Princeton WV
FUMC HISTORY
HISTORY
(Provided by the First Church Historical Committee of 1999)
Mercer County was formed in 1837, and soon thereafter the little village of Princeton was
established as the county seat.
R. A. Claughton, a Methodist minister for the Tazewell District, preached at Princeton in the courthouse
and in homes. There was no church in Princeton at that time; the closest church in existence was an old
log church known as Johnston's Chapel, near Graham (Bluefield), Virginia. Itinerant Methodist ministers
frequently came through the area, and there was an annual camp meeting near the residence of Colonel
John S. Carr. The area was also served by Methodist class leaders and exhorters who would go on the
Sabbath to different neighborhoods and take a position near the speaker to frequently call "Amen! Amen!"
during the service. Among Methodist ministers in this area during the early years of Mercer County were
Rev. George Eaken, Thomas K. Catlett, and Jacob Brillhart. In 1846, S. A. Miller was appointed to this
area by the Holston Conference. W. H. Kelly was the last minister to serve this section as a part of the
Tazewell Circuit.
In 1848 the Princeton Circuit was formed and extended from Abbs Valley to the New River, embracing
all of Mercer County and parts of Tazewell and Summers Counties. L. C. Waters was .the first pastor of
this new circuit.
In 1855 a log union church was built in Princeton; it was located on Main Street, about two hundred
yards west of the Court House, near the site of the present Memorial Building. This log church was destroyed
during the Civil War when Princeton was burned on May 1, 1862. Another log church was built on the same
site shortly after the Civil War. This church remained a union church until about the year 1885, when the
Methodists purchased the interest of the other denominations.
Little is known of the development of the Princeton Circuit from the Civil War until 1886. However, the
Methodist Conference was active during this period, as evidenced by the establishment in 1883 of the Holston
Conference (Princeton) Academy on College Hill. This academy, housing grades one through twelve,
served the entire area and included students from Bland, Tazewell, Giles, Monroe, Summers and Mercer
counties. This was anatural outgrowth of the day school that was established in the basement of the old
log church when it was built. (See Appendix A).
A different account of the second log church with some information on the post-Civil War church is
found in "Memoirs of Old Princeton" written by Harrison W. Straley II, which was originally published in
1925. In his writings he states that "for fifteen years after the Civil War there was no church building of any
character in Princeton. Divine worship was held by itinerant ministers of all denominations, when they
passed through at rare intervals, sometimes in the old Thompson tanyard property on Walker Street and
sometimes in the courthouse. The Methodist constituency during this period was composed of Dr.
Robert B. McNutt and wife. Colonel Napoleon B. French and wife, William C. Oliver and family, and Joseph H.
Alvis and his wife." (see also Appendix B)
"Sometime in 1881 or 1882 the Baptists and the Methodists, realizing their spiritual dearth in Princeton,
united their forces and constructed a union church on West Main Street. This was an unpretentious frame building
and cost possibly eight hundred dollars. It was jointly dedicated by the two denominations. This church partnership
proved very unsatisfactory and about the year of 1885 the Baptists sold their half interest in the church building
to the Methodists. Church worship in Princeton during these bygone days was primitive and devoid of
ostentation. The church bell tolled the hour of worship and the congregation gathered early. Husbands
escorted wives to the door of the church; here the family divided, the men passing down one aisle, the
women another. There was a complete separation. The message was plain and full of power."
There is an unbroken record of Quarterly Conference proceedings, starting with 1886, which gives accurate
and valuable information. In 1886, the Princeton Circuit was composed of the following churches: New Salem,
New Hope, Green Valley, Princeton, Nebo, Carper's School House, Log Church, Pisgah, amd Cross Roads.
It was within the Jeffersonville District of the Holston Conference of The Methodist Episcopal Church, South
and E. F. Kahle was the pastor. The salary for the preacher was $600 per year, but only $515.23 was paid.
Evidently there was no parsonage at that time. The December 10, 1887 Quarterly Conference session
reported "R. C. McClangherty, C. R. McNnutt, Andrew Gott, Thomas Gooch, W. B. Carr, and J. P. Thorn were
appointed as a committee to build or buy a parsonage which was located in the area of the 1400 block of
North Walker St."
In 1887 there is a record of the organization of six Sunday Schools which were supplied with Methodist
literature. However, over and over again in Quarterly Conference reports the pastors speak of the Sunday
Schools going into "wilnter quarters" and having to revive them in the spring.
In 1890 the Princeton Circuit was taken out of the Jeffersonville District and put in the Radford District.
The first membership record is dated 1892 and there were 445 church members and 252 in the Sunday
Schools. At this time the appointment became known as the Princeton Charge and was composed of
three churches: Princeton, Pisgah, and New Hope.
The reports of various pastors reveal some interesting facts regarding the state of the church. In 1889,
J. H. Kennedy wrote, "Our people are lamentably deficient in missionary spirit and enthusiasm. We are
doing nothing in an organized effort, but in 1891, "A Women's Missionary Society was organized in the
Princeton Church which promises much."
J. C. Prater, in 1892, was discouraged when he reported, "The church is not what it ought to be, either
spiritually or financially." No wonder! For his services that year, they paid him the sum of $517.20.
However, there was slow but steady progress, In 1897 the pastor's salary was set at $625 and for the
first time was paid in full. There were four Missionary Societies, one for women, two for young people,
and one for juveniles. Another little church was started named Shiloh, which the charge mothered for several
years.
In 1909 the Princeton Church stood alone as a station church. The salary of the pastor was set at
$1,000 and was paid in full by the 434 members. In March 1909 the church bought two lots at the intersection
of Park Avenue and Center and Mercer Streets for the sum of $1,000 for the erection of a new building. In
May 1910 the Board of Trustees was instructed to sell the old church situated on Main Street with the
proceeds directed into the new church then under construction; also, the trustees were to sell the parsonage
property on Walker Street and provide a new parsonage. In the same month the trustees of the Princeton
Collegiate Institute (Princeton Academy) were ordered to sell that property and these proceeds were applied
to the new church building.
From that time the church began to advance. By Quarterly Conference action in 1913 a committee
(composed of the pastor, the Reverend J. A. Shuler,and members W. D. Pendleton, W.V.Peck, W. S.
Dangerfield.W. C. 0liver,and W.A.Nelson) was directed to look after the establishment of a mission church
in East Princeton. By January 1914 the East Princeton M. E. Church, South was organized by the
Reverend E. H. Cassidy and the Reverend George B. Halstead. This church is now Kee Street
United Methodist Church.
By Quarterly Conference action April 12, 1914 the Center Street Church was officially named the First M.E.
Church, South of Princeton, W.Va.
Of tremendous interest is the record of a four-week revival held in the spring of 1914 while J. E.Wolfe
was the pastor, resulting in 165 professions of faith, thus increasing the membership to 602.
Soon the church was overcrowded and more room was necessary. A committee composed of W.S.
Dangerfield, W.D. Pendleton, and J. L. Caldwell was named in July 1919 and charged with the excavation
under the main auditorium. Later a committee was appointed to purchase the first pipe organ. Thomas
Priddy was then the pastor.
In the conference year 1924-25, during the pastorate of Z..B. Randall, 255 new members were added to
the church: 181, by profession of faith and 74 by certificate, bringing the total membership to 1,246.
The first Boy Scout Troop within the church was organized in the spring of 1928. In October of the
same year the Holston Annual Conference was entertained by First M.E. Church, South, Princeton.
In 1933 Princeton was removed from the Radford District and placed in the Bluefield District. The
unification of the three great branches of Methodism (Methodist Protestant, Methodist Episcopal and Methodist
Episcopal, South) came in 1939 and again the church experienced a boundary change when it became a
part of the West Virginia Conference of The Methodist Church. The church was officially named First
Methodist Church in 1939.
In 1944 the membership was 1,152, the pastor's salary was $4,000, and the church was well organized
according to the plan following unification. Under the pastorates of Hugh E. Kelso and J.B.F. Yoak, Jr. the
church purged its membership roll, increased its budget and reached a high water mark both in giving and
in church attendance. A notable record was established at the midweek prayer service especially, averaging
200. In 1945 the total amount raised by the church for all purposes was $25,662.
In September 1945 Dr. L. D. Roe recommended that a building program be launched in the near future
while money was plentiful and the people were interested. On August 31, 1947 the Fourth Quarterly Conference
approved the purchase of a lot on Park Avenue and approved the building of an educational building at the
cost of approximately $77,000. A new pipe organ was purchased and installed in 1948.
At a called session of the Quarterly Conference on February 21, 1949, the church trustees and Building
Committee were authorized to proceed with the excavating and building of the new educational unit. This
beautiful addition to the church was opened for use on Sunday, January 15, 1950.
In June 1950 B.W.John became pastor. At a special session of the Board of Stewards on January 4,1951,
it was decided to place the order for the steel needed for the remodeling of the sanctuary, and in June 1951 a
Building Fund Campaign was conducted. In February 1952 it was decided to extend the church basement to
the area under the Chapel.
In April 1952 the congregation of First Methodist Church moved to the Princeton High School auditorium
on Straley Avenue for the Sunday morning worship services and united with the congregation of the Princeton
Presbyterian Church for the Sunday evening services. The congregation watched with intense interest as the
church became one of the finest and most beautiful in West Virginia. The cost of the remodeling was $132,481.
It became a dream come true and was officially opened again for public worship and the use of the congregation
on Sunday, December 21, 1952.
At the reopening service on December 21, 1952, Bishop Lloyd C. Wicke ordained Deacon James M.
John, a student in the School of Theology, Emory University. This is an event which seldom occurs—a son
ordained at the altar where his father ministers and in the first service held at that altar.
The beautiful new sanctuary was an incentive to the members of the congregation to serve in many areas.
The Altar Guild, organized at this time, added a spiritual atmosphere to the services of worship. Included in
the many active groups were the Wesleyan Service Guilds, the Woman's Society of Christian Service, the
Methodist Men, Church School classes and choirs for all ages, and the Methodist Youth Fellowship. The
church continued to grow in all areas. Chimes for the church tower were purchased at acost of $2,500, the
Old Guard was organized in 1954 and met each week until 1999. The first women were elected to the Official
Board in May of 1953.
Under the leadership of Dr. Ross S. McClung the church progressed — especially in the area of finance.
The church roll was updated and through his ministry many were added to the membership. During his
pastorate, with great vision and foresight for the church's future, the Wallingford property on Center Street
and Hale Avenue (known as the old Princeton Hospital) was purchased by the church at a cost of $45,000.
The continuing growth of the church under the leadership of Dr. J. Herbert Parks made it necessary to
conduct a Crusade for Progress in 1963 for the purpose of (1) amortizing the church's indebtedness; (2)
acquiring the Shumate property at 105 Park Avenue to house the pastor's study and the church office, and
to allow for future expansion; (3) providing a new parsonage at 1024 Meador Street with appropriate furnishings;
and (4) updating the church heating system. During the Crusade Mrs. C. P. Belcher made a gift of her home
at 118 Magnolia Avenue to the church, reserving a life estate. A lot on the New Hope Road was also
contributed by Mr. W. Grady Carper. The lot was sold and the proceeds were applied to the Crusade for
Progress program. The parsonage at 806 Highland Avenue was sold in 1963 and an open house event was
held at the new parsonage on December 15 of that same year.
Dr. Parks wanted something to involve the Junior High School students, both boys and girls, in church
activities. The Handbell Choir was started in 1963 by Patty Linkenhoker. The students enjoyed playing the
handbells so much another group was started for Senior High School students. A few years later an
Adult Handbell Choir was formed. The church now has one complete 5-octave set and two 2-octave sets
of handbells with several extra bells. The handbells were donated by memorial gifts to the church in memory
of their loved ones.
During the pastorate of Dr. Parks in 1965 a two-level church parking lot and recreation area was
constructed on the Wallingford property providing parking facilities and an area for basketball, volleyball,
badminton and tennis. The cost of this project was $10,105.67.
Dr. Parks' ministry encouraged lay leadership and participation and placed an emphasis upon worship,
missions, and the youth program. During his pastorate the church roll was updated and many new members
were added.
During the pastorate of Dr. James C. Fisher the indebtedness incurred during the Crusade for Progress
was paid in full and a note burning ceremony was held. Continued growth was evidenced by attendance at
worship services and participation in church activities.
The Plan of Union, proposed to bring together The Methodist Church and the Evangelical United Brethren
Church (two churches sharing a common historical and spiritual heritage), was consummated and the
churches were united in 1968, forming The United Methodist Church. The local congregation became the
First United Methodist Church.
In 1969, to allow for further expansion, the Barbor property at 104 Hale Avenue was acquired by the
church for $14,500. Two rooms in the Shumate house were remodeled to provide additional classroom
space.
The church continued to experience growth during the pastorate of Dr. Cecil S. McMillion, who stated
that the spiritual status of the church was good as evidenced by the warmth and spiritual depth in the worship
services. In September of 1969 the first issue of a monthly parish paper called THE REMARKER was
edited by Mrs. William N. McClaugherty and mailed to members of the congregation. In 1970 the Carter property
at 107 Park Avenue was purchased for $25,000 to be used as an associate pastor's personage. A Chrismon
tree was decorated with Christian symbols made by members and friends of the Altar Guild and dedicated to
the glory and praise of God at Christmas 1970. It has since become a Christmas fruition at First Church.
In 1971 a Men's Prayer Breakfast Group was formed which continues to meet twice a month, along with
other small groups within the church membership.
In 1972 a Lay Witness Mission, sponsored by the Commission on Evangelism, was held. During Dr.
McMillion's ministry a task force was formed to study the physical and spiritual needs of the church in the
future.
Throughout the pastorate of Reverend John Mendez the church experienced spiritual and financial growth,
making it outstanding in the district and conference.
In 1974 a building improvement program was responsible for the following: the installation of a new sound
system in the sanctuary; replacement of the sanctuary carpet; a new roof and guttering on the Barbor house,
and the addition of a family room at the parsonage.
In January 1976 a memorial gift was made by Mrs. C. B. Steorts inloving memory of her husband and
sons, James and Eugene Steorts, for the purpose of establishing a Building Fund for future church
construction.
In 1976 First Church participated in the GlenWood Park Campaign, pledging a total of $43,158 for debt
retirement.
To facilitate the church program, in 1977 a 15-passenger van was purchased to provide transportation for
church groups.
Following a fire that was the result of an act of vandalism, the sanctuary was refurbished and restored to
its original beauty in August 1978.
In the fall of 1978 the Wesleyan Fellowship Circle recognized the need for enhancing the church grounds
and sponsored a landscaping project which featured attractive plant groupings and landscaping stone.
Planning retreats, special evangelistic services, and Old-Fashioned Days were included in the activities
which highlighted the church program. Besides the effective local program, the extensive outreach of the
church included the support of worldwide missions, the Reverend James H. Snedeker, Jr. (missionary in
Argentina), several mission projects in Africa, and the Red Bird Mission in Beverly, Kentucky. In addition to the
regular apportioned giving to World Service and Conference Benevolences, the church was at the top in giving
to Golden Cross, World Hunger, and most of the other conference projects.
The Reverend Charles Scragg, Jr. became pastor at First Church in 1982, replacing the Rev. John
Mendez who was appointed superintendent of the Bluefield District. During the tenure of Rev. Scragg a
children's time was added to the morning worship service and children's bulletins were provided. The United
Methodist Women refurbished the parlor after it had been used for a classroom for several years. The old
office building and associate pastor's parsonage buildings were demolished (Shumate and Carter properties)
and a new office/conference complex was added to the educational wing, providing ground level access at
both the front and rear of the church. With previously donated building funds and the support of the
congregation this $265,000 project was paid for by the time the complex was completed. The conference room
was dedicated to a dear departed member, Mrs. Etta Belcher, whose generosity provided for approximately
20% of the cost of the project.
Upon Reverend Clifford Schell's arrival at First United Methodist Church in June 1987 it was determined
that the church structure was in need of a major upgrade. In 1988 the Administrative Board appointed a
committee to study major building and equipment improvements urgently needed by the church. Nine major
projects were selected as the most important by the congregation and titled the Forward In Faith Campaign.
The projects are listed in their order of priorty.
1. Trustees Maintenance Package - (Sanctuary plaster repair. Kindergarten room repair. Fellowship
Hall door replacement)
2. Panic door hardware for Sanctuary
3. Sanctuary air conditioning
4. Remodel Restrooms
5. Supplemental heating/cooling for Education Wing
6. Classroom furniture replacement
7. Pave and stripe parking lots
8. Office computer
9. Removal of Barbor house
The Forward In Faith Campaign had an initial goal of $90,000. During a 24 month campaign a total of
$94,873.61 was raised which, when interest was added, totaled $96,781.80. A transfer of $16,148.64 from the
Air Conditioning Fund gave total receipts of $112,930.44. Disbursements for projects and campaign costs
accounted for $105,234.73, leaving $7,695.71 transferred to the Building and Church Maintenance Fund.
On November 14, 1991, the Forward In Faith account was closed, thus ending a very successful church
project.
Ministries of the church grew in the 1990s as reflected in the pastor's report to the 1995 Charge
Conference when he pointed out that the church bulletin for September 17 listed thirty-five different events
scheduled Sunday through Saturday for the church.
A new format for children's ministries at First United Methodist Church began as the "Lively Learners
Club" in February 1990. The "Close Encounters Club" replaced the previous club in September that same
year. The Club taught children from grade one through grade 6 how to live the Christian life. The children
experienced a series of Close Encounters with God's book through music, learning centers, activities, crafts
and snacks. The Wednesday evening event has developed to include a Family Night Dinner, Adult Friends
who listen to Bible verses, check attendance and are friends to the children, the stuffed "Church Mice"
mascots, an awards program, and a CEC store were added to the program. The "Sonshine Kids Club", also
begun in September of 1990, was developed to include children from ages 4 through kindergarten.
The Youth Scholarship Fund was established in 1990 to provide financial support for the youth of the
church as they enter college. Assistance is based on participation in church activities during the middle and
high school years. A total of $46,475.21 has been provided in college grants during the first nine years of the
program.
A Choirchime Handbell Choir was started in 1991 with choirchimes being donated by different groups of
the church, individuals and memorial donations. The children in grades 1-5 play the choirchimes.
The Sanctuary underwent minor remodeling in 1992 to accommodate a new grand piano that was
purchased through donations.
In 1993 the church purchased the C. Q. Bingham property for possible expansion of the church facilities
for $27,500.
The altar area of the Sanctuary was modified in 1996 to allow the choir to face the congregation. In that
same year a church band was formed and a new sound system was purchased and installed in the Sanctuary.
Also in 1996, after several years of searching and prayer, Steve Misak was employed as the first full-time
Director of Youth and Young Adults at First United Methodist Church.
The mission support by the church was also commendable in the 1990s. The church was a Covenant
Relationship Church, supporting both world and national missionaries. In the World Division the church
supported Rev. and Mrs. Douglas Crowder in Africa and later continued support in that country through
Glenn Hupprich. Political volatility in Africa put the missionaries in life threatening situations many times as
they served the Lord. For many years the National Division support has gone to Margaret Craven at Red Bird
Mission in Beverly, Kentucky. The mission's work in this very rural area of our country is outstanding. Two
church members. Dr. Jerry Bailes and his wife Jean, spent an extended period of time as volunteer
missionaries at Red Bird Mission and returned on many occasions to bring supplies and provide personal
support. Dr. Bailes also made several missionary trips to India and Bangladesh, not only as a physician, but
as an evangelist as well. The youth were also very active by beginning annual week-long trips to McDowell
Mission to repair houses for those in need.
In 1998 the church installed and dedicated The Singing Tower Carillon in memory of L. Clyde Caldwell,
Mrs. Wilma H. Caldwell, and Emory J. Reasor. The automatic digital electronic system plays bell sounds that
are reproductions of tuned cast bronze carillon bells. The music and Westminster Chimes can be heard all
across the city of Princeton. Through monetary support by a member family the church organ will receive a
major renovation to be completed in the spring of 2000. The renovation will provide a new console, additional
music capabilities and new pipes that will be exposed to enhance the look of the already beautiful sanctuary.
In June, 2001, Rev. G. Randall Adkins became pastor of First United Methodist Church. He and his family
were known by many members of the church and were welcomed with open arms. The new millenium brought with it new
excitement and a bright future for the church.
The church is now looking to its future. A new Family Ministries Center was envisioned and approved
by the Church Council, Charge Conference and the Church Conference. A Building Committee was
appointed to plan for construction soon after the turn of the century. After many months of planning,
construction of the new facility began in the fall of 2000 with the demolition of the Bingham house, the
appartments, the Scout building and the upper parking lot. A year later, on November 3, 2001, the new building
was consecrated at a dinner held in the new gymnasium. In addition to a gymnasium, the new
facility has a library, multipurpose classrooms, restrooms with showers, a kitchen and fellowship hall.
At the dinner, the new fellowship hall was named Schell Hall in honor of Rev. Clifford Schell and his wife Mary
Ann who gave 14 years of dedicated service and love to our church. The new Family Ministry Center will ensure that the church,
through the help of God, can provide the needed ministries for the community for decades to come.
This update of the history of First United Methodist Church comes as we enter a new
millennium. It is a time to look at where we have been and where we are going. This written history, as each
previous edition, lists the ministerial appointments made by the respective annual conferences to provide
pastoral leadership for the church, but we must not forget all others who comprise the church. There are no lists
for the Sunday School teachers, the choir members, the youth leaders, the committee members, the
liturgists, the Sunday School superintendents, the pianists and organists, the acolytes, the ushers, and all
those who sit in the pews to pray, sing and praise God. As we reflect on what has occurred during the history
of our church, may God bless the members long forgotten, the members here today, and those who will follow
in the future.
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Appendix A: PRINCTON ACADEMY
Princeton was one of the last towns in West Virginia to get a public secondary school, not because of the
perennial problem of neglect of the southern part of the state, but because of the excellence of the Princeton
Academy, a private school sponsored by the Holston Conference of the Methodist Church.
The gray stone building was built in 1883 and stood near the top of North Walker Street in the vicinity of
Circle Drive and College Avenue. It housed grades one through twelve, graduated its first class in 1885, and
had among its faculty some of the most highly trained teachers in the United States, according to Miss
Blanche Straley in an article from the "Bluefield Daily Telegraph" of July 4, 1976. The Academy offered
classes in "Latin, Greek, French, German, English, Mathematical Branches, Sciences, Music, Voice, Culture,
Art, Elocution, Business courses, including Stenography and Typewriting, and Physical Culture."
The Princeton Academy served the entire area until public high school came into existence. The
Academy's land and buildings were sold in 1911 with the proceeds of the sale going towards the construction
of the First Methodist Church at Center Street and Park Avenue.
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Appendix B: HISTORICAL SUPPLEMENT
After the printing of the church history in 1953, a paper was discovered which had interesting data. It is
not known who wrote the paper, so we can give no acknowledgment. The paper reads in part:
"In 1855 Princeton was almost a wilderness with a few devout Christians who felt the need of a place of
worship. They decided on a plan for a log church. Committee was appointed, composed of Rev. Daniel Carr,
Captain Gott, Thomas Bratton, Judge Mahood, William Carr, Rufus McKinzie, William Oliver and several
others. They selected a lot on Main Street, where now stands the Baugguess home. They began work on
what was to be the log church."
"Mr. Carr began hauling logs from New Hope. They dug a basement large enough for a day school, when
all was completed they employed Miss Burnsides as a teacher, she afterwards became the mother of H. W.
Straley and Mrs. Kate Mahood of this city."
"The church being completed the people were all happy. Rev. Carr led off with his first big sermon. All
did singing and shouting. The log church was the beginning of a widespread revival which developed great
spiritual life among the people. This church burned but a much larger one was erected by the community on
the same lot. (Some years elapsed between the time of the one burning and the building of the other)"
"The second church was a Union Church. In this church the back seats were for colored folks. The
building was square and had two doors in front, rows of windows on either side. The building was heated by a
large iron stove. Anyone who wanted could act as janitor and the ladies did the cleaning once a month. As
time went on an organ was purchased and a choir organized under the leadership of Miss Lula Hale, sister of
Mrs. Armstrong and Mrs. Carrie Pendleton. Lula Hale afterward became the wife of Rev. A. S. Thorn, an able
pastor and professor of the Holston Conference (Princeton) Academy. The church contained a belfry. The
bell could be heard two miles away. It is in use, now, in the mining town of Gary, W. Va."
"The different denominations were represented by: one Episcopalian, one Catholic, several Baptists, a
few Presbyterians, one Lutheran and many Methodists. All worshiped together in this second church."
The above quotations bear no date. Two important facts are claimed by them. First, the first log church was
the "Mother Church" of all denominations in a large area of the country. Second, this church was the "Mother
of Public Schools" of Princeton. B. W. J.
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Appendix C: UNITED METHODIST WOMEN / MEN
UNITED METHODIST WOMEN
In 1869 the predecessor organization of the United Methodist Women was formed and called the Women's
Foreign Missionary Society. At that time church women saw work that needed to be done. Missionary leaders
of the church failed to share their enthusiasm or catch their insight, so the women simply formed their own
"Missionary Societies." This did not happen easily, for few women were accustomed to public speaking and
working outside the home. Husbands and others, including church leaders, had decided opinions about the
role and place of women. They belonged at home!
In 1891 the Women's Missionary Society was organized in Princeton. Just as those before, they hoped
that their efforts would help the missionary spirit of the church which was deficient at the time. Membership
began with 10 women. After the 1939 unification of the Methodist Protestant, Methodist Episcopal South and
the Methodist Episcopal Churches, the name was changed to the Woman's Society of Christian Service. Later
records show that in 1952 membership in the Woman's Society of Christian Service was 350, comprising 12
circles and four Wesleyan Service Guilds. After the church merger with the Evangelical United Brethren in
1968 the name was changed to United Methodist Women. To date, in 1999, there is a membership of 84, plus
14 honorary members. This membership is comprised of three subgroups, formerly called circles. They are
listed as Rachel Fulton, Myrtle Bane, and Rise and Shine. There is also a daytime General Group and an
evening General Group.
The organized unit of United Methodist Women is a community of women whose purpose is to know God
and to experience freedom as a whole person through Jesus Christ, to develop a creative and supportive
fellowship, and expand concepts of mission through participation in the global ministries of the church. Any
woman, regardless of whether or not she is a member of the United Methodist Church, has the opportunity to
belong to United Methodist Women.
UNITED METHODIST MEN
The men of the First United Methodist Church started meeting in 1948 and the group was called the
Brotherhood. In 1954 the organization was chartered by the General Board of the Laity as Methodist Men.
They became United Methodist Men following the merger of the Methodist and Evangelical United Brethren
denominations in 1968.
The objectives of the United Methodist Men are to seek daily Christ's way of life and to bear witness to this
way in business dealings and in social contacts. The United Methodist Men primarily support the Boy Scouts of
America and the Upper Room Prayer Ministry. They also promote personal evangelism among men and boys.
They meet at the church the second Tuesday evening of each month.
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Appendix D: SCOUTING AT FIRST CHURCH
Pastor T. C. Schuler's Report to the 2nd Quarterly Conference of Princeton First Methodist Episcopal
South Church, dated March 15, 1928, included this entry:
"We have just organized a troupe of Boy Scouts which we hope will accomplish much good. Brother Harry
F. Wells is Scout Master. He is full of enthusiasm and loved by all the boys. We expect much from the
troupe. "
Thus began the long affiliation between the church and Troop I, Boy Scouts of America. A newspaper
article in the Sunset News Observer of December 10, 1957 described Troop One as not only the first Scout
Troop in Princeton, but as the oldest in a nine county area.
Troop I originally met in the "junk shop" where the current Board of Education offices are. At an
unknown time the Troop moved into the basement of the Methodist Church. When the Methodist Church was
remodeled in 1949 the Troop was moved into two rooms behind the church kitchen currently used for a work
room and storage. In 1962 the Troop was moved into an old heating and cooling shop, in
front of the new office addition.This building was known as the Scout Building by nearing everyone in Princeton.
Demolition of the Scout Building occurred in 2000 to allow construction of the new Family Ministries Center.
Troop 1 again occuppied the basement of the church in what is now called the Activity Hall.
For many years First Church has supported Boy Scout Troop I with moral and financial help through the
Methodist Men. Our Scout Troop is very active in the community and has had a positive influence on the
community's young men.
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Appendix E: FINANCIAL GROWTH OF THE CHURCH
TOTAL EXPENDITURES FROM THE CONFERENCE JOURNAL* (Includes local church expenses, ministerial
support, benevolences, building improvements & apportionments:
1900 ---- $1,115
1975 ---- $125,127
1990 ---- $268,985
1905 ---- $1,800
1976 ---- $161,315
1991 ---- $263,299
1910 ---- $17,510
1977 ---- $143,025
1992 ---- $331,571
1915 ---- $5,748
1978 ---- $153,697
1993 ---- $312,479
1920 ---- $15,013
1979 ---- $148,844
1994 ---- $336,169
1925 ---- $21,758
1980 ---- $168,992
1995 ---- $337,325
1930 ---- $14,027
1981 ---- $180,317
1996 ---- $407,212
1935 ---- $12,325
1982 ---- $258,365
1997 ---- $431,255
1940 ---- $10,964
1983 ---- $203,596
1998 ---- $416,427
1945 ---- $22,093
1984 ---- $197,051
1999 ---- $464,884
1950 ---- $45,039
1985 ---- $187,038
2000 ---- $796,644
1955 ---- $113,342
1986 ---- $233,186
2001 ---- $1,717,651
1960 ---- $62,225
1987 ---- $221,623
2002 ----
1965 ---- $89,754
1988 ---- $220,010
1970 ---- $53,140
1989 ---- $284,031
*Years showing considerable increases generally are the result of building programs or staff additions
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Appendix F: MINISTERIAL APPOINTMENTS
MINISTERIAL APPOINTMENTS
1846-1847: S. A. Miller
1847-1848: William Sleagis
1848-1849: W. H. Kelley
1849-1851: L. C. Waters
1851-1852: J. S. Edwards
1852-1853: Charles Mitchell
1853-1854: Minutes Show No Appointment
1854-1855: L. W. Crouch
1855-1856: W. K. Foster
1856-1857: J. P. Gibson
1857-1858: W. W. Neel
1858-1859: Josiah Torbitt
1859-1860: George Stewart
1860-1861: B. W. S. Bishop
1861-1862: J. M. Chrismond
1862-1863: Princeton, and the church was burned in 1862
1863-1864: J. R. Payne
1864-1865: G. W. Penley
1865-1867: G. W. Martin
1867-1869: No Appointments in the Minutes
1869-1870: G. W. K. Green
1870-1871: F. P. Darr
1871-1872: R. A. Giddens
1872-1873: L. W. Crouch
1873-1875: Ayers Kincaid
1875-1876: L. N. Renfro
1876-1877: P. S. Sutton
1877-1878: W. H. Barnes
1878-1879: L. W. Thompson
1879-1880: A. T. Brooks
1880-1882: D. H. Carr
1882-1884: P. S. Sutton
1884-1885: J. T. Stover
1885-1887: E. F. Kahle
1908-1909: J. M. Paxton
1909-1910: D. E. Carr
1910-1911: J. E. Loury
1911-1913: J. A. H. Shuler
1913-1916: J. E. Wolfe
1916-1920: Thomas Priddy
1920-1923: S. B. Vaught
1923-1924: E. H. Cassidy
1924-1926: Z. B. Randall
1926-1928: T. C. Shuler
1928-1933: W. M. Morrell
1933-1934: J. M. Carter
1934-1938: P. P. Martin
1938-1941: Hugh E. Kelso
1941-1945: J. B. F. Yoak, Jr.
1945-1950: L. D. Roe
1950-1954: B. W. John
1954-1962: R. S. McClung
1962-1965: J. H. Parks
1965-1970: J. C. Fisher
1970-1974: C. S. McMillion
1974-1982: John Mendez
1982-1987: Charles Scragg
1987-2001: Clifford Schell
2001- : G. Randall Adkins
ASSOCIATE MINISTER APPOINTMENTS
1966-1968: John E. Tenney, Jr.
1968-1969: L. Craig Michel
1970-1971: Harry G. Sawdey
1972-1975: L. Craig Michel
1975-1978: Emily L. Price, Director Christian Education
1977-1979: William R. Young
1979-1980: Gregory L. Hayes
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History