The History of Clear Springs United Methodist Church

Clear Springs United Methodist Church has been serving families on both sides of the Florida - Alabama state line since 1858. We are the second oldest church in Baldwin County, Alabama.

Our church was founded as a result of tent meetings held at Brady Camp Grounds in 1857. These camp ground meetings continued until broken up by the Civil War. In 1858, Andrew L. Holman who lived and operated a stage coach stand at Perdido River built a school house to educate his children and those of his neighbors. This is where Clear Springs Church first held their regular worship services. The first preacher appointed to serve the Clear Springs Church was Rev. Henry Watson. Sometime prior to 1865, the Church moved to the present location and included property for the church cemetery. The oldest graves in the cemetery are of Andrew Holman’s sons and are dated 1865.

The first building at the present location was nicknamed “Little Barkey” because of its construction of unpeeled logs. The next building was called “Old Sway Back” because of the dip in the middle of the roof due to faulty construction. The next building was constructed in 1898 and served the community for 99 years. This building remains almost in original condition with original hand crafted pulpit, communion rails, and pews. If you visit the old church, notice the height of the pews. They were constructed in a lumber mill at Muscogee, Florida on Perdido River. Muscogee, like many lumber mill towns no longer exists. Evidently, lumber mill workers were large, tall men. The pews are comfortable for most men, but had to have a rail added to the back of each pew because the ladies could not touch the floor with their feet. You can still see the places in the ceiling for the wood stove chimney and where the lanterns would have hung.

Few changes have been made to the building. Among the changes are: electricity, and heating and air conditioning. This building is still being used today for singings and small group services. The new sanctuary and education wing, dedicated in 1997, stands next to the old building.

updated 2-24-00