The History of
First United Methodist Church of Sheffield
List of Pastors
| Dec. 1886 | - | Dec. 1887 | James A. Heard |
|
Nov. 1887 | - | Nov. 1888 | D.A. Burns |
| Nov. 1888 | - | Nov. 1890 | W.M. McIntosh |
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Nov. 1890 | - | Nov. 1891 | L.G. Johnson |
| Nov. 1891 | - | Nov. 1892 | G. Hamp Smith |
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Nov. 1892 | - | Nov. 1894 | W.F. Andrews |
| Nov. 1894 | - | Nov. 1898 | J.R. Turner |
|
Nov. 1898 | - | Nov. 1902 | Robert I. Walston |
| Nov. 1902 | - | Nov. 1905 | P.L. Abernathy |
|
Nov. 1905 | - | Nov. 1906 | R.T. Tyler |
| Nov. 1906 | - | Nov. 1907 | Edward L. Fulmer |
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Nov. 1907 | - | Nov. 1911 | L.F. Stansell |
| Nov. 1911 | - | Nov. 1913 | Z.A. Dowling |
|
Nov. 1913 | - | Nov. 1916 | G.T. Harris |
| Nov. 1916 | - | Nov. 1918 | T.H. Johnson |
|
Nov. 1918 | - | Nov. 1921 | W.H. Mansfield |
| Nov. 1921 | - | Nov. 1922 | George Stanley Frazer |
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Nov. 1922 | - | Nov. 1925 | L.G. Sturdivant |
| Nov. 1925 | - | Nov. 1926 | R.L. Dill |
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Nov. 1926 | - | Nov. 1927 | W.E. Guthrie |
| Nov. 1927 | - | Nov. 1931 | R.I. Walston |
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Nov. 1931 | - | Nov. 1934 | W.A. McKee |
| Nov. 1934 | - | Nov. 1937 | John B. McFerrin Rice |
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Nov. 1937 | - | Nov. 1940 | W. Nelson Guthrie |
| Nov. 1940 | - | Nov. 1943 | R.B. Lavender |
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Nov. 1943 | - | Nov. 1945 | W.H. Saxon |
| Nov. 1945 | - | Nov. 1949 | W.G. Bartee |
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Nov. 1949 | - | Nov. 1950 | John Hallmark |
| Nov. 1950 | - | Nov. 1955 | J.A. Gann |
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Nov. 1955 | - | Nov. 1959 | John C. Calhoun |
| Nov. 1959 | - | June 1961 | Ford McDonald |
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June 1961 | - | June 1965 | Lynn Lanier |
| June 1965 | - | June 1969 | Martin E. Coleman |
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June 1969 | - | June 1974 | J.P. West, Jr. |
| June 1974 | - | June 1978 | Travis A. Warlick |
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June 1978 | - | June 1985 | Robert W. Gunn |
| June 1985 | - | June 1990 | Joseph Moore |
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June 1990 | - | June 1992 | Earl Gordon |
| June 1992 | - | June 1994 | Randy Vanlandingham |
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June 1994 | - | June 2000 | Samuel U. Hardie, III |
| June 2000 | - | June 2004 | George W. Cobb |
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June 2004 | - | June 2006 | W G Henry |
| June 2006 | - | present | Zeke Haselden |
Excerpts from the Bicentennial History Booklet by Sarah Schmidt Dodson
First Edition, 1957
Revised, 1968
Bicentennial Edition, 1976
1886 - 1957
Andrew Jackson once stood on the banks of the Tennessee River where the present Gordon Drive of
Sheffield, Alabama, is today, and envisioned that a city would be built here some day. The Methodists
of Sheffield had that dream, too, for the First Methodist Episcopal Church South, Sheffield, was organized
with thirty members in 1886. The city was incorporated in 1887. By that time, the membership numbered
56. Members met in the small white church on Seventh Street.
A story in the local newspaper dated November 23, 1895 stated, "All the churches held revivals for a
week with the principle topic, 'How to run the devil's whiskey out of Sheffield.' Young Rev. Turner of
the Methodists led the revival."
Robert I. Walston came to Sheffield in 1898 for his first time and stayed until 1902. He and his family
were the first to live in the parsonage at 905 Atlanta Avenue. He helped spark the interest to buy the
lot for the present church in 1902. The lot was bought from Mr. and Mrs. W.H. Sadler, members of the
church, for a cost of $1,500.
From 1902 until 1905, the pastor of the church was P.L. Abernathy and the movement to build the new
church was furthered. Three little girls, Algie Ashe, Lizzie Lowman, and Fern Galloway, created
interest by bringing in bricks as their donation to the church.
Another parsonage was bought, this time at 911 Raleigh Avenue. Included in the new members was Miss
Grace Jones, 1904. Serving as bishop for the conference, as recorded on the church roll was J.S. Key.
Rev. Abernathy was assisted in the summer by two young men who were students at Vanderbilt University, a Mr.
Dixon and Mr. Heflin. They helped with the visiting and did some preaching on Furnace Hill.
The foundation for our present church was poured in 1906, and the cornerstone laid in 1908, but was
not finished until 1909. The September 11, 1908 edition of the newspaper read, "Cornerstone of new
Methodist church laid. All stores, railroad offices and the dispensary closed during the ceremony
of laying of the cornerstone."
Provisions for the annex to be built later were included in the initial pouring, all for a cost of $3,082.27;
but the plans for the annex were changed, and the foundation for it had to be torn out.
It is interesting to note the growth of the church from the old cash books, for only five Sunday
School classes were recorded in 1906, but by 1908 there were listed Number Nine and Eleven classes.
Several of these had as little as five cents offering on some Sundays. Sometimes as few as three
or four people were able to give.
Pastor from 1906 - 1907 was Edward Fulmer and several members laughingly report that he was pessimistic
over the outcome of the new church, for he stated the "Gabriel would blow his trumpet before THAT
church is completed." New members on the roll during this time included O.B. LeMay.
The first entry of the Ladies Aid Society was made in October of 1906, so the women of the church
only took a short time to get organized.
Recorded on the flyleaf of the second rollbook is the notation by Rev. L.F. Stansell, pastor from
1907 - 1911: "Entered new church August 29, 1909." Rev. Stansell came from his charge in Leighton
driving a pair of mules hitched to a buggy. He was a great lover of horses. In 1912, the old
church was sold for $575 to the Seventh day Adventists.
From November 1912 until October 1914, it is recorded by R.B. LeMay, who first began this history,
that the church building and pews cost $13,101.34.
An important contribution to the church was made by Rev.
T.H. Johnson, who served from 1916 - 1918, for he was a big help in buying the first organ and
having it installed. A Mr. Terry aided the musicians in building cabinets and taking care of the music.
The organ was bought for about $1,000 and entries in the cash book indicate that it took all the monies
from the church and the Ladies Aid Society to pay for it.
The first organist was Mrs. Sid Jones, a member of the Church of Christ, but the only person in town
who knew how to play an electric organ. Other organists in the past were Mrs. J.P. Manley, Mrs. Ruby Pitts,
and Mrs. G.L. Galloway. Mrs. Galloway was organist in the church on Seventh Street.
During the ministry of W.H. Mansfield, 1918 - 1921, there was a great increase in membership, due to
the growth in Sheffield and the alertness of the pastor. The Southern Shops were moved here and Wilson
Dam was begun, so there were many newcomers. Rev. Mansfield was assisted in his visiting by Mrs. Ella Burns,
an active member, although she was crippled by arthritis.
The annex of Sunday School rooms was built between July 1920 and July 1921 at a cost of $17,146.
There were around 15 stewards at this time and a special building committee helped raise some of the
money. The Woman's Missionary Society stood by the church as usual baking many lemon pies and their
money was raised in quarters and half-dollars. Rev. Manfield was active in the community, serving
as a Boy Scout leader, and he and the Presbyterian preacher played on the baseball team.
On February 9, 1920, the quarterly conference of Sheffield charge, at a session, adopted a resolution:
"Authorizing the board fo trustees or a majority of the Sheffield church to borrow from the board of
church extension of the Methodist Episcopal Church South, not exceeding $8,000, and to secure the
payment of same by a mortgage upon the property held in trust by them."
W.E. guthrie was pastor form 1926 - 1927. He was the father of Nelson Guthrie, who later came to
First Methodist as minister. It was during the former's ministry that Miss Grace Jones became the
regular organist. She served faithfully in this capacity until 1959, except for short periods of times
when sickness in the family made it necessary for her to be out.
R.I. Walston came back for his second time from 1927 - 1931. Members say affectionately that he was
flowery in language and that flowers were also his hobby. He raised beautiful dahlias and chrysanthemums.
One entry in the roll book shows his wording about a couple -- "They rode off by the light of the stars and
were married in Tennessee." Having helped in obtaining the lot for the church during his
first term of ministry in Sheffield, it is interesting to see progress made while he was here. On
the margin of the abstract, a note penned by U.G. Jones, treasurer of the board of stewards at that time, read:
Paid and satisfied in full, this April 14, 1928". This was referring to the amount borrowed from
the Methodist Board of Extensions.
Another pipe organ was bought on June 28, 1928, and a receipt signed by D.E.G. Rhoads, chairman of
the board then, reads that $1,025 was paid for it with stipulations for more work to be done later.
This was accomplished on June 31, 1931, when $400 was spent on parts for it.
Between 1931 - 1934, another big increase in membership is noted due to the fact that the Tennessee
Valley Authority made its appearance and many families moved to Sheffield.
The parsonage on Raleigh Avenue needed some repairs, and Rev. McKee gave an indication of his energy
when he called Dr. Rhoads before he and his family moved in and offered to do some of the carpentry
work on the parsonage himself. He kept his word. Afterwards friends gathered about once a week at
the parsonage to play games. At this time, Miss Grace Jones was choir directress as well as organist.
Under the leadership of W. Nelson Guthrie, who was pastor from 1937 - 1940, the mortgage on the church was
paid off. To climax the work of money-raising, a big homecoming Sunday was arranged. A tremendous
cake which filled the entire altar was baked, and slices cut and sold that Sunday. The mortgage papers
were burned after this.
The Men's Bible Class met in the basement at this time; it was not a finished room, merely the
furnace room.
Dr. R.B. Lavender served the church during the war years of 1940 - 1943. The home next to the church
was bought as a parsonage for $6,350 during this period. Superintendent of the Sunday School was
C.L. Beard between 1940 - 1942, and the first vacation church school is recorded in the quarterly conference
minutes, although others might have been held before. Substantial sums were given to Chinese
Relief during these years.
In October 1943, the heating plants in the church and Sunday School rooms were replaced and repaired,
the roof painted, and the outside woodwork of the church painted for a total amount of $2,549.19.
While W.H. Saxon was at Sheffield, 1943 - 1945, work was begun to refinish the basement into a Sunday
School plant. J.C. Harris contributed $5,000 for the Men's Bible Class, and in the words of the pastor
in the quarterly conference report, "This fired us to make other improvements, and before it is over, we
shall have at least a similar room for the ladies also." This was done, and even more. Added also at
this time were the altar cross and bronze vases. The committee for the obtaining of some desired
memorial windows was formed under the leadership of Mrs. G.F. Littlepage. She interested certain
members of the church in beginning a fund at the bank and obtaining sketches for the actual windows.
The church also conducted a teachers' institute for the black Methodists, which 125 attended.
From 1945 - 1949, W. Glenn Bartee was pastor and the church employed its first paid secretary, Mrs.
Bruce LeMay. During these four years, R.A. Clark, Jr. served as superintendent of the Sunday School
and Mrs. J.A. Branscomb as president of the Woman's Society of Christian Service.
Plans were laid for the remodeling of the sanctuary. This work had been the dream of Dr. and Mrs.
G.F. Littlepage and after her death in 1947, Dr. Littlepage expressed a wish to help the church to carry
out her desire. Final plans were made and finally carried out by the church in 1949.
Preparatory to the remodeling, the organ was completely rebuilt and an oboe stop added; the amount
totaling $1,925. The chimes stop was presented at this time to the church as a gift. An amplifying
system over which to play records from the roof of the church was added
at a cost of $3,500. This feature was enjoyed by the whole community.
There was a growth in membership at that time due to servicemen coming home.
From the abstract, it is found that the pastor and the late J.C. Harris had to declare at that time
before a notary that the Methodist Church is the same as the Methodist Episcopal Church, South.
This was due to the union of Episcopal Church, South, Episcopal Church, North, Protestant Episcopal Church in 1939.
Rev. Bartee wrote in one of the quarterly conference reports that "the crying need is for more room.
Every class is overflowing."
The year of 1949 - 1950 was a difficult one for the pastor and his family, Rev. and Mrs. John L. Hallmark,
and the membership, for it was a year of expansion. This meant all services could not be held in the
church itself. To help provide more space for the children's department, the parsonage was turned over
to the kindergarten department. The pastor's family moved into a temporary parsonage on Nashville
Avenue. Church School superintendent was Walter C. Rhodes, 1948 - 1950.
Work on remodeling the sanctuary was begun which included relocating the pulpit, choir loft, and organ.
The ceiling was reframed, beautiful stained glass windows placed on Montgomery Avenue and Seventh
Street, a new heating system was installed, and lovely wood paneling for the choir and auditorium, was used
to make it a beautiful place of worship. During this time, the congregation met in the Colbert
Theater through the courtesy of Messrs. Louis and Stanley Rosenbaum. A newly-organized class, the
Wesleyan Fellowship, taught by Robert Matthews, met in the municipal building.
A round stained window was added behind the pulpit in 1956 as a gift to the church.
 Click here to see the windows
A total of $41,195 was spent in this remodeling program and was met through the cooperation of the pastor
and a corps of tireless workers who canvassed the members for gifts. The total was broken down as follows:
construction contract, $21,600; plumbing contract, $6,470; moving organ, $1,100; furniture, roof,
carpet, pews, etc., $12,025.
The first service was held in the new sanctuary on Easter, 1950, without the new pews, but the chairs
placed there for the day were filled.
The Woman's Society of Christian Service, under the leadership of Mrs. M.M. Watson, helped with a
bazaar and suppers. At the same time, the Ladies Bible Class room was turned into a parlor, suitable
for church socials and wedding receptions.
During this year, the board of stewards voted to have ladies as stewards and added several as active
members. During this time the church completed plans for the educational building and new parsonage
and air-conditioned the sanctuary. The latter was completed in 1952 at a cost of $4,500.
In 1953, Sheffield First Church was happy to have a small part in establishing a new church in the
city, Sheffield Highland Methodist.
A change was made in the music department during this period. Paul W. Scates who had served so ably
as minister of music for nineteen years, resigned. He and his wife had served in many important
capacities, particularly with young people, Mrs. Scates having been youth choir director at one time.
Robert Matthews was appointed minister of music and served in a capable way until 1957.
After much prayer and planning, church officials finally voted to use the Wells plan, a business
devoted to raising money for churches, to build the Sunday School annex and remodel the parsonage.
The campaign was formally opened in January 1955, after preliminary extensive preparations were
completed. A total of $137,000 was raised in pledges in January 1955, and the entire membership seemed
to receive a spiritual blessing from the extensive visitation campaign and fellowship carried on by
about 75 earnest, sincere men, aided by the pastor and women of the church. A contract for $133,000
for the actual annex was awarded to the Southeastern Construction Company of Tuscaloosa.
The remainder of the money was used in moving the parsonage from next to the church to the site of
1112 Montgomery Avenue where it was completely remodeled in time for the new pastor, John C. Calhoun,
and his family, who came to Sheffield in the fall of 1955.
Another milestone in the church's history was reached in October 1956, when the official board employed
Oliver Brazelle as youth and educational director. Through his capable, talented and earnest efforts,
aided tremendously by the pastor, church school superintendent, Mrs. J.G. Wilson, and a staff of faithful
volunteer counselors, the youth department grew steadily. Oliver took over the music department when
Mr. Matthews resigned in 1957. Ninety were enrolled in the youth division, ages 12-23, and 140 children
attended Vacation Bible School that summer. An all-time high for the church was noted in average
attendance at Sunday School, 512 members. It was during this time that a young couples' class was
organized.
A youth choir was organized and choir robes purchased; a basketball team participated in the church
league, and in 1956, the youth department produced a most effective Christmas pageant.
There was an average of 38 - 50 stewards at monthly meetings and the budget for 1957 was $35,501.
1957 - 1967
The church membership decided to help the James Goodwin family, missionaries to South America, and
set up a fund for their transportation equipment, using the fourth Sunday loose offerings.
Miss Grace Jones, faithful organist for 32 years, was honored by the church during a Sunday morning
service, a resolution was passed by the official board and a bronzed plaque placed on the organ in her
honor. Miss Jones retired in January 1959, and Mrs. O.H. Dodson, Jr., assistant organist for ten years,
was appointed in her place.
By Christmas, 1958, the music department had grown under the leadership of Mr. Brazelle, director of youth and
music, to include separate choirs for senior high, junior high, junior, and primary ages. A set of
English handbells was purchased by the Men's Bible Class and delivered September 15, 1958, at a cost
of $485. Two groups were organized to learn to play them.
Mr. Brazelle has arranged many numbers for the handbells and has served as bell consultant for the
church music workshop held annually at the University of Alabama.
Two Christmas programs were given to overflow crowds that year, a pageant and an evening of music by
the combined choirs. The senior high department began decorating the Fellowship Hall each year, which
is in great demand during the holiday season, for not only the church groups but community organizations.
Caroling to shut-ins became a part of youth activities.
The high school group had a recreation period each Saturday night at the Fellowship Hall. The Chapel
Choir took its first trip that summer to Florida. A trip for the Chapel Choir has become an annual
affair with the young people earning their own money through suppers and doing the janitorial work
while the custodians are on vacation.
Budget for 1958 - 1959 was $55,228 and an average attendance at board meetings was 54 members.
Budger for 1960 was $61,238, and a rotating plan for the board of stewards was instituted that year,
after a through investigation of plans of other churches using this method. The McCluen property
behind the church was bought in October 1960 for $15,000 to be used as a parking lot or for future
expansion. The parsonage and educational facilities were air-conditioned at this time for a total
of $18,312. There was an increased giving to world service by twenty-five percent.
A college class was organized with 45 students. The church began giving financial aid to Wesley
Foundation group at Florence State after having given similar help to Wesley groups at Auburn
University and the University of Alabama for many years. A place for three new Sunday School rooms
was found within the present buildings.
Religion was further carried into all phases of youth's life with campouts and similar trips begun
for the younger singing groups. A choir awards program was begun. Fifteen of the youth went to
church camps. Robes were purchased for the junior high choir. Acolytes began to serve for Sunday
morning services with boys from the junior choir being used. Mrs. Iris Blenkinsopp and Mrs. Polly
Lindsey helped with this group. An amplifier and public address system was installed in the
sanctuary.
A congregation of Methodists began meeting in Muscle Shoals and became the Muscle Shoals Methodist
Church. First Methodist was happy to have a small financial part in the establishment of this
church, and a large part by contributing a number of its own faithful families to join the new church.
A building to house Wesley Foundation was begun at Florence State College. New Chancel Choir robes
were purchased with memorial gifts, individual donations and by the church.
Two important projects were begun at this time but not completed until 1966 and 1967. A place for a
much-needed library was found in the basement of the church and attractive paneling and shelves built
by volunteers. There was a great need to add equipment to the kitchen to take care of the many large
groups using its facilities. Plans were formulated for this and gradually carried through until the
kitchen was equipped for Fellowship suppers, Methodist Men's groups, board dinner meetings, and weekly
youth activities. A total of $7,274.82 was spent on this project.
Rev. Martin E. Coleman and his wife became the pastorate family in June 1965, and they were honored
with a reception, along with the newly married Mr. and Mrs. Oliver Brazelle.
The official board on September 13, 1965, voted to establish an organ fund to replace the present
worn out instrument in the future. Plans and preparations had been going on for some time by a
committee which had made various trips to hear different makes of organs and met with five representatives
of companies. This planning was culminated when the board voted in November 1967, on the advice of the
committee, to purchase a three manual, twenty-five rank organ from the Shantz Company, to be delivered in the summer
of 1970. The cost for the organ was $52,943.01 plus installation and alteration of sanctuary.
1968 - 1976
Budget for the church 1968 - 1969 was $75,630.00. Pew cushions were purchased for the sanctuary by
donations from individuals. In January 1969, the administrative board voted to purchase a 41 passenger
bus for $12,800. It was delivered in June and has proved to be an important part of the church in
providing local and long range transportation for the entire membership.
The youth groups, including junior, senior high, and older youth numbered 140 at that time. The seniors
spent a weekend at Camp Sumatanga and helped clear two burned-out wings of the women's lodge. Youth
activities week that year featured a trip on the bus to juvenile court in Memphis, a folk communion, and
a visit to the Upper Room in Nashville.
Modifications to the sanctuary, preparatory to the installation of the new pipe organ were begun in the
summer of 1970. The ceilings of the sanctuary and choir loft and the pipe chambers were replaced by a
hard surface for improved acoustics, some of the work being done by members. The organ was used for the
first service in October. The consecration was held at the morning worship November 8, and the recital
that afternoon was played by Kenneth Turvey, of Huntsville, to an overflow audience. A reception
followed the program. At the same time, the outdated lighting system in the sanctuary was replaced.
The church voted in September 1970 to purchase a new parsonage at 114 Rivermont Drive for $33,000.
At the same time, the old parsonage on Montgomery Avenue was sold for $18,500.
Twenty-five men from our church attended a retreat at Camp Sumatanga in May 1971 and were inspired to
begin a men's prayer group. The leader of the retreat headed up a Faith-in-Action program in August.
The purpose of this program was to help church members discover the needs of persons in their
community and assist them in being involved in meeting some of these needs. The church and
community are brought into dialogue and church members are exposed to the suffering and need of the
community. Fruits of this program spilled over into every area of the church and members are
still participating in many areas of the church and community, as a result.
Ornaments of religious symbols for a Chrismon tree were made in 1974 by women, men, and youth of the
church and are a cherished part of the Christmas season as well as a nativity scene of lovely, ceramic
figures made by members.
Remodeling and air-conditioning of the youth department in the old Sunday School building was made during
this time and gave such a lift to spirits that around 75 volunteer men and women helped to paint and
wallpaper the rest of the Sunday School rooms and fellowship hall.
On March 19, 1975, Bishop Carl Sanders was present in the church for a service of consecration for
Oliver Brazelle as lay worker. This dedicated staff member and friend was honored with a program planned by
volunteer representatives from all areas of the church. It was attended by an overflow crowd. Pastors
whom this man had served with were present and participated in the service. Friends in the church and
throughout the community presented him with generous gifts and a book with tributes from hundreds of
people. A reception followed in honor of Bishop and Mrs. Sanders and Mr. and Mrs. Brazelle.
The youth department continues to function successfully under the dedicated leadership of Mr. Brazelle
and his workers. Both junior high and senior high groups have been fortunate to always have dedicated and
capable counselors and advisors. Programs have included speakers from youth of other denominations for
a number of years; and several social functions have been with youth from other churches. Spiritual
life and planning retreats at Camp Sumatanga are held annually by the local church and are attended well, generally
by thirty or forty youth and counselors. Youth Activities Week has been observed annually with outside
speakers, musicians, and lively discussion groups providing programs. The church-wide ice cream supper
on the parking lot or fellowship hall is eagerly awaited during this time. Projects have included visiting
hospitals and nursing homes once a year, "Big Brother" projects for underprivileged children (trips, hikes,
handcrafts, being a friend), Manning Home Church School and reaching 30 to 40 children through similar
activities.
The Chapel Choir, composed of senior high and college age students, has had an annual trip for many years,
which is either in the nature of a concert tour or a mission tour. The choir performs at churches
which have no youth program or need a boost in interest. The 1975 tour was an exciting one of over 4,000
miles through Colorado, New Mexico, and Oklahoma, including a visit with an Indian congregation.
In 1970, the Women's Society of Christian Service and the Wesleyan Service Guild were combined to form
one group, the United Methodist Women.
In May 1975, the administrative board voted to buy a van which has provided needed transportation for 15
people or less and is used by the entire membership.
Total budget for 1976 is $139,285.
If you would be interested in compiling our recent history, please let us know.
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