First Methodist Church

E. College at Lovers Lane

The in Athens today valued at $500,00 including building and property, was founded more than a century ago.  The first building, housing the church organized by the Reb. Hezekiah Mitcham in 1852, was located on West Tyler St.  The Church was relocated in 1900 at Corsicana and Palestine Streets on the corner of the square.  The first service there was held in April of 1904.  The educational building was added in 1931.  The church conference which met on March 6 1960, made the decision to relocate and build a new structure to house the church.  The new building program had been begun in 1959.  The church is now located at East College Street and Lovers Lane.  Membership is recorded at 765.  Pastor of the church is the Rev. H. Chad Murray, Jack Life is chairman of the board, and church lay leader is Hawley Wyrick, Geoffrey Young serves as church treasurer and financial secretary.  Trustees of the church include Jack Hardee, Jack Life, Marguerite Henderson, Charles Mathes, Claude Scirratt, Travis Ward, B.O. Campbell, B.L. McLauchlin and L.E. Loman.  A.I. Talton serves as Sunday School superintendent.  Organist is Mrs. Bill Hamrick and choir director is Robert Cody.  President of the Women's Society for Christian Service is Mrs. H.T. Dyer.  Head of the men's organization is John Rydell.

Source:  Athens Weekly Review, September 1965

Submitted by Peggy Trammell Allen, May 2004. 

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