Church History

"Twelve is a sacred number. There were twelve tribes of Isarel; there were twelve apostles; there are twelve precious stones in the foundation of the Heavenly City, and it has twelve gates.

It was in the parlor of Mickleberry Merritt's residence in Monroe County, Ga., May 8, 1852, that he and eleven other influential and Godly men organized and offered the world Congregational Methodism.

The twelve founders are namely: John Flynt, Travis Ivey, Jackson Bush, James H. Fleming, W.H. Gresham, Robinson Fambrough, W.L. Fambrough, Mickleberry Merritt, Georgia V. Todd, Rev. Hiram Phinazee, Rev. Absalom Ogletree and Elbert Jones Banks.

From the twelve sketches of these God-Fearing men written by Rev. Rolfe Hunt in 1902, it was seen that there were varied degrees of ability and culture among the apostalic founders, and they were all men of fair ability. They were all men of faith and spiritual fever and power.. ---Rock Springs Congregational Methodist Church has a Godly heritage.

In my attempt to write a history of Rock Springs Church, it was my inability to learn anything definite as to the organization of the church; although there was doubtless a full record of its proceeding kept. All my efforts to find such a record were utterly unavailing, so I am obliged to depend on The Origin and Early History of the Congregational Methodist Church by Rev. S.C. McDaniel in 1879, and what information Mrs. Mary Lee Harper, widow of the late Rev. W.A. Harper, could give me, and with these I am forced to content myself.

We find that Rock Springs Church, along with six other churches, was organized and effected sometime between May 8 and August 12, 1852, and that it sent one delegate to the first District Conference at Rocky Creek Baptist Church. That church, kindly tendering to said body, the use of their church house.

Records show that the third session of the 3rd District Conference was held at Rock Springs, May 13, 1853.

The grounds upon which the church and cemetary are located, were given to said church by Mr. Jesse Hand and Mr. Frank Norris. The deed was written in 1855 for the amount of 3 acres.

Mrs. Nannie Harper Bell, age 92, and a devoted member of this church for 78 years, Mrs. Sallie Harper Thorton, age 85, and a devoted member for about 70 years, Mrs. Gertrude Harper Spruce, age 75, and a member for 62 years, all granddaughters or Rev. Absalom Ogletree; and Mrs. Mary Lee Harper, granddaughter-in-law, married to the late Rev. W.A. Harper, age 85, and a member for 70 years, have all confirmed that Rev. Absalom Ogletree was the first pastor of Rock Springs Church.

Records show that in September of 1853, that Rock Springs, under the pastoral care of Rev. Ogletree, was in a healthy and growing condition, and had increased it's membership from 65 to 93. He served the church with a zeal and courage that never faltered. He was a man anointed with power from on High, filled with steadfast faith, and the Holy Ghost.

For a full account of this great Christian man, I refer you to Volume XI of The Messenger, written in 1902 by Rev. Rolfe Hunt.

In 1854-55, the report showed a continued prosperity and growth in the church, and that the hand of God had guarded them and prospered them on their way.

The following portion is a sketch of the pastors in the order they served Rock Springs and was written by Mrs. Mary Lee Harper.

"In this, our Centennial year, as I sit and recall the days gone by, many of the saints of yesterday years I have known and who have gone on to Glory, came marching through my mind.

Mt. Zion, Providence, Pleasant Grove, and Rock Springs were the first Congregational Methodist Churches to be built; can't remember who served these churches until about 1882. The Rev. S.C. McDaniel served Providence, Mt. Zion and Rock Springs. Don't know whether served Pleasant Grove or not.

Congregational Methodism was not very old at this time, but was gaining footholds in other states through the blessing of God. Bro. McDaniel served these churches faithfully and has long since gone on to his reward.

Next, Bro. Handsford was called to serve Rock Springs. He, too, served the church faithfully. This passage of scripture would be well suited for him; 'Blessed are the dead which lie in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them'. (Rev. 14:13)

Rev. Rolfe Hunt was the next to serve Rock Springs. He was the son of the late, Dr. Frank Hunt, who was also a Congregational Methodist preacher. He served the church well, a good man full of the spirit of God.

Next, was our beloved Rev. W.A. Harper, and in 1899, chosen pastor of Rock Springs. He was strong, forceful preacher, faithful pastor, zealous worker, and loved by all who knew him, making friends and holding them. He served the church continously and faithfully for better that 19 years, probably longer than other ministers to preach here. He preached his last sermon just one month before he passed away; therefore; there was a crown awaiting him on the other shore.

From 1899-1918, under the pastorial care of Rev. Harper, Rock Springs was in a healthy and growing condition and were fruitful years for the church. The community was populated with families that were witnessing Christians and living exemplified lives for Christ. The things that they said and did lives on!

Miss Bessie Moody was called as pastor, to serve the remaining time of Rev. Harper. We didn't know her very well, but she preached strong and forceful sermons and was faithful to her charge.

Bro. W.B. Costly pastored Rock Springs in 1919-1920. He was a good consecrated man, and his knowledge of the Bible was superb; he served the church faithfully.

Bro. J.J. Hurst was chosen as pastor in 1921. He preached with inspired zeal for several years, and passed away about 4 years ago and now rest from his labors.

Rev. J.W. Morris served the church in 1924-25. I didn't know Bro. Morris very well, but he was faithful to his trust.

In 1932, the church called Bro. W.M. Black as pastor. He served the church faithfully for about 16 years. It can be truthfully said of him, "He is a good man; full of the spirit and faithful to his trust."

Rock Springs originally stood out near the cemetary surrounded by stately Oak trees. This is where I like to remember the church, because it was there that I found Christ as my Saviour and it's here that I can see the congregation of friends and saints of God; where they sit in their pews, how they came in the door and sat down and sang the old hymns.

Oh, how I remember Grandpa Harper sitting by the window in his chair. Those prayers that were offered up to the throne of Grace, also the humble prayers of Aunt Minnie Bell still ring in my ears; --they, like the stately Oak trees have been removed from this earth.

Most of the old friends and saints of God have left this tenement of clay, and are in another house; not made by hand--In Glory!

About 1946, the church was moved to its present location. Bro. Black saw fit to leave us at this time. He recommended our present pastor, Rev. Gilbert Howard. He was called to pastor Rock Springs. He had visions and leadership, and a man full of spirit and on fire for God. He has already served the church about 6 years.

At the beginning of his pastorage, we began remodeling the church on the inside, built brick steps, and last, but not least, installed a gas heating system.

But in the meanwhile, August 1, 1948, the church was shocked to its sense of responsibility, in the loss of our beloved, Miss Carrie Bell. We had depended on her so long. She taught the Adult Sunday School Class, and most of the time, was pianist for the church. Gone but not forgotten!

Just one look back into that humble home where the church was born in 1852.

Mrs. Mae English came to us from Kentucky and united with our church. She accepted the call to teach the adult class and is doing a splendid job in filling Miss Carrie's place.

In 1950, the Death Angel took our beloved Mrs. Minnie Bell. She was truly a shining light, a fruitful branch, a fighting soldier, a true Christian, a living Epistle, --- Gone to reap her great reward.

And still the work goes on --- Thanks be unto God for the awakening that has come to our church the last few years. Yet, we are far from our goal. From our rich heritage of the past, we can draw inspiration for the future.

May God continue to bless Rock Springs Church, and when the angel shall declare that time is no more, may the fruit for God through our church be gathered from all parts of the world."

The End, this June 2, 1952.

Mrs. Mary Lee Harper

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