| Our History
Philemon
Olgetree organized the meeting place known as “Mount Prospect
Campground” in 1817 and became the first minister. In 1835,
Hugh Coffey Nesbit, a local millwright, was hired to build a permanent
log church. It served as both church and school for the local children.
On August 16, 1845, Valentine Starnes obtained a tract of land and
sold it to “Prospect Methodist Campground” to build
a Methodist Episcopal Church.
After the Civil War, a frame church was built
near the present church site, just a short distance from the old
log church. The present building was constructed sometime around
1899-1900. The first parsonage was built in 1903 across the road
from the church.
In 1903-04, a four-room structure was built on what is now the cemetery
for the education of local children. By 1911, high school courses
and four classrooms were added. The last class commencement was
held at the school in 1921.
Four Sunday school rooms were built onto the sanctuary
in 1942. Church members built the first Fellowship Building (or
“Hut”) in 1953-54. The next year, a brick ranch-style
parsonage was built. The church was remodelled in 1960: the outside
was bricked, the narrow windows were removed from the pulpit alcove
and sheetrock and stained glass windows were installed. A brick
educational building was constructed in 1962. In 1966, the yards
were graded and walkways were laid in front of the church.
Prospect became a one-station church for the first
time in 1967. The parsonage was remodelled into a modern split-level
home in 1970. A new six-room wing was attached to the educational
building in 1981. In 1990, the new and modern Fellowship Building
was completed. The sanctuary was completely renovated for the last
time in 1992-93.
As we reflect on the history of Prospect United
Methodist Church, we are proud of our ancestors and the heritage
they left for us. It was upon their faith, hard work and dedication
that the foundations of our community and church were built. We
are grateful for the sacrifices and contributions of the many people
who nurtured the building and growth of the church. They made it
possible for many generations to share in Christian fellowship.
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Our
Calling
Prospect
United Methodist Church is a gathering of Christians who are called
to minister both to our own members and to those outside our fellowship.
God has blessed us in so many ways. We are attempting to share that
blessing by obeying the Great Commission of our Lord Jesus Christ:
“Go then, to all peoples everywhere and make them my disciples;
baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,
and teach them to obey everything I have commanded you. And remember
I am with you to the end of the age.”
The community of faith is built upon fellowship,
with our Lord and with one another. Just as it means so much to
keep in touch with family and friends, the same is true of the family
of the church. Please know that you are always wanted and needed
in our church family.
As members of the body of Christ, all Christians are called to certain
tasks that enhance the life of our church. It is obvious that no
one can be a vital church member without sharing in the principal
services of worship, study, work and witness. This yearbook has
been prepared to keep you informed of areas of service and responsibility
where you might serve your church and your Lord. Don’t wait
for someone to invite you! The invitation to service came when you
joined the church. If there is an area of service to which you are
called, contact the Pastor or the appropriate church officer and
tell them of your desire. The more involved you become, the more
you will feel a part of our church family. |
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