celebrate rich history Oct. 1

By Angie Long

Nearly a century-and-half ago, a simple, white-columned frame building arose in rural Butler County, as a congregation of the faithful came together to form Pine Flat Methodist Church.

Each October, the descendants of the church’s pioneer founders and their friends and loved ones come together to celebrate Pine Flat Methodist’s rich and fascinating history. It’s a time to worship, fellowship and reflect together on their forefathers and spiritual heritage.

At 11 a.m. on Sunday, October 1, the faithful will once again mark another annual celebration at Pine Flat.

&uot;We are most thankful for what we have been able to do to keep up this wonderful old church and its historic cemetery,&uot; Mae Poole, trustee of the Pine Flat Cemetery Association, said.

&uot;We all always look forward to our annual homecoming and decoration day.&uot;

Founded in 1858, the original frame building was renovated in 1967 when descendants of those early families and their friends came together to lovingly and carefully restore the historic church’s pews, altars, pulpits and other areas.

Though the church no longer hold regular worship services, its members, along with members of the cemetery association, work diligently to maintain the building, grounds and cemetery, Poole said.

The 11 a.m. worship service on Oct. 1 will feature as guest speaker the Rev. Cletice C. Ingram of the Alabama-West Florida Conference (ret.). Ingram’s planned sermon title is &uot;The True Meaning of the Cross,&uot; with scripture to be taken from Galatians 6:14.

Mrs. Kenneth Renfroe, Hubbard Smith, Mr. and Mrs. Willie Stinson and Mrs. Charles R. Terry, organist, will provide special music for the day.

Myralyn Traweek Bailey will perform the memorial service. Serving as registrars for the event will be Mr. and Mrs. McDuffie Stallworth, Mrs. Wayne Wall, Shelia Brooks and Linda Bush.

Charles R. Terry III will serve as acolyte and Catherine Ann Walker and Mary Helen Terry are slated to serve as usherettes.

Following the morning worship services, an old-fashioned &uot;dinner on the grounds&uot; will be served.

All attendees are asked to bring a basket lunch, folding chairs and folding tables.

&uot;This special day also serves as the church’s official decoration day for its historic cemetery,&uot; Poole said.

&uot;The trustees of the Pine Flat Cemetery Association wish to cordially invite family, friends and all who wish to share in this wonderful occasion to attend our October 1 celebration at Pine Flat.&uot;