The History of Rock United
Methodist Church:
1815 - 2007
Sometime prior to 1815:
A wooden structure
built for use as a church building was erected about 50 yards South of the present building on one-half acre of land belonging
to Nathaniel Lily. The exact date of the construction is not known. At the dedication
service, it is purported that the minister used as his text Mathew 16:18,
“and I say unto thee, that thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not
prevail against it.” It is believed that from this text, the church was
given the name, Rock Church.
In 1858 :
The members of Rock Church purchased two acres of land joining the above-mentioned half-acre from Nathaniel
Lily for the sum of $15.00. At that time, Nathaniel Lily gave a deed dated March
22, 1858, to the Trustees of Rock Church for the two acres of land as well as the one-half acre already being used by the
church. In addition to this, the Ezell family donated two acres of land in 1893,
to be used as a cemetery.
The sanctuary of the present church structure with its
unique gallery was built in 1858.
For the next 98 years, this sanctuary structure served as the meeting place for all church services. In 1956, four Sunday School rooms and the Fellowship Hall were added to the existing building. This addition was dedicated in May 1957.
In 1958 :
The vestibule was added to the
church building. It was dedicated in May 1958. Then, in 1975, restrooms and a kitchen were added to the building.
Several years ago,
Our Congregation decided to have
the exterior of this historic building covered with vinyl siding. Then, in 1999,
the sanctuary and the fellowship hall were air-conditioned and a handicapped ramp was installed to better serve the needs
of our congregation.
With all the activity created by the ministry of song and refreshments
on the third Sunday night of each month, it was decided that Rock church once again needed more room. So in 2001, under the
leadership of Thurston Clary, a larger kitchen was added to the fellowship hall. The new kitchen was dedicated in 2002.
A much needed outside
work area was added in 2007.
During the past century, Rock Church has been blessed with many faithful and
dedicated members. These folks have had to sacrifice at times in order to enable
Rock Church to continue to fulfill its mission in service to our Lord Jesus Christ.
Fortunately, through the blessings of God and the continued commitment of this congregation to doing God’s work,
our Church is experiencing a revitalization of its life and mission.
Your prayers and support for our continued services are always Welcome.
