Jackson’s Grove UMC celebrates 14 decades with fall worship gathering

Published 10:00 pm Wednesday, September 16, 2015

There must be something special about anything that endures for 140 years. That’s how long the Jackson’s Grove UMC sanctuary at 2842 N. Pacolet Rd. in Landrum has stood. Largely unchanged, except for the addition of a few very basic modern amenities, the building serves much as it has for 14 decades. But, that’s just a building.

The congregation that meets there every Sunday traces its beginnings back into the 1830s. The building and the congregation stand as testaments to the rugged determination of their founders. They carved out a little patch of the frontier for a gathering place suitable for the proclamation and practice of their faith. Meeting initially in ‘brush arbors’ and for a while in a log structure on the same site, this congregation moved into the present sanctuary in August of 1875 and held a dedication ceremony on the third Sunday in September that year.

So, on Sunday, Sept. 20, the public is invited to gather for worship in celebration of more than 180 years of ministry and the 140th anniversary of the dedication of the current sanctuary. Everyone is invited to come and experience that “something special” that has enabled this church to continue to thrive through the years.

The day gets under way at 9:30 a.m. with a worship service that will celebrate the gospel as well as honor pioneer families of Jacksons Grove community and others who have helped along the way. Hymn selections from the “old brown hymnal” will call to mind the church’s worship heritage. The restored circa 1890 reed organ will be used during the worship service.

The worship service will conclude about 10:30 a.m. when worshippers will return to their homes to gather up their covered dishes. They will then reconvene at the church about 12:30 p.m. for an old-fashioned dinner on the grounds. The festivities, food, joyous worship, and renewed friendships are sure to call to mind fond memories and lift the spirit. Organizers of the event cordially invite everyone to bring a lawn chair and a favorite covered dish and join the fun – especially current and past parishioners and their families and friends.

Jacksons Grove Church, located at 2842 N. Pacolet Rd. in Landrum, was founded in the 1830s and continues a vital ministry to the surrounding area. Regular worship services are held each Sunday at 9:30 a.m. The public is cordially invited. Driving directions and other information can be found at www.jacksonsgrove.org.