McBrideUnited Methodist Church

Two Hundred Yearsof

Ministry and Outreach

Ina D. Lane

South MillsNorth Carolina

Dedicated to all of the men, women and children,both past and present,

who have worshipped and fellowshipped in Christ's name atMcBride United Methodist Church.

A special thank you to the members ofthe Bicentennial Celebration Committee

who worked so diligentlygathering memories for this book.

It is actually your book becauseit would not have come to pass without your dedicated efforts.

Thanks also to all of those who wrote lettersand provided memories and insights.

God bless each of you.

If you are interested in reading more aboutMcBride, Dr. Hersey Spence's Book,

McBride: A Mother In Methodism, has moreinformation about the early history of the church.

In 1715, a parcel of land at Forke Bridge near what is now the villageof South Mills in Camden County, North Carolina was dedicated to theglory of God for the purpose of worship. From that day until present thatsame piece of consecrated ground has remained essentially the same. For277 years generations after have both stood and kneeled while they sanghymns of praise and whispered prayers of suplication.

Located on the property today is a little country church known asMcBride United Methodist Church. Old photographs indicate minor changesin the structure as well as landscaping of the grounds; however, the build-ing has an almost picture-perfect quality that can transport an individualback in time when things were simpler and communities had strong ties.There on a site dedicated to God's glory so long ago, McBride sits amidtall oaks and pines adjacent to Joy's Creek. Early on Sunday mornings,the countryside is surrounded by the sounds of music and chimes broad-casting from the steeple. It serves as a reminder to all those who hear thatthe hour of worship is at hand.

On a recent summer evening just before sunset, I purposely walkedaround the church listening intently, hoping for inspiration. The coolbreeze behind the building was gently blowing across a marshy section ofwoods between the church and the creek. A variety of sounds drifted fromall directions: rustling leaves, a chorus of frogs, birds and insects, as wellas the crackle of dried corn stalks. The sky was clear blue streaked withpastel feathery clouds in the west. It did prove to be a moment of inspirationas my thoughts wandered to a time long ago.

As I walked the perimeter of the property, I could not help but think ofthose who had come before me and had heard the voice of God carriedthrough the sounds of His creation. I wondered about others who had cometo pray and patiently listen for an answer. What did the original group ofpeople back in 1715, facing a sparcely populated unfamiliar territory,have in mind as they gathered and issued the first prayer of consecration?

During the eleven years my family and I have lived in South Mills, therehave been several occasions that I have sought answers to prayers in thequiet solitude of McBride Church. On those occasions a prevailing senseof peace has always uplifted me.

To me it is somewhat a miracle that in our rapidly changing world therehas existed virtually unchanged for almost three hundred years a place ofworship that has not suffered any destructive encroachments. Beyond the

actual property, the true miracle of McBride is and always has been herpeople. McBride and the land on which the building has been erectedwould have no meaning were it not for the generations that have come,served, and passed on. Though I know only what I have read about theforefathers of the present congregation, they must have been godly peoplewho taught the current members by word and example. It may sound asthough I am saying that the members of McBride are perfect. On the con-trary, I could not stay in a church filled with perfect people. What I amsaying most emphatically is that this is a group of individuals who earnestlyseek to love and serve the Lord by reaching out to others. McBride's bodyof believers is seeking first and foremost to be followers of Christ. Afterall, Jesus kept the company of those who needed Him and sought Him.They continually draw on the strength of Christ and share His love throughnumerous ministries. Some of these ministries are supported by the wholecongregation. Others are anonymous individuals who give of themselvesand reach out to others without another person even being aware.

What, then, is today's McBride? It is a building that has evolved a sectionat a time from l792 to present. More importantly, however, it is the peoplewho come together in love, prayer and praise seeking ways and means totake what they know and have and give it to a community, unconditionally,in the name of Christ. McBride is a sanctuary, a portal of peace, hope andlove; and if any should doubt that it is indeed a plot of ground dedicatedto God's glory, then I urge that person to come alone and walk about theproperty and listen to the voice of God.

Ina D. LaneSeptember 14, 1992

Physical StructureThree denominations have occupied the same location that McBride

does today. The crown government of England was intolerant of churchesin the colonies outside of the Church of England. Therefore, prior to theRevolutionary War, it is likely that most Methodists met in homes. By 1784,hostility had subsided enough to permit the Methodists to worship in achurch known as Forke Chapel. Previously, Forke Chapel was an AnglicanChurch or a part of the Church of England.

On November 14, 1792, a lease was drawn granting Elisha McBride andJoshua Gamberling, in trust of the Methodist Society, and Joshua McPher-son and Morgan Cartwright, in trust for the American Episcopal Church, aparcel of land for the purpose of finishing and keeping in repair a houseof worship for the joint use of both denominations. The lease was for aterm of ninety-nine years during which the leasees were to pay JeremiahSexton and his heirs one grain of Indian corn per year for the said term.The lease expired in 1891, but that fact was not brought to mind until1956. At that time, Superior Court granted the trustees and their successorsa fee simple deed based on the fact that they had been in undisputed posses-sion of the property for more than thirty years prior to the request for aclear ti t Ie.

McBride was erected in 1792, rebuilt in 1837, and in 1882 again wasrebuilt and remodeled. At present the sanctuary is essentially as it was in1882. In 1950, a new Sunday School annex was begun. New pews andmatching choir chairs were installed in 1956-57. In 1961, two additionalclassrooms and the furnace room were built; and in 1965, the fellowshipbuilding was added. On July 4, 1967, fire from lightning damage the kitchenand fellowship hall. As the members of the congregation surveyed thedamage from the fire, they realized it would require long hours to have thebuilding ready for a dedication service planned for September. ReverendSam Wood, pastor at the time, recalled walking amid the destruction andweeping, asking God why. He said he later realized how faithful God was,and through a great deal of effort on the part of the congregation the taskwas completed on time.

In 1965, Dr. Hersey Spence gave a stained glass window of "Jesus pray-ing in the garden" which replaced a tear drop window in the end of thechurch above the gallery. Other significant renovations to the building

were completed in the late 60's and 70's including the installation of aluminumsiding, central air conditioning, carpet, new kneeling pads at the altar andreupholstered pulpit furniture. In recent years new chandelier-type lightshave replaced the old school house style sanctuary lights and an excellentstage lighting system has been added. A concrete parking area has beenpoured on the south side of the church with future plans to complete aparking lot on the north side. Over the years, as the needs for renovationand repair have become evident, the members and friends of the churchhave generously given of their time, talents and finances to assure thefuture of McBride.

Ministries and OutreachThough McBride has been recognized nationally as a historically signifi-

cant monument among the earliest American churches, the most importantpart of her heritage is the ministry and outreach which has been lovinglyand enthusiastically developed over the years. Worship services and SundaySchool classes have been altered over time as changes in the charge havetaken place. In the early part of this century, there were "amen corners"and "catechisms," ideas that may seem foreign to the church today. Re-vivals sometimes lasted serveral weeks, and services could extend for hours asthe spirit moved congregations to repent and reaffirm their commitment.

Although these changes have come about and many long for the "goodold days," Christ urged His followers to meet the world at its point ofneed. It is this very precept that has caused McBride to remain so influ-ential in the community as the love of Christ has been presented in avariety of ways.

Members of the congregation contribute regularly to foreign missions aswell as ministering to the needs of individuals in the community throughthe Mission Box. The Administrative Council designates the expenditureof the proceeds for a local need. Beyond things such as this, any time thereis a local crisis or time of concern among members of the community,whether associated with McBride or not, the need is.made known to thecongregation and collectively and individually the members give generously.

Other means of outreach have existed through times of fellowship overthe years with the establishment of banquets and picnics. Presently, McBridehosts the "I Love You" banquet in February, and in the Spring they spon-sor both a Mother-Daughter and a Father-Son banquet, which evolvedfrom a Senior Citizens Banquet. During the summer and early Fall thechurch has an annual "picnic on the grounds" and an old-fashioned "hoedown" complete with square dancing, fiddle playing and plenty to eat. Allof these activities have become traditions which many residents of Camdenand the surrounding counties look forward to attending. December is abusy time for the members of the church. Early in the month there is theChristmas Banquet and closer to Christmas Day for the last several yearsthe children and adults set aside time to produce and perform a Christmasplay and program. Many hours of dedication is invested in these produc-tions memorizing lines, preparing staging and props, lighting and so forth.The result is always a highly acclaimed program produced with as muchprofessionalism as possible. As much fun as all of these events are, theyare but the means by which the members of McBride reach to the com-munity to share the love of Christ so others may know that there is achurch that extends warm friendship to any who are willing to come.

For more than eighteen years McBride has hosted a community-wideEaster Sunrise Service followed by a breakfast prepared by the men. Thishas proven to be a spiritually uplifting service as emphasis is placed on thereality of Christ's sacrifice and ultimate victory.

The structure of the worship services in recent years has allowed everythird Sunday of the month to be a lay leadership service. Both membersof the church and guest speakers have provided many memorable and up-lifting programs. On several occasions the children have participated insinging and reciting much to the delight of everyone. Not a single Sundaypasses that birthdays are not recognized bringing happiness to the childrenand sometimes resignation and even denial of such events from the adults.

MemoriesMany individuals have very fond memories associated with McBride

United Methodist Church. Though the church building has not changedmuch in structure, many renovations have been completed in order tomodernize the facility. Some of the most vivid memories of older membersof the church are related to the building itself. Long permanent tablesused to be on the grounds. These were used for wonderful meals during timesof revival or "protracted" meetings. On cert~in days, particularly the thirdSunday in August, the congregation would meet all day. There would be amorning service, an afternoon service and an evening service. Magnificentmeals were served on the grounds at noon during these extended services.Extravagant meals were also provided for those in attendance at QuarterlyMeetings.During the early part of the century, at the time Ira Pearce and Nellie

Pearce Daniel were children at McBride, the church was part of a chargewhich included six churches: Old Trap, McBride, Camden, Sharon, Trinity,and Newland. Each church had only two services per month. McBride'sservices were first Sunday morning and third Sunday afternoon.Modes of transportation have certainly changed over the years. Many

members of McBride recall a time when the grounds had a wide variety ofhorse drawn carts and surries. Certain individuals hitched their horses andcarts to the same tree every time they came to church. The prominentmembers had closed-in surries that were drawn by matched teams of beauti-ful horses. Ira Pearce remembered the first pastor to own an automobile.He said the children were fascinated by the contraption and the pastor,Rev. Jerome, gave every child a ride in the vehicle.As was said, many of the services held at McBride were very long. Some-

times mothers would make pallets on the floor so their children could restduring the extended hours. Church nursery did not exist. During the monthof May there was a Children's Day Service. According to Addie Forehand,the church was beautifully decorated and people came from other churchesin the community to see the program. The children would sing and reciteverses and poetry. Mrs. Lucy Spence was in charge of the children, andMrs. Forehand said she was "all dressed in white and her hair was all fixedup." Mrs. Nellie Pearce Daniel remembered participating in the service aswell. She said, "The children would stand around the chancel. Some hadto say serveral verses and stand up around the pulpit. Anyway, when I wastwelve years old I had a long speech, about four verses long. Mama was in

the amen corner. We children were on the right side. I got up to the pulpitand I looked out and that whole church was crowded. All I could see waseyes, eyes, eyes. All looking at me. I went completely blank, completelyblank. I couldn't remember anything. I was completely paralyzed. Shemotioned for me to come on down. I went down and sat with the girls Iwent to school with. I was humiliated completely. I never got up to speakin public again as long as I have lived."

Another children's program years later during the Christmas seasoncreated quite a stressful moment for one young boy. Will Trotman wasstanding in front of the congregation holding his program part on a smallpiece of paper in his hand. Quite suddenly the doors to the church burstopen, and, of all the characters to enter at such a tense moment, in strodeSanta Claus. In wide-eyed shock young Will shoved the piece of paperinto his mouth and promptly swallowed it.

Mrs. Daniel also recalled the heating system used by the church in theearly part of the century. She said there were two wood stoves made of tinin front of the church. She said they must have been lined because shenever saw them get red from the heat. Each stove had a pipe suspendedby wires that went straight up, curved to the middle, then united into onepipe that went through the center of the roof in the sanctuary. One pastorappropriately called it the trapeze. Mrs. Daniel could recall sitting in churchas a child and wondering why it did not catch fire.

She remembered that the sanctuary had plain wood floors with carpet onaisles and pulpit. There was no floor covering around the pews and therewas no sub flooring in the church. The church sat on pilings and had anopen foundation; therefore, in the winter the wind would blow up throughthe floor and everyone had cold feet. She said not many people attendedchurch in the winter.

Apparently things were not much better in the summer. The stoves wereremoved in the summer and the pipes were closed so nothing could fallfrom them. Mosquitoes would gather under the pews and would bit the legsof the members of the church during the services. Kerosene lamps wereused prior to the installation of gas lamps. Mrs. Daniel's grandfather wasin charge of lighting the lamps for evening services.

George Pearce remembered one of the preachers at McBride during hisyouth. He said Rev. Alex Hall was a particularly loud man. One Sundayservice stood out in his mind because Rev. Hall was standing on the porchof the school house preaching so those on the outside as well as the inside

could hear him. A man came along with a mule and cart, and the preacher'sloud voice startled the mule so that he took off on a jaunt around thechurch building.

Located south of the church building, apparently on the McBride property,was a public school known as McBride School. It was a wood frame build-ing originally built by a Dr. Nixon for his office. He was not using thefacility so the building was moved south of McBride Church. Grades onethrough seven were taught. The curriculum was basic and included religion.Reading and public speaking were strongly' emphasized, and many of thechildren spoke before an audience for the first time at McBride Church.Several grades met in single rooms and were taught at one time. Duringrecess, the children would play ball between the church and the school. Atother times they would play under the church building as it has an openfoundation. "Lawn parties" were held on the grounds to raise money forthe school. These were fun-filled times and had events like raffles, auctions,and of course, food and fellowship.

In the spring every year there was scheduled a church cleaning day. Thepassage of time has brought about changes in manners and habits, andregarding one habit I am certainly thankful. It seems that on the springcleaning day someone was designated to scrape the tabacco off the floorthat had been expectorated during the church services.

During the 1950's and 1960's one member of McBride was a favoriteamong the children. At the end of church services every Sunday Mrs.Chessie Pearce would hand out "Chiclets" gum to all that gathered aroundher. She would use these opportunities to encourage the children to becomechurch members. Joyce Medlin remembered becoming a member ofMcBride because of Mrs. Chessie's persistent urgings. Even as age and poorhealth began to limit her attendance, Mrs. Pearce worried about the childrenand their gum. One Sunday afternoon, one of the pastors stopped by tovisit her, and he helped himself to her container of gum. After he left sheremarked that he had no business taking the children's gum.

Reverend Irving Cook was the first pastor to reside in the present par-sonage which was completed in the late 1950's. Rev. Cook mentioned inthe presence of some church members that the back part of the lot was anideal place for a garden. As he sat at breakfast one morning, he heardtractors pulling into the yard. Mr. Mack Sawyer looked at Rev. Cook andsaid, "I've never seen a preacher with enough smarts to have a gardenand If he will try, I'll give him a chance to prove it." The garden plot was

soon plowed, disced and ready to plant, and he said he enjoyed a bounti-ful harvest as long as he resided in South Mills.

Over the years many things have changed, but there remains some con-stants. Children in all of their angelic wonder are still children. SundaySchool teachers have fallen victim to many attempts to get off the subject.Even today there is nothing better than a game of wiffle ball after DurwardMedlin has taught class. Sometimes the game of the day is volleyball orfootball, but the lesson always comes first. Sometimes there are hazards inconducting such activities especially when equipment is stored inside theclassroom and it falls into the hands of an enthusiastic young boy. Thehole in the wall of Durward's classroom is a testimony to the fact that abaseball bat should not be swung in such close quarters. It seems thatDurward is planning a lesson in the near future that will include the vir-tues of properly mixing and applying patching plaster.

There is a tremendous Biblical lesson about reaping what one has sown,and Durward is in the process of harvesting seeds he planted some time agoregarding his own Sunday School teacher. It seems that when he was buta mere youth, he and his classmates Steven McCoy, Michael Sawyer, andJohn Norton, among others, decided one Sunday morning to switch ident-ities in Mrs. Jessie Pearce's class. For example, Durward became John,Michael became Durward and so forth. Each Sunday as Mrs. Jessie cal-led out names, the members of the class would take turns reading a portionof the lesson. On this particular Sunday, as she called on John, Durwardbegan to read. This continued as Mrs. Jessie looked on in quiet perplexity.The young men were so intent on pulling off the switch that they wereamazingly quite well-behaved. At the end of the lesson, Mrs. Jessie calledon Durward to close in prayer. As Michael was now Durward, the boys inthe class all held their breath for one long minute, because there was onething that Michael Sawyer absolutely did not do and that was pray outloud in front of a group. Just as the real Durward was about to begin,Michael rose to the occasion and much to everyone's surprise, he led theclass in closing prayer. As the Sunday School hour drew to a close, a veryfrazzled and shocked Mrs. Jessie quietly dismissed the class.

One of the joys of working with children is helping them memorizeparts for special programs and plays for the church. Adults who take onsuch tasks must have a unique calling from the Lord and the patience ofJob. Of course, when the program is presented at the appointed hour,relatives and friends in the audience swell with pride as the children alwayscome through. No one would ever guess that at rehearsal the week before

half of them had no idea what the lines were supposed to be or where theywere supposed to stand so that everyone would be able to see them. Nordoes the audience have the opportunity to realize the thrill of pulling twowrestling youngsters out from under the pews in the sanctuary who at thatvery moment were on cue to enter the stage and repeat the lines that havebeen practiced for two weeks. In the meantime, the distraction under thepew has provided a perfect opportunity for two more members of the castto participate in a wonderful game of "chase me and I'll scream." Asfrustrating as all of these memorable moments may seem, the children doindeed know their lines and the actual performance is usually perfect. Thisis a credit to dedicated individuals who love children and who know thatall of these programs are teaching our children the value of Christainfellowship and the rewards of hard work and practice. McBride has beenblessed with generation after generation of tireless members who havetaught the children stories, parts and Bible verses. The mothers and fatherswho sit in the audience or participate in the programs today do so becausesomeone years before took the time to teach them. It is a tradition ofChristian service that is priceless.

The members of McBride have seen many answers to prayer. In recentyears, one answer gave new life through successful organ transplant sur-gery. Lynn Medlin's diabetic condition had deteriorated to the point ofrequiring dialysis to assist her failing kidneys. Many prayers and words ofencouragement were offered; however, Lynn felt little hope. In 1988, afterfour months of dialysis, Lynn's doctor told her about an experimentalpancreas/kidney transplant procedure. Her name was to be registered ona list to await a possible donor. The very next day, before her name wasever added to that list, a match was found and the surgery was success-fully completed. Both her kidney failure and diabetes have been eliminated.Members of the church remained supportive, and along with many othergenerous people, they raised enough money to pay for the surgical expensesnot covered by insurance. The blessings have continued; in February, 1992,a ten-year prayer was answered as Lynn and Durward became parents ofa baby boy.

There are many other prayers that have been answered. One wife andmother prayed diligently for years for her husband and son. Those prayershave been answered as both of those men are faithful members of anotherchurch, serving Christ.

Prayers are not always answered as we hope they will be. We must some-times learn very difficult lessons in faith and trust God's judgement, know-

ing that His vision is unlimited and His concern for us extends far beyondwhat our conceptions of our needs may be. Our finite understandingsometimes narrows our perception; yet, God's infinite love, mercy andrighteousness keep us in His perfect plan if we will only trust Him.

It seems that Sunday School groups form at McBride and the membersremain together for a lifetime commitment rather than allow things likeage to have any bearing on promotion from one class to the next. Forexample, the "Young Adult Class" would probably be a misleading termto any new visitor intent on finding the right age group with which toassociate. That is because most of the members of the "Young Adult Class"are actually grandparents and a few have even retired to enjoy a moreleisurely lifestyle. The class came together years ago when they were indeedyoung adults with small children. Most of those children are now youngadults themselves. Maybe it really is an appropriate title for the class be-cause everyone of the members have certainly remained young at heart asthe years have passed. They continue to love life and to bring a great dealof joy to the lives they touch; so I think that "inner youthfulness" is abetter indicator of true age in any individual. Recently, someone jokinglysuggested that a change of name to "More Mature Young Adult Class"might be better. I hope they are always called the "Young Adult Class"because it will have a marvelous effect on the Sunday School classes thatfollow as we all endeavor to remain youthful in Christian service.

In the late 1950's and early 1960's when this class formed, they wouldmeet each month in alternating homes for supper and a time of Christianfellowship. One evening the class met at Lloyd and Catherine McCoy'shome. It seems that Rev. Cook, who was the pastor at the time, learned alesson in being specific. Catherine asked him if he would rather havecoffee or tea, and he nonchalantly replied, "Either." She promptly broughthim a cup of half tea-half coffee much to the amusement of the group.Rev. Cook said he learned to address questions in a direct manner afterthat.

In the Discipleship Class, which if we are to continue the pattern thatseems to have been established, is actually the "Aging Youth Group," thereare always rich discussions and even an occasional friendly confrontation,particularly regarding women's rights. Someone is continually playing thedevil's advocate as discussions about politics, society and family life abound.There has been a time or two when critical aspects of propriety, such as theproper time to wear a baseball cap in a building, have been vigorouslydebated. Seriously, there is an atmosphere of Christian love as the members

of the class enjoy both the lighter issues as well as the deeper truths of theabudant Christian life. One thing is certain; it is never a dull class.

Since the first congregation met just south of Forke Bridge, the worldhas seen many changes. Transportation is better, fashions are more com-fortable and society is more informed. There remains two things that havenot nor will not change: the unholy nature of man and the forgiving natureof Jesus Christ. Since the beginning, McBride has been blessed with mem-bers who have exemplified the love of Christ through their perservenceand faithfulness. Like all churches Mcbride has seen lean times when thefinancial needs were great and the offerings were few. There was a timewhen the church collection amounted to a total of five cents. Sometimesneeded Sunday School materials were purchased by individuals. God hasbeen faithful in His blessings and there has been for two hundred years anoverflowing abundance of the love of Christ at McBride.

There have been those who have served in official capacities such astrustees, stewards, superintendents, teachers, choir members, and musicians.They have given generously of their time, talents and compassion. Othershave worked diligently though without official titles. They have earnestlygiven of themselves in building construction, renovations, maintenance,program planning, keeping the nursery, working with children's programs,plays and vacation Bible schools. Members have been faithful by their con-sistent presence and support of the endeavors of the church. Still others,because of physical incapacities or distance, could not be present in body;yet they were present in spirit as they continued to zealously pray for theirchurch. One thing is as certain as the passage of time; as long as this con-gregation continues to seek the truth in God's word and share that truth incompassionate Christ-like service in this community, then this 277 year-oldplot of land set aside for the worship of God will forever be a sanctuaryfor all who will come.

Several people have said that McBride so often reminded them of "TheChurch in the Wildwood." The words of that beautiful old hymn do in-deed paint a picture to which McBride bears as remarkable resemblance.Although McBride was not the church of my childhood, I have foundspiritual peace, joy and love within its walls, and it is my prayer thatMcBride will continue until Christ comes again.

There's a church in the valley by the wildwood,No lovlier spot in the dale;

No place is so dear to my childhoodAs the little brown church in the vale.

Oh, come to the church in the wildwood,To the trees where the wildflowers bloom;

Where the parting hymn will be chanted,We will weep by the side of the tomb.

How sweet on a clear Sabbath morning,To list to the clear ringing bell;

Its tones so sweetly are calling,Oh, come to the church in the vale.

From the church in the valley by the wildwood,When day fades away into night,

I would fain from this spot of my childhoodWing my way to the mansions of light.

William S. Pitts