History Of Lebanon United Methodist Church
Celebrating a Faith Journey
By Katherine Gordon
Methodism came to America in 1736 and to Kentucky in 1783. The Methodist Society in Lebanon was organized in 1819. The first church was a log building, erected in 1826.
A larger frame building was built in 1830, near the site of the log church. On May 1, 1845, the southern Methodists met in Louisville and the Methodist Episcopal Church South was formed. The Lebanon church became a part of the new branch.
During the Civil War, the church was used as a hospital for sick and wounded Union soldiers. When they no longer had use for the church, the Union soldiers burned it. The exact date is not known.
After the war, the church was reorganized. After a difficult time raising funds, a new brick church was built and dedicated on December 4, 1870. It was called Methodist “Lindsey Chapel” and had a headstone over the door bearing the name. In 1886, new pews were installed. When the church was torn down in 1930, the headstone was saved, and we have it today. The pews from the church were saved and refinished and are still in use in our sanctuary.
The present church, a beautiful stone building, was erected on the same site in 1930 during the ministry of the Reverend Bedford Turner. Those were the days of the Depression, and like those members who struggled to build a new church after the Civil War, the congregation who built the church at this time also had difficulty raising the funds to pay for it. The first church service in our present building was March 1, 1931.
Eventually the debt was paid off, and on Sunday, October 24, 1948, the Lebanon Methodist Church was dedicated.
In 1968, the Lebanon Methodist Church became the Lebanon United Methodist Church.
Renovation on the church began in spring 2000, and the Consecration Service and Open House to celebrate our newly renovated church was Sunday, September 17, 2000.
In 2006, our church is continuing to provide outreach ministries by constructing a new playground and by purchasing a church van.
Today we celebrate the 75th anniversary of our present church and the 187th year as an organized congregation. We honor those members who struggled during the Great Depression and were lead by faith in God and vision to provide our community with a beautiful place to worship God and the opportunity to reach out and receive people in the name of Jesus Christ.
Seventy-fifth Anniversary
By Rev. Dr. W. Joe Clark, Retired
The laity and clergy of Lebanon Methodist Church were faithful to the call of Christ and provided ministries, which guided and influenced me as a child, youth, and young adult. Additionally, the church encouraged me to participate in youth events on the local, district and conference levels. Moreover, these encounters and the presence of the Holy Spirit made a profound influence upon my life!
Thanks be to God for Lebanon United Methodist Church, Lebanon, KY! More ministries and more milestones are in your future.
Seventy-fifth Anniversary
By Rev. Roy Earl Clark, Retired
Most of my remarks today will be limited to the era of 1930 to 1943. There are a few of us here today who can remember the beginning of this new building and relate what took place in those early days and years. I was present for the laying of the corner stone in 1930 and for the first worship service in 1931.
Late one Sunday evening in the summer the crowd gathered for this event of laying the corner stone. Our pastor was Rev. Bedford Turner. He and several officials of the church led that service. A box with the paraphernalia selected was place in the opening where the stone now sets. I cannot tell you what was placed therein.
The first worship service was held in 1931 on a rainy Sunday morning. My father was one of the last who drove a horse and buggy to church. It took two buggies to get our family there. Poppa hitched “Rufus” to the feyton and the older boys hitched “Snowball” to the pony buggy. The younger rode with our parents and the older in the pony buggy. As we did routinely, “Rufus” and “Snowball” were unhitched and tied to the mulberry tree that stood near the back of the lot that is now the parking lot. This regular attendance was very impressive on my boyhood mind.
The first worship service drew a full house. Leading the service was our pastor, Rev. Bedford Turner; the presiding elder of the Elizabethtown district, Rev. C. Jones; and our bishop; Bishop Mc Murray who delivered the sermon. Mrs. Winnie Johnson played the organ and this was the first time I ever heard chimes. That day was a lasting memory in my mind.
It is important that I give appreciation to the many Sunday school teachers and other leaders in our church through the span of time I was here. The first teacher I remember was Mrs. Robert Helm who was teacher in the beginners department in the old church, and the time we met in the Masonic temple and the infant days of the new building. The first Easter egg hunt I remember was in her back yard. I do not remember her assistants in this department. My mother, Mrs. Spencer Clark Sr., followed her as head of the beginners’ class.
The next department was primary. Mrs. George Lawson was leader and it was here that we had a piano and learned children’s songs as well as Bible lessons. This department had three classes; aged were six, seven, and eight.
From the primary, we were promoted to the junior department level. Mrs. E. J. Warms was a very effective leader and she could play the piano and taught us hymns from the “Cokesbury Hymnal.” Not only did we have a lesson and sing hymns we were challenged to accept Christ join the church, take the membership training class led by our Pastor, Rev. W. S. Bolles. Many of us made our profession of faith and received the church vows on Easter Sunday in 1937.
From the junior level, we advanced to the intermediate department. Mrs. J. R. Noland, our pastor’s wife, was the department head. We continued singing hymns for the “Cokesbury Hymnal” and sometimes from “The Methodist Hymnal.” In one level of the intermediate division, we had as our class teacher Mr. J. D. Foote who made a most positive influence upon my life. From the intermediate level, we advanced to the senior department guided by Mr. L. T. Mc Call.
Additional praise must be given to our counselors in our youth work. In the intermediate, level Mrs. J. R. Noland was patient and kind with us. This age level was called the intermediate M. Y. F. and Mrs. T. O. Paterson guided the older group. I will always remember their dedication and guidance to our youth. It was during these years that we were exposed to our Christian adventure camps and youth assemblies. Many of our youth had the opportunity to attend these camps and assemblies. These happenings meant so very much to me in my spiritual growth.
The first Christian adventure camp I attended was at Doe Run. Four of us attended, Martha Gowdy, Thelma Spalding, Clarissa Bell Clark, and me. Mr. Ben Spalding provided our transportation. From that experience at age 12 until I finished my second year in college, I never missed attending one or more of these events each summer. These happenings were very beneficial guiding me in my spiritual and religious life.
Another high day of my life was the day I was licensed to preach. After a recommendation from our quarterly conference, our pastor Rev. J. D. Jones guided me in the procedure. Along with him, we met with the other district members of the committee. There was Dr. J. H. Nicholson, Rev. E. Wade Weldon, and Rev. James Curry. These four ministers examined my call and unanimously voted for my approval. Dr. J. H. Nicholson was our presiding elder. This took place in the early spring of 1943 in the pastor’s study of Helm Memorial church in Elizabethtown.
During this span of time, there were several revivals, which impressed me. Among our guest preachers were Rev. Roy Short, Rev. R. V. Bennett, Rev. James Curry, and Rev. Phil Hinerman.
Some of the influential members of the official board in this era were E. J. Warms, Phil Hundley, J. G. Gieser, J. Y. Brinton, J. M. Millen, Boyd Mullen, Owen Kessler, Minor Burnside, Frank Orwin, John Boner, Elmer Dalton, L. L. Penwick, and many others who loved the church and made a faithful witness. Cordilia Edwards served as secretary of Sunday school for many years. For me there were several interesting happenings that I recall and will make a short comment on several of them.
The first church picnic that I attended was held at the Chautauqua grounds. The Rev. R. L. Sleamaker was our minister. This auditorium stood on Old Calvary pike on the left where one of the George’s now live.
In the ministry of Rev. J. L. Percy, he invited the late Dr. H. C. Morrison to preach in our church one Sunday morning and evening. Dr. Morrison was head of Asbury College and published the “Pentecostal Herald.” For that day, his personal appearance was unique. His hair was long, wavy, and gray.
During the ministry of Rev. W. S. Bolles, I had the privilege of meeting Rev. J. W. Helm and hear him preach. He was a product of the Lebanon Church and at that; time was pastor in the West Virginia conference. As most of you know he returned to Lebanon for retirement.
Also, during Rev. W. S. Bolles pastorate I remember a most interesting witty and humorous preacher by the name of Rev. Pat Davis who filled the pulpit one Sunday while Brother Bolles was under the weather. On Sunday evening the Methodist, Baptist, Presbyterian, and Christian churches met in union services. None of the pastors preached in his own pulpit. It fell Brother Bolles time to preach but all he could do was introduce Brother Davis. The senior preacher in Lebanon was Dr. T. J. Porter of the Baptist church. After Brother Bolles made the introduction Brother Davis turned half way around and looked into the face of Dr. Porter and spoke, “Porter I claim John the Baptist. You may not know it but John the Baptist was two thirds a Methodist.” The crowd roared with laughter. That was the only thing I remember from that sermon. For me it was a jewel.
The district conference was held here. In those days, district conference was a 2-day event. Many delegates were entertained in the homes. The host was expected to offer lodging and breakfast. The supper meal and noon meal were served in the church basement.
The conference meeting of the Woman’s Missionary Society was held here. The W. M. U. was larger in those days than it is now. When I speak the word conference, this means churches in the Louisville Annual Conference, which covered about half the state. This involved housing and feeding much the same as the district conference.
In 1934 during the pastorate of Brother Bolles, our church hosted the Louisville Annual Conference. Some arrived by car, some by bus, and some by train. Again, we were called upon to have guest preachers in our homes. Hardesty Hotel was filled; other churches in town opened their homes to help us entertain the delegates. Bishop U. V. W. Darlington was the presiding bishop and Rev. Roy Short was the conference secretary. This began on Wednesday and dismissed on Sunday at noon with the bishop reading the assignments of the ministers to the church they would serve for the succeeding year.
In 1937, the flooding of the Ohio River brought many refugees to Lebanon; Rev. J. L. Piercy was our pastor at this time. The basement was filled with cots and a host of men made the basement their housing for several days. Freight carrying trucks in those days were no larger than a 1½ ton to 2 ton. The Lebanon Truck Lines made trips from Louisville to our churches. Our church could render this social ministry.
One other highlight I will lift up. I shall always be grateful to Rev. J. L. Piercy for the witness and influence he had on my father. At the approximate age of 65, my father responded to the invitation to unite with the Lebanon Methodist Church. This brought all of our family who had reached the age of accountability into this fellowship.
I could give you a picture of many more fruitful experiences that influenced my life in a positive manner. I am thankful for so many saints of the past who edged me onward in the paths of the Master. Thanks be to God for this church and its influence upon my life.
Church History
Taken from September 16, 1962 bulletin
The first Methodist church in Lebanon was organized in 1819. The first church building, of brick, was erected in 1826 under the pastorate of Rev. John Fisk. Later a second building was erected which was known as Lindsey Wilson Chapel. The present building was erected in 1930, the Rev. Bedford Turner being the pastor as that time.
The Lebanon Circuit was organized in 1825 – 1830, and the first Presiding Elder was Marcus Lindsey. Lebanon at that time was embraced in what was called the Cumberland District. Among the first preachers were John Sandusky, M. C. Clampert, and William Helm. Representative men in 1825 included Peter Staton, John McChord, John Ferguson, Robert Fogle, and David Graham.
In 1844 the question of slavery was a serious, burning question before the nation. This problem and the political question of “States Rights” involved our American people in bitter turmoil, resulting in the splitting of church organizations. The Methodist, Presbyterian, and Baptist churches were involved in this upheaval. In 1844 the southern Methodists met at Fourth Avenue Methodist Church, in Louisville, Kentucky, and the Methodist Episcopal Church, South was formed. The Lebanon Methodist Church, through its constituted leaders, became a part of the new branch of Methodism.
During the civil was the church was taken over by the U. S. Army and used for a hospital. The Rev. James M. Lawson, then Presiding Elder of the Lebanon District, came out from Louisville after the conclusion of the war and reorganized the few faithful members. He was responsible for the erection of a new edifice which was completed in 1871.
Among the old members were Anderson Corley and wife, Owen and Katharine Rubel, Fletcher Wilson and wife, Mrs. J. C. Phillips, H. H. Hughes, G. R. Latimer and the Bretneys.
Former pastors prior to 1883 included J. S. Scobee, G. W. Brush, Edmond W. Bottomley, John W. Lewis, Senaca X. Hall, D. L. Collie, George H. Means, S. G. Shelly and James A. Lewis.
It was not until May 19, 1939 that Methodism reunited and became “The Methodist Church”. Since 1939 the Methodist Church has given to America and the world a united front in Christian Missions, Education and Evangelism, as well as pioneering in the field of Social Concerns. During the last fifty years Methodism has made great progress in challenging its people to accept the Bible rule and guide for their practice of stewardship.
What our church will do in the future depends on our faith in God and our devotion to the cause of Christian living. Our aim should be “to love God with our whole heart, mind and physical strength, and to truly love our neighbor as ourselves.
This is our task.
By Katherine Gordon
Methodism came to America in 1736 and to Kentucky in 1783. The Methodist Society in Lebanon was organized in 1819. The first church was a log building, erected in 1826.
A larger frame building was built in 1830, near the site of the log church. On May 1, 1845, the southern Methodists met in Louisville and the Methodist Episcopal Church South was formed. The Lebanon church became a part of the new branch.
During the Civil War, the church was used as a hospital for sick and wounded Union soldiers. When they no longer had use for the church, the Union soldiers burned it. The exact date is not known.
After the war, the church was reorganized. After a difficult time raising funds, a new brick church was built and dedicated on December 4, 1870. It was called Methodist “Lindsey Chapel” and had a headstone over the door bearing the name. In 1886, new pews were installed. When the church was torn down in 1930, the headstone was saved, and we have it today. The pews from the church were saved and refinished and are still in use in our sanctuary.
The present church, a beautiful stone building, was erected on the same site in 1930 during the ministry of the Reverend Bedford Turner. Those were the days of the Depression, and like those members who struggled to build a new church after the Civil War, the congregation who built the church at this time also had difficulty raising the funds to pay for it. The first church service in our present building was March 1, 1931.
Eventually the debt was paid off, and on Sunday, October 24, 1948, the Lebanon Methodist Church was dedicated.
In 1968, the Lebanon Methodist Church became the Lebanon United Methodist Church.
Renovation on the church began in spring 2000, and the Consecration Service and Open House to celebrate our newly renovated church was Sunday, September 17, 2000.
In 2006, our church is continuing to provide outreach ministries by constructing a new playground and by purchasing a church van.
Today we celebrate the 75th anniversary of our present church and the 187th year as an organized congregation. We honor those members who struggled during the Great Depression and were lead by faith in God and vision to provide our community with a beautiful place to worship God and the opportunity to reach out and receive people in the name of Jesus Christ.
Seventy-fifth Anniversary
By Rev. Dr. W. Joe Clark, Retired
The laity and clergy of Lebanon Methodist Church were faithful to the call of Christ and provided ministries, which guided and influenced me as a child, youth, and young adult. Additionally, the church encouraged me to participate in youth events on the local, district and conference levels. Moreover, these encounters and the presence of the Holy Spirit made a profound influence upon my life!
Thanks be to God for Lebanon United Methodist Church, Lebanon, KY! More ministries and more milestones are in your future.
Seventy-fifth Anniversary
By Rev. Roy Earl Clark, Retired
Most of my remarks today will be limited to the era of 1930 to 1943. There are a few of us here today who can remember the beginning of this new building and relate what took place in those early days and years. I was present for the laying of the corner stone in 1930 and for the first worship service in 1931.
Late one Sunday evening in the summer the crowd gathered for this event of laying the corner stone. Our pastor was Rev. Bedford Turner. He and several officials of the church led that service. A box with the paraphernalia selected was place in the opening where the stone now sets. I cannot tell you what was placed therein.
The first worship service was held in 1931 on a rainy Sunday morning. My father was one of the last who drove a horse and buggy to church. It took two buggies to get our family there. Poppa hitched “Rufus” to the feyton and the older boys hitched “Snowball” to the pony buggy. The younger rode with our parents and the older in the pony buggy. As we did routinely, “Rufus” and “Snowball” were unhitched and tied to the mulberry tree that stood near the back of the lot that is now the parking lot. This regular attendance was very impressive on my boyhood mind.
The first worship service drew a full house. Leading the service was our pastor, Rev. Bedford Turner; the presiding elder of the Elizabethtown district, Rev. C. Jones; and our bishop; Bishop Mc Murray who delivered the sermon. Mrs. Winnie Johnson played the organ and this was the first time I ever heard chimes. That day was a lasting memory in my mind.
It is important that I give appreciation to the many Sunday school teachers and other leaders in our church through the span of time I was here. The first teacher I remember was Mrs. Robert Helm who was teacher in the beginners department in the old church, and the time we met in the Masonic temple and the infant days of the new building. The first Easter egg hunt I remember was in her back yard. I do not remember her assistants in this department. My mother, Mrs. Spencer Clark Sr., followed her as head of the beginners’ class.
The next department was primary. Mrs. George Lawson was leader and it was here that we had a piano and learned children’s songs as well as Bible lessons. This department had three classes; aged were six, seven, and eight.
From the primary, we were promoted to the junior department level. Mrs. E. J. Warms was a very effective leader and she could play the piano and taught us hymns from the “Cokesbury Hymnal.” Not only did we have a lesson and sing hymns we were challenged to accept Christ join the church, take the membership training class led by our Pastor, Rev. W. S. Bolles. Many of us made our profession of faith and received the church vows on Easter Sunday in 1937.
From the junior level, we advanced to the intermediate department. Mrs. J. R. Noland, our pastor’s wife, was the department head. We continued singing hymns for the “Cokesbury Hymnal” and sometimes from “The Methodist Hymnal.” In one level of the intermediate division, we had as our class teacher Mr. J. D. Foote who made a most positive influence upon my life. From the intermediate level, we advanced to the senior department guided by Mr. L. T. Mc Call.
Additional praise must be given to our counselors in our youth work. In the intermediate, level Mrs. J. R. Noland was patient and kind with us. This age level was called the intermediate M. Y. F. and Mrs. T. O. Paterson guided the older group. I will always remember their dedication and guidance to our youth. It was during these years that we were exposed to our Christian adventure camps and youth assemblies. Many of our youth had the opportunity to attend these camps and assemblies. These happenings meant so very much to me in my spiritual growth.
The first Christian adventure camp I attended was at Doe Run. Four of us attended, Martha Gowdy, Thelma Spalding, Clarissa Bell Clark, and me. Mr. Ben Spalding provided our transportation. From that experience at age 12 until I finished my second year in college, I never missed attending one or more of these events each summer. These happenings were very beneficial guiding me in my spiritual and religious life.
Another high day of my life was the day I was licensed to preach. After a recommendation from our quarterly conference, our pastor Rev. J. D. Jones guided me in the procedure. Along with him, we met with the other district members of the committee. There was Dr. J. H. Nicholson, Rev. E. Wade Weldon, and Rev. James Curry. These four ministers examined my call and unanimously voted for my approval. Dr. J. H. Nicholson was our presiding elder. This took place in the early spring of 1943 in the pastor’s study of Helm Memorial church in Elizabethtown.
During this span of time, there were several revivals, which impressed me. Among our guest preachers were Rev. Roy Short, Rev. R. V. Bennett, Rev. James Curry, and Rev. Phil Hinerman.
Some of the influential members of the official board in this era were E. J. Warms, Phil Hundley, J. G. Gieser, J. Y. Brinton, J. M. Millen, Boyd Mullen, Owen Kessler, Minor Burnside, Frank Orwin, John Boner, Elmer Dalton, L. L. Penwick, and many others who loved the church and made a faithful witness. Cordilia Edwards served as secretary of Sunday school for many years. For me there were several interesting happenings that I recall and will make a short comment on several of them.
The first church picnic that I attended was held at the Chautauqua grounds. The Rev. R. L. Sleamaker was our minister. This auditorium stood on Old Calvary pike on the left where one of the George’s now live.
In the ministry of Rev. J. L. Percy, he invited the late Dr. H. C. Morrison to preach in our church one Sunday morning and evening. Dr. Morrison was head of Asbury College and published the “Pentecostal Herald.” For that day, his personal appearance was unique. His hair was long, wavy, and gray.
During the ministry of Rev. W. S. Bolles, I had the privilege of meeting Rev. J. W. Helm and hear him preach. He was a product of the Lebanon Church and at that; time was pastor in the West Virginia conference. As most of you know he returned to Lebanon for retirement.
Also, during Rev. W. S. Bolles pastorate I remember a most interesting witty and humorous preacher by the name of Rev. Pat Davis who filled the pulpit one Sunday while Brother Bolles was under the weather. On Sunday evening the Methodist, Baptist, Presbyterian, and Christian churches met in union services. None of the pastors preached in his own pulpit. It fell Brother Bolles time to preach but all he could do was introduce Brother Davis. The senior preacher in Lebanon was Dr. T. J. Porter of the Baptist church. After Brother Bolles made the introduction Brother Davis turned half way around and looked into the face of Dr. Porter and spoke, “Porter I claim John the Baptist. You may not know it but John the Baptist was two thirds a Methodist.” The crowd roared with laughter. That was the only thing I remember from that sermon. For me it was a jewel.
The district conference was held here. In those days, district conference was a 2-day event. Many delegates were entertained in the homes. The host was expected to offer lodging and breakfast. The supper meal and noon meal were served in the church basement.
The conference meeting of the Woman’s Missionary Society was held here. The W. M. U. was larger in those days than it is now. When I speak the word conference, this means churches in the Louisville Annual Conference, which covered about half the state. This involved housing and feeding much the same as the district conference.
In 1934 during the pastorate of Brother Bolles, our church hosted the Louisville Annual Conference. Some arrived by car, some by bus, and some by train. Again, we were called upon to have guest preachers in our homes. Hardesty Hotel was filled; other churches in town opened their homes to help us entertain the delegates. Bishop U. V. W. Darlington was the presiding bishop and Rev. Roy Short was the conference secretary. This began on Wednesday and dismissed on Sunday at noon with the bishop reading the assignments of the ministers to the church they would serve for the succeeding year.
In 1937, the flooding of the Ohio River brought many refugees to Lebanon; Rev. J. L. Piercy was our pastor at this time. The basement was filled with cots and a host of men made the basement their housing for several days. Freight carrying trucks in those days were no larger than a 1½ ton to 2 ton. The Lebanon Truck Lines made trips from Louisville to our churches. Our church could render this social ministry.
One other highlight I will lift up. I shall always be grateful to Rev. J. L. Piercy for the witness and influence he had on my father. At the approximate age of 65, my father responded to the invitation to unite with the Lebanon Methodist Church. This brought all of our family who had reached the age of accountability into this fellowship.
I could give you a picture of many more fruitful experiences that influenced my life in a positive manner. I am thankful for so many saints of the past who edged me onward in the paths of the Master. Thanks be to God for this church and its influence upon my life.
Church History
Taken from September 16, 1962 bulletin
The first Methodist church in Lebanon was organized in 1819. The first church building, of brick, was erected in 1826 under the pastorate of Rev. John Fisk. Later a second building was erected which was known as Lindsey Wilson Chapel. The present building was erected in 1930, the Rev. Bedford Turner being the pastor as that time.
The Lebanon Circuit was organized in 1825 – 1830, and the first Presiding Elder was Marcus Lindsey. Lebanon at that time was embraced in what was called the Cumberland District. Among the first preachers were John Sandusky, M. C. Clampert, and William Helm. Representative men in 1825 included Peter Staton, John McChord, John Ferguson, Robert Fogle, and David Graham.
In 1844 the question of slavery was a serious, burning question before the nation. This problem and the political question of “States Rights” involved our American people in bitter turmoil, resulting in the splitting of church organizations. The Methodist, Presbyterian, and Baptist churches were involved in this upheaval. In 1844 the southern Methodists met at Fourth Avenue Methodist Church, in Louisville, Kentucky, and the Methodist Episcopal Church, South was formed. The Lebanon Methodist Church, through its constituted leaders, became a part of the new branch of Methodism.
During the civil was the church was taken over by the U. S. Army and used for a hospital. The Rev. James M. Lawson, then Presiding Elder of the Lebanon District, came out from Louisville after the conclusion of the war and reorganized the few faithful members. He was responsible for the erection of a new edifice which was completed in 1871.
Among the old members were Anderson Corley and wife, Owen and Katharine Rubel, Fletcher Wilson and wife, Mrs. J. C. Phillips, H. H. Hughes, G. R. Latimer and the Bretneys.
Former pastors prior to 1883 included J. S. Scobee, G. W. Brush, Edmond W. Bottomley, John W. Lewis, Senaca X. Hall, D. L. Collie, George H. Means, S. G. Shelly and James A. Lewis.
It was not until May 19, 1939 that Methodism reunited and became “The Methodist Church”. Since 1939 the Methodist Church has given to America and the world a united front in Christian Missions, Education and Evangelism, as well as pioneering in the field of Social Concerns. During the last fifty years Methodism has made great progress in challenging its people to accept the Bible rule and guide for their practice of stewardship.
What our church will do in the future depends on our faith in God and our devotion to the cause of Christian living. Our aim should be “to love God with our whole heart, mind and physical strength, and to truly love our neighbor as ourselves.
This is our task.
