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2011 SESSION


SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 486
Commending Fort Gibson United Methodist Church on the occasion of its 225th anniversary.
 
Agreed to by the Senate, February 24, 2011
Agreed to by the House of Delegates, February 25, 2011
 

WHEREAS, in 2011, Fort Gibson United Methodist Church will celebrate 225 years of sharing the gospel and serving the residents of Russell County; and

WHEREAS, the origins of Fort Gibson United Methodist Church can be traced to the early history of the Methodist Church in America; and

WHEREAS, John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, sent preachers to the New World in 1769, and in 1784, the Methodist Episcopal Church in America was organized in Baltimore, Maryland, breaking with the Church of England; and

WHEREAS, in 1786, itinerant preacher Mark Whitaker, part of the Holston Conference, established the first local Methodist Society, attracting scores of local residents with his message; and

WHEREAS, in 1790, famous Methodist leaders Francis Asbury and Richard Whatcoat visited the community and spoke with approximately 70 people while staying at the tavern owned by Charles Bickley; and

WHEREAS, the original Methodist church was established as the Temple Meeting House with members meeting in a log structure on land deeded from Charles Bickley and others for $1; and

WHEREAS, a new brick church was built in 1874 and, in the early 1900s, the congregation relocated, building a white frame structure and becoming known as Castlewood Methodist Church; and

WHEREAS, after a fire destroyed the church in 1929, the congregation built a brick church in the same location and changed its name to Fort Gibson Methodist Episcopal Church, South; today the congregation worships in the same building and is known as Fort Gibson United Methodist Church; and

WHEREAS, Fort Gibson United Methodist Church under all of its names has maintained its steadfast devotion to Methodism and has been ably served by immensely dedicated pastors, who have provided visionary leadership, devout worship, meaningful Christian education, and enthusiastic ministry and community missions; and

WHEREAS, the congregation of Fort Gibson United Methodist Church will joyously celebrate its historic 225th anniversary on August 14, 2011; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly commend Fort Gibson United Methodist Church on the occasion of its historic 225th anniversary; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Fort Gibson United Methodist Church as an expression of the General Assembly’s congratulations and best wishes in its future missions.