Pisgah United Methodist Church
Submitted by Marylee W. Knightfrom the Panola Watchman, September 16, 1998
Celebrates 150 Years
Plans are set for the 150th anniversary celebration of the Pisgah United Methodist Church for Sunday (September 20, 1998). County Judge John Cordray will make the event with a proclamation.The pastor, the Rev. Walter Langham noted that the celebration would begin at 10:30 a.m. Former members and former pastors of the church will have a part in the worship service. The Ladies Ensemble of the Cedar Grove Baptist Church will provide special music. Festivities will continue with lunch being served in the Fellowship Hall.
Pisgah United Methodist Church was organized in 1848 with the Rev. N.S. Johnson as the first pastor. The earliest services were held in homes except for summer camp meetings, which were held at a site known as Old Camp Ground. Later a sanctuary was constructed there and served its members until 1913 when a new sanctuary was built at its present site. The family of John Fite donated land to the church for this site. Some of the material used in the building came from the original church.
The church has a rich heritage of faithful members who have supported and worshipped here for many generations. Some of the present congregation's ancestors were among the original church members.
Members of the Fite family have continued to maintain an active role in the leadership of the church. Phil Tiller, present Sunday School superintendent and husband of Nancy Fite Tiller a direct descendant of John Fite, related many happy memories of a very active M.Y.F. (Methodist Youth Fellowship). He recalls the devotionals given by the young people, hay rides, volleyball games and a sub-district progressive dinner, which was a big hit with the young people.
Helen Rider is another valued long time member. Her father was the pastor of the church in the 1940's. Helen was the pianist for the church for many years and taught Sunday School in addition to other duties.
Another pioneer family who contributed greatly to the development and ministry of this church was the Eliza Fite Allison family. Her son, Conrad Allison, stated that he remembers when the church had only one service a month. When Brother Clyde Wallace became the pastor, two services were initiated. At one time, one of the services was held on Sunday afternoon. Allison recalls that his mother appreciated the afternoon service best, because that allowed her more time to get her nine children dressed and ready for church.
The church, now small in membership, still has many long time members who continue to love and support the church. We are proud of our heritage and are striving to keep the faith of our forefathers.