CENTRAL CELEBRATES 100 YEARS OF MINISTRY
On April 7, a packed worship service celebrated Central United Methodist's 100th anniversary, commemorating the beginnings of the church on March 31, 1913. Former pastor the Rev. J. Oscar Dowdle, Jr., was the guest preacher. A video featuring new and old members talked about the church, and a line-up of old and young members and friends of the church proclaimed their attachment and affection for Central going forward into the future. Special music and litanies of praise celebrating the ministry were included. Former minister the Rev. Angela Pleasants also participated. See celebration pictures under Photos on this site.
Some 250 members and visitors feasted on a catered lunch following the service. Special music was provided by Mr. Lowder, son of former minister the Rev. John A. Lowder. Six tables of memorabilia, scrapbooks, photographs and official documents traced the history of Central for the centennial exhibit.
Guests were given a wooden cross made by Jackson Helms and a 20-page book titled Central United Methodist Church, 100 Years of History, compiled by Lucille Howard.
Leading up to the commemoration, the church cornerstone, placed in 1988, had been opened at a special service.
Loretta Michaels, the Rev. Michelle Chappell and a large committee of Central members worked for a year planning events, gathering history, making beautiful decorations, framing church photographs, conducting fundraisers to finance the anniversary celebration and helping in a myriad of ways to carry off the event. Anniversary t-shirts, notecards and car magnet sales, a fish dinner and game nights, in addition to many generous contributions, financed the event.
