FLAGSHIP IN THE FOREST: A History of the First United Methodist Church Dalton, Georgia. Horton Hassell Herrin

Transcription

1 FLAGSHIP IN THE FOREST: A History of the First United Methodist Church Dalton, Georgia Horton Hassell Herrin

2 FLAGSHIP IN THE FOREST: A History of the First United Methodist Church, Dalton, Georgia INTRODUCTION In a 2011 interview with Dr. Robin L Lindsey, Senior Pastor of Dalton First United Methodist Church, I asked him if there had been anything about this church of which he had been aware before being assigned here. He said yes, that even when he was a student at Emory University in 1978, Dalton First was recognized as a flagship church. Asked to clarify that term, he indicated the reference is to a church, not necessarily large, but which has a regional presence. Similar comments had been made earlier. Dalton First was a flagship of the conference. It was the largest congregation north of Cobb County, and west of Gainesville, wrote Senior Pastor J.B. McNeil in his report in He cited its leadership in membership, financial support of ministry locally, the conference, and general church ministries. The report mentioned the finest facilities to be found. All goals were being met or worked on, he continued. Flagship churches have a history of significant pastors. They clearly know that an assignment here is a positive career statement. This continues even today. A flagship, in naval parlance, is one on which the commander of the fleet has his headquarters and staff. The flagship is the leader of the fleet, giving command and control to all subordinate units. To carry this analogy a bit further, the Senior Pastor sets the course of the Church. It is his hand at the helm. While not giving direct orders as would a naval admiral, the Senior Pastor s guidance and leadership is what keeps the ship off the shoals, in deep water, and on the true course set out by the Lord. 1

3 An admiral has subordinates to help steer the ship and conduct its operations. So, too, the Senior Pastor has had a number of helpers over the years. In the early days, leadership may have been solely that of one pastor, with help from some devoted volunteers in the congregation. Over time, paid assistants in the way of associate pastors, secretaries, and others with critical skills in music came aboard. Still, those talents cannot do all that is needed in today s church. Even with the most updated equipment and training, the ship or church, needs the deckhand. In our case, that is the member who does the best with what he or she has to offer. They teach, take up collections, seat members and guests, sing and play musical instruments, and anything else when the need arises, even writing histories. We will try to show what previous pastors and their crews have done over the years which have led us to our present status. Sadly, many documents have been lost to the passage of time. Some things just may not have been documented. We may see some things we think are new, but which were formerly known by another name. And maybe some which just did not fly. When John Wesley first brought Methodism to the thirteenth colony, Georgia was basically wilderness. There was some European settlement and civilization along the coast, but not inland. So Georgia, for the most part, was sparsely settled forest land and our flagship yet to be launched. Years later the Methodist Church in America began to send out preachers across our country. They were called Circuit Riders. Eventually they reached our community. The original forests have been cut down and replaced by brick, mortar, and asphalt. Our flagship church has grown from a small raft in the early years to a huge vessel in the voyage for Christ. Dalton First UMC is now a flagship for Christ, in a forest of indifference, secularism and the unchurched. This work is dedicated to the Glory of God, and to the memory of my 2

4 mother, Margaret Sprayberry Herrin ( ,) and father, Horton Burnett Herrin ( ). They were able members on the crew. She was the daughter of a Methodist minister in the North Georgia Conference, and longtime member of this church, while he was a longtime member of this and another Methodist congregation. 3

5 CHAPTER ONE--Root Stock A hybrid is defined as the offspring of genetically dissimilar parents or stock, especially offspring produced by breeding plants or animals of different species or races. This is how we get the many different colors of flowers, such as roses. So, too, is Methodism a hybrid religion. It is a combination of the formal, high church services of the Anglican Church of John Wesley, and the street preaching of George Whitefield, for whom Whitfield County is named despite the difference in spelling. Both were Anglican priests, but Wesley was the hybridizer. Our roots trace to him. Methodism first began in the year 1738, when the Wesley s were influenced by the Moravians. This led to an emphasis on conversion and holiness. These Wesleyan roots stretch back to 1739, when John was a student at Oxford College in London. He and his brother Charles, along with some other students, formed a prayer group. The term Methodist stuck due to the rules and methods used in their religious pursuits. Interestingly, the brothers were ordained ministers in the Church of England, yet were forbidden to preach from the pulpit due to their evangelistic ways. Instead, they preached in homes, on the street, and other small meeting places, wherever they could find an audience. This was due, in large part, to George Whitefield. Also an Anglican minister, Whitefield ( ) favored the informal type of services of the street preacher. An evangelist, he felt this to be a more effective way to reach the un-churched. Also a leader of Methodism, some feel he should be credited as a co-founder of the denomination. He parted ways with Wesley over theological differences. Georgia was the last of the original 13 British colonies in the new world. 4

6 In 1735, George II set aside the land from the Savannah River to the Mississippi to be used for those in the poor houses and debtor s prisons. It was believed that the poor could work themselves out of poverty with a new start. A group of wealthy Londoners were appointed trustees of the new colony, named for the regent, George II. They selected James Oglethorpe to lead the colony. The first group landed at what is now Savannah. Oglethorpe brought Dr. Henry Herbert, an Episcopal clergyman, with him. The Salzburghers, Austrians fleeing to escape religious persecution, had also come with Oglethorpe, and had brought a Lutheran clergyman. Thus an Episcopalian and a Lutheran became the first two ministers in Georgia, landing on March 12, Doctor Herbert was soon replaced by a Mr. Quincy. He soon became discouraged and returned home. Oglethorpe subsequently went back to England to get more colonists and a new minister. According to The History of Methodism in Georgia and Florida, by George H. Smith, Jr., The field was a hard one. The man who undertook the work of tilling it needed a soul crucified to the world. When Oglethorpe reached London, he was told that a man at Oxford College would meet all he needed for a new minister. He was John Wesley, according to Smith, mystical, rather too much for England, too strict and careful in his own conduct, and too exacting in his demands upon others, for those times, but just the man to teach colonists going to the wilds, and Indians who had never left them, the way to Heaven. Oglethorpe offered the post to Wesley and his brother, Charles, who accepted. With this acceptance, two obscure English ministers stepped onto the stage of world ecclesiastical history and changed it forever. The root stock had taken and begun to grow. 5

7 While John Wesley brought the basics of Methodism to Georgia in 1734, he soon had company here in the Georgia mission field. We now think of Georgia Methodists sending missionaries to foreign lands. Then, Georgia was the receiver, not the giver. During the next sixty years, there was a Revolutionary War, our country was founded and, in 1784, the Methodist Church was formalized in America independent of British Methodism. According to the New Georgia Encyclopedia online, the Moravians established a mission in Murray County in Two Moravian ministers built a school on land given by Cherokee Chief Joseph Vann at Spring Place. Religious refugees from Bohemia and Moravia, now the Czech Republic, they had come to North America around Properly known as the Unity of the Brethren, the group was formed in Prague in 1452, with a goal to be pure and to follow the Master and Him alone. This was some 50 years before Martin Luther led the Protestant Revolution. [for more information, see Moravians in NW Georgia compiled by Craig Cooper, The Voice magazine, Count Nicholas Ludwig Von Zinzendorf by Jonas Clark, and A History of the Moravians, by J.E. Hutton] The mission at Spring Place was aimed towards the Indians. In addition to education, the missionaries were working to convert the Cherokees to Christianity. When the Cherokees were forced off their lands for removal to Oklahoma, the Moravians went with them. According to The New Georgia Encyclopedia, Moravians, Congregationalists, Baptists and Methodists lived among Georgia's indigenous tribes to teach them the arts of civilization and convert them to Christianity. With conversion and the teaching of other useful civilizing skills such as weaving, sewing, and European farming techniques, missionaries reasoned that they could change Indians into whites. Before true assimilation could take place, Anglo society 6

8 believed Indians needed to resemble white America and to become accountable and predictable. The Indians, on the other hand, wanted to learn the English language and customs to keep from being cheated by the settlers. They apparently knew what the future offered. They were definitely not the ignorant savages depicted in the racial stereotypes of the time. Sadly, they were caught up between forces trying to make them white Indians and forces wanting to move them away entirely. The infamous Trail of Tears commenced in Although the various denominations had the general idea of preaching the gospel and winning converts to Christ, their methods were quite different. Some brief differences are described below. The Moravians were a non-acquisitive people. They generally lived collectively, not obtaining personal property. According to the New Georgia Encyclopedia, Generally, the accomplishments of the Moravians lay in the fact that their missions not only opened their doors to all visitors, including African slaves, from nearby Cherokee plantations, but also functioned as model farms for European agricultural techniques. Particularly, the Spring Place Mission served as an exemplar for other missionary enterprises to emulate. These farms and schooling also served as tools for evangelizing and conversion. Presbyterians in Georgia were known as Congregationalists elsewhere. In Georgia they received legal recognition from those in East Tennessee. They founded the Brainerd Mission in Chattanooga in 1817, near the present Eastgate Mall office complex. It was used as a central base of operations for outlying missions in the area. While some churches were built, it was their schools which had the most influence on the Indians. Again, this was a tool for outreach and conversion. The Baptist operated much like the Moravians and Presbyterians, but 7

9 had more converts. The New Georgia Encyclopedia attributes this to the stern Calvinistic philosophy they followed. Another advantage enjoyed by the Baptists was total immersion, which closely resembled the Cherokee purification ceremony. Going to Water was a Cherokee ceremony of purification which involved immersion in water seven times. It gave them the opportunity to thank the Great Spirit and their ancestors for the blessings which they had received. Conversion to Christianity and water baptism, therefore, made sense and was a logical step to the Indians. The circuit riders of the Methodist Church racked up the highest numbers of conversions, more than the others combined. Mounted on horseback, carrying the most meager supplies, these uneducated but dedicated pastors covered much ground. They often held four day, or protracted, camp meetings. These closely resembled the Cherokee all night dances and camping. More importantly, these early Methodists preached open door salvation available to all, and free will of each person. In 1823 the first circuit riders were appointed in Tennessee near the site of John Ross s home, south of Chattanooga. Their emphasis was not on model farms and boarding schools but rather on itinerant and emotional ministry according to the New Georgia Encyclopedia. It lists the most prominent of them as Richard Neely, Nicholas D. Scales, Dickson C. McLeod, and James J. Trott, all of whom married Cherokee women. Indians also became licensed to exhort and to preach after four years. New Georgia Encyclopedia lists some of them as Young Wolf, Turtle Fields, John Spears, William McIntosh, and John Fletcher Boot. It continues, In 1829 Methodism achieved a milestone when the church admitted the Ross brothers, John and Lewis, as members; the former had a home at New Echota. By 1830 Methodists had claimed more than 1,000 members. 8

10 CHAPTER TWO--Clearing New Ground While in Georgia, Wesley tried to impose the high church Anglican views which he held. This created hostility with those he was trying to reach. He apparently failed to think that an audience comprised of poverty stricken, just released from debtors prison people would not appreciate his approach. This hostility soon led to discouragement on Wesley s part, and he returned to England in According to the Calvin College Ethereal Library, At a small religious meeting in Aldersgate Street, London, on May 24, 1738, John Wesley had an experience in which his heart was strangely warmed. After this spiritual conversion, which centered on the realization of salvation by faith in Christ alone, he devoted his life to evangelism. Beginning in 1739 he established Methodist societies throughout the country. Evangelism, Wesley felt, was not confined to a comfortable church building. The preaching style of George Whitefield also influenced Wesley s thinking about evangelism. Wesley lived as a Church of England clergyman until he died at the age of 88. He lived his methodical life of orderly living and personal discipline to the end. Although differing from his Anglican colleagues in theology, he insisted on being buried in his minister s robe. Even with Wesley s leaving the colony, Methodism continued to develop here. Georgia grew, along with the other colonies, fighting a successful war to obtain freedom from England. Most growth in Georgia, before and after the Revolution, was coming via Savannah and the Carolinas westward, following the slow progress of trails, roads, rivers, and the early railroads. The main reason for the westward expansion was economic, ranging from the desire for land on which to raise a family, the desire for great wealth, and the desire of some for living space. One group coming into northwest Georgia was not driven by economics, land or material gain. Rather, that group followed the teachings of Jesus Christ as told in Mark 6, when He sent out the disciples to preach. 9

11 Called circuit riders, they rode horses, living where they could find shelter with settlers or camping on the ground. Conditions for them were primitive at best, physically demanding, poverty stricken, and often dangerous to life and limb. The modern term burn out originated here, when many young men retired due to physical and mental health problems caused by life as a circuit rider. Surely, their rewards have been stored up where moths don t chew nor thieves break in. Reverend Levi Brotherton, our first pastor and the first to take charge of the flagship, describes one experience of an early circuit rider. He recounted in his booklet, A Condensed Sketch of the Methodist Church in North Georgia and Lower East Tennessee, that in 1835 Reverends D.T. Fulton, and Mr. Ring, whose Christian name is forgotten, were the first two assigned to this territory. They were assigned to minister to the Indians and the scattering of white settlers living here. (Note: A listing of all current and former pastors is Appendix 1.) On one occasion, Rev. Fulton got lost on a mountain. It was then called Conosogua (sic) Mountain, a spur of the Cohutta range. We leave it to you to determine which of our many area mountains that might have been. If you have ever been in some of these rugged mountains, you know that darkness comes early. At this point, darkness caught Reverend Fulton. As he had to travel lightly so not to tire his horse, it is doubtful he had much in the way of creature comforts, blanket and ground cloth behind the saddle if lucky. Hopefully he had some cold rations for himself and a few oats for his horse. Brotherton continues that Fulton could not move further in unknown territory since he could not see and feared for himself and his horse. He was woodsman enough to recognize the sound of a hungry panther and know that it was getting closer to him. As Brotherton tells it, His only weapon was the Word of God, which he carried with him, and the sword 10

12 of the Holy Spirit. With this and his faith in his Master, he waited, and while he waited he prayed. As Fulton waited and prayed, Brotherton tells us that the panther was so close the circuit rider could hear its tail hit bushes as it moved from side to side waiting to pounce. He who shut the mouth of the lions was with his faithful servant, Brotherton added, and no harm was allowed to come upon him and there in the darkness and loneliness, with no human being near, this truthful man was filled with peace and confidence, and could say from his heart, Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I shall fear no evil, for thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. When daylight came, Brotherton tells us, the panther was 25 feet away; its front paws on a log. It was quietly gazing at the preacher safe under the protecting care of Him who he served. The circuit rider was assigned a territory to be covered on a regular basis. His pulpit was the saddle of his horse. His altar was primarily a well-worn Bible carried in his saddlebags. There, it had to share space with a few pieces of clothing, possibly some oats or other horse feed when grass was not plentiful, and hopefully something for the circuit rider to eat. Weight, in addition to that of the preacher, was a vital consideration so as not to overtax the horse. These hardy souls were scantily paid, possibly a few dollars per year. They tried to find shelter with kindly settlers. When this was not possible, sleeping on the ground in a bedroll carried behind the saddle was the only option. The horse had to be rested and allowed to graze and have water. Wesley s emphasis on evangelism was taken quite seriously by these men. While Methodism was growing in this area thanks to the circuit riders 11

13 and small congregations, the church was also growing in numbers of congregations and areas served. Most of this growth was through the conference system of structure. Methodism in North Georgia: History of the North Georgia Conference by Dr. Herchel H. Sheets, page 41, states that Georgia became a separate conference in 1830 with 5 districts; Athens, Milledgeville, Savannah, Tallahassee and Columbus. It had been part of the South Carolina Conference before then. Tallahassee came up into the lower part of Georgia. Savannah extended as far south as St. Augustine. The Conference was divided into North and South Georgia Conferences in Whitfield County Georgia Archives History, chapter V, History of Whitfield County 1936, adds to Brotherton s account, The first presiding elder (now called a District Superintendent) was Reverend David Cummings whose district, covering the whole territory occupied by the Indians, extended from the Hiawassee River on the north to the Chattahoochee on the south, and from the line of South Carolina on the east to the Tennessee River on the west. He remained on the district until the year 1838, when the Indians were removed to the West. His immediate successor was Joseph B. Dawtery, followed by Thomas Stringfield, the first editor of the Nashville Christian Advocate. The next was Reverend Timothy Sullins. According to Sheets, this brings us down to 1845, Russell Rineau, who was in charge of the circuit, was the first presiding elder thereafter. His district covered what is now the Dalton district, part of the Rome district, part of the Marietta district, and the entire Dahlonega district. He was succeeded in turn by Alfred T. Mann, J. B. Payne, J. C. Simmons, J. W. Yarborough, J. W. Glenn, B. A. Arbogast, A. G. Haygood, W. P. Harrison, H. J. Adams, W. J. Scott, R. W. Bigham, D. J. Myrick, A. M. Thigpin, and W. A. Parks. Reverend Parks was the great uncle of the late Dalton First member Walter Parks. He told the author that his ancestor had moved to Texas at an early age, holding several important charges. At the outbreak of the 12

14 Civil War, he was appointed Chaplain of Waul s Texas Legion. Captured at Vicksburg, he was paroled. How he made his way back to Georgia is not known. However, he finished the war as Chaplain of the 52 nd Georgia Regiment. Later, he was Chaplain of the Georgia Legislature. He died June 24, Following Parks, who served from 1898 to 1900, were J. F. Mixon, W. F. Quillian, W. T. Irvine, S. B. Ledbetter, J. F. Yarbrough, S. A. Harris, Frank Quillian, J. R. Turner and A. M. Pierce. This early account shows how little the number of pastors there was covering a very large geographic area. This is especially remarkable considering travel was by horse, and sometimes foot. Sermons and church services were normally held in the homes of settlers. This could be an isolated farm house or a small community of several families. The willingness of the host, however, could not always be counted upon, at least on first encounter. The circuit rider would sometimes have to win over the homesteader to hosting him for the night, and then try to bring the host to Christ. The hospitality, at best, might be sleeping on the floor with other adults. Born in England, Francis Asbury came to the colonies in He had been a local preacher since the age of 16, and an itinerant preacher since age 22. He requested that Wesley send him to America. The following year, Wesley appointed him as his general assistant in America. This gave the young preacher power to supervise all Methodist preachers and Societies in America. He was superseded the next year, 1773, by Thomas Rankin. At the outbreak of the Revolution, however, Rankin returned to England while Asbury stayed here. Asbury had strong religious scruples, as did most Methodist pastors, against taking oaths. Therefore, he refused to take an oath of allegiance to the colonies when war broke out. In his article, Reminiscence of a Methodist Circuit Rider, by Wayne Dean Sr., 13

15 he credits Asbury with riding some 247,000 miles on horseback and delivering approximately 17,000 sermons, mostly all of this in rural country. Ordained as a pastor by Bishop Thomas Coke in 1784, Asbury became the first Methodist Bishop consecrated in the United States. He set a powerful example for the circuit riders to follow. 14

16 CHAPTER THREE--Planting Time While Savannah was flourishing, and westward migration was flowing, what of northwest Georgia and this area? At the time, Dalton was a part of Murray County. For a mental picture, go atop Fort Mountain and look to the east. Much of your view will be trees and rolling hills like the first settlers saw. As the circuit riders were gaining converts, and settlers were moving into the area, some churches were established. Whitfield County Georgia Archives History, chapter V, History of Whitfield County 1936, gives us a look at these early gains. Commenting about Reverends Fulton and Ring, the work elaborates. The missionaries of the Cherokee nation were the founders of the first churches in this section. Buildings erected of logs, hand-hewn by the pioneers, were furnished with punch-board seats without backs. Coupled with a multi hour sermon, those hardy souls were definitely dedicated to their religion. The first Methodist Presiding Elder was Reverend David Cummings. According to The First United Methodist Church years of Methodism in Dalton by Gertrude Manly McFarland, Cummings district was part of the Holston Conference. Most of Holston is now East Tennessee. It ranged from the Hiawassee River on the north to the Chattahoochee on the south, and from the line of South Carolina on the east to the Tennessee River on the west, according to the Georgia History. It adds that he remained on the district until the year 1838, when the Indians were removed to the West. His immediate successor was Joseph B. Dawtery, followed by Thomas Stringfield, who became the first editor of the Nashville Christian Advocate. The next was Reverend Timothy Sullins. 15

17 In his A Condensed History of Dalton First United Methodist Church, 1982, Ellis Owen quotes early settler J.C. Head: It was a forest, perhaps as beautiful and rich as the eye of man ever looked upon. The trees, in great variety on the plains and valleys, were large, tall and straight. Head continued his description, The lands everywhere were covered with luxuriant grass and vines, forming a very fine range for cattle and horses. Owen continues, Noted area editor W.T. Whitman wrote The whole section from the Etowah River to the Tennessee line was wild country, with only here and there a small clearing with a log house thereon. Only a few years prior to this the Cherokee Indians had been removed by the government, leaving this lovely country of crystal streams, enchanted valleys and picturesque scenery for their new home in the west. Dalton, in 1845, was known as Cross Plains. According to Owen, the village consisted of two small stores, a post office, a blacksmith shop, the Cross Plains Tavern, and a saloon. There were only ten families living here. A few years later, word spread of a railroad being built which would come through town. Although the railroad had reached Resaca, Owen continued, it was four hours away by stage coach. That seems quite stunning now, but the area from the Etowah River to the Tennessee line was still wild country. The earliest settlers, coming through the Appalachians, finally saw flat, fertile land suitable for farming and putting down their roots. They probably knew they were close to Ross Landing, established in This trading post, built by John Ross, principal chief of the Cherokee American Indian Nation, became Chattanooga, Tennessee. To our early settlers, though, it was a means to obtain needed supplies. Could this have seemed, to them, something akin to the Israelites coming out of the wilderness and into the Promised Land? Although Ross Landing was the closest point for supplies, you had to want to get there. The roads were rough, dirt affairs, winding with the 16

18 terrain. Roads went through the streams and creeks, as there were no bridges. These had to be forded. Common practice was for several wagons, pulled by horses, mules or oxen, to go together. This provided for mutual assistance and protection, and the transport of goods in bulk. What is now a quick hop up I-75 was then a several day trek. In 1844, McFarland states, the General Conference changed the lines and put all of the Holston Conference in Georgia, except for Dade County, into the Georgia Conference. She also notes the issue of slavery, which would soon split the nation, caused the division of the church. It brought about the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and the Methodist Episcopal Church, North. Thus 1844 had high and low points for the Dalton church. At the time of this change of the conference lines, the Spring Place circuit comprised all of what is now Murray, Whitfield and parts of Catoosa, Gordon and Bartow counties, according to Whitfield County Georgia Archives History, chapter V History of Whitfield County In 1844, the Archives continue, Reverend David Crenshaw was assigned to the Spring Place circuit as assistant preacher. The next year Jackson Reynolds served this work. In 1846 the circuit was left to be supplied, and the Presiding Elder put the Reverend Levi Brotherton in charge. During this year, Cross Plains became Dalton, so named by Captain Edward White, local agent for the New England Land Company. This firm was selling land lots and developing the area. There were a few Methodists present in the area, who were worshiping at a place called Clear Springs Academy. This was near the present Dalton Country Club. There were about twenty-five or thirty members, composed principally of the families of Captain Wm. Hammond, Reverend Levi Brotherton, George Chappell and B. E. Wells. One can surmise that Brotherton was their preacher, as he apparently did not go 17

19 west with the Cherokees in The records are unclear. That fall they moved their place of worship to the log school house in Dalton. That was located on part of what is now Dalton Green Park, formerly called City Park. The exact location within the park is not known. Whether Captain White was acting out of pure civic pride, or the thought that a church building would help sell lots, is unknown. In any case, in 1847 he donated a lot and built a community church. It was located at the south east corner of Crawford and Selvidge Streets. That space is now a parking lot for one of the county government buildings abutting it to the south. He also bought a bell for $ and erected it for the congregation. White asked Brotherton to take charge of the community church as town preacher. He would preach each Sunday, or find a replacement. While all denominations would be served, there is no doubt in the author s mind that Reverend Brotherton was preaching from the Methodist discipline. Thus, 1847 is considered to be the founding date for Dalton First United Methodist Church. It was created as a station appointment within the conference, McFarland points out, with Brotherton appointed as Pastor. The handful of Methodists here did not rest on their laurels. Desiring more than sharing the community church, they accepted White s 1850 offer of a gift of the lot at Cleveland, now Selvidge, and King Streets. They would build their church there. The raft of which the flagship had begun was growing! McFarland indicates that by the next year, a new church had been built. The small number of members had raised the then princely sum of $ for the small frame structure. McFarland s history shows that the deed was dated January 2, 1851, from Frederick Pentz of New York, by Edward White. The trustees were William Hammond, Bodwell E. Wells, George Chappell, I.U. Wright, and Levi Brotherton. The tiny seed planted by the circuit riders and earliest missionaries and settlers 18

20 had begun to sprout. The town had started to grow and Dalton First UMC along with it, but both were curtailed by the Civil War. Both sides fought through the area. Most buildings had been burned, except for the hotel. It had been used as a hospital by both sides, and the Federals even used the basement as a stable. The church building, like others throughout the South, was probably used as a hospital. Records, unfortunately, were lost. McFarland s history states that shortly after the war, the wooden building was razed and a new brick structure built on its site. How soon after the war, and whether or not the building had severe battle damage, isn t recorded. She does indicate that Bishop George F. Pierce dedicated it, and in 1883 presided over the annual conference which we hosted. 19

21 Chapter Four--Earliest Hands at the Helm By the time Cross Plains had become settled and renamed Dalton, we have seen the birth of a community church, pastored by a Methodist. The dinghy launched by the Wesley s, Whitfield and Asbury had been crewed by circuit riders. Most of these men are known but to God, their names not recorded in this world. Now, these men gave way to preachers in permanent churches on a regular basis. The flagship would be seen and develop a presence in the forest. In the past 169 years, only 72 men have been selected to steer the flagship. Some may have been better than others; that s human. Certainly they were the top of the line. The ship has hit storms, come close to rocks and shoals, but with the help of God and a skilled captain, the church now has the wind at its back with clear sailing ahead. Who was the first of these Captains? Let s listen to his autobiography as it speaks to us over the years. Levi Brotherton was born on the 8 th day of October, 1810, in Green County, East-Tennessee. His father, John L. Brotherton moved to Blount County in East Tennessee in He lived with his parents until He professed religion on 17 th day of September 1829, at Morganton camp ground Tennessee and joined the Methodist Church on the morning of the 18 th, and was baptized by Joseph Arcue (sp?), a preacher long and favorably known in the Holston Conference. He was licensed to exhort by Russell Bird soon after joining the church. He held his license some eight years. Interestingly, Brotherton was commissioned as a Captain in the 144 th Regiment of the Tennessee Militia in 1836, for a period of five years. This was probably other than a Chaplain, for civilian preachers performed those duties. His autobiography has him leaving Blount County in 1833, along with 20

22 John Stanton, the grandfather of the firecracker Stanton s of the Georgia and Colorado conferences. Let s visit his autobiography again, He came into the Cherokee Nation and remained among the Indians until they went west, which was five years, then to worship with the Moravian Missionaries. He was licensed to preach by Rev. David Cummings, Presiding Elder at Mount Olivet Church thirteen miles north of Dalton, Georgia, in the year This was on Mount Olivet Road in what is now Cohutta. This road is the last on the left, going north on Cleveland Highway, Georgia Highway 2, before reaching Wolfe Street, the main street of Cohutta. There is a cemetery on Mount Olivet Road believed to have been the church s cemetery, but the building was razed in It had been unused since the 1950s. The autobiography continues, Was ordained Deacon in 1842, at Knoxville Tennessee by Bishop Waugh of Baltimore. Was ordained Elder at Madison Georgia by Bishop Andrews in One of Brotherton s sermon outlines still exists. A copy in the vault at Dalton First UMC may give some insight into his preaching skills. Dr. Lindsey even used it for the sermon on the 165 th anniversary of the Church on August 5, As he explained to the author, the outline was just what the name implies. The preacher would add specifics and details appropriate to the congregation as needed. The outline is quoted below in Brotherton s exact words. It is taken from Matthew chapter 19, verse 27. Then answered Peter and said unto Him, Behold, we have forsaken all and followed thee; What shall we have therefore. These words clearly unfold the true character of our Christ s disciples, and distinctly suggest the evils they renounced-the example they follow and the reward they anticipated. I. The evils they renounce; Behold, we have forsaken all, said Peter. 21

23 And though Christ does not requires all his followers to forsake their secular occupations and become minister of the gospel as the apostles did, yet there are many things which we must renounce for His sake, or we cannot be his disciples; Math. 16c 27v. 1. We must forsake all our sinful practices. 2. We must forsake all our ungodly associates. 3. We must forsake all our unholy attachments II. The example they follow: - We have forsaken all and followed thee. The apostles followed Christ, both literally and morally as his personal attendants and approved disciples. They gladly received his word, acknowledged his Messiahship they obeyed his injunctions. In these respects, we also ought to be followers of God as his dear children. 1. We should follow Christ as our teacher, by embracing his gospel. 2. We should follow Christ as our sovereign, by obeying his precepts. 3. We should follow Christ as our patron, by imitating his example. III. The reward they anticipated, what we shall have therefore. 1. By following Christ will secure our personal salvation. They shall inherit eternal life. 2. By following Christ will secure our temporal interests. 3. Following Christ will secure our eternal happiness The first pastor of Dalton First was a simple man in his personal life. A copy of his hand written burial instructions in the church vault say, I do not want a costly burial. I want to be dressed as if I was going to church. I do not want to be buried in the rain. Written January 19, 1889, this simple document bequeaths his books to various people. He says that the fly leaf of each has a note as to the recipient. Prized possessions seem to have been his silver headed walking cane, which went to Charley (sp?) 22

24 and to John my orange cane that Dear Walter made and sent to me. Other items listed are some clothing, bedding and table and chairs, hardly much material value here. Though his goods were scant in life, his obituary in the local newspaper speaks well for his goods to come. It speaks for itself. Michelle Gagner provides the details: Funeral Notice The funeral services of Rev. Levi Brotherton will be conducted at the First Methodist church to-morrow, November 24th, at 10 oclock a.m. The casket will be placed in the church at 9 o'clock, and the many friends of the venerable man of God will have the opportunity of looking upon his familiar features. The services will be conducted by Revs. W.C. Richardson, A.W. Quillan and A.W. Gaston Pall Bearers J.R. McAfee Jas. C. Riley W.C. Lester T.M. Kirby I.E. Shumate R.H. Baker S.E. Berry A.W. Lynn Escort Rev. D.P. Bass Rev. J.B. Craighill Rev. G.J. Orr 23

25 Rev. M.A. Matthews Rev. Wm. Shelton Rev. Jno. Bailey Dr. W.J. Manley C.D. McCutchen W.K. Moore R.J. McCamy Jas. M. Lowry A.P. Roberts R.K. Ford C.B. Lyle J.P. Freeman Brotherton was twice married, the first time to Miss Minnie Epperson on the 4 th day of Dec She died on the 24 th day of July They had four children. He later was married the second time on the 28 th day of March 1860, to Miss Martha Ann Gudger. They raised five children. She died July 22, He and his wives lie side by side in West Hill Cemetery in Dalton, atop a shady, tree covered hill, a scant three blocks from the present Dalton First UMC. It is if he were keeping watch over the church he helped create. John Strickland was Pastor from 1850 to He was credited with rendering valuable aid in conducting a protracted meeting (revival) that brought many new members to the three Dalton churches. Brotherton s booklet called him a fearless soldier of the cross--a man of Herculean frame, great physical strength, and absolutely devoid of the fear of man. He went into the army as a chaplain. During the war years of 1862 to 1865 when no minister was assigned to Dalton Methodist, a local preacher, John M. Richardson, took charge. He preached to the congregation, as well as to the Confederate troops stationed here. The Christian Advocate, Nashville, October 5, 1872, had this to say of him. Born August 30, 1809-died September 21,

26 Licensed to preach about 1840 and continued to preach faithfully as long as he was able, a zealous preacher and a great revivalist. Perhaps no preacher in the county ever accomplished more good than Brother Richardson. During his tenure as Pastor from , J.B. Robbins oversaw the remodeling and enlargement of the church. A family letter of Ms. McFarland s (written by a relative to her son) gives this description. The new Methodist Church begins to look fine. The roof is raised very high and with the high tower at the side looks citified. In a later mailing on May 29 th, she stated about the church, They expect to have services in the new Methodist Church Sunday. It presents a very imposing appearance outside. The inside was probably imposing as well. In 1874, the North Georgia Citizen reported on June 25 th that a new organ had been installed. Though lacking in details, the paper credited Professor Schoeller, Music Director of Dalton Female College as making the selection of the powerful instrument from the New England Organ Company. The Chattanooga firm of Winters and Nelson was the local agent. News about local churches came primarily from local newspapers. Those early media, sadly, are often the only archives of our church. The only records kept were the names and dates assigned for Pastors and Presiding Elders. The Pastors normally served one year and moved on. Owen reported that 37 pastors were assigned from 1874 to 1900, and of these, 24 served for only a year. This was the custom of the time, influenced perhaps by the circuit rider heritage. Church activities constituted much of the local news here and in other small towns. There were no wire services or electronic media. Word still traveled by horse or railroads, and even on foot. The only record we have about these early men with their hands on the flagship s helm often was the newspaper. Again, referring to Owen s work, the paper tells about some of them. 25

27 George Kramer filled the pulpit from December, 1871 until December, He had been an army chaplain. Brotherton called him a faithful minister of God s word, preaching to the soldiers, comforting the sick, praying with the dying and in every good work, making full proof of his ministry. Following Kramer was D.J. Myric, who was here from December, 1873 to December, Commenting about his preaching skills, The North Georgia Citizen wrote on October 1, 1874, During the past week, the Methodists have had a protracted meeting in the new church here, which was well attended and very successful. The Rev. Myric of Dalton preached several sermons of power. About 30 conversions and 15 accessions to the church. T.A. Seals served from December 1874 to December No people were ever served more faithfully, zealously, and efficiently than this beloved man of God has served the Methodist Church at this place, wrote the Marietta Journal, and quoted in The Argus on November 25,

28 Chapter Five--Training the Crew A crew must be well trained to be effective. This should be an ongoing function, commencing with the earliest recruits, and continuing training for older hands. The recruits learn the basics, while the older hands need refresher training and updating in new procedures. In the flagship, this most often is found in the Sunday School classes. Special study classes take place for different groups on a regular basis. Owen tells us that Sunday School is older than the country. As early as 1669, children in Plymouth, Massachusetts were being taught religion and morals. The first Methodist Bishop in America started schools to teach Bible lessons and scripture memorization. Some ministers and lay persons formed the Convention System, according to Owen, shortly after the War Between the States. Its purpose was to train teachers. On the local church basis, the usual procedure was for Sunday School teachers to meet across denominational lines on Saturday afternoons. They would plan the next day s lessons. It is logical to assume they would also make plans for various seasonal and special Church events such as Christmas and Easter. County and state conventions, Owen added, met regularly with national conventions every three years. The aim was to develop a uniform lesson. The Dalton Argus in the 1800s often gave twice the space to Sunday School news as to regular church news. One quote of the 1880s or 1890s gives a good picture, Sunday morning found the members of the Sunday School making their way to the church. The bell tapped and the song service began promptly.the school was attended, the teachers at their post of duty, and a live, more considerate set of men and women never taught Sunday School. 27

29 Another quotation mentions some of the leading members of the flagship who made today s Sunday School program successful. Eighteen teachers, 167 scholars were at Sunday School last Sunday. S.E. Berry is Superintendent; W.C. Huff teaches the Young Ladies Class; Col. Shumate, the Young Men s Class. Col. McCamy s weekly lectures are as fine as could be heard anywhere, full of pith and point. Methodist Sunday School teachers: Mrs. W.P. Chester; Mrs. Hill Harris; Miss Flora Lester; Col. Trammell Starr; Col. S.P. Maddox; Mr. T.A. Berry; Prof. McLaughlin; Col. I.E. Shumate; Col. R.J. McCamy. Also listed were: Mrs. Mattie Robertson; Miss Pyrene Conley; Miss Blanche Bivings; Mr. T.A. Tye; Prof. G.J.Orr; R.H. Baker; W.C. Huff; and Mrs. Kilby. Owen s work singles out the Berry family for special mention regarding Sunday School. You could hardly find an equal, he said, to Mr. Sam Berry as a Sunday School Superintendent. Both children and adults were constantly inspired by his management and he was a great leader. Berry s brother, John B. was a song leader and another brother, Tom, taught the young ladies. This was around S.E. Berry died in Commenting about his life, the Citizen, on December 11, stated he had taken a prominent role in the work of Dalton First UMC, of which he was a long time member. Most of his attention, it pointed out, had been in the Sunday School. He had also served as President of the Whitfield County Sunday School Association. Entering the twentieth century, Owen mentions that records are sometimes scarce. If I could communicate with this old family friend, I would tell him that some things never change. He did give credit to the two local papers, the North Georgia Citizen and the Dalton Argus for providing our best news and records. This material was sometimes in large articles and others in Church News and other similarly headed columns. 28

30 Typical news items in the early 1900s would start with the Sunday School. Attendance, song leader, and the best teacher s application of the Sunday School lesson were mentioned. A popular item was the naming of the honor pupil, the student who had learned the most Bible verses. For example, Miss Emma Wilson was honor pupil, having learned 65 verses during the week, according to The Argus, June 2, Following the Sunday School news would be a description of the weekly sermon. It would tell who preached, subject matter, and how well presented. Finally there would be a mention of the nightly Sunday service. Articles about clubs, meetings and social events would be covered. Written records are scarce concerning Sunday School in the first half of the twentieth century. However, an interview with long time church member Jack Bandy gives an eye witness account of probably the most famous class. He said that many businessmen, from just about all the businesses then in town, were members of the Businessmen s Class. Carlton McCamy, a prominent lawyer, was the teacher. Murray Whiteside was not the teacher, as many thought. He basically served as host and master of ceremonies. He brought the various parts together to produce the finished product, very successfully, according to those who were there. At one time or another, the class was known as the Whiteside Class or McCamy Class but was simply called Murray s Class. Whiteside would obtain a substitute teacher if McCamy was absent. Often this was the Preacher, who was also a class member. Whiteside came to Dalton originally as a stone cutter, working to engrave tomb stones and monuments. Later, the natural salesman worked selling Fords for Tom Lambert Sr. and furniture at Sterchi s. He later owned his own business, Whiteside Furniture. Carlton McCamy was the teacher for over 52 years, according to Judge 29

31 Robert Vining. Coupled with his grandfather, Col. R.J. McCamy s, tenure from the 1890s, the two probably gave over a century of service to the Sunday School program. One reason for the large men s and women s classes was the lack of class rooms in the King Street building, which was rather small. The available class rooms were mainly used for children s classes, while the men had one room and the women another. The format was simple. Class started with two or three hymns, led by Orville Moffitt or Homer Sutton. Moffitt was music director of the church, and music teacher at Dalton High School, where he also directed the band and chorus. A prayer followed, led by one of several leaders whom Whiteside had picked previously. Special music came next. This was performed by persons outside the church who were recognized in the community. Whiteside s helpers over the years included Carlton McCamy, Mack Rollins, and Clarence Hill. Bandy said that Hill usually had a pocket full of small change. When the program started to run long, he would rattle the change as a signal. He also bought a watch for one preacher, Bandy added. Whiteside would recognize visitors by giving them a buckeye. Murray told each buckeye recipient that, It had been found by a Presbyterian; picked up by a Baptist; and blessed by a Methodist. Carry it with you, and have good luck for the rest of your life. Word has it that the buckeyes, a kind of non-edible nut, were picked up in a residential yard on Selvidge Street. Bandy also mentioned the late Billy Cannon, a Dalton native, for whom the chapel at Candler School of Theology at Emory University is named. He was also a Bishop in North Carolina, Georgia and Virginia. As a child, Bandy added, Cannon would get other children to come to his home on Saturday and preach to them. This was an early indication of his future 30

32 Cannon, Bandy said, was a force in Methodism on a worldwide basis. A close friend of Pope John Paul II, the pontiff sent a message which was read at Cannon s funeral. Bishop Cannon retained McCamy s law firm, in which Vining was a partner, to handle his local affairs. He mentioned that Cannon would come to the office from time to time. He always, said Vining, took time to come by each person s office and speak with them personally. The Bishop would then attend Sunday School and church service. Whenever asked, he simply said that he had come to hear Carlton McCamy s Sunday School lesson. One Sunday, Whiteside asked Vining to substitute for McCamy. Imagine his surprise when he stepped to the podium to see Bishop Cannon sitting about four feet away. Vining, attributed McCamy s tenure to his living what he taught. Noted for his legal skill, McCamy s clients would take his advice. When hearing his Sunday School lesson, and knowing how the man lived, they would accept the lesson as well. 31

33 Chapter Six--Growing Pains The flagship of Dalton First UMC had started as a tiny raft, growing into a small vessel navigating the rivers and streams. Nearing the end of the nineteenth century, it was becoming an ocean going vessel on the sea of service to God. The newspaper reports revealed that Dalton First UMC was a vital and growing force, in spite of war and economic setbacks. Evidence of progress was shown in membership and attendance, the building and enlarging of church property, and purchase of new fixtures and an organ. Construction of a new building or remodeling is a regular item in our history. For the most part, this was due to the need for more Sunday School space. We can only speculate that the quality of the class offerings drew larger numbers than planned. The original structure on King Street was of wood. It had been built on a lot costing $25.00, according to an undated manuscript by McFarland s daughter, Gertrude (Tut) McFarland. She states that $ had been subscribed to build the church. It may have survived the war in some degree, but was demolished in A brick structure took its place and was dedicated by Bishop George F. Pierce in The Dalton Argus edition of May 8, 1886 mentions the church preparing for better quarters. An architect had met with the building committee the previous day. Cost for the remodeling was projected at $3,000.00, with $2, secured. Work would include repairs and enlargement. While work was being done, services were held at Dalton Female College, per Owen. As is so often the case, Reverend J.B. Robbins, the pastor, led the struggle for two years, helping raise money and preaching from temporary facilities. When it came time for the dedication service, the Argus on June 18, 1887, shows that Reverend J.W. Lee delivered the re-opening sermon. Hopefully, adequate space for Sunday School classes had been incorporated into the construction. 32

34 Not so fast. Owen tells that a week after the June 18 story there was a movement begun to add onto the north side of the building. Called the Primary Building, this would be two large rooms. It seems three new classes had been organized and the new construction was overflowing. Reverend T.C. Betterton was pastor in and saw how Sunday School was expanding. He was credited with working tirelessly to build the addition. It was completed in 1907, according to Tut McFarland s manuscript. The North Georgia Citizen, in its June 19, 1913 edition, carried a story of plans being announced for a $4, addition for Sunday School rooms. This amount had grown to $6, when work started in October. World War I erupted in 1914, but the country managed to steer clear of it until Then, patriotic men from all parts of the U.S. headed for enlistment centers and Selective Service registration offices. Young people from Dalton First Methodist were not shy either. On January 24, 1918 a service flag was dedicated to them. It is now framed and on display in the corridor leading from the atrium to the chapel. This is due in large part to the effort of Tut McFarland. The blue stars upon the flag are for those who served, while the three gold stars are for the heroes who did not return. Names of those serving were from a list prepared by Mattie Lee Huff in They are Walter Foote, Jim McFarland, Robert Deakins, Aborn Smith Jr, Zirkle Speck, Clayton Ault, Milton Oxford, Fletcher Felker, Emmett Baker, Warren Vickery, Will Barkston, Wood Carter, and Edwin McCamy. Also listed are *Lewis Hopkins, *Hugh Gregory, Locke Brown, Edgar Brown, Starr Maddox, McAfee Trammell, *Guy Felker, Vernon Robertson, Guy Albertson, Willis Barrow, Thomas Wyatt, Phillip Frazier, Ed McFarland. 33

35 Also Quillian Felker, Fort Felker, Wright Mitchell, Judson Manly, Charles Kiescher, Barrett White, John Mitchell, Sam Gilbert, Howard Gilbert, Dr. John Steed, Sam Berry, Ed Anderson, and Ella Margaret Brown, R.N. The asterisk denotes killed in action. Owen s history said another source shows 45 names, but no evidence is found to indicate who they may have been. Some noted pastors served Dalton First in the early Twentieth Century, and helped move it toward the prominent role it now enjoys. Charles M. Lipham was assigned here from November, 1923 through November, He had held a revival here before being assigned as pastor. He was highly esteemed as a minister and writer. He was also an architect, and his plans were used for a new parsonage. The Dalton Citizen on June 19, 1924 covered laying of the first bricks for Lipham s design at the corner of South Thornton and Cuyler Streets. The handsome yellow brick building is now a gift shop. Those participating, and in the order which bricks were laid, with the department they represented, were: Mrs. W.L. Harlan, women of the Church; H.J. Smith, Board of Stewards; W.C. Martin, Men s Class; Sidney Davies, Epworth League; Ruth Gregory, Mission League; Marguerite Hubbs, Young People; Howard Manly, Crusaders; and Mary McLellan, Delta Alpha. Also participating were Red Jones, Bob Wardlaw and Keith Gregory of the Clay Emory Class; J.G. McLellan, Suriate Class; MC. Tarver Jr., Golden Rule Class; Lock Brown Jr and Walter Davis Jr. of the Christian Workers Class. Others included Helen Stone, Hasseltine Kennedy, and Annie Gilbert of the Fidelis Class; Gertrude Smith, Welborne Stacy and De Etta Stacy, Sunbeam Class; Ruth McLellan, Mildred Harlan, and Berrian McCamy, Starr Class; and Eva Nell Bryant, Lucille Gregory, Edress Stacy and Virginia Ray of the Primary Class. It was reported that wherever a new church or parsonage was needed, 34

36 the Bishop would assign Lipham as the pastor. Supposedly, some could go into one of these towns, and seeing the particular building, comment, Old Charlie must have been here. After leaving here for Newnan, he built a $150, church while pastor there. G. F. Venable followed Lipham, and stayed two years. His ministry included preaching to veterans on Memorial Day, and continuing the use of special music with orchestra and quartet in services. At a revival here, he christened 11 infants and small children at one service. He went to East Point after his Dalton tenure. Perhaps one of the most famous pastors of the first half of the twentieth century was Reverend C. Pierce Harris, 1927 through He came here following a four year term at Buford. He had a record as a forceful and eloquent speaker. His record indicated that he had taken in some 500 members to churches in the Conference. The house was packed for his first service. In a 1928 revival, 70 were added to the rolls. When his assignment ended, he was sent to the South Georgia Conference. He later served many years at Atlanta First Methodist, and wrote a regular column in the Atlanta Journal. Harris was born September 21, 1895 in Georgia. He attended both Reinhardt College and Emory University and served as a Methodist minister at congregations throughout North Georgia and in Jacksonville, Florida. He is perhaps best remembered in his capacity as minister of First Methodist Church in Atlanta (now known as Atlanta First United Methodist Church). He served there from 1940 to 1964, when he retired from the ministry. Commenting on the great preachers Dalton First has enjoyed, Bandy called Harris one of the greatest. He may not have studied for a sermon, but latched onto an idea he picked up sometime during the week, Bandy pointed out. He mentioned that once a lady asked Harris if he thought before praying, Harris replied, When you talk to God, you think very seriously! 35

37 After his retirement, Harris traveled throughout the nation speaking to churches, conferences, and college groups. In addition to being a columnist for the Atlanta Journal for 23 years, his writing included the book, Spiritual Revolution, published in Harris died of an apparent heart attack on January 14, 1971 while in route to Macon, Georgia, where he was to have addressed the Macon District Conference of the United Methodist Church. W.G. Crawley, , came to Dalton First after Harris left. He liked to preach sermons, according to Cannon, which were anti : Antiliquor, Anti-gambling, etc. One Sunday, he apparently lit into Anti-Card Playing quite heavily. A number of the church ladies, who played bridge regularly, went home crying and quite upset. The next day, a number of the church men met Rev. Crawley on the sidewalk. They explained to him that the ladies did not gamble in their bridge parties, but did give a prize to whoever had the highest score. They further explained to Rev. Crawley, an avid golfer, that there was a lot of gambling going on at the golf course. The following Sunday, Mr. Crawley made an apology from the pulpit concerning his sermon against card playing. He did say that he would continue to play golf, however, to convince the other members of his foursome not to gamble. The great depression hit the nation with the stock market crash in 1928, Many lost their life savings, others their jobs, and even some their lives. The economic effect on Dalton and this area is beyond the scope of this history. However, with its Christian spirit and of helping Dalton First UMC did survive. The church was still a power locally. The flagship had survived a great storm unharmed. Owen states that the budget for Dalton First in 1939 was $8, This is puny when compared to today s budget of almost two million dollars. But consider that the choir director and organist in these days were paid $10.00 monthly. The preceding year, Congress had passed the first 36

38 minimum wage law, with a floor of 25 cents per hour. Despite the depression from which the U.S. was emerging, and the threat of war, the flagship steamed ahead at full speed. Some extraordinary things were done during the thirties. The Advocate, which was a weekly Methodist newspaper, was sent to each Methodist home. This gave the highest percentage of readers in the District and Conference. A revival, led by Pastor W. G. Crawley, produced 44 new members in April First Methodist had 767 members and 467 on Sunday School rolls at mid-decade. The value of church buildings was $30, L. Wilkie Collins replaced L.M. Twiggs as pastor in Twiggs, who had been here four years, went to Augusta to become Presiding Elder of that district. His replacement was a lecturer and writer, but his forte was evangelism. In three Atlanta churches, he added some 1300 to the rolls, per The Citizen on November 24, He had set a record at Newnan for an all-time high in attendance at church and Sunday School. Irby Henderson led the church from Nov to An Emory graduate, he had served other churches, including two in Atlanta, Carrolton and College Park. During his tenure, membership was 924 and Sunday School 469. Boy Scout sponsorship was started, with the birth of Troop 60 with Jimmy Dawson as Scout master. The first in a long line of Eagle Scouts was Joe Biggers, who earned that award Jan. 13, On March 14, under sponsorship of the Men s Bible Class, the first Scout Hut was built. It was just north of the King Street church on the Tittle lot. Charles Levin Middlebrooks, whose fishing buddies called him The Old Devil Fighter, took the helm in November 1941 and stayed until 37

39 1945. He also made Dalton home after his retirement. Bandy commented that Middlebrooks was also a friend of Pierce Harris. Bandy tells the story that Middlebrooks decided to go to Atlanta to visit Harris for a few days after his retirement. When he came back, he was asked how Harris was doing. Fine, he said. I asked what church he was going to after he had retired. He said he did not go to church; just went to his study, got one of his sermon tapes, and listened to it! Reverend Middlebrooks and his wife were very good friends of the Bandy s. As Methodist preachers move frequently, they do not usually own their homes, but live in church owned parsonages. So, Jack and some others went together and built a retirement house for the Middlebrooks in Dalton. After his wife, the former Mary Elizabeth Randall of Rockmart, died, Bandy said the retired minister usually had lunch with the Bandy s almost every day. They had become very close. When Mr. Middlebrooks later died, his son gave his personal bible as a gift to Jack and Aggie Bandy. A sad note about the Sunday School appeared in the Citizen December 11, 1913, when S.E. Berry died. He had played an active part in the work of Dalton First UMC for many years, but most of his attention had gone to Sunday School. He had been Superintendent and also president of the county Sunday School association. 38

40 Chapter Seven--A New Harbor Facility The King Street church had become boxed in at an early point in time. Today, the Whitfield County Court House annex occupies all the foot print of what had been the church. Houses, doctor s offices and the then Hamilton Memorial Hospital occupied most of the adjacent land from King to Waugh Streets and Selvidge Street to Pentz. Coupled with the streets themselves, there was literally no place to grow, except away. Up was not an option in this lifetime.. With a land locked site, and cost of a multi-story building probably excessive, the Church began in the 1940s to consider a new location. On October 14, 1943, the Board voted to build a new church at some future time. A five year fund drive was started. At year end, the Board transferred $1, to the building fund from funds received. The pastor s salary, incidentally, was set at $4, for He did receive a month s paid vacation. The choir director and organist would receive a $25.00 monthly salary. Henry Hart Jones served as pastor from November 1945 to June Citing Owen about Jones, During his 48 years as minister he did many things, but an outstanding contribution was his furnishing to the Wesleyan Christian Advocate the weekly Sunday School lesson for 44 years (2,200 times) as a labor of love, without any pay and without missing a deadline. That, surely, was a job in itself. Jones received his PhD from Vanderbilt University in He was admitted to the North Georgia Conference the same year. In addition to pastoral assignments in a number of churches, he also had administrative and managerial experience, serving as District Superintendent, formerly Presiding Elder, in Marietta, Augusta, and Decatur-Oxford. This aided Dalton First UMC greatly in completion of the fund drive for a new building. The drive must have been going well, as the property on South Thornton Avenue was purchased during Jones tenure. The property consisted of the Hardwick and John Looper homes, per Owen s history, 39

41 in January Owen also gives the purchase price as $26, and estimated construction costs as $ As plans often do, these had increased to $150, ten months later. These large lots contained enough space for the width of the present structure, plus 45 feet donated to the city to open Church Street from Thornton Avenue through to Valley Drive. Surely this would solve Sunday School space problems for many years to come. Paul A. Turner was assigned as Senior Pastor from 1949 to A graduate of Young Harris College, he received his theological education at Candler. After a 38 year career, he retired due to health reasons and settled in Dalton. Called an inspiring minister by Rev. J. Hamby Barton, Turner was greatly beloved by his parishioners. While land purchase, construction planning and start took place on Jones watch, the job was completed on Turners in The new edifice was the talk of the town, indeed the area. The first sermon in the new building was on August 5 th. Probably most would have thought the Sunday School space problem was solved. We shall see. The first service in the new structure was August 5, Rev. Paul Turner preached the inaugural sermon. The cornerstone laying ceremony was at 4:00 that afternoon. An overflow crowd was present. Unfortunately, the stained glass windows in the old building were lost during the move. Supposedly the name plates for them had been in a box on the third floor, but were never found. Those for whom the memorial windows had been dedicated were: L.N. Trammell C.D. McCutcheon Robert H. Baker 40

42 Miss Blanche Bivings C.W. Oglesby Rev. Levi Brotherton Benjamin F. Prater Rev. David P. Bass Fred C. Maddox Lucinda Steed Lowery Benjamin Z. Herndon Mary Tarver McAfee When the congregation moved from King Street, the cornerstone wasn t moved. It was part of the building s structure. However, it may have been authorized for movement by the purchaser, the Church of Christ, because the stone then sat in our vault for almost 40 years. A church bell, which had been used since 1867, also went along with the building. When later remodeled, the bell was given to the City for use at the main fire station. When no longer used for alarms, it was given to Arnold King, a retired fire chief. An anonymous donor purchased another bell given to Chief King, and the old bell was then returned to Dalton First UMC. The donor also paid for construction of the bell tower located on the south front lawn of the building. The cornerstone was taken from the vault and incorporated into the tower holding the bell. It sits in the middle of the tower, and displays three dates: 1867, 1887 and These dates reflect the initial building and two major renovations. Also under construction when the tower was dedicated were wheel chair ramps from Church Street, on the north side of the building. Senior Pastor Wiley Stephens apologized for the delayed construction due to weather, and dedicated the bell tower during ceremonies which took place on June 7, The old bell now peals faithfully each Sunday to call the children of all ages to Sunday School. Thankfully, some things never change. 41

43 Reverend Stephens mentioned in an article in the Dalton Citizen News that construction of the tower had prompted many questions about building a steeple on the front lawn. These had ranged from whether it was a giant rotisserie or a drive in confessional window. Bishop Billy Cannon, the guest speaker, said Some of the most beautiful pieces of architecture have been built to house bells. He mentioned that bells are mentioned in biblical passages as parts of Aaron s priestly garments and as decorations on horses during the coming of the messiah. The Bishop pointed out that there aren t any New Testament passages about bells, as early Christians were often persecuted. It would have been dangerous for them to have bells. They have been used throughout history to call attention to someone or something. Some firsts in the new building are worth reporting. Judson Manly Jr. and Nann Eldridge were the first couple to be married there, on August 11, He told me years later that construction had been delayed, and that there was some lumber stored in the fellowship hall, where the reception was to be held. His bride to be did not take to his suggestion that funeral grass cover the lumber. So, on the morning of the wedding, he and his groomsmen (some in their tuxedoes) were busy moving the lumber. The first baby to be baptized was Beth Boggus, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. H.H. Boggus. The first funeral services were conducted on August 12, 1951, for Dr. H.J. Ault. He had served as a steward and a trustee of the church. His widow later donated flood lights to the church in his memory. They were installed, dedicated and turned on initially on November 15,

44 Reverend Joe Peabody Sr. was assigned to Dalton First United Methodist Church as Associate Pastor from June 1969 until June He later returned as Senior Pastor from 2003 to He is the only pastor in the history of this church to serve twice, in two different positions. The Senior Pastor during his tenure as Associate Pastor was Reverend Robert E. Bridges, who was here from 1966 to

45 Chapter Eight---Here We Grow Again The Thornton Avenue building was first used in It soon became obvious that more space was needed, again for Sunday School programs. Two lots were purchased in 1964, leading to a $475, Church School building. At a ground breaking ceremony, Dewey Wright, Chairman of the Building Committee, was first to turn a spade of soil.. Work continued, along with fund raising, during the next two years. The addition was completed, and consecrated, in February The covered entrance to it, from the parking lot, is adjacent to the present atrium entrance. The space included 27 class rooms, seven offices and a library. The Senior Pastor at time of the November 16, 1975, dedication, Reynolds W. Greene said, this building is another milestone in the long history of the mission and ministry of this church. The 1990s were highlighted by the dedication of a new wing on September 12, A multi-purpose facility, it included a new chapel, fellowship hall, atrium, and gymnasium. Bishop Cannon again returned to his home church, introducing Bishop Floyd Knox, who delivered the dedication sermon. J.B. McNeil was the Senior Pastor then. This addition to add to the physical facilities was also praised by Mary Farley as a key to church growth. First, it enabled two services on Sunday. Second, more children became involved in Church activities through use of the gym and related basketball games. The added space also allowed the establishment and growth of the day care program. These are open to all in the community. Also included in the addition was the fellowship hall, Famber Hall. It is now used for contemporary services. It can also be used for meetings, social functions and even wedding receptions or special events. 44

46 The addition was dedicated on September 12, The addition also made possible more room for Sunday School and children s programs, Judge Robert Vining told the author. These children are the life blood of Dalton First UMC. He said he is amazed at the number of children he sees from the windows of his class room who come into the Church each Sunday. These are not just teenagers and young people, but children. The expanded facilities made possible an expanded role for Dalton First UMC. Not many years ago the building was used for Sunday morning and evening worship, Sunday School, and a mid-week prayer service, it is now used daily. In former times, Sunday School was planned and taught by devoted volunteers. In 1950, Nann Eldridge, who would later marry Judson Manly Jr., was hired as the first full time employee, other than the preacher and the part time janitor, Otis King. Her job was Director of Religious Education. She resigned this position after her marriage the following year, but served Dalton First as a faithful volunteer for many years. Volunteers still play a key role in adult Sunday School classes, but children have a separate program devoted to them This is ably handled by Jan Byrum, Director of Children s Ministries. Jan came in January She oversees the preschool and daycare programs, plus all education programs for children. All weekday programs are under her purview for administrative purposes. The daycare and pre-school programs handle their own program material. Sunday School sees nine entire rooms used. In 2014, there are 150 children, with some 75 to 80 present on any given Sunday, and some 76 in preschool and day care. There is overlap in these numbers as some are in both programs. 45

47 Jan spends a lot of time recruiting and training volunteers for Sunday School teachers. She talks with those interested to determine what they can bring to children. She finds out what the adults like, and what they want to get across to the children. Then, she makes sure they have the supplies and other things needed. Since 2011, Sunday School has been using a rotation model program. It had been used in other churches with success. Formerly, students would go into a class with a teacher for the entire year. The rotation model realizes that children s interests differ, as do teachers. Each week, children go to different rooms according to these interests. This way, they learn Bible stories via different media. This model also helps prevent burnout of teachers. They present the same lesson each week for four weeks, seeing a new set of faces each week. Two new child worship programs were introduced in Children s Church. That starts with the children coming to the altar. There, the Senior Pastor tells them a story with a religious moral. Sometimes, it was reported, these are better than the sermon. The children then go upstairs for worship services designed for them, not for adults. Those in grades one through five had their program start in October The program for preschoolers was initiated in April The average attendance for both is

48 Chapter Nine--- A Mighty Oak from the Georgia Mountain Forests Note: For more information see A Magnificent Obsession, The Autobiography of William Ragsdale Cannon, Abingdon Press, Nashville, 1999 In the Methodist Church, the office of Bishop is the highest to which a minister may aspire. Few are selected from the large number eligible. Elected by Jurisdictional Conferences, elevations to the office are made every four years. Only one person from Dalton First UMC has been elevated this highly in the 169 years since its founding in William Ragsdale Cannon Jr. was elected to office in Like the many acorns falling to the forest floor, few reach full maturity as mighty towering oaks. Such a man was Billy Cannon. Like the oak, Billy s roots ran deep in north Georgia. Billy s mother, Emma Jane McAfee, was born in Dalton July 14, His father, William Ragsdale Cannon Sr., was born in Knoxville that October. They moved here while he was still a small child. Mr. Cannon established Cannon s on the Corner, at the northwest corner of Hamilton and King Streets, where Crutchfield s Furniture is now located. It became the largest general merchandise store in this area. Both parents were in the same grade in school until Will was enrolled in Webb School in Bell Buckle, Tennessee. This was not for academic pursuits, as Will was an unruly child, sometimes unmanageable and in need of strict discipline. After graduation, Will was enrolled at North Georgia College in Dahlonega. According to Bishop Cannon, his father did not last long at North Georgia, as he got drunk one night, firing a cannon which stood at the campus gate. He was expelled for that stunt. Billy s mother, on the other hand, was the exact opposite of his father. A 47

49 well-mannered and disciplined lady, she obtained a B.A. from Dalton Female College. Her parents, Dr. J.R. and Mary Tarver McAfee, had been active in Dalton First UMC for many years. The Cannons were leaders in the First Baptist Church, with an excellent reputation, which was not then shared by Will. He bullied off her other boyfriends, saying that if he could not have her he would make damn sure no one else did. Emma resisted all of Will s romantic efforts for nine years. She finally married him on October 19, Both were age 27. The marriage apparently flipped a switch in Will. His efforts became focused on making a living for his new bride. He became a traveling salesman, selling overalls for the W.M Finck Company of Detroit. Traveling from city to city on the train, he was only at home on weekends. Due to Will s frequent absences, they lived with Emma s widowed father, Doctor J.R. McAfee. Also in the home were her sister and her husband. They lived there for nine years, until Doctor McAfee died in 1913 at 82. Will and Emma then moved in with his parents. A younger, unmarried sister of Will s also lived there. Will, Emma and Billy moved into their own home when he was four. Billy, our future Bishop, was born April 5, 1916, in Chattanooga, as Dalton did not have a hospital at the time. Emma was then 39. Her brother, Dr. Jesse G. McAfee, determined that she should be placed under the care of an obstetrician in Chattanooga. There were no complications, and she returned home several days later. Bishop Cannon said he always considered himself a Georgian, as his birth in Tennessee was only due to circumstances. According to Billy, Will was a born salesman. He had been making a 48

50 good living even before the marriage. When he went to work for Finck, he became their top salesman. Although he took good care of his family, he spent money like it was going out of style, according to his son. Life was very hard for a traveling salesman, though his father always lived well on the road, entertaining his customers and grabbing the check when other drummers (salesmen) were around. Billy s uncle, Paul B. Trammel, was the founder, president and chief stock holder of First National Bank. Trammel was also an early mayor of the city. He persuaded Will to buy a commercial property. He did, and continued this practice, along with building some new structures. He eventually owned more in the downtown than any other person. In A Magnificent Obsession, Bishop Cannon explains that he was baptized at age 7, not as an infant, and joined the Church as a full time member then. His father s family, Baptists, do not baptize infants, while this is a basic of Methodist theology. The youth made his decision for Christ during a revival. He was baptized by Rev. Clay Emory, one of Billy s early idols, minister at Dalton First UMC from 1920 to Cannon described him as tall, bald, hawk eyed, with a big mouth and thick lips. Cannon also added that Emory had a deep, clear voice like the roar of many waters. H. Clay Emory served from November 1920 to November He was brilliant, young and dynamic. His story sermons on Sunday nights filled the church. One topic was The Meaning of Marriage. Ten of the most prominent young women wrote articles on the subject The Kind of Man I would Marry, and these were read as part of the service. Owen did not mention reaction from the audience. Emory wrote the following letter, and had it printed on the front page of the Citizen. Mr. M.T. Bench. For the first time in three years, we noticed your absence at church last Sunday night. Your presence always disturbs the preacher so we were glad you were not present. Now we are 49

51 planning to have a finer service next Sunday night. On account of your absence last Sunday we had the greatest service we ever had, so we hope you will favor us again by staying away. Yours truly, Methodist Church. After his assignment here, he was posted to Milledgeville. All finances were in fine shape, and membership had grown. He received a chest of silver as a going away present. Describing family visits by the preacher, Cannon said they would sit in front of the fire place, Will smoking a big Cuban cigar. Emory would chew tobacco, spitting into the fire, never missing. Guess who the young man wanted to be like? Miss Emma put a quick stop to that. When the family moved out of Will s parents house, they moved into a small frame cottage on Selvidge Street. It was to be temporary, while a larger home was being designed and built, probably on Thornton Avenue. According to his autobiography, it was a small, three room, one bath house. The lot measured 65 wide and 350 deep. It terminated at the railroad track. There was a lumber and coal yard across the street, several hundred feet away. Behind the house, only one block and an alley away, was a large lumber yard. Fitting into the category of best laid plans, mother got to like the cottage and did not want to move. Billy also was making friends with neighborhood children his age. Soon he became their leader. To quote him, From childhood, I liked to be in charge of anything I was involved in. This is evident throughout his life. Needless to say, Will paid off his architect for his work on the planned new house, making several additions to the cottage. Further recalling Rev. Emory; Billy said that confirmation, except for Roman Catholics and Episcopalians, was unheard of then. Methodists prepared people, just calling it joining the church. Most young boys of Billy s age would have been playing football or 50

52 baseball in the yard. He, instead, started holding church services with his friends. To do this, he realized, he needed a congregation, so rounded up the neighbors. Farrel Stroup, who went on to a long career as a local mortician, was Billy s next door neighbor and best friend. He became song leader. John D. Long, whose father was a hand at the lumber yard, was assistant preacher and soloist. Billy credited his mother with making refreshments, wondering if the kids came to services for those or to hear him.. His father hired a carpenter to build a pulpit for the services, and had a cut away coat and striped pants made, so that Billy could dress like a Methodist preacher did then. The services were held on Saturday in the late afternoon. Eventually, adults started to attend, even to include the ministers of local churches. Wikipedia states, William graduated from the University of Georgia in Athens in 1937, and from Yale Divinity School, New Haven, Connecticut in He earned his Ph.D. degree from Yale University in When Billy was ordained into full connection in the conference, during the conference in November 1942, his sponsoring elders were District Superintendent, Rev. C.M. Lipham, and Rev. L.M. Twiggs. Both had been pastors at Dalton First in the early part of his seminary days. He credits both with giving him much support and counsel at that time. The newly minted preacher was then assigned as pastor to Allen Memorial Methodist Church in Oxford, Georgia. Emory University had started there in 1836, then moved to Atlanta. Though Emory had moved, almost 1000 people, mostly Methodist, still lived in Oxford. It retained the Junior College and Academy; this church was considered a step toward larger churches. Bishop Cannon, elected in 1968, was highly influential in the Council of 51

53 Bishops of the U.M. Church. For example, he delivered the Episcopal Address at the 1984 General Conference; the highest honor conferred on a Bishop by his/her Episcopal colleagues. As a Bishop, Cannon stressed Christian education and evangelism, and was known for his classically orthodox, Wesleyan positions. As a Bishop he was assigned, successively, to the Raleigh Episcopal Area ( ), the Richmond Area ( ), the Atlanta Area ( ), and the Raleigh Area again ( ). Bishop Cannon also served as a member of the Board of Trustees at Emory, Asbury College, and Duke University. He was a member of the Executive Committee of the World Methodist Council for a time. Cannon Chapel at Emory is named in his honor. He retired to Georgia in 1984, becoming Bishop-in-Residence at the Northside U.M.C. in Atlanta. In 1994 he was one of the principal founders of The Confessing Movement of the U.M. Church. This movement focused on the Church's mission to "retrieve its classical doctrinal identity, and to live it out as Disciples of Christ." Bishop Cannon died in 1997 at the Crawford Long Hospital in Atlanta. He is buried in West Hill Cemetery in Dalton. His grave is about 100 yards north of that of Rev. Levi Brotherton. 52

54 Chapter Ten-- Music Hath Charms The earliest records do not mention music at Dalton First UMC. However, it is probable that music played a vital part in the services. After all, Charles Wesley, younger brother of John, wrote or published several thousand hymns. Many had the tune of English tavern songs, with religious words and messages for lyrics. Some anecdotal references to Circuit Riders being good singers have been found. These roots indicate that the preacher would lead some sort of congregational singing. Possibly a church member with some musical ability might serve this function. Also, typical frontier musical instruments such as the guitar, violin (fiddle as far as the author is concerned) and harmonica might have been available. The earliest specific reference to music is in the 1874 North Georgia Citizen, writing that an organ had been installed. In all likelihood there was a choir of some sort, as money would hardly be spent otherwise. Owen next tells us that a new Allen Organ was installed in Then Director of Music Orvil Moffitt praised its great tone and contrast in quality. He was quoted, sounds are dedicated to inspiring worship to a closer experience with God. No organ is greater than the dedicated artist at the console. He hit this squarely, as Mrs. J.K. (Donna Jean) Bassett served Dalton First UMC for 25 years, 1954 to Concluding his comments, As you listen in worship, I am certain you will give thanks for the musical artistry of Mrs. Bassett. Thanking the congregation for this praise, her next words Now let s work to getting a pipe organ. That we did. The Moffitts left Dalton First in 1968, having served here for 20 years. His son, Mike, would take over the Music Directorship later. In 1972, a set of 25 English handbells was donated in memory of Thomas Henry McMillan by his widow, Mrs. Reba Williams. Forty two 53

55 plus years later, they still sound wonderfully. The church was able to expand the music program with handbell choirs of all ages. Mike Moffitt became Director of Music on July 1, He had received a bachelor s degree from Middle Tennessee State University and the masters from LSU. He remained with us until July 1, 1982, when he resigned to move to Athens First United Methodist. Gay Rice is a member of the choir and a participant in the youth choir during the late seventies, under the supervision of Mike Moffitt. She grew up in Dalton First, leaving town for college but returning. Asked about the major achievements in the 1990s, Gay quickly mentioned the hiring of Peter Infanger in Although the church had good choir masters previously, Gay feels that Peter has taken it to a new level. New programs have been added, such as youth choirs of different ages, handbells, etc. While the music program formerly had been the Sunday morning choir, since 1992 it has been established as a worship leader, with emphasis on planning and community outreach. Most notable of the latter are the annual Smiley Gregg Concerts, Sounds of Joy, and special musical programs for the contemporary Sunday worship program. The church now has Day Care Kids Choir, other choirs for children, handbells, and Orfestra, an orchestra for children. Laura Orr is another choir member who has been active in various church activities. She grew up in Dalton First, having been baptized as an infant in the early sixties. When asked if she had formal voice training, she replied no. She grew up singing in the church, and participated in the youth music program. For one with no formal training in music, she fools the author each time she performs a solo! Like so many other choir members, she is an 54

56 amateur musician in name only. Brad Cline is also a member of the Choir. He has performed solos, and in duets with Laura Orr. This duet could easily turn professional. Brad told me that he had had training by professionals, but has never made his living with his music. Brad joined Dalton First as an adult, coming from another denomination. He cited the outreach from the music and youth programs as driving forces for the move. The youth program developed by Charles Reel served as a magnet. Asked about the most significant development in the eighties, he pointed to the congregational growth. He also credited the addition of more programs, and specifically the 8:30 Sunday service. In that decade, the staff driven ideas gave a sense of purpose, leading to an explosion in membership. Moving into the nineties, Cline also cited the expansion of the Church campus. This gave the congregation room to house any programs desired, and to add full day child care service to its menu of community outreach. He commented that now, it is hard to believe that we lacked this just a few years ago. The expansion of missions and evangelical programs were listed as highlighting the past ten years. For the future, we need to plan for 25 years downstream, not just 5 years, Cline added. The Director of Music and Adult Ministries/Organist, Infanger is the son of a Methodist minister in New Jersey. He came to Dalton by way of Cincinnati and Mississippi. He joined the staff on October 1, Peter s primary responsibilities were music leadership for all ages, especially as related to traditional--or sanctuary--worship services. He stated that this includes the graded choir programs for the children and 55

57 youth program including vocal and instrumental components. The adult music program and opportunities for handbell ringers is included. His other hat, Director of Adult Ministries, included the development of an overall education program for adults and the coordination of Bible and other study programs. The various programs during the school year, ranging from the study of military history to cooking classes, fell in this area. Asked how he bridged the gap between music and adult education, he said that he and his wife had three children in college simultaneously for about a year and a half. Rather than lose this very talented person, the Staff Parish Relations Committee created additional responsibilities with appropriate salary. This was a win-win situation for both. Also available for adults are disciple bible study classes, and other classes led by lay people. A passion of Peter s is youth music. This starts with the third grade, and goes up through high school. Some products from these programs go on to adult music programs at Dalton First UMC or possibly at other churches where relocation may take them. A number of participants in adult programs, he said, may have had music programs in school. Now, school music education is very limited. The varied programs through the church often take the place of that once in the schools. Asked about changes he has seen, he told the author that when he came for an interview in the summer of 1992, Hurricane Andrew had just hit Florida. He saw a large tractor trailer in the parking lot. People from throughout the community were bringing relief supplies. This told him, he said, that this church is mission oriented. Subsequently Dalton First UMC has become more mission oriented. The scope of the mind-set has grown globally. We have become involved with the Mission Society and others. Also, we have become more 56

58 involved in local missions such as Friendship House and DOC-UP. Further, there is a strong involvement in Family Promise, which helps homeless families get back into more permanent housing. Asked how these changes affected his job, he indicated that there may not have been a direct effect. However, as people get more involved in missions efforts, they tend to become more involved in learning efforts offered by the Church. Infanger resigned at the end of 2012 to accept a position in Mississippi, where his wife s elderly parents live. A nationwide search was conducted by a committee headed by Bill Forthman. This resulted in the hiring of Justin Maxey, who came aboard on October 1, 2013, as the Director of Music Ministries and Organist. A native of Winder, Georgia, Maxey is a graduate of Shorter College in Rome, Georgia. While there, he was the accompanist for the world renowned Shorter College Chorale. He received the Bachelor of Music in Organ Performance in His education there included minors in piano and voice. Following Shorter, he entered the renowned Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York, working toward a degree of Master of Music in Organ Performance and Literature. Maxey s background also included practical experience in church music. He began playing at his church in Winder, First Christian Church Disciples of Christ while in high school. He accompanied their choir on both piano and organ. No stranger to Dalton, Justin was Organist at First Presbyterian Church in 2009 and Years ago, the congregation was apparently listening to the words of Donna Jean Bassett about a pipe organ. On January 7, 1982 it was announced that the new organ would arrive the next month. 57

59 Construction for the organ s installation commenced, and it was dedicated on May 9 th,, Built by the Austin Organ Company of Buffalo, New York, approximately 90 percent of it was hand built. Cost then was $160, The organ is essentially built into the building s structure, as are most mechanical systems. The organ s console (what the audience sees being played) is on the main floor. The pipes are on the second. The word portable is not applicable! Robert MacDonald, Organist/Choirmaster of the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Newark was featured in concert the evening of the dedication. Donna Jean Bassett had the honor of playing for the morning worship service. The Chimes of May 13 th called it the best in organ music. The program for the consecration recital for the Austin Organ showed that MacDonald earned degrees in organ performance from Boston University s School of Fine Arts and the New England Conservatory of Music. Degrees also included the Associate degree from the American Guild of Organists. Some of the selections on the program included Praise to The Lord, The Almighty, by Max Drischner; Passacaglia and Fugue in C Minor by Bach; and Choral in A Minor by Bach. The organ, and its cousin, the piano, however, are not the only musical instruments used in Dalton First UMC services. With the advent of contemporary worship, electric guitars, drums, and keyboard became featured. Reverend Kenny Ott, Outreach Pastor, described music at the contemporary service as the style of music heard on the radio. The lyrics come from scripture, and are often re-arrangements of old hymns. The music is designed to reach the present generation. Shades of Charles Wesley! To emphasize that nothing is new, Kenny said that many of Charles Wesley s compositions used tunes from English drinking songs heard in pubs. The words, though, were religious. When pubs would close, and 58

60 the patrons go into the streets, they would hear familiar tunes coming from a street revival meeting. Drawn there by the music, they would be exposed to God s word. 59

61 Chapter Eleven ---Extending a Hand Reverend Kenny Ott came to Dalton First in 2011 as Associate Pastor. His title was subsequently changed to Outreach Pastor, as that more truly reflected his duties. It also shows the community that we practice what we preach. Kenny defined Outreach as combining the understandings of evangelism, missions, and discipleship. This means meeting the people where they are, in their place of need, and sharing the love of Christ in tangible ways. This was in practice years ago, though maybe not with the same name. It would probably date to the earliest days, but the earliest record found is from a scant sixty plus years ago. Social concerns are a long time concern of Dalton First. White Christmas boxes had been given to the poor years earlier. The author remembers as a small child seeing the men of the church bring in fifty pound bags of flour, usually over their shoulder, and taking them to the altar of the King Street building. Women and children would bring other, smaller items to go into the baskets. These also would be left at the altar One year, someone mentioned that a warm blanket would be a most helpful addition to the boxes. Yes, north Georgia has its share of cold, wet, freezing nights when a warm blanket is most helpful. Describing the earliest days of his assignment from 1966 to 1972, Bob Bridges said that he did not have any previous experience with a large church, and was absolutely terrified. His Associate, Renfroe Watson, was in the 18 th month of a planned two year assignment. Bridges talked him into staying for another year, and that Watson taught him how to pastor a great church. Any success was due to Renfroe Watson, he pointed out, adding he helped me find my way. The congregation, by the way, rolled out the red carpet for the Bridges. Bridges told the author he had no specific programs planned in advance 60

62 of his assignment. He listened to the congregation to determine needs, and helped the members fill these. Pastoral care, he said, had always been the thrust of his ministry. A pastor earns the right to preach to them on Sunday by the way he treats members during the week, he emphasized. Elaborating, he mentioned that one thing which troubled him was that people are largely left alone in the grief process. They may be well attended to from the time a death is known, throughout the funeral, and possibly a few days after. Then, we get back to our normal lives: our jobs, family, school, and the like. The bereaved are left alone for the most part. It takes a good year, possibly more, to get beyond the death. People who genuinely care are really needed at such times. The kindergarten also grew during Bridges tenure. Under the direction and teaching of Clyde Ellen Hubbs, it grew from three to five classes in two years. In people terms, from classes with a maximum of 20, children receiving service went from 60 to 100. Those helping with this included Libby Jordan, Ruby Herring, Virginia Abernathy, and Betty Ann Kennemer. They cared for the children so well, that parents often became involved with the church. Trustees in 1971 were Doug Kersh, President; Clifford Hale, Vice President; and Dean Smith, Secretary. They led the Board to set out the following goals: Find new ways to minister to community. Find new ways to minister to youth and involve youth. Develop adequate program of leisure time ministries, and improve human relations in the community. Also listed were improving the quality of Christian Education in Church School, and endeavor to implement 6 priority issues that had been adopted by program council for local programming. The report went on to say full membership increased from 1525 to 1585 from the previous year. 61

63 Visitation even then was recognized as the lifeline of the church. In addition to regular pastoral calling, three groups visited regularly. They were first, the Visitation Committee which was concerned mainly with evangelism and new members. Second was the Pastoral Care Committee, which was a small, specially trained group which ministered regularly to shut-ins and those with special needs. Over 200 visits were made that year. Third was the Volunteer Visitors. These visited with elderly welfare recipients who were lonely and alone. Our people gave the message that the church cared for them. A full enrichment program was started. It is very similar to the Wonderful Wednesdays offered today. There were graded classes for the children while adults could choose from The Sermon on the Mount, Mission Study, Man Media and Messages, Study of Methodist Beliefs and Study of Social Beliefs and Problems of the Community. A whole new concept, Developing Leisure Time Programs surfaced. Since people were now having more leisure time than at any time in history, it became obvious that the Church must help people to use this time well. The theory that what happens to the person in the activity is the important thing emerged. Seven interest groups for a variety of arts and crafts evolved. For youth, a coffee house on Friday nights premiered. Called The Stage and held in the Fellowship Hall (long before Famber Hall was built) it was an immediate success. Local talent was used for music, and teens were able to have entertainment in a Christian atmosphere. All programs were ecumenical. Persons from other denominations and churches participated. Dalton First had a program at Crown School (near the intersection of Trammell Street and North Thornton Avenue) during the summers. Offered on the school playground, some 85 poor children received free 62

64 breakfast provided by the Women s Society for Christian Service (WSCS). That group and the Cannon Sunday School Class also contributed $3, yearly to Friendship House. There was also a child development program for 25 children from poor families. They received week day and Christian education and lunch. On the surface, one might think that there are two Sunday morning churches: one contemporary, one traditional. Nothing could be further from the truth. True, there are differences in the type of music sung and played. There are also subtleties of difference in the orders of worship. When it comes time for the sermon, though, the two become one. The sermon differences are in manner and style of the two separate pastors. Style varies, while substance is constant. If proof is in the pudding, have a small taste. Formerly called Remix, changed to Rise Dalton on January 1, 2014, contemporary showed a gain of 60% in attendance in the time since Ott s assignment here. Ten to fifteen percent were new people. Rise Dalton takes its name from Ephesians 5:14,.for it is light that makes everything visible. That is why it is said wake up O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you. This new name reflects the mindset, the philosophy, of the church. It also recognizes that the congregation is a different group of people, and how we can connect them and God together. The music is designed to sound familiar, whether on an I-Pod or cell phone or other electronic device. Lyrics may vary, but the music stays the same style. After all, many works of Charles Wesley praised God to the tune of an English beer drinking song. The music got the listeners attention, so that he or she could hear God s message. Kenny pointed out that Christian churches are growing by leaps and bounds except in the U.S. and Europe. That is attributed by many to a 63

65 growing distrust of institutions, whether church, government or businesses. These people may be spiritual, just not church people. For them, the front door to the church is the community, not the big wide double doors between the columns at 500 South Thornton Avenue. This was evident as early as Associate Pastor Brian E. Clark reported that he preaches at contemporary Sunday service where attendance has grown from about 40 to approximately 130. That, he said, provides a viable worship option for the un-churched and members of Dalton First UMC. Many in the community are attracted to this type of service. It offers a setting that is inviting and non-threatening, said Senior Pastor Al Turnell, and moved us in a new direction. There is much appeal to younger people and their families, as well as a point of entry for new marginally active and inactive persons. Joe Peabody was asked about the things which stood out in his last assignment here. He noted that the whole concept of contemporary worship service had come to life. The church leadership had become convinced that we must minister via a contemporary service now if we want to minister to the next generation. Due to the technical facilities available, the plan was to have services by the pastor, one live and one on a video feed. In practice, Associate Pastor Billy Beard preached the 11:00 contemporary service, while Peabody preached the traditional. Outreach, however, is nothing new to Methodism. The early ministers sent by John Wesley were an outreach to a new continent. The circuit riders, personified by Francis Asbury, had to be going to the community, as there was usually no church, much less a church door. When Edward White offered to build a community church, Levi Brotherton had been in the area working with the Moravians at their mission to the Cherokees. That was outreach. The growth of membership under his watch, resulting in a growth sufficient to justify construction of the first Dalton First UMC, had to be outreach to some degree. 64

66 In later times, outreach took many forms, formal and informal. Outreach may not have been the original intent in some areas but resulted never the less. One of the most significant is the day care program, in operation since While the church had had a kindergarten since the 1950s, the addition provided the current space. Now, Dalton First UMC can offer day care from six weeks of age. This program is open to the community, not just church members. The day care facility is not a warehouse for children while parents work. Linda Fitzgerald, Daycare Director of Dalton First UMC, came aboard on January 3, She is responsible for overseeing the program and all that is involved in its ministry to children and their families. Children range in age from 6 weeks to 5 years. The number enrolled is 76, the maximum permitted by State law. Linda said that they could easily accommodate the demand for two more centers if resources and space were available. In other words, only about a third of those interested can be served. All lead teachers are required to have a credential called a Child Development Associate. Its requirements include 120 hours of early childcare training in ten different, but related, child care areas. This is required by the State licensing agency. Our requirements, according to Linda, include 10 hours annually to keep updated on curriculum and new state requirements. A high school education is a basic requirement for all day care faculties. Something which might be overlooked in making a list of outreach subjects would be basketball. One of the key elements in Dalton First UMC s outreach is the gymnasium. Basketball as a sport has large interest in the community in general. Thus it plays a great part in church outreach. Of the number participating, only about 10% are members of 65

67 Dalton First UMC. For many this is the only time they enter a church. The same applies to parents and others who are spectators. Older children are on teams which play in organized leagues. Susie Brown joined the staff in 1994 as Recreation Director. She had previously worked for the City of Dalton in the recreation field. Older members are not neglected in recreation either. There is an active shuffleboard league for seniors, and various health and exercise programs throughout the year. The modern gymnasium has a full size basketball court, which is large enough to have two volleyball courts. The gym also is fully stocked with equipment such as balance beams, free weights, and exercise cycles. While many may not think of it as part of outreach, visitation, especially to the sick and old, has always been outreach to members. It may be one of the oldest forms of outreach, since the preacher was there when Uncle John died. There is no statistic showing how many members came back to the church after such a visit, nor how many brand new members resulted. Reverend James Hughes, one of the author s good buddies, served as Visiting Pastor since coming to Dalton in He retired in December That followed his retirement as a full time ordained Methodist pastor in the South Georgia Conference. Asked what Visiting Pastor duties entailed, he said that it involves hospital visitation, as well as to nursing home and extended care facilities. His ministry was to senior citizens. Often, he said, many of these have drifted into a part of their lives where they can t provide their own care. They have to rely on a care giver, such as a family member or professional health care attendant. Visiting them is one of the most heartwarming, useful and worthwhile things we can do, he added. 66

68 Since coming here, the Church has lost a lot of those to whom he ministered, a lot more than anticipated when taking over pastoral care. A retired Army aviator, he claimed not to be a hero, (the author, having seen his medals, knows better) surviving two combat tours in Vietnam. When nearing the end of his 26 year military career he was called by the Lord to be a minister. In fact, as he told the story, he came home from a night mission at Fort Rucker. After going to bed, he heard his name being called. Thinking it was his wife, he looked but she was asleep. This was repeated two more times. James then got up, went to the living room, saying Lord, are you trying to talk to me? The Lord replied, Yes, you are a little slow. After that he and the Lord had a four hour 15 minute conversation. The Lord wanted him to go into the ministry, the Methodist in particular, even though he had been raised a Baptist. The Lord told James that He would take care of everything. The proof, Hughes said, is that he was an average college student. In seminary, with class mates half his age, he was an A student. The Hughes came to Dalton because of family members living here. At the time, Steve Lyles was the Senior Pastor. He talked with James about the visiting pastor position. At the time, Lyles was about to be transferred and Joe Peabody was being assigned to Dalton First UMC. When Peabody came aboard, he and Hughes discussed the Church s needs, and agreed for James to become the visiting pastor. The valiant warrior against Vietnamese communists and Satan took the final transfer so common to soldiers and preachers. On July 4, 2015 he accepted a permanent change of station to the Church Eternal. His Army combat was measured by statistics; 2, 100 plus combat hours, earning him 41 Air Medals (one medal for twenty-five combat missions.) His combat record against Satan has been kept by the Savior. A glimpse 67

69 could be guessed by the capacity crowd of almost 400 jamming his funeral service in Famber Hall on July 8 th. He now rests with the other Heroes at Arlington National Cemetery. Outreach can take many forms, and something seemingly small at the time can develop past the wildest dreams. The adage about the mighty oak from the small acorn is obvious. Mary Farley has been active in church affairs since moving here. She cited as significant outreach the Dalton Organization of Churches United for People (DOC-UP.) This is an umbrella organization of local churches which pool their financial resources to aid the poor through payment of rents, assistance with utilities, and other needs. This enables more efficient use of resources, as well as shuffling applicants from one place to another. Offices first were in the church building. They then moved to a Church owned duplex on Valley Drive. Cramped for space there, Doc Up moved on January 1, 2014, to a large office suite owned by Rockbridge Church at the corner of Hamilton and Gordon Suites. Old timers will recognize it as the old Crescent Theatre building. Practicing what she preaches, Mary volunteered at Doc-Up on a regular basis for 25 years. As Associate Pastor in 1969, Joe Peabody had sole responsibility for outreach. Part of his outreach was to talk with young married couples to determine their cares and concerns about the church. During one such conversation, Kyle Smith, a principal of an elementary school north of town, mentioned that a number of children were coming to school without breakfast. This was before the days of the breakfast in the schools Federal program. The young associate then spoke with a number of people, and it was decided to serve spaghetti dinners at $10.00 per plate. Cost being only $1.25 per plate, profits were used to start a breakfast program at Smith s school. After the Federal program started, the spaghetti dinners 68

70 continued, but profits were diverted to Friendship House. During a 2012 interview at his church in Marietta for this book, he asked how the call-in ministry was doing. The author told Joe that he is a recipient of this service, and that it does an excellent job. He was pleased that it works so well. It is simple, but solves a pressing need of seniors and their families. Two elderly women had been the cause of the program. One had been taking a shower on Saturday morning and fell. She could not get up or turn off the water, and lay there until her hair dresser came to her home when she did not keep her Monday morning appointment or call. The other walked into the sanctuary for the Sunday service and dropped dead of a heart attack. Had she been at home, this would have happened without anyone s knowledge. Administered by Lou Kirkman and Elaine Coleman, with the able assistance of Elizabeth King in the church office, members over age 70 living alone receive a daily telephone call. No answer to the call results in follow up calling and personal check up if needed. If the recipient is to be away from home, or is leaving the house earlier than normal, they only need to advise the office. Congregational Care soon came to fruition for him. During Peabody s first six weeks on the job as Senior Pastor in 2003, there were nine funerals. He told his staff that funerals are what we do.our business. A checklist of what to do was developed. A group was ready to respond with food for the family, and other related needs. Over one hundred women responded for the request for volunteers. The volunteers soon evolved into a Bereavement Committee, also cochaired by Elaine Coleman and Lou Kirkman. It organizes what was done for years by individuals. The committee has five bereavement teams, usually consisting of 17 or 69

71 18 members. They work on a rotational basis. When the church office, usually Teresa McGuire, hears of the death of a church member, or member s spouse or child, she calls the team leader. She gives them the information she has. Then the team leader contacts the family. After determining the family s desires and needs, the team leader advises that the church can provide a meal for up to 40 at the church or at home or a reception after the funeral with cookies and punch. Then, the team members roll up their sleeves to insure that all is done. Elaine said that when a funeral is out of town, the meal or reception is postponed until the family is ready. Reaction has been very positive and uplifting, Coleman said. In fact, people from other churches have commented very favorably. 70

72 Chapter Twelve ---Growing Pains Are Contagious The decision in the 1990s to add to the physical facilities was also praised by Mary Farley as a key to church growth. First, it enabled two services on Sunday. Second, more children became involved in Church activities through use of the gym and related basketball games. The added space also allowed the establishment and growth of the day care program. Both of these are open to all in the community. Also included in the addition was the fellowship hall, Famber Hall. It is now used for contemporary services. It can also be used for meetings, social functions and even wedding receptions or special events. The addition also included a relocated chapel. It had been on the main floor, the other front door, to the left of the main entrance. The space it formerly occupied is now used for Sunday School rooms. This renovation, according to Kal and Katherine Kelehear, opened up the church for a feeling of hospitality and expanded programs. This gives a more church family feeling. Pledges under Senior Pastor J.B. McNeil s leadership, were sufficient to fund all of the construction costs. There was no need for a second appeal. McNeil, probably the most Godly man I ever knew, according to Judge Vining, had the philosophy that you have to have the facilities in order to accommodate people. This philosophy, in turn, permeated the congregation. His tenure here was from 1990 to Also made possible by the addition was the columbarium in the north wall. Cremation of human remains was new to the community mind-set, and somewhat controversial due to that point. However, through the leadership of Libba Rice and Marshal Painter, the congregation became accustomed to the idea. Of the 126 niches built, only 18 are now available. An expansion is underway. With the dedication of the new church addition, Dalton First UMC now 71

73 enjoyed the tools for which McNeil and others had labored. One of the additions, Famber Hall, enabled the Church to start probably the greatest change in the decade, contemporary worship services. These were not embraced by all. When the Thornton Avenue church was being designed, thinking was that a sanctuary to seat 500 was adequate. In fact, that was a common theme in church architecture of the day. With the growth of the congregation, the sanctuary could not physically hold all members at one time. Even an 8:30 service for early risers would result in overflow crowds if all tried to get into the sanctuary together. Changing times and preferences affect all religious denominations, not just Methodism. Judge Vining pointed out that the basic truth about religion is our relationship with God, which never changes. Thus, the personal preferences of a large number of members resulted in the adoption of a contemporary service at 11:00 am on Sunday. Senior Pastor Robin Lindsey and Associate Kenny Ott plan the topic but develop sermons individually. On special occasions, the topic from the traditional service is fed electronically to the contemporary audience. State of the art video and audio devices are available. 72

74 Chapter Thirteen-- Overseas Missions Outreach in the form of missions also includes the traditional sending abroad. Specific examples are two mission trips: to Belize in 2010 and Nicaragua in The mission to Belize, the former British Honduras was in The later to Nicaragua lasted for a week in In the first, seven from Dalton First spent a week in a tropical climate in winter. The missionaries worked in a slum with some of the poorest, called The Burial Ground because one is only about 100 feet away. Literally built on a garbage dump, in a marshy bog, only about one foot of soil serves as cover. While digging a post hole for a porch footing, our man removed a foot of dirt, then a plastic bag full of rotting garbage, and then water. Missionaries included then Associate Pastor Billy Beard, Gene Tibbs, Jeff Tatum, Blake King, Chad Anderson, Zac Long and Phil Meyer. All paid their own expenses, although sometimes there is financial help available Beans, rice and flour, staples of the local diet, were bought in bulk locally, re-packaged into five pound bags, and distributed along with a Bible. Costing about $9.00 for a family, this would augment its diet for 2 or 3 days. Beard added that they bought 3,000 pounds of food for 60 cents per pound. While one group of missionaries was distributing food and bibles, the other half was helping with small individual projects. These included such things as small house repairs, and securing a good, working propane stove for a self-employed baker. He had been using a doorless stove in the house and a grate in the yard. This increased his productivity, and thus his income. Beard put the group together as a follow up to two previous trips. They, 73

75 in turn, were follow ups to previous trips by Gene Tibbs. The trip, like others, was a two way street. Blake King was helping build a porch one morning, and in a school sharing the gospel and handing out Bibles that afternoon. Asked if the trip affected him in any certain way, he replied Most definitely. Calling the entire trip a blessing, he said it was,.the most emotional and spiritually moving experience of my life after the birth of my children. It greatly strengthened my relationship with God and my family. It was evident that he received a great deal more than he gave, and was truly blessed. In 2012, a conventional medical mission was completed in Nicaragua. Did you know Dalton First UMC is active in foreign medical missionary work? Our medical missionaries, as well as construction missionaries, are simply following Christ s instructions in Matthew 28:19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. It s hard to understand preaching of the Gospel if you have two rotting molars. Also, when your children are covered with tropical fungi, it s hard to grasp that Jesus will come again at some future time. According to the leader of the 22 person team, Jim Davis, We are the circus come to town. The team s purpose is to empower the local church with the people. We don t care if they remember us, he continued, as long as they know that the local church brought them help. The team consisted of church members from all walks of life. These were physicians, dentists, nurses, retired business people (including a former Army medic,) educators, and a recent college graduate. Some naturally did their normal work duties. Others pitched in to assist the medical professionals, baby sit and read to children. At a recent interview with some of the team, Don Seay, a retired businessman, said that he acted as a dental assistant. Although he had 74

76 been a medic in the Army, he stated that dental work was new to him especially helping dentist Dr. Charlie Clark. Seay said they saw all sorts of dental problems such as gum diseases, rotting teeth, and cavities on the way to something worse. He got a real insight into what dental work was all about. Sandra Campbell is a retired medical assistant. Her job was to work on the triage desk. As people came in, she, Dallas Hair and Lauren Clark would interview them before referring to the appropriate medical personnel. Davis said that they had wanted to go deeper, not as wide, with this trip. That meant to go back again and again, possibly bring some of their people up here. Future teams would probably be a team of specialists, not a large team such as this one. For instance, Doctor Jim Hays, an Atlanta eye surgeon, wants to go back and train Nicaraguan surgeons in cataract surgery. In fact, he may be buying some equipment to put in place for local use. The team consisted of Jim Davis, team leader and his assistant, Doug Cabe. Physicians were John Church, Radiologist; Therese Church, Oncologist; Bill McDaniel; Charlie Clark, Dentist; Jim Gregory; Dane Gregory; Jim Hays. Others included Alex Burch III, Optician; Hannah Cabe and Linda White, RN and Sandra Campbell, Jim Clark, Lauren Clark, Hollis Gregory, Dallas Hair, Kenny Ott, Dalton First Outreach Pastor; Don Seay; Shirley Siegle, and Ann Warren. 75

77 Chapter Fourteen--Missions Down The Street Outreach often occurs in seemingly small ways. Some of these actions are known only to a handful actively engaged for a day or so. Such might be found with The Ramp Builders. Never heard of them? Normally they are the United Methodist Men s Club of Dalton First. On some weekends, they roll up their sleeves, get their tools, and build a wheel chair ramp and other small items for those in need. The customers are elderly, disabled, or poor who can t afford to have this work done to their homes. One recent project was a lady we will call Mary. She had a terminal illness, and was a single parent of a teen age daughter with mental health issues. Mary s illness required getting her to treatment at a clinic on a regular basis. In a wheel chair, Mary had to be carried down some steps to a car. Though sympathetic to her problem, her landlord could not afford to renovate her home. The Ramp Builders heard of Mary s plight. A group of workers was put together; the hat was passed among the club members, and the problem solved. Though Mary is now deceased, she was able to use her ramp for simple pleasures, like going outside for some fresh air and sunshine, in addition to clinic trips. A men s club existed in the past. First mention of the Men s Club is from 1962, found in a report by Associate Pastor Frank Dorris. The first meeting was scheduled for February 27, 1962, and subsequent meetings on the 4 th Tuesday monthly. The present version was organized in 2003 when Charles Miller, a church member, saw the need for a club. His efforts in talking with other Methodist men led to the club s formation. In the years since, the men have been involved in numerous construction and landscaping projects in the local area. These have been simple things such as a ramp, to relatively major projects such as flooring and plumbing repair in bathrooms, routine perhaps for most of us, major 76

78 milestones for those in need. Big projects have included work on two Habitat for Humanity houses, and the April 2011 tornado in Catoosa County. The club funds its projects through two annual events. One is a barbeque in the fall, usually timed to coincide with a Dalton High School football game. After all, this is the South, and Friday night, football and barbeque are a perfect trio. The other funding source is a citrus fruit sale before Christmas. Some of the proceeds from these sales have gone to the Mountain Top Boys Home in Sugar Valley, Georgia. There, boys are sent from North Georgia counties by the Georgia Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS) and the Juvenile Justice System. The boys are between the ages of and are all able to attend local schools. Other local groups have also received donations from time to time. The club does retain some of the profits, in order to assist with special, one time projects. While the men were busy building ramps and small carpentry projects, the women of Dalton First UMC were not sitting at home. In fact, they were involved in community projects even though not working outside the home. Possibly they were just better record keepers than the men. Thanks in large part to the efforts of Tut McFarland, we have some idea of women s activities at the church. According to her, they were not officially organized until 1878, but were very busy in small groups. These were often Sunday School classes and mission units. The earliest of these to be recognized was the Women s Foreign Missionary Society, whose first President was Mrs. L.D. Palmer. An early history, 1927, by Miss Laura Denton states In the year 1878, on a Sabbath afternoon a band of women met in the home of Mrs. L.D. Palmer and were organized into a Foreign Missionary Society under the supervision of Mrs. W.F. Lovejoy and Mrs. Juliana Hayes. 77

79 McFarland continues, Mrs. Palmer was chosen President and the following women were present: Mrs. C.D. McCutcheon, Mrs. L.N. Trammell Sr., Mrs. Joe Hamilton, Mrs. Z.E.C. Denton, Mrs. Robert Rushton, Miss Anna Sims, Miss Cornelia Denton, Miss Laura Denton, and Mrs. Vic Hammond. Miss Denton said that Mrs. Hammond was most faithful in collecting funds, and drove a horse and buggy in making her rounds. One nameless member supposedly said If there is anything I hate to see coming it is that old missionary cart. Perhaps more Mrs. Hammonds could be used today. The Dalton Argus of 1900 covered many Home Mission Society events. These ranged from a five day district meeting here, to a short item about a musical. It is worth quoting in its entirety. The ladies of The First Methodist Church have arranged a fine musical to take place Friday night at the home of F.T. Hardwick. Mr. Herbert Johnson will operate his fine Edison phonograph. A small fee of 20 cents will be charged with proceeds to go to the District Parsonage. We assume twenty cents purchased a lot more in those days. The Methodist Episcopal Church, South; the Methodist Episcopal Church; and the Methodist Protestant Church were united in McFarland tells us that the Women s Society of Christian Service formed the next year, and about the same time the Wesleyan Services Guild formed. It met at night to accommodate those with day time employment outside the house. In 1948, it purchased a chimes unit amplifying system for playing sacred music from the steeple. The same equipment, she added, was used by the Glenn Memorial Church at Emory University. They were dedicated to Miss Mattie Lee Huff on July 3 rd, A long time church member, she had been teacher of the Good Will Sunday School Class as well as a math teacher at Dalton High School. A mission need not come from a conference, a committee or public 78

80 outcry. It can commence with a simple idea by one person. Take, for instance, that of Mrs. J.S. Strozier. In 1957, Mrs. Strozier was the visiting teacher for Dalton Public Schools. Her job involved going into the homes of students having problems of one sort or another. She became quite concerned with the squalid living conditions in the Happy Top section. It was located in the area approximately from Ridge Street west to Dalton High School and north to about the Creative Arts Guild. With the help of her daughter Jane (Pleas) Smith, friends, and the backing of Church Women United, the group secured the use of a small abandoned church, originally built as a chapel, by First Presbyterian Church. The location was just behind the Creative Arts Guild. In disrepair, the ladies generated sufficient interest for the community to rehabilitate the building. It kicked off operations in September 1958 as a kindergarten and neighborhood center. Church Women United also operated a thrift store. This germ of an idea has grown into a modern facility on South Hamilton Street. It offers pre-school and after school child care in a loving, caring environment. Friendship House was, for many years, the chief project of the Cannon Sunday School Class, under the direction of its long time teacher, Olivia Gaines. Their members, in the main, were members of the United Methodist Women. A spaghetti supper each year provided some of Friendship House s operating funds. Tut McFarland also pointed out another mission which mushroomed past church capabilities. Of great significance was a meeting in the midnineties to discuss the growing need for adult day care. A committee formed from this meeting, headed by Associate Pastor Chip Wilson. There were representatives from other local churches, the North Georgia Conference, and Wesley Woods. 79

81 The final result was that the Church could not afford the cost of the facility which would be needed. Hamilton Medical Center then stepped in, taking over the project. They equipped and staffed a house on Ross drive, near the hospital. Starting with only a few clients, the facility quickly outgrew the house, and a state of the art facility was built. In January 2010, all moved to the modern Ross Woods facility. Although not formally part of the Church, many members remain actively involved on the Ross Woods Board. This shows what can be done when no one is concerned with getting the credit. DOC UP, an acronym for Dalton Organization of Churches United for People, provides great assistance to those in need. Churches have been helping the needy since Christ walked among us. Second only to His message of salvation was that the poor will be with us always. This is made clear in Matthew, Chapter 6:2, when He tells us not to make gifts as do the Pharisees. In Chapter 19:21, He tells the rich young man to go sell all his goods and give to the poor. DOC UP had its initial beginnings in A small group met January 28 at St. Josephs Catholic Church to talk about the increasing numbers of people going to many churches seeking assistance. In fact, it was noted that some made the rounds of all in the downtown area. Some, they found out, were doing this on a regular basis to supplement or substitute for wages. Attending this first meeting were Rev. Joel Mason, St. Mark s Episcopal; Teresa McGuire, Dalton First United Methodist; Mike LaChappelle, United Methodist Children s Home, Regional Office; Nancy Hyatt, First Presbyterian; Barbara Roy, Marian Hudgins, and Sister Irene, St. Joseph s Catholic and A.W. Smith, Central Church of Christ. Monthly meetings followed, and soon Rev. Lloyd Tripp from First Baptist and Rev. Tom Davis from Dalton First United Methodist joined. 80

82 The group, and others who later joined, agreed on the name and adopted a statement of purpose in June of that year. Guidelines, bylaws and other needed items for operation soon followed. Space was provided in a room at Dalton First UMC. The first client was interviewed by Teresa McGuire in September A second room in the Methodist church building was subsequently used, and as more space became needed, half of a duplex owned by Dalton First UMC on Valley Drive became the office space. DOC UP consolidates the efforts of many churches and Sunday School classes. It reduces stress for applicants as well. Rather than a large number of churches doling out limited resources, and taking valuable time away from clergy and staff, DOC UP is doing that work. With central record keeping, the problem of making the rounds is eliminated. Also, clients are advised that DOC UP is a temporary solution to their particular problem. They may be served only once within a twelve month period, and three times in a life time. The assistance being given is not cash, but a voucher: utility bills and rents are in fact paid to the creditor. The utility companies, and most landlords, are familiar with the organization. They are usually willing to cooperate and accept its vouchers. In fact, a number of referrals come from them. Ginny Ireland, Former Executive Director of DOC- UP gave this information as to the group s success. From DOC-UP brought in $2,788, and assisted 33,856 families in Dalton and Whitfield County. That s pretty good for a group which got started in a small Sunday School room. In the early 2000s, Dalton First joined with other area Methodist Churches to sponsor a Hispanic Church. Approved by the Conference. The group met in the chapel. In January 2005, the Church Council endorsed the appointment of the 81

83 Reverend Homero Santos as an Assistant Pastor, with a specific responsibility of developing a Hispanic congregation at the former Union Point United Methodist Church in Dalton. The name, Templo Cristo Vive, was used. The weekly services normally averaged 25 to 35, per reports. The congregation was also active in counseling family problems; conflict resolution and referrals as needed for professional help. Templo Cristo Vive followed the calendar and discipline of the United Methodist Church. Again, according to charge conference reports, they had summer programs such as vacation bible school and summer camp for Hispanic children. According to Teresa McGuire, Dalton First s Facilities Manager, the church never took off. She attributed this to internal problems and the old Union Point building s need for repairs. Per James Hughes, then Minister for Pastoral Care, the sponsorship agreement ended in the summer of In August 2008, the Church Council unanimously adopted a proposal to become a host for the Family Promise program. Dalton First UMC, along with other local churches, sponsors a homeless family. Once, approximately every 13 weeks, a family is assisted with food and housing. As befits a flagship, Dalton First UMC was one of the first local churches to participate. The first guests were welcomed on February 1, Family Promises is a national organization, according to Teresa Boozer. It was founded in New Jersey in 1989, and now has 182 affiliates. Each affiliate is an independent network of churches which have banded together to serve homeless families with children. Also, Boozer said, it gives the local congregation the opportunity to serve the needy. In addition to the night time shelter and hot meal, families may use the center as a home base during the day. 82

84 Boozer said the success rate is 84%. That is based on the number of families graduating from the program with income and stable housing. Locally, 17 families have been hosted by Dalton First UMC of the total 37 hosted. When it is the church s week to be a host, a Sunday School class room is used. A volunteer remove the class furniture, and replaces it with household furnishings. The local Family Promise chapter brings cots belonging to the family, and the church provides the bedding. Other volunteers provide a hot meal, usually prepared at home, for the size of the guest family. Some volunteer stays over night to assist as needed, while others may help with children s homework. The overall goal is to provide food, shelter and nurture in a kind and loving way. Boozer added that in the first family to be hosted, both parents found work and established permanent housing. They joined one of the sponsoring churches, and are its Family Promises coordinators. Another success story Boozer mentioned was a young single mother and her child. With Family Promise help, she found a job, then an apartment, and bought a car. More importantly, she was able to reconcile with her family and relocated out of state. This, then, is not giving a person a fish, but helping teach them how to fish. Missions don t have to go overseas, or even down the street. In fact, they don t have to be composed of adults with special training and skills. The Dalton Whitfield Community Development Corporation receives government grants for emergency home repairs. However, these are for material costs with CDC relying upon volunteer labor. Backlog for these projects is large, as funding is short of demand. Enter the Dalton Area Project of Dalton First UMC. DAP is a youth led mission supported by adults. Its purpose is to help poor, disabled and elderly local home owners who are unable to maintain their homes. Young people lacking the skills to do major 83

85 projects can handle many lesser tasks. Contractors or very handy repairmen like The Ramp Builders, evaluate the problem referred by CDC to develop a solution. They then develop a plan and material list. Then adults can show students how to use tools properly for a task, then supervise them in actual work performance. DAP started locally in 2013 with five houses. Led by Director of Youth Ministries Nate Juvinall, plus two guests of his from Atlanta, youth from Dalton First became local missionaries. Juvinall had done similar projects in Atlanta for 11 years, so had valuable experience for this project. The youth camped and ate in the church. There were religious services as well as missionary work. This consisted of minor construction projects. This could have been painting, mending a floor, and yard work. Quality of life improvements can be done by youth. Ramp builder Johnny Davis told of one young man, about 13 years old, who had never driven a nail. Davis said he did not know that the youth had no idea of what was expected when asked to nail something. He literally did not know how to drive a nail. After a short demonstration, Davis said the young man was driving nails with the best of them. Another of Davis prodigies, a young girl, showed an interest in using a nail gun. With some assistance, she soon became quite adept as a nail driver. While some light building experience should serve the youth well in adult years, the impact of serving Christ is immediate. During the various worship services in the mission, many gave positive testimony. Further, five families had an immediate solution to a problem for which they could not physically solve nor pay. This caused a positive, ripple effect among their peers about Christ and Dalton First UMC. 84

86 Chapter Fifteen-- Cadets As Future Officers and Leaders Though not an official training program for future church officers and leaders, it is axiomatic that many of our leaders were Boy Scouts in their youth. Some were scouts here, others in another location whose careers brought them here; and, some formerly scouts here are now leaders in other areas. The program is what has helped make the leaders. In 1941, William Biggers brought the idea of a Boy Scout troop to the Board of Stewards, and requested that a troop be established. A committee consisting of W.C. Martin, Tom Lambert and S.J. Head was appointed by Trustee Chairman John Neal to study the proposal. They liked the idea, reporting back to the Board, which concurred. Troop 60 was chartered on June 21, 1941, with Jimmy Dawson as Scoutmaster. Following Dawson, who served from , Scoutmasters were Devine S. Hubbs, ; Jack Kenemer, ; Frank Means, ; and William E. Jennings, Then came Otis McIntosh, ; Robert Hilliard, ; and Stanley Carlson, Also David Perry, ; J. Ross Adams, ; Curt Adams, ; David Day, ; J. Eddie Miller, and Kevin Wright, Currently, Phillip Crocker served as Scout Master from ; Chris Day, ; Ira Grimes, ; and Andrew Carlson, 2009 until the present. These men also included a father and son, Stanley and Andrew Carlson. These 18 men have seen almost 150 young men reach the rank of Eagle Scout, a Scout s ultimate goal. Joe Biggers was the first member of Troop 60 to reach the goal. He was so honored on January 13, A long line of young men followed him in meeting the requirements. The most recent seems to have been Hank Henson on July 14, Chartering the troop has been mutually beneficial. Young boys have 85

87 entered, attracted by high morally minded men. They have learned valuable life lessons in addition to the normal scout related outdoors skills. For some, the man can be taken out of the Boy Scouts. For others, the Boy Scouts can t be taken out of the man. The former have turned 18, the maximum age for Scouts, graduated high school, and left home. The Boy Scouts are just fond memories of youth. The latter group, though grown and in a career, have maintained service to scouting. Some of these are adults who have performed community service to a local scouting council. They may be presented with the Silver Beaver Award. It is given to those who do not seek it, and who have demonstrated hard work, self-sacrifice and dedication. Created in 1931, over 50,000 have been presented. According to the Northwest Georgia Council, Boy Scouts of America, these current or former members of Dalton First UMC have been awarded the Silver Beaver. The men and the date honored are Devine S. Hubbs, 1946; Clay Kenemer, 1949; William P. Herring, 1959; Jack Kenemer, 1976; Willard E. Strain, 1978; John L. Bond and Carlton McCamy in 1979; Stanley E. Carlson, 1990; Robert S. Varner, 1992; Stuart McFarland, 1997; and Lowell Kirkman, Asked if the current infatuation with electronic games, telephone text messaging and video games are a conflict with scouting, both Carlsons said no. The major conflicts are other activities. Athletics, for those aspiring to a college scholarship, take up most of the year. The regular season, coupled with off season training, is a time killer. They added that a successful scout generally has a successful father in scouting. Parent involvement is a key. Andy pointed out that most of the members of Troop 60 come from the Dalton First UMC Cub Scouts. Fluctuations in BSA membership can be due to the fluctuations in Cub membership. He added that Kevin Wright 86

88 is re-starting Cub activity. Generally, however, 50% to 75% of Cub Scouts transition to the higher level. A list of all known Eagle Scouts from Troop 60 is Appendix 2. 87

89 Chapter Sixteen--Little Things (And Big Ones Too) Mean A Lot While all do not have the opportunity or ability to lead a large mission or develop an outreach program, many seemingly small parts become part of a significant whole. Take, for example, the chancel rail kneelers in the sanctuary before remodeling. Seemingly an insignificant hobby to the uninformed, needlepoint was crafted to the Glory of God in this beautiful art work. Jesus used many symbols; lilies of the valley, birds of the sky. He referred to himself as the Good Shepherd, True Vine, and Light of the World. The kneelers, dedicated on September 10, 1989, were the hand work of some dedicated ladies. According to the dedication ceremony program, the women put 1,498,862 stitches into the kneelers. Those participating were Sue Cochran and Joanne Fuller, Coordinators; and Polly Boggess, Ellen Boozer, Mary Ann Broadrick, Margaret Browne, Vickie Conger, Ruby Herring, Clyde Ellen Hubbs, Thelma Poehlman, Mae Sirmons, Arlene Varner and Sandra Wadsworth. The twelve apostles are represented in shields across the front. The four gospels are in the very center, while the two corners are framed by the two sacraments, baptism and communion. The far symbols on each side tell of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus as well as of the Trinity. The beautiful stained glass windows in the sanctuary and the chapel were donated by the V.D. Parrot family. Those in the sanctuary depict various Bible stories. Those in the chapel depict the risen Christ. They were donated as a statement of confidence in the church s continuing ministry to future generations. A brochure in the church safe states that more and more people have little or no exposure to the gospel or the Bible. Like Middle Ages 88

90 cathedral windows, this sanctuary spreads the glad tidings of God s love for His people. The chapel windows were donated and installed during its construction. The same sequence followed for the sanctuary windows. Shortly after the dedication of the sanctuary windows on November 27, 2005, an article in the Daily Citizen gave details. Heaven and Earth, said Senior Pastor Joe Peabody. I know more than a few who feel that way, he added, when sunlight shines through them. The designer was Rich Bushwell, of Lynchburg Stained Glass Company in Lynchburg, Virginia. The company also made and installed the windows. These replaced the original 1950s units. My idea of art, Peabody said, is you can look at it the first time, and the second time, and the third time, and the fourth time, and each time you find something new to focus on. The new windows in the sanctuary are the tallest at approximately fourteen feet each. Those leading up each stairwell to the balcony are some smaller. With Peabody s description, then, there is a lot upon which to focus. Since few people in the Middle Ages could read or write, stained glass windows in the cathedrals served as learning tools. So, too, do the windows at Dalton First UMC. Those on the south, or audience s left side, (from back of room forward) are David, Poet King of Israel; Moses and the Ten Commandments; Abraham preparing to sacrifice his son Issac; and Adam and Eve expelled from the Garden of Eden. Windows on the opposite side wall, (again from back to front) are Mary and Joseph, Jesus at the Temple, Sermon on the Mount, Crucifixion, and Resurrection. Those in the stairwells are Isaiah, Who Foresaw the Messiah, south stair well; and John the Baptist on the north wall. On the rear balcony wall, over the last row of balcony seats, is the logo of the United Methodist Church. It is flanked by a sea shell, symbolizing water for baptism, and a 89

91 wine glass and wafer to symbolize communion. Each main window has four elements. First is a border with a grapevine, which is a powerful Bible image. There is a cross atop each, with every cross being of a different type than the others. The third, possibly most noticed element, are the main characters, and finally there is the title plate at the bottom. The creation of the windows took about six months, while installation was three days. The individual pieces of each were cut by hand, working from an enlargement of the original art work to the exact size of the window. They were then put together like a puzzle. Peabody did not tell the cost, but the windows are insured for $250, The gift is summed up neatly by Paul a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. Philippians 4:18 In 2002, The Rock House became a point of discussion. It was a residence on Emery Street which had been bequeathed to the church in a will. Located in a historical district, the house had a number of structural problems, compounded by a flooding basement. Mr. Sam Little, Trustee Chairman, said they had submitted plans to raze the building and build a prayer garden. The Church Council had approved the plans. However, legal action was required to overcome Historical Commission opposition. This was accomplished, and a beautifully landscaped garden, open to the public, graces the lot. Flowers and shrubs are arranged so that something is blooming most of the year. During the Christmas season, there is appropriate night lighting, and carol singing on occasion. You would not expect to see a sign in a restaurant window saying Don t Eat Here, nor one at a Texaco station telling you to go to the Shell down the street. It would be confusing, right? Then imagine what some 90

92 people thought in September 2013 about the signs around the church building saying Don t Go to Church. Further inspection of the sign, though, revealed the hook. That was, Be the Church. Specifically, there were no church services of any sort inside the building on Sunday, September 29, The members, including children, went out in the community, being the church. They were serving others as did Christ Jesus. Projects were varied. Some members, led by Bennieta Chappell and Rita Fordham, wrote cards and notes to homebound and others on the prayer list. Johnny Biddle took a group of 27 to Antioch School. There, they went into the landscape business. This involved cleaning and refurbishing all flower beds; and scraping and painting metal garden arches. They also dug up a tarpaulin which had been buried for the flower beds, and scraped grass edging areas in the parking lots. Twelve concrete learning blocks were cleaned and painted. According to Biddle, the team gave 198 hours of labor to the school. In addition, he and Sid Abernathy spent another seven hours finishing and checking all of the improvements. The Abundant Life Sunday School Class heard of a young man who had been severely injured in a car wreck. Previously able bodied, he was confined to a wheel chair and unable to work. His wife then became his caregiver as well as wage earner and child care provider. Adding to the problem, their home was not handicapped accessible for his wheelchair. The class volunteered as a group to completely refurbish the house with a wheel chair ramp, bathroom and other doors. When they finished, it was completely handicap accessible. They also landscaped the front yard, to include new shrubs and landscape timbers, plus a paver landing area from the front steps. 91

93 Go Gold is the rallying cry for the athletic teams of a certain big university in Nashville. Go Gold for Child Cancer was the poignant, bittersweet rallying cry of a Dalton First family. Chris and Robyn Bryant lost their beautiful daughter, Christian Moseley Bryant, to childhood cancer on May 26, Go Gold for Child Cancer thus became one of the projects for the September 29 th services. According to Robyn, the project became bigger than she thought. Designed to promote awareness about the disease and the lack of funding, it exceeded her expectations. It became much larger and different. Awareness, she said, was the reason for the handouts and power point presentation in the Fellowship Hall. Some 120 volunteers were present, including a number of young children. To say that the Bryants spent many hours at T.C. Thompson Children s Hospital is an understatement. In addition to awareness about the disease, they learned about hardships of visiting families; especially those without local support. Robyn said that a number of very generous donors contributed to the Christian Bryant Foundation which they established. This let them provide some funding for helping less fortunate families. All were from North Georgia or Chattanooga. They each had a child in T.C. Thompson. They each received financial help for car and house payments, car tires and repairs, and much, much more. These donations helped the families to survive financially. Activities in Famber included packing fun things for the child patient and siblings. Also included in these were things the adults might need while away from home, passing lonely hours in a waiting room. Sadly, as of April 2014, two of the children served had since died. One was a 14 year old boy from Chickamauga, and a 4 year old boy from East Tennessee. 92

94 That evening, the congregation did go to church. Not in the sanctuary, but on Dalton Green Park. Chairs were spread on the lawn, a flatbed trailer served as a stage, and a band played. There were prayers, testimony from the family helped by Abundant Life, and a sermon by Reverend Ott. After the days projects had been completed, there was no need to answer the question What would Jesus do? The Flagship had given the answer. 93

95 Chapter Seventeen--Vision To Victory Even as real naval ships sometimes need a service life extension program, in which major components are replaced and updated, sometimes the flagship of the forest has needed them. As the iron ships are then able to sail onward for a period of time, the flagship is able to continue its mission for years. On February 26, 2014 Dalton First launched a capital campaign. The last was 25 years ago. In the 2014 campaign, Dalton First UMC is striving to raise $4.3 million in three years. The actual campaign was scheduled to run for three months. The funds were to replace a lot of the building systems and breathe life into church ministries. Completed in 1951, the building was 63 years old. If you can see 63 in your rear view mirror, you know what that many years can do. Goal of the campaign was to gain commitments for the money within three months. Depending upon individual members tax situations and finances, plans allowed for the money to be received in varying times and amounts. 94

96 Epilogue The year 2012 marked the 165 th anniversary of Dalton First United Methodist Church. Sunday, August 5 th, marked the 61 st anniversary of the first service in the Thornton Avenue building. To commemorate these events, the Church went back to its roots--literally. A giant tent seating over 400 was erected in Dalton Green Park. One could see the county court house annex sitting where the King Street building once stood. The original congregation had met in the city school building which was some place on the green. Was the tent on the exact same spot? That is unknown. Dr. Robin Lindsey relinquished his pulpit for the day to Reverend Levi Brotherton. Dressed in a flat top black hat, cut away black coat, knee britches and buckled shoes, in the style of 19 th Century pastors, Dr. Lindsey was Reverend Brotherton. He had memorized our brief information on Reverend Brotherton. He then walked to the microphone, introduced himself to the congregation, told them of his life and death. He then segued into one of Brotherton s original sermons, using its outline. Peter Infanger and the choir, many dressed in period attire, performed music from the period. A keyboard and public address system were the only concessions to the present. God pitched in and provided a perfect summer day! So, the flagship was launched, sailing from the nineteenth to the twenty first centuries.. At some time there was fair sailing, other times severe storms and gales. There were deep blue seas and rocky shoals and reefs. With the help of the Supreme Commander, an able Captain and willing crew, the Flagship survived and prospered. We can only pray that the next 165 years will be sailed as well. 95

97 Acknowledgements I would like to think of myself as the editor of this work. There is scant literary work which is my contribution. Rather, this is basically a collection of other writings, comments and interviews. Think of it as a collection of fabric pieces, collected and sewn together. My job was to tell the history of Dalton First United Methodist Church as best I could, not to be its creator. Special thanks go to Reverend Doctor Robin L. Lindsey, Senior Pastor of Dalton First United Methodist Church. He explained various points of minutiae concerning Methodist doctrine and history to me. Most importantly, he gave me free rein with the content and the direction to take. Thanks also to the following: Jim Burdick- Video camera operator on almost 30 background interviews. Stan Carlson- Provided research on history of Troop 60, Boy Scouts of America Ann Clarke- Computer assistance and information Jennifer Detwiler- Executive Director, Whitfield Murray Historical Society, Historic photo assistance Bryan Hair and staff, Marketing Alliance - Processing raw video used for reference material Margaret Herrin- My sister who helped with research and encouragement Elizabeth King - Ministerial Staff Assistant, DFUMC. My Woman 96

98 Friday She gave invaluable help in virtually all aspects of this project, including the photo display off the atrium of pastors. Gertrude Tut McFarland- This gracious lady, a gold mine of church history, shared many family documents and answered more questions than imaginable. Teresa McGuire- Director of Facility Operations. Answered many seemingly trivial questions about church operations. Reverend Kenny Ott, Outreach Pastor. Pinch hitter when the Senior Pastor was unavailable. Also provided information about outreach and contemporary services. Doctor Ellen Thompson-- Retired educator and Past President of Whitfield Murray Historical Society. Proof reading and help with Dalton/Whitfield County history. As they taught us in journalism class, to signify that the story has ended, enter -30- So, -30- To God the Glory Horton Hassell Herrin Dalton, Georgia June 3,

99 Addendum 1 The flagship saw a great number of changes in A new Director of Music Ministries and Organist was hired. The Outreach Pastor received a well-deserved promotion to a larger church, while a new Outreach Pastor was piped aboard. A major remodeling project, estimated to cost $4.5 million was begun. Of note is the fact that the total amount was subscribed so that the work could be paid in cash. Jeff Harbin came to Dalton First UMC from Atlanta, where he served as Dean of the American Guild of Organists. This talented musician holds the Bachelor's and Master's degrees from Georgia State University. The Bachelor's in 1999 has a concentration in organ performance. That was followed in 2002 with the Master's concentration in coral conducting. His first appearance aboard the flagship was January 4, Jeff grew up in Fairburn, Georgia, where his parents still live. He and his wife, Nicole, have two children. Son Michael was born in 2007 and daughter Clara in 2010 His arrival was just in time to oversee the relocation of the organ as a part of the Sanctuary remodeling. That, in turn, had to be deferred until the last previously scheduled wedding was performed. This placed the start of traditional services in the gym on June 21, Work in other parts of the building had started earlier, and continued after the sanctuary was complete. Imagine making repairs on an airplane while it is flying. 98

100 The remodeling technically began in the summer of 2014 in the kitchen. This mainly involved updating appliances, some of which had been in place since the earliest days. Done intentionally to take advantage of low kitchen use in the summer, it was hardly noticed by the congregation. The kitchen staff now works more efficiently. The best illustration of the improvement would be preparation of a large family Thanksgiving dinner in a 1950s kitchen versus today s modem version. The first noticeable part of the remodeling appeared with the work in Famber Hall, starting in the late summer of Building Committee chair Doug Renz estimated that the Famber portion represented about 10% of the overall project. It appears as a modern house of worship. The old plastic chairs are gone except for special overflow crowds. They were replaced by comfortable upholstered chairs. These can be moved for other events. The floor was replaced. There was a crack in the concrete floor visible through the existing flooring. Water could be seen at times. This may or may not be from the stream which rises on the grounds of the old Hamilton house next to the post office. It runs south underground, coming up in Sunset Circle. It has been the church's nemesis before. The replacement flooring looks like hardwood, but is a high end vinyl. It is very durable, which is mandatory with Famber's multiple uses. This also helps acoustically, as hearing has been improved according to Renz. A permanent platform was installed to replace a temporary one. It also raised the pastor and musicians above the audience for better viewing. A lockable storage closet was built behind the platform. It also enhances the idea of a place to worship when set up as such. Audio visuals were also improved. Everything is now state of the art, digital equipment. Entering from the atrium, sound is controlled from the booth on the right, while the booth on the left controls the lighting. While Famber was being refurbished, the Rise Dalton congregation met

101 in the gym. After completion, they moved back into their "home" and the traditional audience services moved into the gym. There was no break in the core mission of preaching God s word. The first service in the new Famber was May 10, After the last wedding in 2015, remodeling of the sanctuary began. Part of the original structure, the only major work done previously had been routine maintenance, painting and carpeting from time to time, and the installation of stained glass windows donated by the Parrott family. Sanctuary design was by noted Dalton architect Lowell Kirkman. The pipe organ chamber was extended back beyond the original exterior wall. This took up the valuable space formerly occupied by Fibber McGee's closet. This also removed the pipes from both sides of the choir area, extending the pulpit and choir area to be from side wall to side wall. Overall, that area was enlarged by 40%. The organ had to be removed to do construction. Six guys, with a refrigerator dolly and elbow grease, could not slide it across the room. Professionals were needed. Parkey Organ Builders, longtime curators of the instrument, were awarded the contract. This organ was by no means the first for Dalton First UMC. As stated previously in this work, in 1874, the North Georgia Citizen reported on June 25th that a new organ had been installed. Though lacking in details, the paper credited Professor Schoeller, Music Director of Dalton Female College as making the selection of "powerful instrument" from the New England Organ Company. The Chattanooga firm of Winters and Nelson was the local agent. That instrument was for the King Street building. According to Harbin's research, In 1937 the church purchased a pipe organ from the M.P. Moller Organ Company in Hagerstown, Maryland. It was a modest instrument, of two manuals (keyboards) and nine ranks (or sets) of pipes. It was controlled from an elegant draw knob console, somewhat unusual for an organ of its size. It s possible that the church owned another pipe organ prior to the installation of this instrument, for

102 the contract states that Moller would give the church a "$ allowance for the old Organ." Harbin adds that this would be equivalent to about $3, in A copy of the contract is appendix 3. It was probably moved to the new sanctuary, Harbin added, when it was completed just 14 years later in Owen next tells us that a new Allen electronic organ was installed in Then Director of Music Orvil Moffitt praised its great tone and contrast in quality. He was quoted, "...sounds are dedicated to inspiring worship to a closer experience with God. No organ is greater than the dedicated artist at the console." He hit this squarely, as Mrs. J.K. (Donna Jean) Bassett served Dalton First from 1954 to at least 1986, when Owen's History lists her as organist in the music ministry. Moffitt's comments, "As you listen in worship, I am certain you will give thanks to the musical artistry" of Mrs. Bassett. Thanking the congregation for this praise, her next words, "Now let's get to work to getting a pipe organ." That we did. In 1982, a new Austin pipe organ was installed. It is the one which was removed for remodeling, and some maintenance and other work to roll back the clock to zero. When completed, Harbin said the church should have a virtually new instrument. Purchase price then was $160,000.oo. A new organ of 50 Ranks today would cost close to $1 million. The organ pipes before the move were on both sides of the choir area, in the big boxes on the walls. There were some behind the back wall bearing the cross. The organ console and organist sat in front of the choir. And it sounded wonderful! It could not have been better! Not quite. The organ space had not been designed large enough to accommodate all of the pipes. Remember, the first service in the building was in 1951, but architectural design had begun several years before. The bass pipes were too long. They had to be built so that part of the pipe folded back inside

103 itself. Visualize a slide trombone or a simple bugle. The result was like a choir, performing a work with several basses, would sound like a choir with only one bass; and him with a sore throat. There was a lack of resonance in the bass section. Several stops were also missing. Again, compare this to an orchestra. The organ had no Oboe. One flute would have been missing. All would have been fine if the service called for music with limited flute and no oboe. A total of seven new ranks of pipes, including oboe and flute, were added to the specifications by Parkey Organ Builders of Duluth, Georgia. Some maintenance which would have been required in the near future was also done while the organ was out of service. The piano will also be much closer to the performers. It, and other instruments, can be left in place. There will be increased space for performers, and the choir seats are larger. This should greatly increase their comfort, especially when wearing robes on a hot day. Other parts of the Sanctuary remodeling included asbestos abatement. It, of course, was part of the initial construction as a great insulation tool of the time. The pews were also spaced a little further apart for increased knee room. New flooring and carpet were also installed. The final phase of the overall project was a repurposing of the administrative, Sunday School, child care and day care areas, and the music suite. Peter Infanger grew the music ministry to what it is now. He started with the choir and went from there. He scrounged a room in this part of the church, then one in another part, and so on as needed for various music related needs. Hand bell choirs and children's choirs just don't show up on Sunday. They need space to practice and to store things. All these were brought together into one central area.

104 Reverend Kenny Ott, Outreach Pastor, was transferred to Trinity United Methodist Church in Rome as Senior Pastor. That church is almost as large as Dalton First, so a good man got a well-deserved promotion. Replacing Ott as \ Outreach Pastor was Reverend Dr. Randy Kanipe. He was piped aboard the flagship on June 21, 2015, after serving five years as Senior Pastor at Watkinsville First United Methodist Church. He earned the Doctorate from Asbury Theological Seminary in Randy is married to Marika, which is Hungarian for "Little Mary." They have two children, Rebekah Anne, who goes by Bekah, and James Randolph. Reverend Kanipe has been in ministry since He loves preaching, leading small groups, Worship retreats and anything going on with outreach and evangelism.

105 APPENDIX I All Known Pastors of Dalton First United Methodist Church NAME TITLE DATE ASSIGNED 1. Levi Brotherton Pastor William A. Simmons Pastor John Strickland Pastor S.C. Quillian Pastor W.F. Conley Pastor Richard Waters Pastor Milton Smith Pastor Robert Jones Pastor Michael Clontz Pastor James Dickey Pastor John McGehe Pastor Wesley Pledger Pastor J.W. Turner Pastor J.F. Ellison Pastor John M. Richardson Pastor W.C. Maloy Pastor John T. Norris Pastor John Duncan Pastor George Yarbrough Pastor George C. Smith Pastor George Kramer Pastor Francis A. Kimbell Pastor D.J. Myric Pastor T.A. Seals Pastor P.M. Ryburn Pastor J.H. Baxter Pastor J.T. Lowe Pastor J.W. Lee Pastor S.P. Richardson Pastor J.B. Robins Pastor J.B. Johnston Pastor

106 32. W.R.Bigham Pastor A.G.Worley Pastor A.W. Quillian Pastor B.F. Fraser Pastor Luke G. Johnston Pastor T.J. Christian Pastor H. J. Ellis Pastor W.F. Quillian Pastor T.C. Betterton Pastor R.A. Edmondson Pastor J.A. Timmerman Pastor W.R. Foote Pastor Sam B. Ledbetter Pastor J.D. Hammond Pastor R.M.Dixon Pastor Clay Emory Pastor Charles M. Lipham Pastor Guss F. Venable Pastor C.Pierce Harris Pastor W.G. Crawley Pastor L.Marvin Twiggs Pastor Wilkie Collins Pastor Irby Henderson Pastor Charles Middlebrooks Sr. Pastor Henry Hart Jones Pastor Paul A. Turner Pastor J. Hamby Barton Sr. Pastor Delma L. Hagood Senior Pastor James A. Riddle Associate Pastor J. Walker Chidsey Senior Pastor Randall Williamson Associate Pastor Edgar A. Padgett Senior Pastor Frank P. Dorris Associate Pastor E.Malone Dodson Associate Pastor Renfroe E. Watson Associate Pastor

107 67. Daniel R. McFarland Associate Pastor Robert E. Bridges Senior Pastor L. Barrett Smith Associate Pastor Tom Hawks Associate Pastor Joe P. Peabody Sr. Associate Pastor Reynolds W. Greene Senior Pastor Queon P. Smith Associate Pastor E.G. Hutchings III Associate Pastor Randal R. Mickler Associate Pastor Dan R. Hogan Associate Pastor Charles Bennett Associate Pastor William R. Floyd Senior Pastor Charles E. Ruehl Associate Pastor Boling B. Thompson Associate Pastor Michael P. Farr Associate Pastor James Estes Associate Pastor Marion M. Pierson Senior Pastor Jerry M. Hollis Associate Pastor John Whatley Associate Pastor Ed Wadsworth Associate Pastor Wiley Stephens Senior Pastor Tom Davis Associate Pastor Tom Kerr Associate Pastor Geron Crawford Associate Pastor J.B. McNeil Senior Pastor George Earl (Chip) Wilson Associate Pastor Al Turnell Senior Pastor Sharon Silvers Associate Pastor Brian Clark Associate Pastor Dale Elsworth Visiting Pastor Steve Lyle Senior Pastor Brian T. Butler Associate Pastor Joe P. Peabody Sr. Senior Pastor James Hughes Visiting Pastor Malcolm (Mac) Enfinger Associate Pastor

108 102. William M.(Billy) Beard Associate Pastor Robin L. Lindsey Senior Pastor Kenneth Ray (Kenny) Ott Outreach Pastor Randolph Kanipe (Randy) Outreach Pastor Tommy Willingham Senior Pastor 2016-

109 APPENDIX 2 All Known Eagle Scouts of Troop 60 Year earned Troop First Last 4/27/ Jonathan Adams 5/28/ Richard Andrews 1/11/ Jimmy Awbrey 8/30/ John Bartley 12/8/ Bob Bayne 12/5/ Carl Berry 9/25/ Scott Bethel 5/25/ Todd Bethel 1/23/ Scott Blackman 1/23/ Joe Biggers 11/3/ Walter Bolling 1/2/ Jimmy Bond 2/15/ Michael Borja 5/2/ Matthew Brigman 9/25/ David Brantley 9/3/ Bruce Broadrick 5/22/ Jeff Bubenheim 7/18/ Samuel Burns 9/11/ James Campbell 9/10/ Joey Cargal 3/10/ Bobby Carson 10/13/1980 Andrew Carlson 1/1/1980 Anthony Carlson 12/18/1991 Michael Carlson 11/30/1977 S. Eric Carlson 10/26/ Walter Carter 5/6/ Phillip Cate 9/3/ William Chew

110 12/28/ Henry Christopher 12/5/ Ben Clark 1/22/ Charles Clark 1/1/ Irwin Copeland 3/5/ Hiram Coffey 8/10/ Alan Crocker 12/8/ Phillip Curtin 9/5/ Ross Daniel 12/3/ Billy Daniel 9/3/ Aston Davis 4/23/ Jonathan Davis 11/10/ Nicholas Davis 6/15/ S Davis 6/2/ Bryan Day 12/3/ Bobby Dennard 6/15/ Jamie Easley 5/29/ Jerry Edge 11/26/ Neil Edwards 1/6/ Frazier Evans 2/23/ Frederick Fitts 5/11/ Austin Gallman 10/23/ William Gallman 6/19/ Ira Grimes 5/31/ John Guerard 11/1/ Hunter Hale 9/21/ Stephen Hamby 8/22/ Mark Hannah 5/29/ David Hardin 8/8/ Lamar Hardin 12/2/ William Hardin 12/5/ Lawrence Harrison 8/5/ Jonathan Harton 3/28/ Charley Hassler

111 7/14/ Hank Henson 3/23/ Mark Hermes 9/3/ Nagib Hermes 10/14/ Robert Herring 6/21/ Christopher Higgins 1/31/ Lewis Higgins 5/30/ Spence Higgins 12/3/ Frank Hogshead 12/3/ Tommy Hogshead 11/13/ Larry Holdridge 1/23/ Jeffrey Hollis 1/23/ John Hollis 6/30/ Devine Hubbs 11/18/ Frank Hubbs 12/3/ James Hubbs 12/4/ Charles Hunnicutt 9/3/ Lawson Jaquith 9/11/ Austin Johnson 1/7/ Jim Jolly 5/19/ Moncrief Jordan 1/23/ Sam Kaufmann 1/14/ Leon Kelchear 5/3/ Lowell Kirkman 2/1/ Lowell Kirkman Jr 8/23/ Irwin Koplan 1/14/ Frank Kreischer 3/17/ Lloyd Langston 2/8/ Sam Lawless 3/7/ Allan Little 1/1/ Allan Little 1/1/ Willian Little 9/3/ Bob Love 11/3/ William Lumpkin

112 12/22/ Theral Mackey 12/2/ C Maret 3/7/ Michael Maret 11/6/ Dickie Mayfield 11/7/ Larry McConnell 2/13/ Jim McFarland 2/13/ Stuart McFarland 9/3/ William McLellan 5/19/ Robert McMillan 10/11/ David Melton 2/3/ Cleveland Miller 1/1/ Lewis Millender 5/3/ Erwin Mitchell 12/5/ Leland Moffitt 10/11/ Cortland Ouzts 5/7/ John Palmer 8/6/ Charles Parrott 8/23/ DeForrest Parrott 10/23/ Jack Partain 6/14/ Amit Patel 9/3/ Jim Percy 12/5/ Mike Percy 2/16/ Frank Percy 6/28/ Thomas Peters 6/3/ Stanley Peterson 6/3/ William Richardson 2/16/ Michael Robinson 9/2/ Carl Rollins 9/5/ Roger Rollins 7/20/ John Sanders 1/14/ Richard Sapp 11/13/ Christopher Sawyer 4/1/ David Scott

113 1/28/ Forrest Secord 6/24/ James Secord 12/3/ Dick Shuptrine 9/10/ Harold Shuptrine 1/1/ Warren Sims 2/17/ David Simmons 3/5/ Steve Simmons 4/4/ Carl Smith 1/1/ Harlan Starr 1/1/ Emory Dkyes 12/5/ Mason Tanner 7/1/ Malcolm Taruer 8/23/ Robert Thomason 3/26/ Jay Varner 4/10/ Robert Varner 4/10/ Lorin Ward 8/7/ Earle Wester 7/26/ Christopher Wilkes 10/19/ John Williams 10/21/ Peter Williams 2/17/ John Winter 12/6/ Harry Woodard 1/23/ Kevin Wright 9/10/ James Young

114 John Wesley Founder of Methodism

115 Charles Wesley Brother of John, wrote many hymns to tunes of tavern songs. Most still used today.

116 George Whitefield Pastor for whom Whitfield County, Georgia, was named

117 Francis Asbury Set powerful examples for other circuit riders to follow

118 Memorial Stained glass window to Charles Wesley, John Wesley, and Francis Asbury In the Memorial Chapel of the Lake Junaluska, N.C., Conference and Retreat Center.

119 Captain Ed White Agent for New England Land Company who was developing City of Dalton.

120 Copy of Levi Brotherton's commission in the Tennessee militia

121 Mt. Olive Church Rev. Levi Brotherton was ordained as an Elder in this church, in Cohutta (now demolished)

122 Undated photo of King Street sanctuary

123 View of King Street sanctuary from front of Whitfield County Courthouse Date unknown

124 Last Big Wedding at King Street Newlyweds Milton Ryman Jr. and Mary Manly Ryman Leaving King Street Sanctuary following May 29, 1949 wedding

125 Men s Sunday School Class--Autumn 1951 Row 1: Clarence Hill, Dr. Starr, Phil Stone, B.R. Crockett,, Burns Roach, Clarence Hill, Tom Lambert, Sr, Lupo, Sid Davies, Carlton McCamy, Murray Whiteside, Rev. Paul Turner, Rev. Lipon, Jack Arthur, Pat Wallace, Keith Bond, McConnell, Wayland Swaim. Row 2: R.L. Prater, Judson Manly, Frank Manly, Cliff Hale, Clay Kenemer, John Neal, Jr., Frank McCarty, McCellan, John Ralph Stacy, Mr. Ezzard, John Bond, Watt Kenemer, Frank Manly, Jr., Fort Felker, Sr., Charles Gish Row 3: Arthur Wink,, Lilly, Norris Little,, Clyde Rogers, Sr.,, Sam Easley, Jr.,, John Neal, Jr., Paul Turner, Jr.,

126 Arnold Hill, Doc Trammell Row 4: Jack Bandy,,, Sam Head, Charles Hassler, B.H. Burnham,, Dr. Erwin, Dr. Sam Easley, Sr., Mayfield, Congressman Malcolm Tarver, Row 5: Malcolm Tarver, Jr.,, Trammell Starr,, Bill Herring,, Red Howard,,, Medlin,, Paul Quarles, John Ray,,, W.P. Bowen, G.W. Smith, Carl Berry Four grouped on the end in back on right:, Pleas Smith, Jr., Robert Lankford, Sr., Robert Lankford, Jr.

127 Women's Sunday School Class-Autumn 1951 Row 1: Mrs. Lester, Mrs. W.P. Bowen, Mrs. R.D. Jackson, Mrs. Clay Kenemer, Mrs. Charlie Deakins, Mrs. Tom Pierce, Mrs. J. Hamby Barton, Mrs. Marianna Mayfield, Mrs. R.O. Lankford, Miss Mattie Lee Huff, Mrs. Eliano Stroup, Mrs. Frank Jolly (Gertrude McFarland). Row 2: Mrs. Marvin Chipley, Mrs. Carter Stacy, Mrs. Wallace Smith, Mrs. R.L. Prater, Mrs. Dot Childres, Mrs. Phil Stone, Mrs. L.B. Hubbs, Mrs. L.A. Lee, Mrs. Rollins Jolly, Mrs. Stratton, Mrs. P.H. Wallace, Mrs. Jack Arthur Row 3: Mrs. Carlton McCamy, Mrs. D.W. Mitchell, Mrs. J.W. Ivey, Mrs. H.C. Swaim, Mrs. Luch Hardman, Mrs. Gussie Underwood, Mrs. Emma Brandon, Mrs. Pierce, Mrs. W.D. Johnston, Mrs. J.G. McClan Four people on a slant left side First row: Mrs. Cora Brown, Mrs. T.M. Lambert,

128 Sr., Mrs. Mozelle, Mrs. Doc Trammell, Second Row: Mrs. Lucille Freeman, Mrs. Rex Elkins, Mrs. Kate Wink, Mrs. Murray Whiteside Row 4: Start at column Mrs. J.C. McCallan, Mrs. Bob Hamilton, Mrs. Mable Head, Mrs. Frances Looper, Mrs. Claude Posten Row 5: Mrs. Charles Gish, Mrs. A.L. Keys, Mrs. J.R. Whitener (half hidden), Mrs. Clarence Hill Two in front of window on right Mrs. L.E. Pierce Miss Vera Deck

129 Reverend and Mrs. J. Hamby Barton at a revival The pastor He was noted for preaching at revivals and similar services PHOTO COURTESY OF MARY FARLEY

130 Bishop William Ragsdale Cannon

131 Photo Bill Cannon s father boarding train for sales trip

132 Mary Tarver McAfee Emma McAfee Cannon's mother, Billy Cannon's grandmother

133 Doctor J.R. McAfee Father of Billy Cannon's mother, Emma McAfee Cannon

134 Dr. Jesse G. McAfee Emma McAfee Cannon's brother, who referred her to an obstetrician in Chattanooga

135 Dalton Female College Dalton Female College was located on the former City Park, now Dalton Green Park, at the approximate location of the old City Park School, now demolished. Billy Cannon's mother, Emma, and other young ladies were educated here.

136 Photo of downtown Dalton in Billy Cannon's youth. Tall spire atop building at far end of right hand block was Cannon's on the Corner, Wil's store. Cars appear 1940s vintage Tall spire atop building at far end of right hand block was Cannon s on the Corner

137 Bishop Cannon at door to Cannon Chapel on Emory University campus

138 Photo of Bill Floyd and Bishop Cannon conversing at a social function PHOTO COURTESY REV. FLOYD

139 View of tent and band stand in Dalton Green Park just before 165th anniversary celebration. Reverend Levi Brotherton (aka Rev. Robin Lindsey) left, and Doctor Bill McDaniel, M.D., in conversation before 165th Anniversary celebration.

140 Photo of Boy Scout Troop 60 in 1942 on steps of King Street building. Scouts of Troops 2 and 60- Troop 2 was sponsored by 1st Presbyterian with many Methodist members. Later, Troop 60 was sponsored by Dalton First United Methodist. This combined photo was taken in 1940 or Identification courtesy of Dr. Ellen Thompson, Drennon Crutchfield and Judson Manly. KNEELING IN FRONT: Devine Hubbs, Troop 60 Scoutmaster, far left, Bill Mitchell, Troop 2, far right FRONT ROW: John Robertson, David Pennington holding puppy, James White, Jack Kenemer, David Stock, David Crockett, John McLellan SECOND ROW (Begin to right of David Pennington and puppy) Stuart Looper, John Gregory, George Wright, Devine Hubbs Jr., Drennon Crutchfield, Tom Minor THIRD ROW: Joe Biggers, Harry Lane Arthur, Charlie Robertson, Jim Manly, Judson Manly, Clay Dykes, George Kirkpatrick IN BACK: Fort Felker, Milton Ryman

141 Father and Son Scoutmasters Stan Carlson, left, Scoutmaster of Troop 60 in and son, Andy Carlson, current Scoutmaster Scout Pledge - Scouts of Troop 60 recite pledge at start of meeting

142 Window Worker- Jim Burdick, member of United Methodist Men, working on a window component during DAP 2014 Painting Prep- UMM member Stan Carlson preps a door before painting during DAP 2014

143 DOC-UP Greeting- Dalton First member and DOC-UP volunteer Janette Brown at DOC-UP receptionist desk.

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