MAGNOLIA — Submitted article
Asbury United Methodist church celebrates 140 years in Columbia County and Magnolia this year.
Why does the church exist?
According to Matthew’s gospel, the risen Christ made it clear: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:19-20)
Asbury United Methodist Church is not a building but a people. We are a fellowship of those who follow Jesus Christ, led by His Spirit to do His work in the world.
The Jackson Street Methodist Church was organized in 1880 by the Rev. W.F. Wingfield and for 89 years the church remained at the Jackson Street location. Today the vacant lot located next to the Cameo Theatre once was Jackson Street Methodist Church, a growing vibrant church in need of more space. The records reveal that Jackson Street Methodist Church was one of the largest Methodist Evangelical Church.
A decision was made by the congregation to purchase property and relocate the church to 1300 East University, change the name and become an anchor of faith for an area of Magnolia that was growing with new houses. The year was 1969 when the church moved into their modern spacious building with an abundant parking spaces.
The congregation selected the name of Asbury after the father of American Methodism, Francis Asbury and recently celebrated 50 years at their present location.
A committee was appointed in 2019 for this140 years of celebration. Plans were in the process for a full year of celebration until the Coronavirus appeared on the scene and changed the normalcy of life as we know it.
One event has not been cancelled as the church has high hopes of being able to celebrate their 140 years in Magnolia. October 25, the Rev. Dr. David Wilson, the youth pastor of Jackson Street Methodist Church will be speaking in a special celebration service at 10am. The congregation extend an invitation to everyone and especially those who have roots in the Jackson Street Methodist Church for our day of celebration.
Rev. David A. Moore is the present pastor and for further information you may reach him by way of phone, 234-5594, e-mail [email protected].