Epworthhistoricalbook

An Historical Overview of Epworth United Methodist Church 1909-2009
An Historical Overview of
Epworth United Methodist Church
1909 - 2009
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This book is dedicated to the people of

Epworth United Methodist Church,
past and present, who, because of their love for God and for one another,
have established Epworth as a caring congregation.
It is our hope that we may gain wisdom and strength from

learning about our past that will strengthen our commitment to the cause of Christ
and help us to meet the challenges of the future.
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If you come across a SPECIAL PERSON

Who is warm and welcoming
Who is caring and generous
Who has integrity and an “inner beauty”
Who is interested in missions, both near and far
Who builds bridges for others, but doesn’t want special recognition
Who helps plan a future for the church, while recording the past
Maybe we should let her know just how SPECIAL she is
in appreciation for all she does,
for the wonderful person she is
for spending countless hours writing
the history of our church
we celebrate you, Evelyn Vaden
You are a special person!
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Table of Contents
Early Churches Preach the Word ....................................................................6
A New Church on the Pike.................................................................................10
Epworth Becomes a Charge ...............................................................................15
Epworth in the Early 1980s................................................................................20
Growing into the 1990s......................................................................................22
Moving Forward in the New Century................................................................26
Looking Ahead...................................................................................................28
Epworth’s 100 Years: A Poem by Teresa Locke ................................................29
Deep Roots ........................................................................................................30
Historic Epworth and Historic Riverside ...........................................................35
The Summer Festival in Times Past ..................................................................37
In Memoriam .....................................................................................................39
Improvement Projects ........................................................................................41
Bequests .............................................................................................................44
Pastors Who Served Epworth Since 1909 .........................................................46
Footnotes and Bibliography ...............................................................................47
Historical View of Epworth through Pictures ...................................................48
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Early Churches Preach the Word
Epworth United Methodist Church (originally Epworth Methodist Episcopal Church,

South) was built in Williamson County in 1909. The church was formed as a result of the
consolidation of two earlier churches: Thomas and North's Chapel. Thomas Church was located
on the south side of Crowder Road, near the Peytonsville Road junction, and was part of the
Bethesda Circuit, which then consisted of Bethesda, Wesley Chapel, Thomas and Peytonsville.
North's Chapel was located on the east side of North Chapel Road, close to the Highway 96E
junction, and was part of the Harpeth Station Circuit, which consisted of North's and Trinity. In
early journals, both of these churches were often called "societies."
Thomas Church is said to have been founded as the result of a revival meeting held prior
to 1853 on the premises of a Mr. Thomas. Land for the church (one acre plus 41 poles) was
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purchased for $25 in 1849 from Nathaniel L. Harrison. The deed sets the boundary of the plot
as going to the corners of "the old meeting house lot," leading to the conclusion that a meeting
house of some type had existed there even earlier. The first building was a log house, and in 1853
this was replaced by a larger frame structure. In 1857 an additional one-half acre of land was
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given to the church by Jesse Johnson to provide hitching space. In 1857 a larger brick church
was constructed. Quarterly Conference minutes of the 1880's and 1890's state that Thomas
Church was 40 X 50 feet and would seat 300 persons. In 1891 its value was priced at $1500.
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North's Chapel is said to have been founded as a result of a camp meeting held in a
grove owned by Henry Jackson. In 1866 work was begun on a frame building on the east side of
North Chapel Road close to the Highway 96E junction. The building was completed and
dedicated in 1867, with Bishop Kavanaugh as the officiating minister at the dedication. The land
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for the church (one acre) was given by John E. Tullos, but it was not deeded until 1869.
Quarterly conference minutes of the early 1900's state that the building erected was 40 X 50 feet
and would seat 300 persons. Its value was also placed at $1500.
The earliest membership roll from Thomas Church (1858-59) shows 37 men and 48
women. The roll for 1860-61 lists 34 men, 59 women, and "16 colored brethren and sisters." (It
is interesting to note that three members on the earliest roll were later expelled, one for dancing.
In 1887 a member was expelled for gross immorality. An old memo in one of the journals states
that in 1886-87 membership in the four churches of the Bethesda Circuit totaled 339 (and 1
colored), and that there were 137 pupils in the Sunday Schools of the four churches and 19
teachers. Membership at Thomas at this time was listed as 93. An 1891 Quarterly Conference
report from North's states that at that time 47 were enrolled in Sunday School, with average
attendance being about two-thirds this number. In 1902 records indicate that there were 134
members on roll at North's, but only about one-third this number attended regularly.
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Before 1900 Sunday Schools at the various churches were usually suspended during the
winter quarters; but by 1900 Sunday Schools were operating year round at all the churches
except Peytonsville, exceptions being during the winter of 1901, when they were closed because
of a smallpox epidemic, and during 1918, when churches were closed because of the flu
epidemic. Epworth Leagues existed in some years during the late 1890's and faded away in
others. Although two Women's Foreign Missionary Societies were organized in the Bethesda
Charge in 1888, these organizations apparently died out later. However, in 1900 a Women's
Foreign Missionary Society was organized for members of Thomas and North's, originally with
10 members, and quickly growing to 19. As reflected in Quarterly Conference minutes, interest
in this group was high, with great enthusiasm manifested for promoting and giving to the cause
of missions. This group has existed at Epworth ever since.
Some procedures followed in the early churches might seem unduly strict to the church of
this century. For instance, the early quarterly conference minutes often listed members "dropped
by order of the church conference," so apparently there was no pampering of inactive members.
At North's Chapel a committee was appointed in 1888 to ascertain ''why brethren absented
themselves from church so continually." Also, complaints were occasionally entered in quarterly
conference minutes by the pastor of the charge against some church officials who were derelict
in their duty, or failed to file the proper reports. In 1887, in. compliance with the request of the
Tennessee Conference, church stewards were asked to serve on a committee of assessment and
assist in collecting funds necessary to meet budget needs. Each steward was given a list of
members to contact in order to raise the required amount. Early conference journals from North's
list the amount given by each church member and the name of the steward who collected it. In
1887 the total budget for the Bethesda Circuit was about $628. $400 of this amount was for the
pastor's salary, $80.70 was for the presiding elder, and the balance was for other conference
assessments. Thomas Church was asked to contribute $106.25 for pastor's salary and the salary
of the presiding elder.
Some of the forms of worship observed in the early churches have disappeared, and some
habits of personal piety stressed at that time are no longer emphasized in the way they once were.
For instance, 1888 minutes state that the churches had not had "any love feast meetings that
year." During revivals "experience meetings" were often held, and many testified for Christ
during these sessions. Apparently foot washing rituals were observed at one time (though these
were evidently passing out of favor in 1893, because minutes of that year state that the majority
of the Sunday School pupils and some of the teachers left when this rite was observed.
Subscribing to church papers was promoted by the pastors, and usually they reported on the
number of families who subscribed. Pastors also often reported on the number of families who
had family devotions, the number of members at each church who would pray in public, or who
reported they observed periods of fasting and abstinence. Members were enjoined by the pastor
of the charge "to observe the Friday preceding each quarterly meeting as a day of fasting and
prayer for the prosperity of Zion and the success of us, your servants in the ministry." One of the
Toon family descendants reports that her grandfather, Beverly Barksdale Toon, always had his
family fast the day before Quarterly Conference.
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The highlight of the church year in these early years was the revival (generally called "the
protracted meeting") held during the summer at the churches. This consisted of services during
each morning and night for a period of two weeks. The visiting preacher stayed in one of the
member's homes. Bountiful dinners were served at different homes at the noon hours, and the
host family would invite other families to come. People came to services in horse-drawn buggies,
or on horseback. During the protracted meetings members would often hitch the horses (or
mules) to a wagon and pick up as many of their neighbors as they could along the way. Some of
our older members still remember these protracted meetings of the early 1900's--the fellowship,
the excitement, the big dinners, and riding to church on wagons at night. As these meetings were
an important community event, the churches were usually filled to capacity. And the preachers
would usually preach ''hell fire and brimstone."
Quarterly conferences that were held in warm weather were also social events, and
included what was called "dinner on the ground," with food spread out on makeshift tables or
wagons. Children's Day was another special summer event, when children came to the churches
for a week (sometimes two weeks) and practiced songs and "pieces," or poems, to recite at a
special Sunday Children's Day program. Most little girls had new dresses for Children's Day
(dresses for poor children made or furnished by members of the congregation), and the boys
appeared scrubbed and combed and subdued. G. W. Blanton, pastor of the Bethesda Charge in
1892, in commenting on Children's Day, observed that "it was a pleasure to witness these
exercises and see with what delight and anxiety the children engaged in these services."
An old memo found in one of the conference journals reflects on living conditions during
these early years (1850-1900). There was no electricity, no telephone, no indoor plumbing or
water in homes. There was no ice in summer, and food was kept cool in cellars or springs. Mail
was delivered only once a week, and there was no daily paper. There were no radios, as battery
radios did not come into general use until 1925-1930. Laundry was done by hand, mostly by
boiling clothes in a washpot outdoors, and soap was made at home. Ironing was a great chore,
and clothes were pressed with flat irons heated on wood stoves. All cooking was done on wood
stoves. Fruit was dried outdoors in the sun for winter use. Most houses lacked screens. Of
course, all farm work was done with mules, and people depended on the horse or mules for
transportation. (In 1895 Brother C.E. Heriges, pastor of the Bethesda charge, broke his right leg
in two places when his horse fell with him.) Early schools consisted of one room and had just
one teacher. Students sat on benches, wrote on slates, and drank from one dipper. Medical care
was very limited, and families had to "go fetch" the doctor in cases of serious illness. Babies
were often delivered by midwives who had limited training or experience, and many others died
from childbirth complications. Since there were no vaccines or antibiotics, infant mortality was
high, as such dreaded childhood diseases as whooping cough, measles, diphtheria, pneumonia,
etc., took their toll. With no canned milk or infant formula available, a mother who did not have
enough milk to nourish her baby had to find some other mother who was nursing a baby who
was willing "to take on” an extra infant to nurse.
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Quarterly reports written by the pastor of the charge often reflected discouragement
because of poor attendance and lack of interest and dedication on the part of church members.
However, in 1892, Bro. G.W. Blanton, pastor of the Bethesda Charge stated, with regard to
Thomas Church, 'Thomas Sunday School is in very flourishing condition--never has been better
for years. There are 75 pupils, average attendance of 65, 6 officers and teachers. The officers and
teachers are live, consecrated men and women, regular in attendance, and full of zeal for the
advancement of the Sunday School." In 1893, S.C. Baird, pastor of this charge, reported that "the
general state of the churches on the Charge was very good, the congregations large, and better
attendance could not be desired." Thirty conversions were reported, and he stated that the church
had been baptized by the Holy Spirit, that some who were backslidden had been reclaimed and
had gone to work for God with a zeal they had not known before. He reported that every male
member at Wesley Chapel led in prayer and nearly all at Thomas.
Families who gave leadership to Thomas Church from the 1850's through 1900 include
the following: Andrews, Toon, Hatcher, Johnson, Parks, Nolen, Buchanon, Hays, Burnett, Gosey,
Priest, Vaden, Smithson, Murry, Pierce, Starnes.
At North's Chapel, families who gave leadership include the Nolens, Roberts, Daniels,
Morelock, Watson, Bingham, Tanner, Wilson, Kinnard, Lewis, Lankford, Jackson, Carothers,
Regen, Sayers, Roberts.
Four members of the Bethesda Circuit were granted a license to preach or exhort: Dr.
John W. Hatcher, John A. Cotton, F.W. Johnson and James M. Vaden. Dr. John W. Hatcher and
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John A. Cotton were local preachers. Dr. Hatcher, a practicing physician in the community and
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his wife organized a Sunday School in their home in ''Millvue'' in 1895, where they taught 15-20
children. In June, 1903, Quarterly Conference records state that Bro. John Cotton and Sister
Gray organized a mission school attended by 54 pupils. (This was probably at a school house.)
F. W. Johnson served in the traveling connection from 1887 until 1898. James M. Vaden was
ordained an elder and entered the itinerant ministry in 1899 after graduating from Vanderbilt.
During the period 1899-1912 he served the following churches: Smithville, Mt. Olivet,
Gordonsville, Tracy City, and Lynnville. During his pastorates at Gordonsville and Lynnville
new churches were built. He died in 1912 while serving at Lynnville. All of these men were
members of Thomas Church.
At North's Chapel, Joseph F. Morelock was recommended for license to preach in 1892.
He was received into the Conference in 1898 after completing his education at Vanderbilt. In
1902 he transferred to the North Texas Conference, where he served both as a minister and as a
teacher. In August, 1913, this statement regarding Bro. Morelock appears in the Quarterly
Conference minutes of the Epworth-Trinity Charge:"Bro. Joe Morelock was with us in this
meeting. His work in the pulpit was faithful, and the Gospel he preached was sound and
wholesome and will bear fruit." Bro. Morelock died in 1954 in the Memphis Conference.
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In 1894 North's Chapel was added to the churches comprising the Bethesda Circuit, and
the name was changed to Harpeth Station Circuit. In 1900, another reorganization occurred.
Bethesda and Wesley Chapel remained on the Bethesda Circuit; and North's, Trinity,Thomas and
Peytonsville became the Williamson Circuit. The Trinity parsonage served the Williamson
Charge. (Thomas Church received a settlement of $125 for their equity in the Bethesda
parsonage.)
A New Church on the Pike
In the early 1900's Thomas Church was in need of major repairs, and apparently the
stewards and trustees had decided it was advisable to build a new house of worship, and to locate
it more in the center of the community. North's was not far away from the proposed location.
Their attendance had waned slightly, and they realized that before many years passed they would
need better facilities. There were close ties between families who attended Thomas Church and
those who attended North's Chapel--there had always been much visiting back and forth between
the two churches, particularly when revivals or special services were held. It was therefore
natural that they would consider uniting with Thomas in building a new church.
On May 3, 1902, Bro. R. W. Seay, pastor of the charge, proposed that a committee
representing both churches be appointed to discuss such a merger. The resolution passed, with
the following persons being appointed: From North's: W.S. Nolen, S.P. Watson, and W.L.
Morelock; from Thomas: J.A. Pierce, J.B. Parks, and H.T. Hatcher. Bro. Seay was later added to
the joint committee. The April, 1903, Quarterly Conference recommended "that Thomas Society
proceed with their enterprise in building a new church on the pike near Bro. Toon's residence,
and we further recommend that North's Chapel Society unite with Thomas at the new church if
they can do it consistently with their feelings and judgment; and we further recommend that both
church buildings, in case North's unites, be utilized in the new building." North's Chapel later
voted to unite with Thomas Church in building a new house of worship on Arno Road. It was
not until 1908 that the building project began.
Jesse A. and Mittie Toon Pierce, who owned a large amount of land on Arno Road (what
is now the Lillard farm and the two Reynolds farms) and who lived at historic Riverside, gave
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land for Epworth Church in the bend of the road, across from their ante-bellum home. Thomas
Church was torn down, and the bricks (bricks that had been made on the site of Thomas Church
and were very thick) were hauled to the new location on Arno Road. A contractor was hired to
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supervise the construction, and local laborers were hired, with men of the church giving
volunteer help to this project as the demands of farm work would permit. Joe Johnson, who
lived nearby (on what became the Foster farm) gave a great deal of volunteer help on the
building project. Jesse Pierce frequently stopped by to help. Alma Green remembers that as a
small child she handed bricks to her father, Joe Johnson, as he helped with the brick laying.
During this construction period, Thomas members drove their buggies to North's to attend
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services. When Epworth Church was completed,9 North's Chapel was dismantled. Doors and
pews from North's were used in the old Trinity School building.
Epworth Church was completed in 1909 and dedicated in April, 1910. It was an "event"
of great moment in the lives of members and friends who were connected with the two old
churches. Women made plans to wear their finest for the occasion; and, of course, a "dinner on
the ground" was scheduled. Then a perverse twist of nature made the occasion memorable in a
different way--the area, which had been blessed with an early spring, was struck by a blast of
winter. Corn was already several inches high; but that April day was cold and blustery, and it was
actually "spitting snow." The "dinner on the ground" had to be moved inside, and two benches
were placed together to hold the food. Although Bishop Hoss was scheduled to speak at the
dedication service, he did not appear (according to the recollection of two former members who
attended), perhaps due to the inclement weather; so the ceremony was conducted by Bro. Lyle,
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pastor of the charge.
Epworth Church was built with a high arched wood-paneled ceiling. The paneling is put
on in sections, 14 sections in all, with exposed beams outlining each section. The curving
chancel rail, so lovingly and painstakingly made by cabinet maker John Andrews for Thomas
Church, was brought to Epworth and installed there. The choir loft curves to the right of the
chancel. The focal point on the concave back wall was originally a large picture of Christ in the
Garden of Gethsemane. Now a large gold-finished lighted cross made by Walter Bond serves
most appropriately as a focal point. The solid hand-crafted pulpit from North's was brought to
Epworth for use there. Two small tables, one a simple Colonial table from Thomas made by John
Andrews, and the other a pedestal table from North's were brought to Epworth, and both are still
used today.
The beautiful stained glass windows of Epworth Church are the crowning glory of the
interior. All are works of art--brilliant, clear, and colorful. Six of these windows grace the side
walls of the church, each bearing Christian symbols: the cross and the crown, the dove, a sheaf of
wheat, the open Bible, a rugged cross above a rock, and the crown triumphant. Three arching
stained glass windows are centered as a unit on the back wall. One of the small windows was
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given by the Nolen children in memory of their father, William Nolen. The other small back
window and the large center window, which depicts Christ as the Good Shepherd, were given by
the children of Beverly Barksdale Toon and Sarah D. Nolen Toon. (Beverly Barksdale Toon was
a prominent early settler who built historic Riverside, the large antebellum home across from the
church.) The beautiful Good Shepherd window has been an inspiration to every worshipper from
1909 until today, and becomes more precious with each passing year. People entering the
sanctuary always find their eyes drawn to this window, which proclaims the eternal message of
Christ's love.
The Reverend Bruce Lyle was the first pastor of Epworth Church, and Epworth and Trinity
Churches formed the Epworth-Trinity Charge. In the early years each church had morning
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services two Sundays a month and afternoon services two Sundays a month. Later, as roads and
means of transportation improved, this arrangement was changed; and the pastor preached at
10:00 A.M. at one church and 11:00 A.M. at the other, the times being alternated, so that there
was preaching and Sunday School every Sunday morning at each church. Of course, Sunday
School classes met in different areas in the church: a children's class in each vestibule, an older
woman's class in the choir loft, older men's class on the back pew, and young adult class and
youth class (if there was one) in the center section.
Apparently there was a great surge of interest in the new church at the time it was built,
because Bro. Lyle received 114 new members into the church during his four years at Epworth
(1908-1912). About 142 members from the old churches were put on the Epworth roll. In the
years 1912 thru 1916, 27 more names were added to the roll, making a total of 283 in 1916.
Records were not well kept, and we have no attendance figures for the early years. However, an
old Sunday School record book of the 1920's shows that Sunday School attendance ranged from
30-50, so there seems little correlation between membership and attendance, or else there was a
decline in interest in the 1920's. During the period 1909-1930, it appears that Trinity was the
larger church on the circuit, with membership and Sunday School enrollment probably one-third
greater than at Epworth. Poor attendance in the 1920's seems to coincide with the advent of the
automobile age when for the first time people were able to travel with ease and were drawn to
the highways. In 1940 Sunday School attendance at Epworth averaged 64; in 1984 attendance in
Sunday School has averaged 79, with church attendance averaging 85-90. Church membership
was listed as 173 in 1935 and at 167 in 1984.
The Women's Foreign Missionary Society was by far the strongest and most active group
in the church during the period 1909-1950. Using program material provided by the Women's
Division of the Board of Missions, women learned of conditions in other parts of the world and
of needs on the mission field and rallied to lend support to winning souls on other continents.
Special studies (mission and Bible studies) were scheduled each year, some of these being
church-wide studies. Members made annual pledges for mission work. In 1930 each member
brought one dozen hen eggs to be sold, with proceeds going to social service work. In 1928 the
Epworth Women's Society received recognition for their outstanding work and received a badge
for having attained the Standard of Excellence, as set up by Women's Division standards.
Under the direction of the Women's Society, junior missionary groups were organized. In
the early 1920's there was a division for young people, one for children, and even a division for
infants. The children's group and young people's group would meet one Sunday afternoon a
month; through the programs young people learned about foreign countries and needs in the
mission field at home and abroad, and they then made pledges for mission work. One or more of
these junior missionary groups existed from 1910 through the 1920's.
Epworth Leagues existed from time to time in the new church, and flourished when there
were a number of young people in the congregation. In 1924-25 there was a League which did
excellent work. In the 1940's and 1950's Epworth generally had a strong League. In 1944 this
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League made the highest pledge in the district to the Conference youth program. There was
considerable emphasis on missions in the church program.
Pastors generally preached at least one sermon a year on missions and worked with the
Women's Society in promoting special mission studies. In 1915 a Missionary Committee was
organized to promote increased giving to missions; later the Sunday School collection on the last
Sunday of each month was designated for missions. Pastors were directed to give special
attention to the instruction of children in the faith. Sometimes they preached a special sermon for
children; sometimes they gave short children's sermons as part of the regular service, or reported
that they had attempted to instruct them publicly and privately. Parents were enjoined to dedicate
their children to the Lord in baptism. Most pastors reported that they had preached a sermon on
Christian education during the year. Another item of pastoral emphasis was recruitment of
young men for the ministry; and in the 1920's they generally presented one sermon during the
year on “The Call to Preach."
Subscriptions to Methodist magazines (Midland Methodist and The Christian Advocate)

were promoted. Each year churches were asked to report on the number of families who
subscribed to church magazines, and one person was supposed to be appointed to assist the
pastor in the circulation of Methodist literature. As a result of this emphasis, about one-third of
the homes subscribed to one or more of these magazines.
Revivals continued to be the high point of interest during the church year. It is the
recollection of some of our older members that the pews were often filled at these services, and
extra chairs had to be brought into the sanctuary. Vacation Bible Schools were held each year
and usually ended with a Children's Day program. During the 1940's these schools frequently
lasted two weeks. Quarterly conferences held in the summer continued to be social events, with
"dinner on the ground" always a part of the occasion.
Another event of church life of the 1920's and 1930's remembered by church members
was the summer picnic, usually held on the Fourth of July at Riverside, then the home of Jimmy
and Virge Parks. This began as a fish fry and took place after the men had seined the river for
fish. Later seining was prohibited, and the event continued as a regular picnic.
These are some recollections of this period gleaned from some of our older members: Joe
Johnson, who lived on what became the Foster farm, and Walter Parks, who lived on Long Lane,
usually took turns serving as custodians and had fires built in the two pot-bellied stoves on either
side of the sanctuary so that the building would be warm when others arrived. Blanche Vaden
Parks (Mrs. Walter Parks) served as song leader for many years, and always took her place on
Sunday behind the front post in the choir loft. Beside her to assist in leading the singing stood
Virge Parks (who later became Virge Russell). Alva Vaden always sang in the choir and was
always busy before and after services greeting everyone who attended. Bro. and Mrs. Houser
occupied the front pew from 1935-1960, and Bro. Houser could be counted on to say a rousing
"Amen" whenever he agreed with a point made in the sermon. Fred Daniels and Mrs. Daniels
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always sat in the front row too. Mr. Daniels was blind, but he taught the Men's Bible Class for
many years.
Families who gave leadership during the first 40 years of Epworth's existence include the
following: Hatcher, Parks, Johnson, Vaden, Morelock, Bingham, Sayers, Pierce, Toon, Boyd,
Starnes, Daniels, Smith, Nolen, Priest, Watson, Roberts, Cotton, Neal, Russell, Jackson, Boxley,
Houser, Wiley, Warren, Whitfield, Flippen, Bratton, Noland, Green.
The Epworth-Trinity Charge provided some pastoral leadership to the Peytonsville

Church during the period of 1910-1920, with Sunday Schools being in operation during the
summer months. In the 1930's and 1940's the pastor conducted services at Peytonsville one or
two Sunday afternoons each month; and for a short time in the 1940's he also conducted Sunday
afternoon services at Split Log. In 1926 and 1927 Triune was a part of the Epworth-Trinity
Charge. The following figures give us some idea on budget and salary on the charge during the
first 30 years of Epworth history:
Year Total Budget Pastorʼs Salary
1911 $1,980 $800
1920 $3,828* $1,000
1925 $2,066 $1,000
1930 $3,095 $1,200
1940 -- $1,440
*This included a large amount raised for the Centenary Campaign.
In the 1920's and 1930's Epworth paid the smaller portion of the salary and benevolences
(40-45%); while Trinity paid (60-55%). In the 1940's each church was paying an equal amount.
Like the loyal Methodists they were, the members of Epworth-Trinity Charge responded
generously to a number of campaigns initiated by the church at large for missions, evangelism
and church extension during the period 1918-1950. These included the Centenary campaign in
1918-1923, when the Charge pledged $2650, the Endowment Fund for retired clergy pensions in
1928-1933 (the Charge pledged $1122), the Kingdom Extension offering in 1931-32, Bishop's
Crusade in 1937, and the Crusade for Christ in the 1940's, when the Charge exceeded its $700
goal by $260. In 1941 Bishop Kern preached at Epworth to lead in a World Service Rally. There
was a Charge dinner on the grounds at that time.
In March, 1915, on motion of Bro. Baird, a committee was appointed to locate and build
a new parsonage for the Charge. The settlement Thomas Church received from the Bethesda
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parsonage ($125) and the money from Mt. Zion's claim against the U.S. Government were to
be used in the building fund. By May, 1919, a new parsonage had been constructed at Trinity at a
cost of $2200. Epworth contributed $550 toward this parsonage, and $1650 was contributed by
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Trinity. Various improvements were made to the parsonage through the years, with a bathroom
and running water added in 1941 and hot water put in by the pastor in 1943.
Each pastor assigned to the Epworth-Trinity Charge commented favorably on the warm
reception his family received and on the favorable conditions found at each church. The
comments of Bro. G.R. Allen in 1937 are typical: “We are grateful for the cordial reception and
fine spirit of hospitality given. Homes have been opened and many expressions of kindness and
helpfulness have been extended. True to the reputation of the past, the Epworth -Trinity Charge
could not be otherwise. We find the two congregations fully organized in all departments and
comfortably housed in buildings of striking beauty and architectural design. The splendid type of
people that constitutes the membership of the Charge, with its organization and equipment, truly
presents a challenge to anyone who serves them as pastor. The parsonage is well arranged and
comfortable."
In the first half of its existence, Epworth Church survived the anxiety and the tension
produced by World War I, and also survived the onslaught of the automobile, with its negative
effect on church attendance. In the 1940's it was looking ahead, realizing that it needed space for
Sunday School rooms and space where young people and adults could gather for social activities.
Epworth Becomes a Charge
By the late 1940's many of the families who had once been so active at Epworth had
either moved or passed away. At the same time, a new generation was coming along. Realizing
that the church program was handicapped by lack of space for Sunday School classes and for
social activities, building a Sunday School annex had been discussed a number of times, but no
action had been taken.
In 1950 an enthusiastic Young Adult Class, under the leadership of Miss Mary Hatcher,
started the ball rolling by presenting a play to raise money to start a building fund. Finally,
through gifts and proceeds from the play, $2,000 was raised. A loan was obtained from the Board
of Missions and Church Extension; and, in 1951, under Sterling Whitley's pastorate, work was
begun on Sunday School rooms. Many members and interested persons in the community
contributed generously of their means and labor. The addition was completed in April, 1952, and
consisted of six classrooms (with folding partitions which permitted use as a social hall), a
kitchen, and space for two restrooms. The cost was approximately $13,500.
Interest and enthusiasm were high at the time the Sunday School rooms were built. At
that time Epworth was the only church in the community, and a number of persons attended who
were of other religious backgrounds. Average attendance at worship service ran between 80-100,
and Sunday School attendance was in the 80's. Because of the interest and attendance,
many members felt that the church had the potential to become a charge. Others, however, felt
such a move was premature. Becoming a charge meant that Epworth would have to build a
parsonage, because the charge parsonage was located at Trinity.
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It was decided to "put out a fleece," i.e., to see if members would be willing to pledge
$5000 to build a parsonage, the agreement being that if $5000 in pledges could be secured, the
Board would consider the proposal to become a charge. The $5000 in pledges was secured, so
the matter was brought before the Board, where it passed by one vote. Although
there had been differences of opinion, these were put aside; and the group went ahead in a spirit
of unity with plans for a parsonage. A $5,000 loan was secured from the Board of Missions and
Church Extension. Another $1,000 was borrowed locally, and Epworth received $1,000 for its
interest in the Trinity parsonage. The 6-room brick parsonage was built in 1953 on Arno Road on
land given by Miss Mary Hatcher. The Sterling Whitley family was the first pastor's family to
occupy the parsonage. (Cost-$9008)
In the 1950's Epworth had set a record for a rural Methodist Church in Williamson
County. It had a Sunday School annex and had become a charge, with its own pastor and
parsonage. It had a strong church program and good attendance.
In an outreach ministry to children, Epworth workers were picking up all the children in
the community and bringing them together for a week (sometimes two weeks) of Christian
experience and teaching in Vacation Church School. Attendance at Vacation Church School
ranged from 80-120 during several of the years in the 1950's.
During the early 1950's, when it was the only church in the area, Epworth tried to
minister to all persons in the community and endeavored to foster a spirit of unity to help bind
the community together. After Lankford School closed, and before the Community Club house
was built in 1965, the Millview Community Club met in the Epworth Sunday School annex.
In 1960 Epworth was chosen "Rural Church of the Year” by the Tennessee Conference.
Although much had been accomplished, and the future looked bright, Epworth had debts
to payoff; and there were still many improvements needed to complete the buildings as they
needed to be finished. With these needs in mind, in the early 1950's a loyal and valiant group of
women, dedicated to their church and wanting it to prosper and grow, initiated a major fund-
raising project - a summer Lawn Festival. The Lawn Festivals were immensely successful from
the beginning, and grew to be the popular "summer event" of the community, their popularity
even extending to the populace of Franklin and beyond.
At these festivals a barbecue-fried chicken dinner was served; and baked goods, garden
and farm produce and other articles were auctioned off. The first Lawn Festival was held at
Lankford School on Arno Road. Later the festivals were held on the lawn of Riverside (then the
Boxley-Bratton home), and in later years they were held on the parsonage lawn. Although they
began as a women's project, they developed into a church-wide project involving almost all the
members of the church. The men and boys had to haul tables and chairs from Wesley Chapel,
Trinity School, and later from the Community Club, and then haul them back the next morning.
Men had to direct the parking, and young people helped with clearing tables, serving, and in any
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way they could. As many as 800 persons were served in later years, many coming from Franklin
and other parts of the county. People flocked to these outdoor suppers because an excellent meal
was served. They enjoyed the food, the fellowship, the excitement generated by the auctions, and
the beauty of the countryside. Uncertainty about the weather often caused church members
much anxiety at the time of the Festival. One year when it was rainy it was necessary to move
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the Lawn Festival to a tobacco warehouse; and another year it was held at Franklin Junior High
School cafeteria. Lawn Festivals netted as much as $1,500, and proceeds in later years went into
the regular budget. In 1973 the Lawn Festivals were discontinued.
The 1970's brought rapid changes to what had been a closely-knit, cohesive rural
community. Open farm land was divided into lots; houses and trailers appeared where open
fields and woods had been. Traffic became heavy. Where there had once been lines of
communication between all the families in the community (through church, community school,
country store, party-lines, etc.) and a shared concern for each other's welfare among neighbors,
there were now many new families in the area who had no ties to others. The community, which
once had a sense of closeness, became almost as impersonal as an urban area. Two new churches
had now become strong and active in the area. One was the Millview Church of Christ, which
claimed a number of people of that background who had been members of Epworth or who had
attended there regularly. The other was Grace Church, a Fundamentalist group.
Under the leadership of its student pastors, Epworth attempted to weather the changes of
the 1960's and 1970's and carried on a creditable religious program in the years since it assumed
charge status. Meaningful worship services were held every Sunday, and dedicated Sunday
School teachers provided teaching for all age groups. Revivals were held during most years;
however, these revivals did not generate the interest or attendance that they did in years past.
Bible studies were conducted from time to time. Special communion services were always held
during Easter week, and sometimes at Thanksgiving and Christmas. Epworth always had a
special Christmas program, and an Easter Sunrise Service was held every year since 1953. For
25 years the service was held outdoors at the Leonard Vaden farm. In later years it was held at
the Bobby Hood farm and at the Paul Vaden home. This was always a popular and effective
service. Summer vesper services were held on two occasions at the Bobby Hood farm. Vacation
Church Schools were held at the church every year but one since 1953.
Women in the Church
The Women's Missionary Society has continued to be a strong group since it was first
organized in 1900. In the 1950's this group became the Women's Society of Christian Service;
later it became United Methodist Women. In 1956 a night group was organized to serve the
needs of working women (later called the Wesleyan Fellowship), and this became a very strong
group. Through the years the organized women's groups have been the most active working
groups in the church, assisting in all church social events, raising money for improvements and
trying to aid in the total church program in every way possible.
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Members of the organized women's groups made a personal pledge for mission work
conducted by the Board of Global Ministries on the national and international level. They gave
special contributions for mission work at other times as well, such as gifts to Bethlehem Center
in Nashville, sending underprivileged children of the inner city to camp, etc. They responded to
many local needs as well. They gave gifts to shut-ins, sponsored a banquet to raise money for
needy persons in the community, and at one time gave financial assistance and special gifts to a
needy elderly widow. They bought a band uniform for Page High School. They sponsored
showers and teas for new brides, and assumed responsibility for refreshments for many special
church events. It was the custom for the Wesleyan Fellowship to sponsor a church fellowship
supper in the late fall, either before Christmas or during the Thanksgiving season. In the spring
they organized the dinner for the local County Laymen's Club.
In 1971 the Wesleyan Fellowship held a bake sale to purchase a dryer for the parsonage.
Since 1972 this group, assisted by other church women, has been selling pecans in the fall; and
the profit from this undertaking has financed a number of church and parsonage improvements:
1978 - Storage cabinets in the end of the Sunday School rooms, installing paneling
and laying carpet in nursery, $1500 given toward tennis court
1980 - New shingles for parsonage roof
1981 - Air conditioner, typewriter, desk and table, and new drapes for parsonage; $500
paid on new storm doors for Sunday School annex
1983 - Bassinet for nursery and under-window cabinets purchased for Sunday School
rooms
In addition to the contributions to the church made by the organized women's groups, all
the women of the church worked together in several special projects, the proceeds of which went
directly into the church budget. In years prior to 1970, the women of the church frequently
served lunches at farm auction sales, and these were always profitable ventures. Lunches always
consisted of barbecue sandwiches (homemade barbecue), pies and beverage. The women would
set up their serving tables in a barn or garage or outbuilding. In cool weather they had to dress
warmly and have plenty of hot coffee ready to serve. Margaret Bratton and Mary Warren always
took the lead in planning such projects, assisted by Edna Wiley, Ellis Lynch, Alma Green, and
others.
Having established a reputation as being excellent cooks, and having become known for
their homemade rolls, in the 1970's the church women were asked to cater several banquets in
Franklin, including a number of large Scout banquets and a retirement dinner for a county
extension agent. Each of these large banquets netted around $500. Church women also catered
several banquets for a teachers' sorority. Barbara Knight usually served as chairperson for these
events. Also, for several years, generally under the leadership of Lorena Lewis, church women
sponsored a bazaar booth at Harpeth Square Mall in Franklin, where they sold baked goods,
garden produce and handmade items. The bazaar booth netted from $200 to $600 during the
several years it was held.
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The women at Epworth have always helped with cleaning and maintenance at the church.
Margaret Bratton, who always introduced herself to new pastors as the "Assistant Janitor,"
actually served in this capacity for 30 years, taking it upon herself to see that the building was in
order and that the heat or air conditioning was turned on before services. After her death,
Virginia Reynolds McGee assumed this responsibility for a number of years, followed by Dotty
Beasley. For the last few years work groups consisting largely of women have assumed
responsibility for all or part of the weekly cleaning of the church. When pastors moved, some of
the church women always went to the parsonage to help clean, and others provided a meal for the
new pastor.
In 1971 a group of women volunteers painted several rooms at the parsonage, and in
1974 a similar group painted the Sunday School rooms. In 1979 a small group of women
cleaned and refinished the floors in the Sunday School rooms and in the church. In 1981 Dotty
Beasley helped a carpenter refinish the church doors; and she and other volunteers painted a
downstairs Sunday School room--floor, walls, and ceiling.
Men of the Church
In 1955 a Men's Club was organized at Epworth. This group was active for several years.
They purchased the sign for the front of the church, and for a couple of years they sponsored a
Boy Scout troop.
In 1956 the men of the church undertook the job of digging out under the nursery to make
space for another Sunday School room. It was back-breaking work, digging the dirt out with
shovels and hauling it away in wheelbarrows. Some of the digging was done on hands and knees.
The work was done at night, after the men had already put in a full day's work. One of the
younger men remembers that there was an oldster with a perpetual twinkle in his eyes who
worked as hard as anyone--George Warren. The result was another basement room that served
well as a Sunday School room.
In 1977 the men of the church undertook a major grounds improvement project. Bushes
and brush had grown up so that the back fence row was a six to ten foot wide thicket of bushes.
Bro. Blankenship spurred the church to action by cleaning out the north fence row. Bobby Hood,
Ann Freeman, and DeWayne Perry then took the lead in organizing a grounds improvement
project. After a bulldozer pushed down the brush and the old fence, tree stumps had to be hauled
away. The men burned what they could, buried the rest, leveled the ground, and built a new
fence. Several furnished tractors and equipment. Work went on for three consecutive Saturdays.
George Green and Bro. Blankenship served as "sidewalk superintendents" on this job.
In working together on the grounds improvement project, and on other work projects, like
the Lawn Festival, the church members were always drawn together in a closeness of fellowship
not ordinarily experienced. But this time in 1977 was both a good time, and also a sad time,
because the group knew, and George Green knew, that he would only be with them a little longer.
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Wanting to have a part in one last project for his church (one of many he had helped with),
George now sat on the back steps and watched the work go on. Like Theo Bratton, this steady
man was one on whom the church had leaned for 30 years. George had always been an optimist
and a booster for all church projects. The love between him and the group was so obvious there
was no need for words-- love was expressed in each hug and handclasp. At this time so close to
his death, George felt a quiet satisfaction in feeling he had had a part in putting the church
grounds in shape for future development, and in the affection so openly shown him by the group.
(George paid for the bulldozing work done; Virginia Reynolds McGee provided the wire for the
new fence.)
Young Adults
In an effort to provide a recreational facility for youth, the Young Adult group decided to
raise funds to build a tennis court. In 1977 and 1978 they sponsored two ham suppers (hams
furnished by Bobby Hood) to raise money for this project. These events were under the
leadership of Bobby Hood, Anne Freeman, Nelia Vaden, and DeWayne Perry and were held at
the church. About $4,500 was raised through the suppers and individual contributions. The
United Methodist Women contributed $1,500, and $2,012 was withdrawn from the Wiley Fund.
The younger men of the church, under the leadership of Billy Knight, John Beasley and
DeWayne Perry, put up the lights. Other young adults and boys painted the lines on the court and
put on the sealer.
In 1980, under the leadership of DeWayne Perry, the younger men of the church worked
two days putting a new shingle roof on the parsonage. Craig Cleland, our pastor at that time, and
DeWayne became "pros" at this job during those two days.
Youth
Epworth has had a youth group most of the years since it became a charge. Activities
sponsored by the Methodist Youth Fellowship include plays, baseball and basketball teams, car
washes, and bake sales. The group has on several occasions assumed responsibility for special
worship services, such as Easter Sunrise services and Christmas programs. In 1976, under the
leadership of Barbara and Charles Reed, the MYF sponsored a chicken supper, donating the
proceeds to the Pension Crusade for retired ministers.
Epworth in the Early 1980's
Under the leadership of an energetic and dedicated student pastor, Epworth in the early
1980's offered a worship service that challenged each participant to deeper commitment. A
mother and daughter team, consisting of LaVerne Wiley at the organ and Denise Vaughn at the
piano, provided instrumental music for the service which was both reverent and inspirational.
Since most of our members had only a minimum of free time, no regular choir existed; but solos
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and duets frequently provided special music. In 1983 a volunteer choir group directed by Rhonda
Jones presented an Easter Cantata which was moving, inspiring, and beautifully executed.
The Epworth Sunday School was well organized, with classes for all age groups. There
was a nursery during worship services, and Vacation Church School was regularly held each
summer. The custom of teacher appreciation dinners honoring Sunday School teachers began.
Bible studies which began in 1983 generated much interest among members in getting
into the Scriptures and were most successful. Under the supervision of dedicated lay leaders
(Don Cady, Jean Pride, and Danny Scott) participants received a weekly study guide and shared
insights in small discussion groups under trained group leaders.
United Methodist Women groups continued to be active at Epworth, with the Day Group
being mainly a fellowship and spiritual development group for older women, and the Wesleyan
Fellowship, or Night Group, taking on the added dimension of being a group which was more
service-oriented and geared to assist with church programs whenever such service was needed.
Men's baseball and basketball teams played in church tournaments, and these games were
enjoyed by many of the church families. The Epworth basketball team won the Sportsmanship
Award in the league during 1983-1984 season, and Mike Lillard was the recipient of the Most
Valuable Player Award in the baseball league.
Family nights were scheduled for every fifth Sunday night. These were a time for pot
luck suppers and fellowship, when new members and older members could get to know each
other.
As has always been true in years past, the Epworth congregation continued to be a
caring congregation. Church members tried to respond to any need that arose in the community,
whether the persons were Epworth members or not. On numbers of occasions the church
received special collections to assist those who had lost their homes by fire or who had suffered
serious financial reverses due to catastrophic illness. Assistance was given to persons in need
who came to the church or parsonage requesting help.
Food and gifts were provided to needy families at Christmas. Money brought to the
chancel rail on Communion Sunday is sent to the Franklin Food Bank operated by Church
Women United of Franklin. Also, an effort was being made to assist needy elderly persons, and
each Sunday School class brought canned foods, cleaning supplies, paper products, etc., to be
distributed to these persons through the Food Bank.
All of the above activities were planned and coordinated by the Council on Ministries,
working with chairpersons of the various work areas. When this group became a functioning
body at Epworth in the 1980's, it was first chaired by Nelle Williams. Jean Pride later served as
chairperson.
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The Epworth projected budget for 1984 was $28,900. Of this $12,500 represented the
pastor's salary, and $6,346 was for conference apportionments. The remainder went for operating
and program expenses on the local level. Our giving for 1984 showed an increase over the
previous year, and we kept pace with budget needs. Of 167 members on roll, we had about 100
members who were active, with about 53 active church families.
By 1983 considerable interest had been expressed in regard to Epworth’s advancing to a

full-time pastorate. A vote to attempt a full-time pastorate failed by a small margin in 1984. In
1985, during the pastorate of J. Wesley Smith, the congregation was sufficiently united to take
this step.
Growing into the 1990’s
With the move to a full-time pastorate, it was realized that there was a need to expand
both church and parsonage facilities. Expansion of the parsonage began in 1985. A family room,
additional bedroom and bath were added at a cost of $23,000. To finance this addition, $21,000
from a savings account (comprised of memorial contributions, and money remaining in the
Wiley Fund) was used.
Expansion of the church facilities presented especially difficult problems: how to add to
the church building and obtain the needed space within the constraints of our limited amount of
land and limited budget. The Building Committee deliberated through many meetings. Finally a
plan was agreed upon which gave the needed space and fit within our limits of land and budget,
at the same time harmonizing with the architecture of the original building. Construction began
in the fall of 1986, and the new addition was finished in 1987.
The new facility was consecrated in May, 1987, by the Reverend George Jones.
The Fellowship Hall was dedicated to the memory of three generations of the Vaden family who
had been active at Epworth: Mark Wilson and Martha Johnson Vaden, Alva and Sally Vaden and
Leonard Vaden. The Educational Wing, consisting of eight Sunday School rooms, pastor’s study
and office, was dedicated in memory of James Edward Underwood, a beloved Epworth pastor
who served the church from 1962-65. He returned to the Epworth community from 1969 until
1981, when he died of multiple sclerosis. The total cost of the annex was $225,103. Church
members gave $54,497, and $24,429 came from an Expansion Fund comprised chiefly of
memorials. The Tennessee Annual Conference gave $5,000. The church borrowed $70,000. The
rest of the money came from special gifts from members, and these are listed in the section titled
“Bequests.”
With a full-time pastor and a new facility, the programs at Epworth began to expand, and
growth followed. Six additional Sunday School classes were organized in the period from 1984
to 1990. Two worship services were implemented in 1989, at 8:00 AM and 10:15 AM, with
Sunday School being held at 9:15 AM. During these years, Epworth began to provide a nursery
during all services. Additionally, a Wednesday night Bible study began. In 1990, the Reverend
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Dr. Steve Angus started leading Disciple Study groups. The church began to hold retreats at
Cedar Crest and Beersheba.
Outfitted in crimson robes, and with a part-time choir director, the choir added greatly to
the worship services. In 1998 a Hand Bell Choir was formed. Earlier donations of a piano, organ
and hymnals contributed to the growing music program.
Children’s activities expanded to include a Fun and Learning Time on Wednesday nights
during the time adults met for Bible study. Vacation Bible Schools continued to provide Christian
teaching and wholesome activities during the summer. There were also summer sight-seeing trips
to local points of interest on one day during the week. A Children’s Choir and a Cherub Choir
were formed in 1989. These groups presented several special programs and sang at worship
services on many occasions. Confirmation classes were held each year.
In June, 1988, a Parents’ Day Out program was initiated at Epworth as a service and
outreach to the community. Originally subsidized by the church and operating with four teachers
and 29 children enrolled, the program became self-supporting in 1989. The name was changed to
Epworth Young Children’s School, and it expanded to six teachers, with an enrollment of 36 by
1991. The program operated on Tuesdays and Thursdays during the school year and one day a
week during the summer.
In September, 1989, a Cub Scout troop was formed at Epworth. By 1990 it had grown to
two packs. In 1991, the church began to sponsor a Girl Scout troop.
An outreach program called the Golden Group was formed to minister to older people in
the church. This group met one Saturday each month for fellowship, usually going on a
sightseeing trip, followed by a meal at a restaurant. This group met the need of older people for
social contacts.
Every fifth Sunday became Family Night at Epworth. This was a time for families to
come together for some type of entertainment or activity involving all age groups. This
sometimes consisted of a potluck supper and a program. Fellowship was also fostered by
basketball and baseball teams consisting of young adults of Epworth.
The MYF of Epworth was very active during this period. They were involved in several
fund raising projects and made significant contributions to the church, including a refrigerator for
the church kitchen and providing $1275 to the Pastor’s Discretionary Fund. The youth also made
contributions to such local charities as the Red Cross, March of Dimes, Cumberland House, and
My Friend’s House. In addition, the youth helped some older church members with home repairs
and yard work. Epworth’s youth generally met each Sunday night in a Christian atmosphere
where they could grow in their faith, discover the power of prayer, and learn more about how to
apply the Bible to current events. In addition to devotional studies, there were many cook-outs,
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pizza parties, birthday cakes, and trips both long and short. They went on summer trips to
Florida, Myrtle Beach, Pigeon Forge and to the Ocoee River for white water rafting.
The United Methodist Women continued to be active in the life of Epworth, conducting
programs which have deepened the spiritual life of members, and supporting various phases of
mission work and service projects of benefit to the church and community. A Day Group of older
women and a night group called the Seekers met regularly. Both groups, assisted by other
women of the church, sold pecans each fall, using the proceeds to provide needed church
equipment (tables for children’s rooms, playground equipment, hymn books, pictures for the
church parlor, curtains for the parsonage, Christmas decorations, refrigerator, dishes and utensils
for the church kitchen). They sent donations to Bethlehem Center, Prison Ministry, Slavic Gospel
Association (for Bibles to Russia), Community Care Fellowship, Meals on Wheels, Wesley
Foundation, Conference Pension Fund, church camp scholarships, the Masters Scholarship Fund,
and the Singles Retreat. Special gifts to mission have honored several leaders in the group. The
Seekers served meals at the Wesley Foundation at MTSU and cleaned the church kitchen on
several occasions.
In 1989, a group of young mothers formed a third UMW group called the Lamplighters. This
group, with 15 members on roll, sponsored a children’s clothing consignment sale, bake sales for
fund raising, and published a cook book. These projects have provided the means for supporting
several mission projects, including My Friend’s Place, Meals on Wheels, Girls’ Ranch, and a
Health Department program to prepare pre-school children for the school experience.
The Committee on Health and Welfare sponsored an informative program on AIDS, a

CPR training course, and scheduled the Red Cross Bloodmobile to come to Epworth on several
occasions so that Epworth members could conveniently donate blood.
The church supported several mission projects: Red Bird Mission, McCurdy School in
New Mexico, Meals on Wheels, Community Care Fellowship, the Williamson County Clothes
Closet and Food Pantry. Food baskets for the needy were assembled and distributed at
Thanksgiving and Christmas. Gifts and meals were provided to many members in times of
illness or bereavement.
In 1988 a Fall Bazaar was held to raise money for building indebtedness and needed
improvements. The first bazaar netted $6844; in 1989 it netted $7300; in 1990 it netted $6000.
Also in 1990, a Summer Festival was held which netted $4100. We continue to hold Summer
Festivals each year. These have grown to involve the entire church and draw increasing numbers
from the community. Proceeds from the festivals are divided between missions and the trustees.
Average church attendance increased from about 98 in 1984, to 136 in 1990. Sunday
School attendance increased from about 80 in 1984, to 101 in 1990. The church budget increased
from $36,183 in 1984, to $103,704 in 1990. By December, 31, 1990, the indebtedness was
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reduced from $70,000 to $23,000. The loan on the Vaden Fellowship Hall and the Underwood
Educational Wing was paid in full in 1994, and was celebrated with a “note-burning” ceremony.
During the early 1990’s it became increasingly evident that the church facility was not
adequate to support future growth. Even with two worship services, the sanctuary was often
completely full for the second service, and the parking situation had become a problem. Many
people had to park on the old roadbed east of the church and walk through the gravel roadbed to
get to the sanctuary. Sometimes visitors left when parking or seats were not available for the
10:30 service.
In 1990, the Nehemiah Committee was formed to consider future needs. Engineers,
architects, and county officials were consulted on multiple occasions to explore the various
options that would increase sanctuary and Sunday School space. Consideration was given to
remodeling the sanctuary and Underwood Educational Wing, including the construction of a
second floor to expand Sunday School space. More stringent county codes and the associated
costs to meet those codes served to limit the gain of usable square footage. The lack of available
parking and limited septic system capabilities further complicated any expansion. No land, either
adjacent to the church or nearby was available at this time. When no viable options were
identified, this committee disbanded.
In 1997, the Nehemiah Committee was reactivated and called the Visioning Committee.
This committee concluded that our space was not adequate for future growth, and began looking
for land for expansion. They consulted with several persons knowledgeable about the real estate
market and probable growth rate in the Franklin area. A growth rate of 21% was projected
between 1997 and 2000. In September, 1998, small group meetings were held in the homes of
several church members, with the purpose of discussing the ministry and missions of the church
and plans for future growth. Reports from these cottage meetings were compiled, and in January,
1999, the Administrative Council implemented a plan to gather information regarding property
available for purchase within a 2-mile radius of what is now known as the historic site.
Although no land adjacent to the church was available, 40 acres of the Givens estate had
become available about one mile south of the church on Arno Road. The Givens family offered
to sell the property to the church for $280,000, about half of market value. The Visioning
Committee proposed that Epworth purchase this land, build a sanctuary there, and gradually
move our operation to that facility.
Accepting this recommendation was difficult at first, especially for older members, whose
spiritual lives were deeply rooted in the beautiful old sanctuary. However, the congregation
finally concluded that this move was necessary for the church to be a vital presence in this
growing community. In August, 1999, the Administrative Council voted unanimously to
purchase this property to meet the growth needs of the church for the foreseeable future. On
October 28, 1999, members of the Administrative Council met with the District Superintendent
and District Board of Location and Building, and they approved Epworth’s purchase of this land.
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This was the culmination of months of study, discussion, and prayerfully seeking guidance from
the Holy Spirit about the direction and focus of the mission and ministry of Epworth United
Methodist Church.
Moving Forward in the New Century
Financing this expansion was, of course, the next problem. It was estimated that
construction costs would be between $410,000 and $515,000. It was projected that by 2015 our
membership would be about 580, and we could afford to undertake a project costing $825,000 to
$965,000. The Administrative Council voted to purchase the 40 acres for $280,000. Terms were
$100,000 down, interest at 8% for five years, and a balloon payment of $180,000 due in 2004.
The land was actually paid for in 2002, two years ahead of schedule.
The Building Committee interviewed several architectural firms and selected Street,
Dixon, and Rick. Different proposals were presented to the congregation for input. Financial
considerations made it necessary for us to plan construction in three phases: the sanctuary and
about 10 classrooms, a family life building, and an educational building. A stewardship campaign
culminated in a special service held at the Williamson County Agricultural Expo Park in May,
2002, to begin the “Expanding Our Boundaries” campaign. We secured a construction loan of
$1,550,000 at 5.75%. Monthly payments on principal and interest are just under $12,000. The
cost of the new building and site development was $1,904,000.
The ground-breaking ceremony was held on June 29, 2003. There were many problems to
be worked out regarding location of the septic system and water line, electrical line, etc, but the
cross was raised on the tower of the partially completed sanctuary in the spring of 2004. The
Easter Sunrise Service, which had been held at the Vaden farm for approximately 40 years, was
held in the future sanctuary space that year. The first formal service in the new building was
conducted by the Reverend Dr. LeNoir Culbertson on September 27, 2004. The building was
dedicated on November 21, 2004.
With the new facility, the congregation had to adjust to two campuses, with some Sunday
School classes meeting at the historic site and some at the new site. Church offices remain at the
historic site. As of 2009, our membership has grown to 455, with a total budget of $421,566.
Sunday School attendance has exceeded 130 at times. In addition to our pastor, the Reverend
Chip Hunter, we have a part-time youth director, a part-time music director, a part-time secretary,
and four part-time nursery workers.
In 2007 the congregation again held several meetings to develop our mission and goals
for the future. Epworth’s mission is to make disciples of Jesus Christ by focusing more on
worship and prayer, encouraging spiritual growth, and spreading the good news. In order to
accomplish this mission, our goals are to display radical hospitality, life-changing service,
extravagant generosity, intentional listening, and passionate worship.
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Among the new programs which have been added is the Men’s Group, which was
organized in 2004. They meet for spiritual enrichment and breakfast once a month, and hold
retreats periodically. They maintain a supply of firewood for distribution to those in need, help
with landscaping the church grounds, and support youth, Boy Scouts and other projects.
The Congregational Care Committee has organized a Doorstep Brigade, a group that
prepares meals for people returning from the hospital and for shut-ins. This group also plans
bridal and baby showers, and contacts members who are ill.
The music program has expanded considerably with the addition of Adult and Youth
Praise Teams, and Epworth Mountain Soul, a bluegrass group. The Chancel Choir, Hand Bell
Choir, and Children’s Choir continue to add joy and meaning to worship services.
The Epworth Youth continue to be a vital part of the congregation. Under the leadership
of a part-time staff youth director and many parent volunteers, they meet on Sunday nights for
fellowship and spiritual growth. They participate in worship services, lead the Good Friday
services and perform Christmas programs. They have made several trips to Mountain T.O.P. and
went to Mississippi in 2008 to help hurricane victims. In a demonstration of love and support, the
congregation remodeled the basement youth room in 2006.
Both units of the United Methodist Women continue to be active in supporting local,
national and worldwide missions. Pecan sales continue to be a mainstay of the Seekers’ fund-
raising. The Lamplighters hold a cookie sale each December, and host a baby shower annually to
support Miriam’s Promise. They also provide weekend food for low income children at Bethesda
Elementary School in the form of “fuel bags.”
The Scouting program at Epworth has grown considerably. There are now five troops
meeting in the historic site, including two Girl Scout troops. This involves about 300 children.
Since its inception, the Young Children’s School became very successful, involving 70-80
children, a director, nine full-time teachers, and four or five part-time teachers. It was a state
accredited pre-kindergarten program for four years. Several children benefited by scholarships
provided by the church. This was an excellent outreach to the community, and was a service
much appreciated by parents. However, in 2006, it had to be closed due to difficulties with the
septic system at the historic site.
There are now seven adult and two youth Sunday School classes, with classes for infants
and children from birth through elementary school. There are two women’s Bible study groups
and a men’s accountability group which meet weekly. We often have special studies going on
throughout the year. Five members have attended, or are attending Lay Speaking School. To
assist the pastor and provide more care for the congregation, we have increased from one to four
lay leaders. A worship area with steps, benches and a cross has been set up near the river at the
back of the new property. Several confirmands have been baptized in this river.
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Inspired by the brave struggle of one of our members, Ron Wilson, P.U.P.S., a cancer
support group was begun which meets weekly. Alcoholic Anonymous also meets weekly at the
historic site. Both of these groups reach out to community members, regardless of their religious
affiliation.
Epworth continues to be actively involved in missions. In addition to monetary donations,

several members participate in Meals on Wheels, Habitat for Humanity and the Columbia
District Volunteers in Mission. In 2008, we really “expanded our boundaries” and sponsored a
mission team of five women from the congregation to travel to Africa. We have forged a
partnership with the Pommern Parish of Tanzania and are actively participating in the building of
new places of worship in a very poor remote region. After hosting a Global Outreach Seminar in
2008, the Global Outreach Lead Team was formed to develop a Global Outreach Plan. Their goal
is to lead the church in moving from being a church with a Missions Program to being a church
with a Missional Heart for God and all His children. In accordance with Acts 1:8, teams have
been formed to focus on reaching out to our own Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and the Ends of the
Earth.
In 2008 the church formed a Long Range Planning Committee to address the future use
of our new property. After several meetings to discuss the needs and desires of the congregation,
it was decided to seek proposals from several architectural firms to develop a site usage plan for
the property. The committee’s goal is to have an architectural design that will allow us to begin
to develop areas of our property as time and money permit.
Looking Ahead
An anniversary is like climbing a hill and viewing the panorama of events as they unfold
before our eyes in the valley below. We can see the high points and the low points, and gain a
perspective which should enable us to look ahead with wisdom.
Over the years, attendance has waxed and waned. At this time we are experiencing steady
growth, both in numbers and in activities designed to promote spiritual growth and fellowship.
We face the challenge of expanding programs and facilities to meet the needs of our increasing
membership. This must be balanced with call to go beyond our walls and spread God’s love to a
hurting world.
Our world continues to change, with ever-increasing population, technology and

distractions. At the same time, people seek meaning for their lives, a meaning not to be found in
a fast-paced life and in technological advances or material goods, but in the message of the
Christian gospel. Our goal is to reach out in love and service to those in our community and to
the larger world so that all may know the love of Christ.
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Epworth’s 100 Years: A Poem by Teresa Locke

In the spring, of April, Nineteen Hundred and Nine,
Two churches, united, as one…
Thomas and North, with strong, family ties…
Epworth Church…together, they’d become!
The land was given to build upon

By Jesse & Mittie Pierce, we are told…
This new house of worship, where people’d be drawn,
Across the street…in the bend of the road.
And, so, Epworth was built, with excitement abound,

From the windows to the bricks and the beams…
Everyone helped, as their time would allow
And they worked very well, as a team.
In its’ first years, Epworth’s membership grew,

With mission groups, forming church-wide…
Revivals brought families to fill all the pews
And extra chairs were brought in from outside.
Miss Mary Hatcher’s class presented a play,

Raising money to start a building fund…
From gifts and proceeds and a loan, they obtained,
They were able to add the addition.
For Epworth was growing, by leaps and bounds,

And pledges, again, now, were raised…
Miss Mary Hatcher donated the ground
For a parsonage…and a Charge, it became!
Lawn Festivals were held, and the money it raised,

Was worth all the blood, sweat and tears…
The name has been changed, but the outcome’s the same…
The Ice Cream Supper’s the “event of the year”!
With membership climbing and needing more room to grow,

The vision was perfectly clear…
Again…just down the road, as everyone knows,
Epworth church’s second site would be here!
Many groups and committees, with missions to start…

No job, too big, or too small…
The choirs sing hymns that we hold in our hearts
Sharing the message of God’s Love to all!
So…
One Hundred Years of Love and Care…
One Hundred Years of answered prayers…
One Hundred Years of hugs, we’ve shared…
And today…we celebrate those Hundred years!
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Deep Roots
Most of the early settlers in Tennessee came over the mountains from Virginia by horse
and wagon. William Hatcher, son of prosperous farmer and Baptist minister, came in 1819 with
his wife, one child and a slave. He settled in Arno, and there he raised eleven more children,
accumulated about 300 acres of land, and helped found Wesley Chapel Methodist Church.
William Hatcher’s ninth child, Spotswood Henry Hatcher was in the Civil War and wrote
beautiful and insightful letters to his wife, Mary Jane Andrews Hatcher; letters which show he
was a dedicated Christian. (A number of his letters are on file in the Williamson County
Archives.) When Spotswood came home, he farmed and owned land on both sides of Gosey Hill
Road. He built the house on the corner of Gosey Hill Road and Long Lane. He was very active
in Thomas Church, and several of his children were very active in Epworth Church
Years ago Quarterly Conference minutes contained resolutions of respect to honor leaders
who had passed away. This practice ceased after the 1940’s. Minutes of the Bethesda Charge, of
which Thomas Church was a member, contain resolutions of respect honoring the following
persons from Thomas Church.
Spotswood Henry Hatcher, minutes of December, 1891, “One whom the church at
Thomas loved so well, who for many years was one of its beloved members; who for his
devotion to the church and his love for the Christian cause had for many years been the Sunday
School superintendent and a faithful and diligent worker in God’s vineyard in whatever position
he was called.”
John Andrews, minutes of September, 1889: “Whereas, God in His providence has taken
from our midst Bro. John Andrews, who for many years was a faithful man in this Society,
whose usefulness to the church dates back to the erection of this house, and from its organization
more than thirty years ago; therefore, be it resolved that we, his brethren in Christ, miss him from
this our first quarterly meeting since his death. Be it further resolved that we will endeavor to
imitate his good example in the faithful discharge of duty and cherish his memory as a brother
beloved.” (John Andrews was Spotswood Hatcher’s brother-in-law, and he made the curving
chancel rail used at Thomas and later moved to Epworth. He also made one of the cherry tables
still used at the Epworth Historic site.
Minutes of the Williamson Charge, Sept., 1903, contain brief resolutions of respect to the
following women:
M..V. Gosey: (Believed to be Minnie Virginia) “Who for many years cheerfully bore the
burden of the church, and lived in the enjoyment of her commission and fellow-ship.”
Minerva Andrews (wife of John Andrews): “who for more than sixty years loved and
faithfully served the church has ‘fallen asleep’ in the triumph of a living faith and left a good
record and example of usefulness and fidelity to us.”
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Martha Gentry, who is cited for: “years of loving service to the church.”
Minutes of the Quarterly Conference, Williamson Circuit, March, 1906:
J. B. Parks: “In the death of Bro. Parks the church has lost a man of sterling Christian
character, who in all the relations of life endeavored to meet the requirements of a Gospel
conception of duty, and whose influence for good was constantly felt in his life work, and whose
fidelity, efficiency, and readiness for service were unfailing--a man whom his brethren delight to
honor.”
Quarterly Conference minutes of the Epworth-Trinity Charge contain resolutions of respect

paying tribute to several Epworth members:
A. F. Morelock, Sept., l9l4: “He was a good man, who loved the Lord, loved his church,
and his fellowman. He was regular in attendance at Quarterly Conferences and performed
faithfully his official duties. He was a helpful neighbor and useful citizen….. And was one of
our most active and devoted members.”
Mark Wilson Vaden and R. L. McCollum, May, 1919: “The Quarerly Conference has
lost two of its best members; the church of Epworth two of its loyal supporters, who stood by all
its policies and doctrines, who actively assisted its pastor to carry out its plans for the promotion
of the Master’s cause. The community has lost two of its best citizens. They both lived
exemplary lives, always kind and considerate to their families. Their religious experiences were
deep and genuine. They both had high ideals and moved in circles devoted to high aims and
lofty purposes. Their usefulness was demonstrated by their liberality and generosity, which
proved that they lived, not for themselves, but for the happiness and welfare of others.”
J. N. Boxley, April, 1930: “Our friend, co-worker, charge lay leader, chairman of the
Board of Stewards, who by his superior knowledge and Christ-like spirit encouraged and
inspired us.”
Samuel A. Hatcher, March, l945: “…..our close friend and co-worker….All of his long
and useful life was spent in an effort to uplift his home, his community, humanity and his church
by his means and a consecrated Christian life….. His home has lost a loving and faithful husband
and father. The church school and the church have lost a faithful and staunch member and
supporter. The community has lost one of its most upright and useful citizens, a good neighbor
and friend, especially to those whose needs were greatest.” (Samuel Hatcher was the son of
Spotswood Henry Hatcher.)
The following tributes have been inserted in this history so that Epworth members may
know about some of those who lived in the period 1900-1970 and who made outstanding
contributions of the life of Epworth Church:
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Jesse A. & Mittie Toon Pierce: Jesse A. & Mittie Toon Pierce gave the land on which
Epworth Church is located. All members of the family were active in church life during the time
they lived at Riverside―the parents and the five children: Emmett, Vera, Clarence, Janie and
Jessie. (The family moved to Mississippi about ten years after Epworth was built, but they were
active before this time at Thomas and at Epworth.)
Jesse Pierce taught the Men’s Bible Class for many years. Daughter Jessie taught a
children’s Sunday School class. Janie was the organist, had charge of Vacation Bible School, and
served as janitor for several years. Emmett lit the acetylene lamps before services.
One of the most significant ways in which this family served the church was in providing
hospitality to those in the pastorate. The Pierce home, located across from the church, was
always open to pastors and visiting ministers. Unless invited elsewhere, it was taken for granted
that ministers would have their meals at the Pierce home. Bro. Lyle, the first minister at
Epworth, boarded with the Pierce family and used their horse and buggy wherever he went. The
main contractor in charge of church construction ate at the Pierce home. Mittie Toon Pierce
often provided cold lemonade or ice cream to church groups meeting on hot summer days. This
family truly was “given to hospitality, and distributed to the necessity of the saints,” and, in so
doing, performed an essential and invaluable service to the church and to those in the pastorate at
Epworth.
Sarah Nolen Boxley: Mrs. Boxley was a person who possessed great dignity and poise.
Her command of language revealed a person of learning and refinement. So dedicated was her
life and so close was she to her Master that no one ever knew her to utter a critical or impatient
word. When other tempers flared, she was always one who spoke in wisdom and Christian love.
She served as president of the Women’s Missionary Society for many years and taught the
Women’s Bible Class. Fortunate indeed were those who knew her and who were nourished by
her teaching.
Miss Mary Hatcher: (Daughter of Spotswood Henry Hatcher) Miss Mary Hatcher, a
school teacher who retired to raise her orphaned nieces (Samuel A. Hatcher’s children), was a
vivacious, sprightly person with a quick mind, a lively sense of humor, and a firm dedication to
her Lord. Epworth Church was one of her major interests in life. For many years she taught a
youth class, and this group of young people loved her so much that they insisted she stay with
them as their teacher until they became young adults. She was always “one of the young people,
entering into all their fun and activities. Sparked by her leadership, the Young Adult Class
initiated the building of the Sunday School rooms at Epworth, raising the first money for the
project by producing a play. Later her Sunday School class, under the leadership of Thelma
Noland, raised money to purchase an organ in her memory for use in the sanctuary.
Alva Vaden: Alva Vaden, son of Mark Wilson Vaden, was a member of Thomas Church
and helped haul the bricks from the old Thomas building to Epworth. He assumed leadership
roles at Epworth from the beginning, serving either as Sunday School superintendent, lay leader,
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steward, etc. from 1909 to 1923. In 1923 he and his family moved to Nashville. When they
moved back in 1935, he again shouldered positions of responsibility and continued to do so until
his death in the 1950’s, serving again as Sunday School superintendent, lay leader, and later as
teacher of the Men’s Bible Class.
A kindly and genial man, Mr. Vaden made it a point to be at one of the doors of the
church every Sunday morning to greet people. He loved the Lord, loved his church and loved
people. As a result, he was generally loved by everyone. His wife, Sally Hatcher Vaden,
granddaughter of William Hatcher, was also very active at Epworth.
Frank and Nannie Lou Hatcher Houser: (Mrs. Houser was one of Spotswood Henry
Hatcher’s daughters.) The Housers came to Epworth late in life after they had retired from
directorship of a camp for homeless children. Brother Houser was a licensed lay preacher. He
was a completely dedicated Christian who had a great burden for saving souls, and he lost no
opportunity to witness for his Lord, either from the pulpit, from which he often delivered stirring
messages, or to individuals. He taught the Men’s Bible Class for a number of years. Nannie Lou
Houser was a gentle, retiring person who always considered herself the least in the kingdom of
God, but whose humility and Christian spirit marked her as one of the greatest.
The life story of the Housers is an inspiring one, and it is interesting because of their
connection with persons prominent in Nashville history. As a young woman, Nannie Lou
Hatcher attended Peabody Normal School, and she boarded at the home of Capt. Tom Ryman,
the flamboyant riverboat captain who built the Ryman Auditorium after his conversion so that
evangelists like Sam Jones might have a suitable place to hold mass meetings. Miss Nannie Lou
held Capt. Ryman in high esteem. After her graduation from Peabody, Miss Nannie Lou taught
school in Williamson County for several years. She then decided she wanted to do full-time
religious work and enrolled at the Methodist Training School in Nashville, which was opposite
the Capital.
Close to the Methodist Training School was the office of Miss Fannie Battle, whose name
is written indelibly on the pages of Nashville history. Miss Battle established the Fannie Battle
Day Home and also the John W. Thomas Fresh Air Camp, a summer home for undernourished
mothers and their children. It was near Craggie Hope, about 40 miles from Nashville. In 1910
Miss Fannie Battle hired Frank Houser, whom she had met at the Methodist Training School
previously, to work at the Fresh Air Camp. Mr. Houser had come to Nashville from Macon,
Georgia, where he had worked in a retail store, assisted the pastor of a Methodist Church, and
operated a mission near a cotton factory. He too had decided to enter full-time Christian service
and had come to Nashville for training. The Fresh Air Camp soon grew to be a year-round
operation, caring for children from broken homes and children who had lost one or both parents.
Miss Fannie Battle was a woman of conviction, outspoken and frank, who never hesitated
to speak her mind. She was not intimidated by wealth or position, and had no qualms about
approaching Nashville businessmen for contributions for her service projects, and she usually got
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what she wanted. One day she told Bro. Houser that he needed a good wife, and she knew just
the woman – Nannie Lou Hatcher, whom she had met at the Methodist school nearby. She then
asked Miss Nannie Lou to work at the camp.
The Housers were married in 1913 and worked at the camp for 25 years, he as
superintendent, and she as his assistant. For several years Mrs. Houser taught all the grades at
the school. While ministering to the physical and mental needs of the children, they were also
concerned about their spiritual growth. The Housers wanted the children to know that God loved
and wanted each of them as His children. Worship services were a regular part of each day’s
schedule. After retiring, they tried to keep in touch with as many of the children as possible.
Many came to visit them in later years. Though some had stayed at the camp only a short time,
the Housers said they never heard of any child who had been at the camp who had gotten into
trouble.
In their later years the Housers continued to serve the Lord at Epworth Church and
here in our community. At one time they taught the children of a black family in their home,
because the nearest black school was so far away. Having no children of their own, the Housers
took two girls from the camp into their home and later adopted them. The two girls they raised,
Elizabeth Pogue and Christine Richardson, became fine Christian women who made significant
contributions to the communities in which they lived, so the influence of this Godly couple has
been widely felt.
Elizabeth Houser Pogue: Elizabeth Pogue, a gentle and unassuming person, was precious
to all Epworth members. For years she taught the Primary Class in Sunday School and also
worked in Vacation Church School each year. As a teacher in the public schools, she nourished
and helped many children in the public schools in the Lankford, Peytonsville and Bethesda
communities to grow up and become good citizens and good Christians, people who in their
adult lives now call her “blessed.”
Alice Duff: Alice Duff was one of our spiritual giants. People could call on Alice at any
time for prayer, and she would always lead the group eloquently, giving evidence that she spent
much time with the Lord. She was an inspiration to all at Epworth and was one of our behind the
scenes prayer warriors.
Margaret Boxley Bratton: Margaret Bratton was a unique person, and she undoubtedly
worked harder for Epworth Church during the period of 1935-1973 than any other person. For a
number of years she served as Sunday School teacher and director of Vacation Church School.
She was the motivating force behind the Lawn Festivals for many years, serving most of the time
as chairman. Her work for this undertaking was prodigious. She always prepared more food
than any other person, and would then have eight to ten cakes baked for the auction. (She had a
reputation for her cake making, and her cakes always brought top dollar.)
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Other than her own family, Epworth Church was the dearest thing to Margaret’s heart.
She would do any job that needed to be done at the church, no matter how menial. She always
introduced herself to new ministers as the “assistant janitor,” which was a fitting title, because
she always came to turn on the heat so that the building would be warm when others arrived, and
often came during the week to do special cleaning jobs so that everything would be in order for
Sunday. She always said she would rather her house be left in disarray than for her church to be
in disorder.
Margaret was known for her concern for all in the community, for church members and
non-members alike. She visited every new family in the community, remembered every new
baby and new bride and every graduate in some special way.
When there was sickness or death, or when a family faced some special crisis, Margaret
was the first at the door, always with a dish of food in her hand and a word of consolation. She
kept her finger on the pulse of the community and kept all the pastors informed of what was
going on, and about who was sick or had special needs and needed a visit.
Margaret had an unusual ability to work with people in the church, to motivate them and
remind them of what they needed to be doing. Although she did not always hold an official title,
she was truly the sparkplug of the church during the period of expansion in the 1950’s.
Alma Johnson Green: Alma Green loved Epworth Church and considered faithful service
to the church a requirement for every Christian. She exemplified such faithful service in her own
life. She was a very successful leader of the MYF in the early 1950’s, and at this time Epworth
had one of its strongest MYF groups. She served as president of the Women’s Society for many
years (serving in many district offices of this organization as well), and served as church
treasurer for many years. Alma never served grudgingly or reluctantly, but always willingly
accepted any job she was asked to do. She was a loving, kind person who worked tactfully and
diplomatically with others. Her willing and unselfish service inspired others to give of
themselves more freely.
Historic Epworth and Historic Riverside
The story of historic Epworth Church and historic Riverside (the antebellum home across
the road from Epworth) are closely intertwined. Riverside was built by Beverly Barksdale Toon.
Toon’s parents came to Tennessee from Virginia in 1811. Beverly’s father, James Toon, was a
veteran of the War of l8l2 and the Creek Indian War. Beverly Toon served as a State Legislator
and was a magistrate for 34 years. He was a teacher for several years, and built a small school
house on the Toon farm for his children. This later became a public school. In 1859 Mr. Toon
was listed as owning 392 acres of land along the Harpeth River, and owning six slaves.
Beverly Barksdale Toon married Sarah Delana Nolen in 1848. Sarah Nolen was the
daughter of Stephen and Michal Nolen, an early pioneer family for whom Nolensville is named.
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The Nolens settled in the vicinity of Nolensville when it was still a wilderness area untouched by
white men. W. M. Nolen, Sarah’s brother, built Cedarmont. The Nolens played a very active
role in the establishment of Nolensville Methodist Church and North’s Chapel, and later in
Trinity Methodist Church.
Beverly and Sarah Toon first lived in a log cabin on their land, and the big house was
completed around 1857. Riverside was erected with greatest care, by one carpenter, who used
help only to lift the heavy timbers. Any lumber with a knot or defect was thrown out during the
three years it was under construction. Each room was built on a separate rock foundation. The
timber was cut from the forests nearby, and the bricks for the chimneys were kilned on the farm.
The house contains the original wide yellow poplar floor boards and cherry staircase; the
stairway to the mother’s room is concealed. The main façade of the house features a two story
pedimented portico with square Doric motif columns. The main entrance on the first story was
added about 1990 with large single light sidelights, a glass and frame door and transom.
Dividing the doors and sidelights are fluted pilasters. On the second story is a small balcony and
an original entrance with double doors.
The house has exterior brick chimneys. In the rear ell is an original two story porch with
square Doric-motif columns and balusters. A brick building was erected in the backyard to serve
as a kitchen, and there was room at the back as living space for the cook. Before refrigeration,
food was kept cool in a deep cellar in the yard and in another under the house. There are two
front porticoes and two long two-story ell porches.
During the Civil War the silver was buried under the rail fences in the back yard, and
hams were saved from marauders by placing them on the rock foundations under the house.
When the Yankees came and could find nothing of value in so pretentious a place; they were
about to burn the house out of anger and revenge, when Mr. Toon asked to see their commanding
officer. He gave the Masonic sign, and then all talk of house burning abruptly ended.
Riverside was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1988.
Beverly Barksdale Toon and his wife, Sarah Nolen Toon, had seven children. However,
when the Toons died, in 1895, Riverside was sold to J. H. Parks. In 1917 the house passed back
into the hands of a member of the Toon family. Beverly and Sarah’s daughter, Florence Milton
Toon married Jesse Pierce, and the Pierce family bought the farm and lived at Riverside until
1922, when they sold Riverside and moved to Mississippi. While they owned Riverside, they
gave land across the highway from their farm for Epworth Church. The Pierce family was very
active at Epworth, providing hospitality to ministers, assisting with the services, etc.
When the Pierce family decided to sell Riverside, it was purchased by J. N. Boxley, and
his wife, Sarah Toon Nolen Boxley. (Sarah was the granddaughter of Beverly Barksdale Toon
and his wife Sarah, and the niece of Florence Pierce.) J. N. Boxley had lost his first wife, Lula
Roberts; so their six-year old daughter, Margaret, acquired a new mother, Sarah Toon Nolen
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Boxley, who became a much beloved mother to the little girl. When Margaret grew up, she
inherited Riverside and lived there with her husband, Theo Bratton. Their daughter, Sarah, now
lives there with her husband, Jimmy Lillard, and they raised their three sons there, Mike, John,
and Jeff.
The three back windows in the Epworth sanctuary were placed in memory of the Toon
and Nolen families. The beautiful Good Shepherd window in the center back wall is dedicated to
Sarah Delano Nolen Toon. The small window on the left is dedicated to Beverly Barksdale
Toon, and the small window on the right is dedicated to W. M. Nolen, Sarah Toon’s brother.
The window in the vestibule on the north side of the church is dedicated to Jesse
and Mittie Toon Pierce.
The Epworth Summer Festival in Times Past
It was in the 1940’s that the Epworth Summer Festival made its debut. The first such
endeavor was held at the two-room Lankford School, then located about a quarter of a mile up
the hill from the church on the right side of Arno Road. (A brick house is located there now.)
Based on the success of the first endeavor, the Festival (then called The Lawn Festival)
became a yearly event. Thanks to the generosity of the Bratton family, for many years the
Festivals were held on the beautiful lawn in front of their historic home (now the Lillard home).
In its heyday, our Lawn Festival was considered one of the important events in Williamson
County. People in Franklin, then a small town of less than 10,000 in population, looked forward
to our Lawn Festival every summer. It was attended in great number and Franklin businesses
made generous contributions of items for our auction and continue today.
At those earlier Lawn Festivals a barbecue/fried chicken dinner was served. All of the
food was cooked and prepared by Margaret Bratton and Velma Walton. After the meal an
auction was held featuring an assortment of baked goods made by ladies of the church, some
garden produce, and other items contributed b members and friends. The cakes made by church
ladies were always popular items. Edna Wiley and Margaret Bratton made delicious jam cakes
and spectacular white cakes with boiled caramel icing. One year a jam cake made by Agnes
Caldwell brought over $100. Mrs. George Warren, Mrs. Henry Wiley, and Mrs. Jonah Pate
worked hard on the Festival. Mrs. Pate always handled the bookkeeping for the auction. All the
young people and the menfolk were busy, too, handling tables, chairs and the logistics of the
event. Families that were very active in helping included the Greens, the Nolands, the Knights,
the Beasleys, the Simmons, the Waltons, the Vadens, and the Reynolds.
One year, when we were in the midst of a rainy spell and there was no sign of its
stopping, we held the Festival at the Jewell Tobacco Warehouse in Franklin. Getting this
building ready required a big cleaning job as well as moving all of the tables and chairs. Even so
the usual crowd came and the Festival was once more a success.
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In the 1970’s, the Lawn Festival was held on the parsonage lawn. In 1988 we moved the
Festival to the church grounds, but since that time it has been held in the Fellowship Hall. It has
continued to be an important part of the church fund raising effort, with money going for mission
projects and special needs. It has always been a popular community event and also a means of
outreach to people in the area.
The Epworth Summer Festival is now located in the Fellowship Hall.
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IN MEMORIAM
Rev. James. E. Underwood
The Reverend James E. Underwood was pastor at Epworth from 1962-65. When he
became disabled in 1969, he and his wife Nellie chose to move back to Epworth community to
make their home. We know that Mt. Nebo Church claims James Edward because it was the
church of his childhood, and Craft Memorial claims him because he was ordained there. We feel
that we too can claim him because he chose to live among us and because he and his family have
been so much a part of Epworth's history.
James Underwood was born June 1, 1931, in Columbia, Tennessee. He graduated from
high school in Columbia in 1952, married his childhood sweetheart, Nellie Kinzer, who had
grown up with him in Mt. Nebo Church, and began to work for National Carbon Company. In
1960, with Nellie's total support, he made the decision to enter the ministry. This couple then
gave up the security of a good job and their home, accepted assignment to the Del1rose Circuit,
and James Edward entered Martin College. After graduation from Martin, James Edward
assumed the pastorate at Epworth, at the same time continuing his education at Scarritt College,
39
and later at Vanderbilt University. The Underwoods served Epworth for three years, and they
were good years for Epworth. James Edward had all the qualities that any church might desire in
a pastor: he was an excellent preacher and administrator, and he also had an ability to work well
with people, an ability that some people develop only with maturity, and only a few seem to
possess instinctively. He was a student minister of great promise, and the church prospered and
grew during his pastorate.
At the time the Underwoods left Epworth to go to Nolensville in 1965, James Edward had
developed multiple sclerosis. With Nellie's help, he assumed a demanding pastorate there and
continued his studies at Vanderbilt, though both tasks became increasingly difficult. He
graduated from Vanderbilt in 1968 and was ordained at Craft Memorial Church in Columbia, the
church he and Nellie attended when he responded to the call to enter the ministry. In 1969, his
failing health forced him to retire.
At this point, James and Nellie decided to move back to Epworth community with their
boys, Edward, David and Tim, and make their home here. Nellie went to work to help support
the family; then came home to assume the burden of caring for her boys and for an invalid who
became progressively more immobile, finally reaching the point of total helplessness. The spirit
in which this unusual family accepted years of overwhelming adversity was beyond our
comprehension. The cheerful faith shown by this couple, and Nellie's brave acceptance of this
heavy burden were an inspiration to all who knew her. We never knew how Nellie could raise
her voice and sing "His Eye Is on the Sparrow" and obviously believe it. James Edward died in
1981.
The Reverend Wallace D. Chappell preached the funeral service for James Edward and
wrote the following words of tribute in the memorial brochure published in 1981 by the
Tennessee Conference:
“Jim Underwood was one of those rare skyscraper souls that come along
far too infrequently. His beautiful life was a mixture of holy consecration, radiant
love and genuine concern. To be in his presence was to see the living reality of the
Redeemer in every day's activities. His dedicated and triumphant wife, Nellie,
ministered to Jim as Jim had ministered to his people - with compassion, gentleness,
and constant affection. Their three boys, James Edward, Jr., David Marshall, and
Timothy Ray, are fine young men who were deeply impressed by the victorious living
and heroic witness of both their parents. The testimony of my own heart is that my life
has never been the same since becoming friends with this stalwart saint of God..........
Never once in all the agonizing years of his affliction did I ever sense any kind of
bitterness or despair. To quote George Eliot, 'he was one of those glowing people that
shines the brightest on a rainy day.’”
40
Improvements Projects - 1949 thru 2006

1949 - Floor furnace installed in church to replace stoves. Given by Louise Parks Grady,
daughter of Virge Parks Russell.
1952 - Sunday School annex completed; central heating system installed.
1953 - Parsonage built.
1956 - Bathrooms in church connected to water source. Difficulty in developing a
satisfactory well had delayed this project. Men's Club dug out under present nursery
to provide space for new classroom, Charles Floyd serving as project leader. Men's
Club erected church sign.
1958- 1959 - Steps built for study and from kitchen to basement at Sunday School annex.
Kitchen cabinets installed in church.
1963 - Indebtedness paid off on parsonage and Sunday School rooms. Upper metal cabinets
installed at parsonage. Carpet installed in church, and communion table purchased in
memory of John Neal and Sarah N. Boxley by their daughter and son-in-law,
Margaret and Theo Bratton, and also through memorial gifts. Other memorial gifts
placed in sanctuary in memory of Mr.& Mrs. Boxley by other family members
included the following brass items: candle lighter, candlesticks, offering plates,
baptismal bowl. Brass communion set given by Burrow family in memory of Pearl
Toon Burrow.
1964 - Organ purchased in memory of Miss Mary Hatcher by her Sunday School Class,
under leadership of Thelma Noland. Class raised money for this organ over a period
of several years. Carport added to parsonage - this project spear headed by O.F.
Williams. Lighted cross made by Walter Bond placed on wall behind pulpit.
1966 - Methodist Hymnals placed in sanctuary by Alice Duff in memory of her husband,
Dorris Duff. (Approximately 50-60)
1969 - Sunday School annex steps improved and railing installed as memorial to George
Warren. Refrigerator purchased with proceeds from spaghetti supper. Bath tiled at
parsonage, air conditioner installed, and new wood base cabinets installed to replace
metal ones.
1970 - New heating and air conditioning system installed in church and educational annex.
$1,500 borrowed for this project was paid off the following year. Church kitchen
paneled and new linoleum laid.
1971 - Women volunteers painted walls in parsonage; floors refinished.
1972 - Extensive work done on church exterior. Brick walls were sandblasted and re-paired
at approximate cost of $6,000. $4,100 of this was raised by special solicitation of
members during this year, and a loan was obtained for balance. Water lines laid for
church and parsonage for Milcrofton water. Storm windows installed at parsonage.
New lighting fixtures installed in church by Billy and Barbara Knight as memorial to
Mr. & Mrs. A.E. Knight. Spinet piano given to church in memory of Mr. and Mrs.
Frank Houser by their daughters, Elizabeth Pogue and Christine Richardson.
41
1973 - New lighting fixtures installed in Sunday School rooms, and floors refinished as
memorial to Robert Cecil Lewis by his wife, Lorena Lewis. Pulpit raised and light
installed as part of Lewis memorial. Memorial book stand purchased in memory of
Ben G. Smithson.
1974 - Church water line connected to Milcrofton system. New serving tables and drapes
purchased for Sunday School annex. Sunday School rooms painted by women of the
church.
1975 - Church received $22,413.99 from estate of Henry & Kate Wiley. $5,000 of this was
used to repair and re-lead stained glass windows and install bullet-proof plexiglass
covering. $1,000 used to build new sidewalks at church and repair old steps and
sidewalks.
1976 - Dishwasher installed at parsonage in built-in cabinet.
1977 - Rev. Blankenship improved the basement room and cleaned out north fence row at
church. This sparked a grounds improvement project under the leadership of George
Green, Bobby Hood, DeWayne Perry, and Ann Freeman. Fence rows were cleaned
out with a bulldozer. Brush and small trees were buried and burned and stumps were
hauled away. New fence put up by men of church. Bulldozing work donated by
George Green and fence wire by Virginia Reynolds McGee. Blocks were painted
around Sunday School annex. New locks given by John and Dotty Beasley installed
in church doors. Carpeting given to church installed in parsonage. Church office
furniture and carpeting for office purchased with Bratton memorial fund.
1978 - Storage cabinets installed in back of Sunday School rooms by United Methodist
Women. Nursery paneled and donated carpeting installed by United Methodist
Women. Tennis-basketball court completed behind church at total cost of $7,800.
This was funded by $2,000 from Wiley Fund, gift of $1,500 from United Methodist
Women, and from donations and proceeds from two ham suppers which netted
$4,650. Church roof painted and parsonage painted.
1979 - New living room and dining room furniture purchased for parsonage; parsonage
insulated; 11 HP lawnmower purchased. $2327 withdrawn from Wiley Fund to
finance these improvements; balance, or $1,300 raised by individual gifts. Built-in
bookcase installed in parsonage by Leonard and Evelyn Vaden. Church pews
refinished. Women volunteers cleaned and refinished floors in Sunday School rooms
and church. Playground equipment installed.
1980 - Men of church, under leadership of DeWayne Perry, put new shingle roof on
parsonage. Materials furnished by United Methodist Women.
1981 - New doors installed on study and entrance to Sunday School rooms, and storm doors
installed on all Sunday School annex doors. Church doors refinished and weather
stripped (Dotty Beasley spearheaded this project). United Methodist Women
contributed $500 for doors. Aluminum trim installed under eaves of church at cost of
$1,600, using money from Building Fund (Wiley Fund, plus other memorial funds).
Public address system repaired. New air conditioner, new office furniture, typewriter,
sheers and drapes for parsonage purchased by United Methodist Women. Window
42
frames and outside trim and three rooms painted by Rev. Doug Norfleet. Brass flag
set presented to church in memory of Herbert Case by Nettie Case. Nursery
furnishings purchased thru generosity of Jim & Diana Hough (play pen, toys and
pictures, and later, a rocking chair).
1982 - Roof on Sunday School annex replaced at cost of $6,875, using money from Building
Fund. New storage shed purchased for parsonage. Gutters on church and Sunday
School annex repaired and painted. Card holders for back of pews purchased by
Mary Kate Zimmerman as memorial to R.R. Zimmerman.
1983 - Church furnace replaced at cost of $2,000, using money from Building Fund.
Sanctuary painted; church roof repainted. Pews padded and covered at Cost of
$1,916. $1,000 of this was given as a memorial to Jonah and Myrtle Pate by their
daughters: Elva Parks, Thelma Musgrove, and Irene Alexander; balance funded by
other Pate memorial gifts and other contributions. Two bassinets placed in nursery;
one given by Ed & Jean Pride; the other given by United Methodist Women. Three
cabinets placed in Sunday School rooms; one given by Don & Frances Cady; two
given by United Methodist Women. Parsonage water pipes replaced with copper
tubing; new water heater installed; parsonage redecorated. Church pew cushions
were added to the sanctuary from memorials given in Mrs. Myrtle Pate's memory.
1985 - Baptismal was given as memorial of Mrs. Kate Zimmerman by son, Bill Zimmerman.
New front doors for church was given as memorial of Thomas Mayche by his wife,
Lottie Mayche.
1987 - Fellowship Hall dedicated in memory of Mark W. and Martha J. Vaden, Alva L. and
Sallie H. Vaden and Leonard Vaden. Funds for building Fellowship Hall ($85,000.00)
given by Elise V. West, Evelyn C. Vaden, Dr. James L. Vaden, Michael L. Vaden, Paul
C. Vaden and Sara Vaden Davis. Underwood Educational Wing dedicated in memory
of the Reverend James Edward Underwood.
1988 - Started Parent's Day Out Program on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
1989 - Official Church Secretary hired (Janie Jefferson)
1991 - Repaired and put new roof on sanctuary
1994 - Burned note for the Vaden Fellowship Hall and the Rev. James Underwood Education
Wing.
1999 - Purchased 40 acres one mile south of the church for $280,000. The Givens family
sold the property to the church for much less than market value.
2002 - Initiated the “Expanding Our Boundaries” financial campaign.
2003 - June 29 – Ground breaking for new sanctuary.
2004 - September 27 – First regular service held in new sanctuary.
2006 - Youth Room renovated by church members.
Note: The improvement projects listed are major building improvements. This does not include
all items given to the church, or all memorial gifts, such as Cokesbury hymnals, other books or
paraments, etc. A complete list of memorial gifts may be found in the Memorial Record Book.
43
Special Gifts and Bequests
1949 Floor furnace given by Louise Parks Grady, daughter of Virge Parks Russell.
1963 Brass candlesticks and brass candlelighter given as memorial to Sarah N. Boxley by
Beverly Toon Nolen family. Brass collection plates given as memorial to Sarah N. Boxley
by Mr.& Mrs. John Murrey and Margaret, and W. T. Murrey and family. Brass baptismal
bowl given in memory of Pearl Burrow by Burrow family. Communion table given as
memorial to John N. & Sarah N. Boxley by their daughter and son-in-law, Theo &
Margaret Bratton.
1964 Organ given in memory of Mary Hatcher by her Sunday School Class.
1966 60 Methodist Hymnals placed in sanctuary by Alice Duff in memory of her husband,
Dorris Duff.
1969 Sunday School steps improved and railing installed as memorial to George Warren.
1972 New brass lighting fixtures installed in church in honor of Earl & Louise Knight by Billy
& Barbara Knight.
1972 A spinet piano was given to the church in memory of Frank & Nannie Lou Houser by
their daughters, Elizabeth Pogue and Christine Richardson.
1973 A memorial book stand in memory of Ben Smithson was placed in the church by wife,
Maggie Lee Smithson.
1973 New lighting fixtures installed in Sunday School rooms and floors refinished in these
rooms as memorial to Robert Cecil Lewis by his wife, Lorena Lewis. Also, a light was
installed in the pulpit as part of this memorial.
1974 Gift received from Wiley Estate in amount of $22,4l3. Henry and Kate Wiley had
attended Epworth since the l920’s. Mr. Wiley had never joined the church, but he had
been very active at Epworth. When they died, their will stipulated that one-half of their
estate go to Epworth. This bequest was of great benefit to the church and was used to
fund a number of improvements, including repairing and covering the stained glass
windows with bullet proof glass. After this project was completed, the Board voted to
install a memorial plaque bearing the names of the Wileys in the center window on the
north side of the church.
1981 Brass flag set in memory of Herbert Case was presented to the church by wife, Nettie
Case.
1982 Card holders were installed on the back of the pews by Mary Kate Zimmerman in
memory of her husband, R. R. Zimmerman
1982 Scholarship Fund in amount of $l,000 set up by George Masters in memory of his wife,
Mary Masters. Fund to be used to assist any needy students from Epworth or Epworth
community.
44
l983 Pews in sanctuary were padded and covered. $l,000 of this cost was given as a memorial
to Jonah and Myrtle Pate by their daughters, Elva Parks, Thelma Musgrove, and Irene
Alexander.
1983 In 1983 Epworth received $l,000 from the estate of Charles Burrow. Mr. Burrow was the
grandson of Beverly Barksdale and Sarah Nolen Toon. Mr. And Mrs. Toon were among
the original members of Thomas Church, having joined in 1853.
1987 The Church received a gift of $80,000 from Leonard Vaden family (Evelyn Vaden and
children Jim, Michael, Paul and Sara Vaden Davis) and from Leonard’s sister, Elise
Vaden West for construction of the Fellowship Hall. The gift was given in memory of
three generations of Vaden family who have been active in Epworth: Mark W. & Martha
J. Vaden, Alva L. & Sally H. Vaden, and Leonard and Evelyn Vaden.
1987 A piano was given to the church by Elise Vaden West in memory of her grandson, Alfred
Stephen Lawrence.
1988 A historic marker was placed on the southeast corner of the parking lot at the Historic Site
by Jimmie Vaden Wyatt.
2004 When the new sanctuary was built, there was a need for many new furnishings. New pew
seats were given by many members. A number of new pew seats were also given by
friends of Epworth. A new seat was given in memory of Walter Losee by family and
friends. Several pew seats were given in memory of John Beasley by family and friends.
A new pulpit was given in memory of Theo & Margaret Bratton and Mrs. Sarah Boxley
by Jimmy and Sarah Louise Lillard. A chancel table was given in honor of Leslie and
Samantha Temple by Brad & Debbie Temple.
2004 A large cross made of stained glass was designed, created and donated by Brad Fiscus &
family. It has a Trinity symbol in the center of the cross to represent the Father, Son, and
Holy Ghost. The cross made of red, clear, bevels, and gold glass hangs in the new
sanctuary.
2005 Since 2005, and for the last four years, the church has received gifts from the estate of
Elizabeth Houser Pogue. The amount received from Elizabeth’s estate is now
approaching $20,000.
NOTE: Through the years Epworth has been the recipient of many memorial gifts given in
memory of deceased members or in memory of beloved relatives or friends of members. These
gifts are greatly appreciated because they enable us to make improvements to our facilities and
provide materials that enrich our worship experiences. A complete listing of these gifts is
available in our church memorial book at the Historic site.
45
Pastors Who Served Epworth Since 1909
Rev. Bruce L. Lyle 1909-1912

Rev. W. H. Beasley 1912-1914
Rev. W. H. Baird 1914-1917
Rev. W.T.S. Cook 1917-1919
Rev. R.F. Tinnon 1919-1921
Rev. W.F. Springer 1921-1922
Rev. A. Faxon Small 1922-1923
Rev. Fred Amacher 1923-1925
Rev. B.T. Smotherman 1925-1927
Rev. S. G. Rogers 1927-1927
Rev. W.L. Armstrong 1927-1928
Rev. J. B. Estes 1928-1930
Rev. J.M. Putnam 1930-1931
Rev. S.M. Keathley 1930-1935
Rev. E.C. Parker 1935-1937
Rev. George Allen 1937-1940
Rev. Louie B. Blackewell 1940-1942
Rev. H. Jarvis 1942-1942
Rev. Robert L. Haygood 1942-1943
Rev. Lynn Hays 1943-1945
Rev. W. V. DeRamus 1945-1949
Rev. R.R. Miller 1949-1950
Rev. Sterling Whitley 1950-1954
Rev. Don White 1954-1958
Rev. J.T. Culbreath 1958-1959
Rev. John Archer 1959-1962
Rev. James E. Underwood 1962-1965
Rev. Larry Lane 1965-1967
Rev. Neil Irons 1967-1971
Rev. Michael D. O’ Bannon 1971-1975
Rev. Phil Ross 1975-1976
Rev. David Jones and Rev. Judy Jones 1976-1977
Rev. Floyd Blankenship 1977-1979
Rev. Craig Cleland 1979-1981
Rev. Douglas N. Norfleet 1981-1984
Rev. J. Wesley Smith 1984-1987
Rev. Sam Sims 1987-1989
Dr. Steven B. Angus 1989-1994
Dr. LeNoir Culbertson 1994-2005
Rev. Chip Hunter 2005-
46
Footnotes
1. Book T, p. 427 & 428, Williamson County Court House records

2. Book X, p.531 & 532, Williamson County Court House records
3. We are not sure why this church was named “North’s Chapel,” but our best guess is that it was named
for Henry Baugh North, a prominent Methodist circuit rider from the West Harpeth com-munity who
preached throughout this area before and after the Civil War
4. Book 3, p.62, Williamson County Court House records
5. Local preachers gave a written report on the Christian work they had done each year, and their reports
are recorded in minutes of the quarterly conference.
6. At this time, Millview was sometimes called "Priest," and sometimes called "Chrisman’s Mill."
7. Book 30, p. 500, Williamson County court house records
8. The contractor was Bell Regen, of Franklin, who built Franklin’s First Presbyterian Church.
9. The Bible of Claribel Daniels was placed in the Epworth cornerstone at the time of dedication.
10. Weather Bureau records show that a killing freeze took place on April 25, 1910, so we presume this
was the date of the dedication.
11. William M. Nolen was the brother of Sarah D. Toon. His father, Wm S. Nolen, built Cedarmont, and
William M. Nolen inherited it. He was a member at North’s Chapel, and the Toons were members of
Thomas Church.
12. Mt. Zion Methodist Church had been dismantled by the Federal troops during the Civil War, and the
building material moved to Daddy's Knob on Burke Hollow Road. There it was used to construct a post
for the U.S. Army Signal Corps.
13. At this time, the Lawn Festival was called an Ice Cream Supper. (Lankford School was a 2-room
building located on the east side of Arno Road about one-half mile above the church.)
Bibliography
In preparing this church history, Evelyn Vaden used chiefly local church records available at
Epworth and Trinity Churches. These include:
An early roll book from Thomas which has membership rolls for the years 1858-59, 1860-61,
1869-70, and one for the early 1900's.
An early roll book from Epworth Church.
Quarterly Conference record books of the Bethesda Circuit for the years 1886-1902.
Quarterly Conference record book containing minutes of North's Chapel Quarterly Conferences from
1883-1907 and of Epworth Society from 1911-1915.
Epworth Sunday School record book of the 1920's.
Quarterly Conference Records available at Trinity Church, which include minutes of meetings of the
Williamson Charge from 1900-1906 and minutes of Epworth-Trinity Charge from 1910-1950.
Tennessee Conference Journals at the United Methodist Publishing House.
47
A Historical View of Epworth through Pictures
Thomas Church - 1800s
48
Jesse A. Pierce
Mittie Toon Pierce
Mr. & Mrs. Pierce gave the land on which

Epworth Church was built.
49
Epworth 1920
Epworth 1960
Epworth 1987
50
Epworth Church Picnic

1920s
Epworth Lawn Festival

1950s
Epworth Summer Festival

2000s
51
Epworth’s Parsonage
1950s
Epworth’s Parsonage
Present Day
52
Rev. Sterling Whitley

1950-1954
Rev. Don White

1954-1958
Rev. John Archer

1959-1962
Rev. James Underwood

1962-1965
53
Rev. Larry Lane

1954-1958
Rev. Neil Irons

1967-1971
Rev. Michael D. O’Bannon

1971-1975
Rev. Phil Ross

1975-1976
54
Rev. Craig Cleland

1979-1981
Rev. Douglas N. Norfleet

1981-1984
Rev. J. Wesley Smith

1984-1987
55
Rev. Sam Sims

1987-1989
Dr. Steven B. Angus

1989-1994
Dr. Lenoir Culbertson

1994-2005
Rev. Chip Hunter

2005-
56
The window to the left and the center window were given by the children
of Beverly Barksdale Toon and Sarah D. Nolen Toon in 1909. The
window to the right was given in honor of William Nolen by his children.
This window located in the Fellowship Hall was dedicated to the many
generations of the Vaden Family who have been a part of
Epworth for many years.
57
Epworth officially
expanded its
boundaries on
June 29, 2003
with the
groundbreaking for
the new sanctuary.
58
The first service in

the new sanctuary
was held on
September 27, 2004.
Each piece of glass

in the mosaic cross
to the left represents
one of the members
of Epworth when the
new sanctuary was
built. The rock in the
cross was given to
each person at the
groundbreaking.
The cross above hangs

in the new sanctuary, it is
8 feet tall by 5 feet wide.
It is made of red, clear, and
gold stained glass. It is
framed in oak.
An outdoor chapel was

created by the youth of
Epworth in the summer of
2008 down by the river.
59
www.epworth-umc.com
Epworth United Methodist Church
4241 Arno Road - Franklin, TN 37064
615-790-6695
This book was compiled from information originally gathered by Evelyn Cutler Vaden.
It was updated by Kathy Heard, Sara Lillard, Penny Vaughan, and Paulette Wassel.
Cover Art created by Dawn Scott, Logo created by Donnie Reed. Banner created by Carol Lindberg.
The book was formatted for printing by Brad Fiscus.
April 2009
48

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An Historical Overview of Epworth United Methodist Church 1909-2009

This book is dedicated to the people of

It is our hope that we may gain wisdom and strength from

If you come across a SPECIAL PERSON

Early Churches Preach the Word ....................................................................6

A New Church on the Pike.................................................................................10

Epworth Becomes a Charge ...............................................................................15

Epworth in the Early 1980s................................................................................20

Growing into the 1990s......................................................................................22

Moving Forward in the New Century................................................................26

Epworth’s 100 Years: A Poem by Teresa Locke ................................................29

Deep Roots ........................................................................................................30

Historic Epworth and Historic Riverside ...........................................................35

The Summer Festival in Times Past ..................................................................37

Improvement Projects ........................................................................................41

Pastors Who Served Epworth Since 1909 .........................................................46

Footnotes and Bibliography ...............................................................................47

Historical View of Epworth through Pictures ...................................................48

Early Churches Preach the Word

Epworth United Methodist Church (originally Epworth Methodist Episcopal Church,

A New Church on the Pike

Subscriptions to Methodist magazines (Midland Methodist and The Christian Advocate)

The Epworth-Trinity Charge provided some pastoral leadership to the Peytonsville

Epworth Becomes a Charge

Women in the Church

Men of the Church

Epworth in the Early 1980's

By 1983 considerable interest had been expressed in regard to Epworth’s advancing to a

Growing into the 1990’s

The Committee on Health and Welfare sponsored an informative program on AIDS, a

Epworth continues to be actively involved in missions. In addition to monetary donations,

Our world continues to change, with ever-increasing population, technology and

Epworth’s 100 Years: A Poem by Teresa Locke

The land was given to build upon

And, so, Epworth was built, with excitement abound,

In its’ first years, Epworth’s membership grew,

Miss Mary Hatcher’s class presented a play,

For Epworth was growing, by leaps and bounds,

Lawn Festivals were held, and the money it raised,

With membership climbing and needing more room to grow,

Many groups and committees, with missions to start…

Quarterly Conference minutes of the Epworth-Trinity Charge contain resolutions of respect

Historic Epworth and Historic Riverside

Riverside was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1988.

The Epworth Summer Festival in Times Past

The Epworth Summer Festival is now located in the Fellowship Hall.

Rev. James. E. Underwood

Improvements Projects - 1949 thru 2006

Special Gifts and Bequests

Pastors Who Served Epworth Since 1909

Rev. Bruce L. Lyle 1909-1912

1. Book T, p. 427 & 428, Williamson County Court House records

An early roll book from Epworth Church.

Epworth Sunday School record book of the 1920's.

Tennessee Conference Journals at the United Methodist Publishing House.

A Historical View of Epworth through Pictures

Thomas Church - 1800s

Mittie Toon Pierce

Mr. & Mrs. Pierce gave the land on which

Epworth Church Picnic

Epworth Lawn Festival

Epworth Summer Festival

Rev. Sterling Whitley