Eden United Methodist Church
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O N C H O C O U N T Y |
Marker No: 12350
Aluminum 27 x 42 Subject Marker
Geographic: 31° 13.103′ N, 99° 50.535′ W
Location: 10 Bryan Street, Eden
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Marker Text: The first Eden schoolhouse was erected in 1885, and itinerant preachers who stopped to give sermons in the schoolhouse attracted people of all faiths. A community Sunday school met in the building for several years. The First Methodist Sunday school was formed in 1901 in the home of Mr. and Mrs. J. E. Williams, who lived northeast of Eden in the Maverick community. The Eden Methodist Church, South, is said to have been organized about 1904.
The Community Ladies' Aid Society, consisting of members of all faiths, helped raise funds for a Baptist Church building erected in 1905. The Methodists met in the building until they could erect their own house of worship. The Methodist congregation purchased a house for use as a parsonage in 1907; it housed circuit-riding preachers until the Rev. G. E. Glasspool became the Methodist Church's first full-time pastor the following year. The Methodist Church erected its own building in 1909. Alterations and additions were made as the congregation grew. In 1923 the Lutheran Church held services in the Methodist building, upholding the ecumenical spirit of cooperation of Eden's early days. Mrs. Hixie Crump Potter, a charter member, turned the first spade of soil at the groundbreaking of a new church building in March 1948. The first service in the new sanctuary was held on Easter Sunday, 1949. Church membership grew, and the congregation thrived. At the dawn of the 21st century, the congregation continues in the traditions of its founders with programs of worship and service. (2000) |