Thomasville First United Methodist Church gets historical marker

Published 12:04 pm Friday, November 24, 2017

The John Lee of Nansemond Chapter, National Society Colonial Dames 17th Century, placed a bronze marker on the First United Methodist Church signboard, designating the Methodist Church, established in 1838, as the first church in the city of Thomasville. It was the only church in the city for nine years.

The first Methodist Church building was constructed in 1840. It was a plain wooden structure with two front doors, one for men and one for women, and four windows down each side. The pulpit was elevated with six steps leading upward into it. One unique feature was a “Mourners’ Bench” where sinners sat to receive the prayers of the congregation. A regular minister was appointed in 1843. During the War Between the States, the congregation experienced a drop in membership and as a consequence of the times, funding dropped. For about two weeks in December 1864, the building was used as a hospital for ill prisoners from the Confederate prison at Andersonville, Georgia.

Following the war, the building was in disrepair from use and lack of funds. In 1867, a new building, similar to the first building, was constructed. The new church was located in close proximity to the present building. The new building had a steeple, kerosene lamp chandeliers and more comfortable pews.

The 1880s produced an economic boom to Thomasville, as elegant resort hotels were built to accommodate tourists. The town was described in a brochure as “Thomasville, Georgia . . . Famous Winter Resort for Northern Invalids and Pleasure Seekers.” The Methodists thought it time for a new building. In 1884, the wooden church was torn down and a new brick church, on the same property, was completed in 1885.

The fancy brickwork on the new building was indicative of the times. The bricks were handmade locally by Arnold Brick Company and were baked in a wood-fired kiln for days. The different clays and the method of curing the bricks contributed to the various colors and swirls in the bricks.

The 1885 building is the core building in use today. Even though additions have been made, this 1885 building makes a majestic statement on Broad Street. The congregation is comforted by the fact that they can worship in the same sanctuary and sit on the same pews, 132 years later, as their ancestors did in 1885. The Methodist Church has been a beacon in Thomasville for believers for a total of 179 years on the same property.

Dr. John King Jr., William Warren Rogers, William R. Mitchell Jr., Jinanne B. Parrish and Thomas County Historical Society are sources for this history of the church.