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First Methodist Church of Groveton This sawmill town was founded in 1882, followed by the establishment of a Groveton Methodist congregation in 1883. Begun as a mission church, the first services were held in the school building. A Sunday school was organized by Mrs. M.L.T. Sloan. A church lot was purchased in April 1887, And a church building and parsonage were constructed. Both structures burned down and were rebuilt sometime after 1887. From 1890 to 1907 fighting, murders, and disorderly content were ride spread in Groveton’s numerous saloons and gaming resorts. The Methodist church was burned, apparently by arsonists who disagreed with the Reverend Jesse Lee’s attempts to read the lumber company town of its liquor, saloons and lawlessness. A new church was built in 1914 at the corner of Church and Second streets. It included stained glass windows around the sanctuary. Additions and improvements were made through the years. In the 1960s a modern church structure and parsonage were built. A belltower was added in 1970 containing the bell from the 1914 church building. The church continues to serve its members into the community as it has for more than 110 years. (1996) |
