923 or for the years 1930-50. 1923-24 F.M. Watson (church) G.A. Yelverton (charge) 1924 26 G.R. Benton 1926-30 J. Arthur Best (charge & church) 1950-57 Paul C. Blalock, Sr. 1957-63 John Blackman 1963 66 Thurman Hooks 1966-68 James E. Peacock, Sr. 1968-70 W. Darron Flowers 1970-72 John Blackman Beginning in 1973, church years coincided with calendar years. 1973-74 1975-78 1979- Dan Shackleford W. Darron Flowers Ken Ellis Treasurers No information is available for the years prior to 1939 except the following: 1905-? W.M. Barnes 1929-30 OR. Aycock 1930-31 J.B. Exum 1934.35 G.A. Yelverton Other years known are as follows: 1939-40 CD. Hooks 1947-49 Marvin Yelverton 1949-62 James Bruton 1962-68 Burton D. Smith 1968-70 Mrs. Norman (Annette) Yelverton 1970-78 James Bruton 1978- Burton D. Smith Sunday School Superintendents No information isavailable prior to 1903 and for the years 1941- 49. It is known mat J.B. Exum, Jr. served longer than 1941 but it is not known when he stopped or who took his place. 1903-04 1904-36 I 1 32 years!) P.H. Spence J. Arthur Best 1936 41 plus J.B. Exum, Jr. 1949 50 James Bruton 1950 53 Thurman Hooks 1953 59 John B. Mayo 1959 61 Samuel J. Cole 1961 63 J.J. Cole, Jr. 1963 65 L.C. Robinson 1965 77 (12 years!) Homer Pierce 1978 80 Dan Shackleford 1981 Bobby Cooley Organists In the 1880's and early 1890's the accompanist tor the church services was Mrs. J.L. (Maude Barden) Bryan. It is also known that in 1903 the pianist-organist was Miss Alice Best. For several years, the accompanist was Charity Darden. Though the above information is sketchy, it was felt that the names should be included even if the dates were uncertain. An October 13, 1928, report of the Woman's Missionary Society indicated the giving of "$940 to church building under construction." That was a tremendous gift in that day! 1917-44 (27 years!) 1944-54 Jarvis Hare Jones Mrs. Joe (Louise) Newsome It should be noted that it was during this time that the ac-companist, Mrs. Newsome was also playing for the Missionary Baptist Church on alternate Sundays. The choirs also sang at both churches. 1954 66 1966- Mrs. Leland (Ladelle) Pate Mrs. Lemuel (Sylvia) Overman It should be noted also that there were some months of overlapping when two or more of the accompanists were ac-tive. BUILDING AND IMPROVEMENTS "The original church was a frame building, one room, and was completed in 1873. The church bell was on a post in the front yard but was later transferred to its proper place in the steeple." So states a local brief history. It continues: "During the early part of the century, a section of the front of the church was partitioned off for Sunday School rooms. Over the years minor changes in the pulpit and choir loft were also made." From the March 23, 1923, quarterly conference minutes, James A. Dailey, the pastor, mentions "plans for a new church building for Fremont in the near future." The stewards that year were G.D. Best, J.B. Lane, G.A. Yelverton, E.B. Yelverton, E.C. Cobb, G.R. Benton, E.G. Deans, J.B. Exum. The Church Lay Leader was F.M. Watson. Other leaders in-cluded J. A. Best (Evangelism), Mrs. CD. Hooks (Missionary Committee), Miss Beulah Hooks (Social Service), G.D. Best (Stewardship and Tithing), J.B. Lane (Lay Activities). On January 7, 1924, the pastor reported to the quarterly conference that "the charge was planning through the efforts largely of the Women's Societies to put water works in the parsonage at an early date." No further mention is made in the quarterly conference reports about building until January 23, 1926, when N.B. Strickland, P.C. (Pastor in charge) writes in his report that there is a "great need for Sunday School rooms and efficient teachers" in Fremont. Then a year later on January 16, 1927, a similar report states "a lack of Sunday School rooms and sufficient number of teachers." Nothing more that year. Still another year later on January 22, 1928, the pastor, R.E. Pittman, wrote that a "carload of brick was given toward a new church at Fremont and unless this unselfish gift inspires others to do likewise, I shall be very much disappointed." Six months later, on June 16, he wrote, "We hope to begin on a new church at Fremont. Cash is coming in well and enough has been raised to justify a start. We hope that this new church will soon be a reality." 12 On April 4, 1929, a resolution was passed at quarterly con-ference authorizing the trustees to "accept a donation from the Duke Endowment for the purpose of completing the Fremont Methodist Church, South." No amount was specified. Then on September 13, 1929, "our Sunday School building at Fremont has been started and when completed it will be ample for future needs of the church." In the March 16, 1930, minutes still another resolution was passed "to accept a donation of $2,000 from Duke Endowment for completing the Fremont Methodist Church, South, par-ticularly for immediate help on the Sunday School annex." At the September 14, 1930, quarterly conference, it was stated "Our Sunday School building at Fremont which we are now enclosing, will be a great help to our work there." Why was the completion of this building and renovation work taking so long? The reader will remember that the carload of bricks was donated over two and a half years before. Those who lived then could best answer with one word, "Depression!" It was not just a one year phenomenon. K.F. Duval, P.C, in his February 21, 1932, Q.C. report wrote, "Most of our folk have lost heavily of this world's goods and some about all they possessed; and, of course, this has had its weight on many a life. I have tried, God helping me, to encourage such not to lose their grip on God." He and God must have been successful as we see evidenced today and as we see from the record on February 24, 1935, in E.R. Shuller's report, "the church at Fremont expects to begin work on the Sunday School annex some time next month. They have collected and pledged at the present time between four and five hundred dollars for that purpose." That amount was probably worth considerably more in 1935 than it was prior to the Depression. After another couple of years of struggling, the report at quarterly conference on May 1, 1937, was "the Fremont Church School has five new class rooms available which will greatly relieve the congestion in the church auditorium." If the reader will recall, they needed this relief in 1923! "Plans are under way to complete the church building at Fremont this year. This will involve an expenditure of ap-proximately $1,250." So states a March 20, 1938, pastor's report. And on July 16, 1939, "During the quarter, five ad-ditional Sunday School rooms have been plastered at Fremont." According to the brief local history, previously referred to, the interior of the educational building was completed in 1941 or 1942. This agrees with an article (no date or name of newspaper) which was published at the dedication of the building and renovation. In part this article reads "Fremont Methodists Sunday night will dedicate their recently remodeled church structure. Bishop Clare Purcell of Charlotte will preach and a special invitation is extended to all former pastors and members to be present, the Rev. B.P. Robinson, pastor of the church said." "The completed project represented an investment of about $5,000 for the 250 members of the church and all bills were paid as the work progressed. A baptismal font has been installed and an electric cross placed. Ten memorial windows have been placed." The article then goes on to give information which is being shared elsewhere. The article has a picture of Rev. B.P. Robinson, the new completed church, and the old church. However, someone made a mistake. The picture of the old church is not our church but some other! It looks nothing like the picture which you will find at the first of this book. Nothing else appears in the quarterly conference minutes for several years concerning building and improvements. David AA. Lewis was the pastor in 1954 and on September 5, wrote of "a piece of land being donated in the rear of the Fremont Church in order that our present plant might be enlarged to meet the present and future needs of our church and com-munity." The local history states that "in 1957 the congregation erected a modern educational building on the rear lot at a cost of $41,000. It houses six classrooms, a fellowship hall, kitchen, minister's study, lounge, and toilet facilities. The Exum family gave the furnishing for the building in memory of John B. Exum (Jr.) who was superintendent of the Sunday School for a number of years." N^Hk This building was dedicated by Bishop Paul N. Garber on May 22, 1960, as the Wallace Hines Kirby Building in honor of the minister serving the church from 1954-60 during the con-struction. Mr. Kirby was also the first fulltime minister for the Fremont Church, the charge having been divided in 1954. The parsonage at that time also had been needing renovation for some time. After the dedication of the Kirby Building, in-terest began in renovating the parsonage which was built in late 1909 or early 1910. In October, 1960, the plans for remodeling the home were presented to the Official Board. The estimated cost was $6,398.47. There was interest at the time for both remodeling the old parsonage and building a new one. Committees were appointed to investigate and obtain the data regarding both plans. A report was given in May, 1961, regarding remodeling at a cost of $8,300 and two plans for building a new parsonage were submitted at a cost of $14,200 and $15,200 respectively. Action was deferred until later. i ~i&2i *mmt. m meetings, and board meetings, it was finally decided by the Official Board on August 12, 1962, to "authorize the parsonage building committee to submit plans to contractors for bids on the new parsonage." The work was begun in March, 1963 and was completed in November at a cost of $19,500. Different organizations and individuals donated the furnishings. The $11,000 note for parsonage indebtedness on November 2, 1963, was paid in full on April 9, 1968. The old parsonage which stood where the present parsonage now stands was built in late 1909 or early 1910. The deed for the property was dated March 25, 1909 and was purchased from the Person family by the church for $750. The trustees at that time were G.D. Best, EC. Cobb, J.B. Exum, N.D. Minshew, F.E. Sauls, and W.S. Lane. Of these, G.D. Best, E.C. Cobb, and J.B. Exum were Fremont members. The others were members of the other circuit churches. The property upon purchase ex-tended all the way from Sycamore Street to the property of the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad Co. On August 13, 1909, about five months after the purchase, a portion of the lot was sold to J.R. Short on condition that "if the party. ..shall not within two months from this date move and locate upon the lot herein conveyed, the building used as a Hotel, formerly the Bardin property, the title to the lot herein conveyed shall upon repayment immediately revert." Undoubtedly Mr. Short moved the Hotel to the property. This is the front portion of the residence of Mrs. John B. Hooks, Jr. A 1902 map of the town showing the location of buildings and dwellings does not show a building on that corner or where the parsonage later stood, but it does show a large building in the geographical center of the block behind the stores on Main Street where no building now stands. It is our understanding that this was where the old Bardin Hotel was located. Why did the trustees want the building to be moved by Mr. Short to its present location? One answer possibly was to provide more privacy from the railroad station. Thus, there have been parsonage families living across from the church on the corner of Carolina and Sycamore Streets for almost three quarters of a century! m, • • After several months of deliberations, surveys, committee 13 - V Before these two parsonages across the street from the church, a parsonage was located about four blocks away, on Goldsboro Street. This is now Mrs. Gela Flowers Musgrave's home. The lot was purchased in 1883 from Mr. and Mrs. W.E. Fountain. The trustees were J.J Bardin, J.H Barnes, G.D. Best, W.E. Fountain, James Dickinson, E.S. Dees, and Jno K. Smith. The deed read that it was "nearly a half acre together with the houses. ..as a parsonage or house for the preacher in charge of Wayne circuit of M.E. Church, South," This was the parsonage for about 27 years. Where the minister lived prior to this parsonage is not known. We do know that the preacher in 1881 is listed in the journal as living in Fremont. No deed, however, has been found before the one above. Possibly he boarded with someone. Other major improvements in building and renovations include the remodeling of the sanctuary in 1966, especially the chancel and choir areas. New carpeting, dorsal, and kneeling cushions were installed at that time. The sanctuary was also air-conditioned at this time. The pastor's study was moved from the Kirby Building to the educational annex in 1970. The Reverend E. Clifford Shoaf and Cecil Evans paneled the study and did the major portion of the work. Also in 1970, the sanctuary received a major painting and other repairs. A new heating and air-conditioning system was installed in the Kirby Building in 1971. The Men's Class converted the former pastor's study and church office in the Kirby Building into a classroom for men in 1972. The parsonage was centrally air-conditioned in that same year. New sanctuary lights were installed in 1973 in memory of Anne Turlington by Mrs. P.M. Best and other relatives and friends. The Junior High classroom was enlarged by removing partitions in 1974. An organ fund was begun also in 1974. A new air-conditioning unit was purchased in early 1976. See "More Recent Days" for information since 1976. WOMEN'S ORGANIZATIONS The following synopsis of the history of Fremont's organizations for women was submitted by Mrs. Bernard Pike, who undoubtedly had saved it from many years ago. It has no date. It appears to have been written after 1940. It is printed in its entirety. A BRIEF OUTLINE OF "THE WOMEN'S MISSIONARY SOCIETY" OF THE FREMONT METHODIST CHURCH As best I can remember, about 1899 or 1900, a small group of women, twelve or fifteen, I would say, most of them being members of the Fremonf Methodist Church, organized a society known as "Home Missions." If I remember correctly, the Methodist Conference had two societies at this time, The Home and The Foreign. The charter members of our organization were: Mrs. W.H. Speight, who at that time was in charge of the Fremont High School and Dormitory; Miss Laurie Speight, daughter of Mrs. W.H. Speight, and who later married Mr. J.B. Hooks; another daughter of Mrs. W.H. Speight, Miss Daisy, who was the first wife of Rev. A.S. Barnes; Miss Florence Fields, who married Mr. CD. Hooks; Mrs. John Davis; Mrs. Geo. D. Best; Mrs. A.G. Bogue, and Mrs. C.C. Aycock. There were others whose names I cannot remember. I became a member late in the year of 1900. Mrs. C.C. Aycock was the first president of our HOME MISSION SOCIETY. She was made a Life Member on the occasion of the society's Annual Conference which was held in our church in April, 1905. It is interesting to remember that we werepriviledged in having as our guest at this Conference Miss Bell H. Bennett, founder of Home Missions. Mrs. Aycock served as president for a period of twenty-three years, during which time the Home and Foreign Missionary Societies were consolidated. Following her, Mrs. Gertrude Exum was elected president and served eleven years. She retired about 1928, being followed in order by Mrs. I.F. Yelverton, Mrs. CD. Hooks, Mrs. CM. Pippin, Mrs. W.A. Copeland, Mrs. J.G. Mayo, and Mrs. Beulah Hooks Scott. The consolidation of the Home and Foreign Missions resulted in the "Women's Missionary Society" whose responsibility consisted chiefly in carrying on the mission work of "Young People," "Bright Jewels," and "Baby Division." During the year 1932 our organization was transferred from the Washington District to become a part of the New Bern District. On September 13, 1940 the name "Women's Missionary Society" was changed to the "Women's Society Of Christian Service." The Charter Members have all passed away, as have many other members. But we know their efforts were not in vain; for the memory of the great work of those members who are with us no more serves as an incentive for us. And I feel that the accomplishments of our present membership of fifty is a fitting and just tribute to the original "Home Missions." Respectfully submitted, Miss Lula Perkins Author's Note: The organization continued to be called the Women's Society of Christian Service until 1972 when it was renamed The United Methodist Women, which it remains today. At present the United Methodist Women of Fremont has 73 members in four circles. The Hooks-Williams Circle is named for Mrs. Clennon D. (Florence) Hooks, mother of Charles T. Hooks, Sr., and for Reverend John Cephas Williams, former minister of the church who died in 1947 while serving Fremont. The Exum Benton Circle is named for Mrs. George R. (Margaret) Benton, Sr., mother of Margaret B. Whitley and Annette B. Yelverton; and for Mrs. John Burt (Gertrude) Exum, Sr., grandmother of Anne E. Hinnant. The Annie Best Circle is named for Mrs. Paul M. (Annie) Best, mother of Eleanor B. Turlington. The Stewart-Pike Circle is named for present members, Mrs. Jesse (Jessie) Stewart, who helped organize the circle in 1980; and for Mrs. Bernard (Mariana) Pike, who served the church for many years until she recently moved. Presidents of Women's Organizations 1899-16 Mrs. C.C Aycock 1916 27 Mrs. J.B. (Gertrude) Exum, Sr. 1927 -30 Mrs. I. Frank (Mary Margaret) Yelverton 1930-31 Mrs. CD. Hooks 1931-34 Mrs. CM. Pippin 1934-35 Mrs. W.A. Copeland 1935-37 Mrs. J.G. Mayo 1937-38 Mrs. H.G. Selby 1938-40 Mrs. Beulah H. Scott 1940 42 Mrs. J.K (Christine) Richardson 1942 ? Mrs. Bernard (Mariana) Pike Information incomplete on these years J.B. (Sue) Hooks, Jr. Marvin (Delia) Yelverton J.M. (Helen) O'Neal W.R. Dees John (Libba) Blackman Beulah H. Scott Oscar (Evelyn) Turlington Norman (Annette) Yelverton Lamont (Polly) Whitley Hugh (Eleanor) Turlington Jesse (Jessie) Stewart C. Taylor (Mary Jo) Hooks Cecil (Hazel) Evans Marvin (Delia) Yelverton Russell (Julia) Harrison Lamont (Polly) Whitley Burton D. (Martha Lou) Smith 1948-49 Mrs. 1949-50 Mrs. 1950-51 Mrs. 1951-52 Mrs. 1952 54 Mrs. 1954-57 Mrs. 1957-59 Mrs. 195961 Mrs. 1961-63 Mrs. 1963-65 Mrs. 1965-67 Mrs. 1967-69 Mrs. 1969-72 Mrs. 1972-73 Mrs. 1974-75 Mrs. 1976 79 Mrs. 1980- Mrs. 14 MEMORIALS AND GIFTS There have been many gifts in memory and in honor of persons associated with Fremont United Methodist Church. These cannot be listed in their entirety. For further knowledge, please consult the Memorial book in the case in the vestibule of the church. Listed below are some of the major gifts. Stained Glass Windows (with inscriptions) c. 1942 G.D. Best 1848-1930 Steward 55 years Clennon D. Hooks 1872-1941 and Florence Hooks 1886-1940 Pearl Sallenger Hayes 1886-1940 Jarvis Hare Jones - Organist 27 years John B. Hooks and Laurie S. Hooks Jake Goodman Mayo 1888-1940 Cora Becton Newsome 1857-1928 Matt Becton Peacock 1888-1918 Thomas Waters Corbin and Susie Boggs Corbin Memorial Pews (north side near front of sanctuary) c. 1942 Jeremiah Shackleford & Emma Thompson Shackleford by Arthur Shackleford Herman Paul Shackleford 1895-1918 by Arthur Shackleford Mrs. Gertrude Exum Rufus Milton Batts 1875-1933 Other Pews (north side of sanctuary) given by Isaac Dees Hugh A. Evans Jesse M. Bogue Dr. C.H. Rand C. Douglas Hooks Charles T. Hooks H. Milton Best Carrie Boyd Dees Pews (south side of sanctuary) given by building committee P.C. Blalock, Chm. J. A. Best W.Y. Whitley G.W. Davis, Treas. Dr. G.R. Benton W.P. Jones J.W. Aycock J.B. Exum H.J. Dickinson M.C. Yelverton J.B. Lane Pews (center section) given in memory of Barden Vance Ida Garris Hooks Frank S. Hooks Clarence Hooks by Beulah Hooks Scott Brass Vase given by Braxton Davis in memory of Mrs. Eunice Davis Chimes given by J.B. Lane Family and Leroy Hayes in memory of Lane Yelverton Sound Board given by Jesse Davis in memory of Mrs. Ora B. Davis Communion Tray given by Judy Thompson in memory of Mr. and Mrs. June Davis Vestibule Picture, Fernery, and Sconces given by the children in memory of Dr. and Mrs. George R. Benton, Sr. Hat and Coat Rack given by Mr. and Mrs. W.Y. Whitley. Sanctuary Lights given by Mrs. P.M. Best, family and friends in memory of Anne Best Turlington, March 6, 1947-April 11, 1970. Pulpit Bible given by J.J. Cole in 1956. Altar Paraments given by Mr. and Mrs. Charles Exum in memory of John B. Exum, Jr. 1957 Memorial Case in Vestible in memory of John B. Hooks, Jr. Dorsal (Dossal) given by General Thomas Corbin in 1956 (no longer hanging) Communion Rail Cushions given by Mrs. J.K. Richardson 1956. Lecturn Light given by Mrs. Reuben Hooks. Illuminated Cross (now in fellowship hall) given by Cobb Family in 1942 in memory of Edgar Clarence Cobb and Minnie Bryan Cobb Church School Furniture (Kirby Building) given by the Exum Family in memory of John B. Exum, Jr. Piano (fellowship hall) given by General Thomas Corbin in honor of Sylvia Overman 1977. Pew Cushions given by Mrs. J.K. Richardson in memory of J. Kyle Richardson 1980 Antique Needlepoint Picture: "Christ and Woman at Well" given in memory of Wyatt Whitley 1980 Draperies in choir room given by Mr. and Mrs. John Blackman 1981 in memory of members and relatives of members who died in 1980 in honor of the 60-uppers in the church in honor of the choir members New flooring in fellowship hall and kitchen given in memory of Jesse Stewart through memorial funds and by the family 1981 Library and Archives Room furnished in memory of E. Thurman Hooks by memorial funds and the family 1981 Allen Digital Computer Organ by memorial funds and gifts by many in 1976. Please consult memorial book in vestibule. Hymnals and Pew Bibles were given in memory, in honor, and by special gifts. In addition to the above gifts, the Memorial Committee in consultation with the families has used memorial monies for supplying many needs throughout the buildings, including carpeting, drapes, painting, etc. Chancel Chairs given by Dr. and Mrs. George R. Benton, Sr. Communion Table given in memory of Frank M. Watson by Mrs. Frank M. Watson. Pulpit in memory of Charity Darden Watson 1868-1913 by children Cross and Candlesticks in memory of J. Rose, Jr., by Mr. and Mrs. John C. Rose, Sr. Offering Plates in memory of William D. Mason, Jr., by Mr. and Mrs. W.D. Mason, Sr. Baptismal Font in memory of Wyatt E. Yelverton Margaret M. Yelverton Walter R. Whitley Elizabeth Y. Whitley, by Mr. and Mrs. W.R. Whitley c. 1942. Piano in memory of Harvey Whitley by Mrs. Harvey Whitley and Lamont Whitley. Hymnal Board in memory of John B. Exum, Sr. Hymnal Board in memory of Mrs. Ora B. Davis. Brass Vase given by Mrs. Reuben Hooks. 15 MORE RECENT DAYS (1976-Now) For almost five years now the author has had the privilege of serving Fremont United Methodist Church. At the first Ad-ministrative Board meeting in the summer of 1976, one goal which he mentioned was the writing of this history. Now it has become a reality. Please bear with him now as he walks through these last few years with the reader. An organ fund had been begun in 1974 and as of May, 1976, a total of $2,396 had been given. In September, the Ad-ministrative Board appointed a committee to investigate the cost and to make a recommendation for a new organ. The committee brought a report in October, recommending the purchase of an Allen Digital Computer Organ for $12,667.20. The board approved. At the same time, the furnace in the main building, which had given problems and had been constantly repaired for several years, finally became too dangerous to operate. It was decided that this also was a real need. By faith, the board approved the combining of this effort with the drive for the organ. With the use of some memorial funds and special contributions by the people, both the new organ and the new furnace were installed and fully paid for in December, 1976, at a cost of almost $15,000! These efforts seemed to motivate the people in other areas as well. New choir robes were given in memory and honor of loved ones in 1977. A piano for the fellowship hall was given by General Thomas Corbin in honor of Sylvia Overman, church organist. A new roof was donated for the Kirby Building by Mr. and Mrs. D. Frank Hinnant in memory of Mrs. J.B. Exum, Jr. Since that time, a great deal of effort has been made in im-proving our buildings. With the exception of about four classrooms, every part of the buildings has been painted inside and most of the outside including the roof. A small fire during the Christmas season of 1979 made it necessary to paint the sanctuary. New carpeting covers the upstairs of the annex and in two classrooms in the Kirby Building. A new floor has been given for the fellowship hall and kitchen by the family in memory of Jesse Stewart. Beautiful draperies adorn the choir room, donated by Mr. and Mrs. John Blackman. They also contributed a glass fireplace screen for the fellowship hall. A new library and archives room is being furnished in memory of E. Thurman Hooks, and new carpeting for the entire down stairs of the annex is to be installed in May, 1981 . Shrubbery was added to the south line of the property, providing much beauty to the landscape. A large lot behind the Kirby Building was purchased in 1979. This is presently being used for recreation. Additional shrubbery lines the back of that lot also. The 80 Uppers included (front row, left to right) Mrs. Lillie Williamson, Mrs. John Walker, Mrs. Beulah Davis, Miss Ethel Cooke, Mrs. W. Frank Yelverton, Mrs. F. M. Watson, Mrs. A. J. Flowers; (second row) Wyatt Whitley, Mrs. I. Frank Yelverton, Mrs. Harvey Dickinson, Harvey Dickinson, John C. Rose, Mrs. Beulah Scott, Mrs. Elizabeth Keith, Mrs. J. K. Richardson, J. Kyle Richardson. The first annual 80-UPPERS DAY was held in 1978. This day honors all members and constituents who have reached the age of 80 or above. On that first occasion, fifteen of the twenty-two were present. Their picture (above) appeared on the front page of the North Carolina Christian Advocate on March 18, 1978, and in the local newspaper, The Weekly News. This continues to be an annual event. In 1978, the first Homecoming Day in several years was held with the Reverend LaFon Vereen, former pastor, delivering the sermon. In March, 1981, the Ladies Class was renamed the "Scott- Richardson Class" in honor of Beulah Hooks Scott and Christine Richardson. Few people have contributed so much in so many ways as have these two ladies through their gifts, their labors and their service. In the past four years, an emphasis has been placed on missions with specific directions toward world hunger and missionary salary support. Dr. and Mrs. Kennie Linn, missionaries to India, have been the recipients. It is an-ticipated that they will visit the church in the spring of 1981 when they retire and return home. This special emphasis on missions placed Fremont number one in the Goldsboro District with $2,500 in 1978. In 1979, Fremont was second only to the largest church in the district, and in 1980 the giving had slipped to third behind the two largest churches-but not far behind! The senior high and junior high United Methodist Youth Fellowships have contributed a large part of these monies through 24 hour fasts and rock-a-thons during the Lenten season. In addition, our United Methodist Women continue to do great things on the conference, district, and local levels. It is difficult to evaluate a church's ministry and mission to the people, the community, and the world. Dollars and cents can be computed, but services and prayers and other in-tangibles cannot be. In many moving and touching moments, one becomes a part of the lives of others and subsequently a part of one another's personal and family histories through the years. During these brief years these moments have been experienced. Since the author became the pastor in June, 1976, there have been twenty-four deaths among the membership. In addition, there have been several others among the constituency. While this may not sound like a lot for a large church in a large city, it is quite a lot for a town and country church of about 330 members. The love which flows to and fro in these situations can only be measured subjectively and in the heart. As we list the mem-bers who have died these past four and a half years, it is done so with love, remembrances and prayer. Hooks Rose Best Mrs. Michael (Suzanne) Hugh A. Evans Mrs. John C. (Ruby) Mrs. Paul M. (Annie) Hubert D. Corbin J. Thadeus Hooks James L. Bruton Charles M. Pippin Robert L. Stevenson, Sr. W. Wayne Hooks Steven Scott Yelverton Marvin Yelverton Mrs. Edgar L. Best Wyatt Y. Whitley Jesse S. Stewart Mrs. Marvin (Delia) J. Madero O'Neal Mrs. Charles (Ruth) Laura Pippin Danka Harvey Dickinson E. Thurman Hooks Mrs. George (Beulah) Davis Mrs. W. Wayne (Joyce) Hooks Mrs. Jim Sutton (Deane) Cobb Mrs. Preston (Eleanor) Day Yelverton Pippin March 3, 1977 March 24, 1977 June 10, 1977 November 13, 1977 February, 1978 July 20, 1978 August 27, 1978 September 9, 1978 November 21, 1978 January 21, 1979 March 10, 1979 April 3, 1979 June 30, 1979 October 2, 1979 November 10, 1979 February 19, 1980 March 4, 1980 March 20, 1980 April 9, 1980 May 4, 1980 June 21, 1980 October 25, 1980 December 16, 1980 January 28, 1981 April 21, 1981 16 North Carolina State Libra, Raleigh, N. C. PRESENT MEMBERSHIP Following is a list of those persons who were full members of the church as of 1981. Abernathy, Mrs. Gregg (Joan) Aycock, Beverly Yelverton Aycock, Mrs. Glenn (Ruth) Bal lance, Mrs. Dorothy S. Barker, Mrs. Lynn Evans Barnes, J. Dempsey Barnes, Mrs. J. Dempsey (Rena) Bell, Mrs. Lee Roy (Flora Crews) Bearnon, Mrs. Dwaine (Mary Sue) Benfield, Mrs. Jack M. (Jane C.) Benfield, Terri Benfield, Susan Benton, Binford E. Jr. Benton, Donna Lynn Benton, Mary Mumford Blackman, Dr. Jesse A. Blackman, Mrs. Jesse A. (Norma) Blackman, John Blackman, Mrs. John (Libba) Blackman, T. Gibson Blalock, Paul C. Jr. Blalock, Mrs. Paul C. Jr. (Teenie) Blalock, Paul Cameron III Blow, A. Carlton Bogue, Mrs. Susie Mae Bolding, Mrs. Robert (Barbara) Bolding, Lori Broome, Mrs. L.R. (Dorothy) Brown, Mrs. Joe (Betty) Bruton, Mrs. James L. (Winnie Dorothy) Butler, Mrs. Nannie G. Cobb, Jim Sutton Cobb, Kay Coe, Mrs. Charles (Sally L.) Cole, Mrs. J.J. Jr. (Sarah) Cole, J. Jerald III Cooke, Ethel Cooley, Bobby Cooley, Mrs. Bobby (Penny) Cooley, Bob Cooley, Burt Corbin, General Thomas G. Cox, Mrs. John (Mary) Curtis, Mrs. Kay Y. Danka, William Davis, Alice Lorene Davis, Arnold Davis, Mrs. Arnold (Lillie) Davis, Mrs. Braxton (Winnie Ruth) Davis, Mrs. Carl (Pauline) Davis, Mrs. Randall Davis, Mrs. Russell Sr. (Virginia) Davis, Russell Jr. Davis, Spencer LaVerne Davis, William G. Davis, Winston Davis, Mrs. Winston (Bertha) Davis, Gary Dees, Isaac Jr. Dickinson, Mrs. Harvey (Ada) Drummond, William M. Drummond, Mrs. W.M. (Vicki) Dubberly, Clinton D. Dubberly, Mrs. C. D. (Lamonte) Dubberly, David Edmundson, Mrs. Donald (Phyllis) Edmundson, Don Edmundson, Charles Edmundson, Tracey Edwards, Sidney Ellis, Ken Ellis, Mary Ellen Ellis, Mrs. Barnes (Molly) Evans, Andy Evans, Cecil Evans, David C. Evans, Mrs. Hugh A. (Elizabeth) Evans, Junius Evans, Mrs. Junius (Bobbie) Evans, Steve Evans, Kenneth 17 Evans, Mrs. Robert (Rhonda) Exum, J. Burt III Ferrell, Mrs. George (Barbara) Ferrell, Laura Gayle Fields, Willie Flowers, Mrs. A.J. (Melissa) Flowers, Lou Ellen Flowers, Mrs. W.A. Flowers, Darron Flowers, Mrs. Darron (Mary Lee) Flowers, Keith Flowers, Beth Gamble, James O. Jr. Gamble, Mrs. James O. Jr. (Emily) Gamble, James O. 1 1 1 Gibson, Mrs. Billy (Scotty) Gilleran, Mrs. Dennis (Linda R.) Hayes, Mrs. Bert (Kirk) Hayes, Bill Hicks, George Hicks, Mrs. George (Lib) Hill, Mrs. T.C. Jr. (Isabelle) Hill, T.C. Ill Hill, Mrs. T.C. Ill (Ava) Hinnant, D. Frank Hinnant, Mrs. D. Frank (Anne E.) Hinnant, David Hinton, Mrs. T.W. Holland, Gifford G. Hooks, Charles T. Sr. Hooks, Mrs. Charles T. Sr. (Cora) Hooks, C. Taylor Jr. Hooks, Mrs. C. Taylor Jr. (Mary Jo) Hooks, Kim Hooks, Charles Till Hooks, Curtis Wayne Hooks, Mrs. Earl (Ruth) Hooks, Alma Hooks, Lewis Hooks, Mrs. Thurman (Edna) Hooks, Glenn Hooks, Mrs. Glenn (Hazel) Hooks, Rob Hooks, Jacob I. Ill Hooks, Mrs. J. Thaddeus (Bebe) Hooks, Mrs. John B. Jr. (Sue C.) Hooks, Leland Hooks, Leonard Hooks, Mrs. Leonard (Edith) Hooks, Matthew Earl Jr. Hooks, Michael Lee Hooks, Katherine Hooks, Michael Hooks, Mrs. Wayne (Nona) Home, Mrs. J.D. Home, Mrs. Jerry W. (Teresa H.) Jackson, Elizabeth Jackson, Jennifer Jackson, Mrs. Margaret T. Johnson, Mrs. Jerry (Libby C.) Johnson, Leroy Johnson, Mrs. Leroy (Betsy) Johnson, Lynn Johnson, Doug Johnson, Mark Johnson, Mrs. Mark (Cheryl) Jones, R. Donald Jones, Mrs. R. Donald (Liz) Jones, Don Jones, Lisa Jones, Randy Kearney, Mrs. Bill (Julia H.) Keith, Mrs. C.G. (Elizabeth) Kyles, Mrs. Allen (Anita) Lambert, Mrs. Rusty (Judith) Langston, Jane Langston, William L. 1 1 1 Lee, Ava Lee, Mrs. Waverly (Peggy) Lee, Edith Litchworth, Mrs. Stephen (Edwina) MacMillan, George MacMillan, Jimmy MacMillan, Hope Mason, W. Donald Mason, Mrs. W. Donald (Mary Love) Mason, Libby Mason, Steve Mason, Donna 18 Matthews, Larry Matthews, Mrs. Larry (Linda) Matthews, Bryan Mayo, David M. Mayo, Mrs. John B. (Adelaide) Mayo, Ann Reid Milleson, Mrs. Rick (Jean E.) Minshew, Miss Clyde Minshew, Mrs. Mabel Mdore, Mrs. Sally P. Mooring, Deborah Lynn Mooring, Mrs. Donald (Linda) Mooring, Mrs. Marvin (Virginia) Mooring, Sue Katherine McBride, Mrs. CD. (Eliza) Nelms, Julian Nelms, Mrs. Julian (Gwynne) O'Connell, Mrs. Elizabeth O'Neal, Ben Ray O'Neal, Mrs. J. Madero (Helen) O'Neal, Joel O'Neal, Mrs. Joel (Judy N.) O'Neal, Melissa Outland, Mrs. Lena A. Overman, Lemuel Overman, Mrs. F. Lemuel (Sylvia) Overman, Fred Pate, Mrs. Gerald (Judith) Peacock, Mrs. Clarence Jr. (Jessie) Peacock, Mrs. Frank L. Jr. (Mary Hall) Peacock, Howard Peacock, James Peacock, James E. Sr. Peacock, Mrs. James E. Sr. (Nancy R.) Peacock, John R. Peacock, Dr. James E. Jr. Peacock, Kay Peacock, Raymond Peacock, Mrs. Raymond (Betsy) Pennington, Mrs. Allyne Peoples, Mrs. Frank (Anne Y.) Pierce, Homer Pierce, Mrs. Homer (Ida Jean) Pierce, Sammy Pierce, Frank Pierce, Patty Pike, Mrs. Clarence (Evelyn) Pippin, Charles R. Pippin, Mrs. Earl (Edna) Pippin, John L. Pippin, Mrs. John L. (Inez) Price, Mrs. Theodore (Corrine) Price, Connie Price, Jerry Richardson, Mrs. J. Kyle (Christine) Rimberg, Mrs. John (Joella) Rollins, Mrs. Gary (Connie) Rose, Gary Rose, John C. Rose, Kent Rose, William Dickinson Sager, Kathryn Joanne Sasser, Mrs. El wood Sr. (Frances) Sasser, El wood Jr. Sasser, Frank Sasser, James Wyatt Sasser, Sammy Sasser, Mrs. Sammy (Winnie Sue D.) Scott, Mrs. Beulah Hooks Shackletord, Dan Shackleford, Mrs. Dan (Grey) Shackletord, Jeffrey Singleton, John Sr. Singleton, Mrs. John Sr. Singleton, John Jr. Skinner, Mrs. Michael (Mary Lucy) Smith, Burton D. Smith, Mrs. Burton D. (Martha Lou) Smith, Freddie Smith, Burt Smith, Catherine E. Smith, Mrs. Ed (Martha) Smith, Mrs. Phillis C. Smith, Mrs. Ralph Sr. (Grace) 19 Smith, Ralph Jr. Smith, Mrs. Ralph Jr. (Betsy) Smith, Brad Smith, Lee Smith, Mrs. Rex (Linda B.) Smith, Sandra Lee Starling, James T. Starling, Mrs. James T. (Lillian) Stevenson, Mrs. Robert L. Sr. (Faye) Stevenson, Robert L. Jr. Stevenson, Mrs. Robert L. Jr. (Susan D.) Stewart, Henry L. Stewart, Mrs. Jesse S. (Jessie) Stewart, Keith Stewart, Mrs. Keith (Lynda) Strickland, Timothy Suggs, Mrs. Billy S. Sullivan, Mrs. John (Sara P.) Swindell, Mrs. Scott (Susan) Taylor, Mrs. Kathryn Taylor, Lynn Taylor, Robert L. Thornton, Mrs. S.D. (Ruth) Thompson, Mary T. Triana, Mrs John (Belle P.) Treadaway, Mrs. H.H. (Mary Jane) Turlington, Mrs. Hugh (Eleanor B.) Turlington, Mrs. Oscar (Evelyn) Turner, Mrs. Terry Valley, Mrs Muriel P. Watson, Mrs. Frank M. (Edith) Wetzell, Mrs. Ralph (Diana) Whitford, Mrs. Thomas A. (Teenie) Whitford, Ella Ann Whittord, Tommy Whitley, D.H. Whitley, Mrs. Harvey (Margaret) Whitley, H. Lamont Whitley, Mrs. H. Lamont (Polly) Whitley, Dr. H.L. Jr. Whitley, Mrs. H.L. Jr. (Candy) Whitworth, Mrs. Richard (Frances) Wiggs, Mrs. Charles (Hazel) Winbon, Doug Winbon, Mrs. Clarence (Maude) Winders, Charles Wyndham, Mrs. Vickie Wooten, Robbie Wooten, Mrs. Robbie (Terry) Worrell, Mrs. Frank (Carolyn) Yelverton, Deborah Ann Yelverton, George E. Sr. Yelverton, Mrs. George E. Sr. (Kay) Yelverton, Eddie Yelverton, Bill Yelverton, Mrs. I. Frank (Mary Margaret) Yelverton, Jack Yelverton, Mrs. Jack (Lida) Yelverton, John Yelverton, Mrs. John (Reba) Yelverton, John Edwards Yelverton, Mrs. John E. (Patty) Yelverton, Patrick Yelverton, Mrs. Norman (Annette) Yelverton, Stephen T. Yelverton, Mrs. J. Tom (Leila) Yelverton, Mrs. W. Frank (Ann) Carolina State Library igh, N- Q. 20 GC 287.6756395 B465f Benfield, Jack M. Fremont United Methodist Church, 1869-19 III III 3 3091 00079 1111 DATE DUE DEMCO 38-297 |
Capture Tools-M | scribe1.durham2.archive.org |
|
|
|
1 |
|
A |
|
B |
|
C |
|
D |
|
F |
|
G |
|
L |
|
M |
|
N |
|
O |
|
R |
|
S |
|
T |
|
V |
|
W |
|
|
|