Chapter Thirty-One

Marion County Churches

by Mrs. Bernice Johnson

Methodist Churches

Bull Shoals United Methodist Church, 1948-1976

Page 506-508

By: Mrs. Esther Larsen, Church Historian

During the year of 1948 the Rev. Glen Bruner, who was serving the Yellville Charge, began coming to Bull Shoals to hold services every other Saturday night. These services were held in a little red schoolhouse on Block 19 of Mocking Bird Lane, known today as the C. C. Brown property. In 1949 he began preaching two Sunday evenings each month, and Rev. Crigler, a Baptist missionary from Cotter, was obtained for the other two Sunday evenings.

The next pastor was the Rev. Paris J. Holifield, who came here June 1949. He held services every other Sunday evening, and on February 12, 1950, formally organized The Methodist Church of Bull Shoals. There were 13 charter members and they are as follows: Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Batchelder, Mr. and Mrs. K. C. Jopling, Mrs. Charles (Caroline) Woods, Sr., and son Charles, Jr., Mr. and Mrs. Ernest J. Miller and children Ronald, Larry, daughter Connie and her husband Ernest Reider, and Mrs. Robert H. Watkins. Of these 13 charter members, Mr. and Mrs. Batchelder are the only ones still with us and continue in their dedicated services to the church. He became the first church treasurer, a post he has held ever since, and Rosalie Batchelder was appointed by the pastor as local President of the Women's Society of Christian Service. There were so few members at that time that it did not become active until in 1952 when Mr. Florence Zarub was elected president.

Meantime the church moved from the schoolhouse to the warehouse of the Bull Shoals Lumber Company. There were no pews or chairs, and boxes that were available served that need. The pulpit consisted of several boxes and a tub suitably draped. History reveals that the Cotter Methodist Church started its first services by meeting in the undertaker parlors, using the coffins as pews.

Rev. Holifield continued serving the church during 1950 with the help of Rev. Crigler who preached two Sunday mornings a month, and on the other two Sundays, student pastors from the Presbyterian College at Batesville came to preach and help as needed.

In 1951 the congregation moved to the old Annix Building, which is now the "Coast to Coast" store. The rough benches now used outside the Community Building served as church pews, and an old washstand as the pulpit. The heat as needed came from an old wood burning stove.

The Rev. Theron McKisson of the Methodist Church in Yellville began to serve the church June 1951. Five new members joined the church. They were: Mr. and Mrs. Louis Zarub, Mrs. Helene Skora, Mrs. Kristine Kling; and Mr. Ben Clark. Of these, Mr. and Mrs. Zarub and Helene Skora are with us and are very active members.

It became apparent that a church building was needed, and Mr. and Mrs. Charles Woods, Sr., donated two lots for this purpose and a new building was started in December 1951. Ralph Batchelder worked almost single handed on this building for months, giving his labor and taking immense pride in his accomplishments. He was assisted by K. C. Jopling and other members. Numerous friends gave some of their time. This was the first church built in Bull Shoals. Donations were received from the Board of Missions, the Church District and various other donations. The Women's Society of Christian Service served their first turkey dinner in 1951 and cleared $23.50. They continued serving dinners several times a year, featured bazaars and other money making functions and thus were able to give considerable financial support.

On January 27, 1952, the following members were received into the church: Mr. and Mrs. Everett Crow, Mrs. Marcine Zucco, Mrs. Sophia Rumbler, Mrs. Charles Woods, Jr., and children. There are others who have been members 20 years or more that we would like to mention-Albert Horton, Mrs. Bernice Layton, Mrs. Etha Sample and Mrs. Fern Disher. All of the members mentioned have given of their lime and varied talents.

The church building was completed during 1952 and the first service was held in December 1952. Most of the pews were furnished by members and there were numerous donations and memorial gifts given. It is interesting to note that the first wedding was held December 18, 1952, when Allen Morrow and Betty Grissom took their vows. In 1976 their oldest daughter, Janet, was married in the church sanctuary. The first pianist was Helene Skora and the First organist was Revis Henry. Rev. Diggs of the Cotter Church started sharing the pulpit in the fall of 1952 with Rev. McKisson, as he was serving four churches.

In 1953 a cabin was bought from Mr. Owens and moved to the church grounds. It was used by the Sunday School for three children's classes. Their teachers were Bernice Layton, Florence Zarub and Juanita Smith. It served this purpose for many years.

In June 1954 Rev. Olaf Olson, a retired Methodist minister living here, took the pulpit. This was the first full-time pastor. At this time a fine opportunity was presented to the official board of the church offering them all the remaining lots in the entire block on which the church is built at a price of $1200.00. The real estate company, namely, C. S. Woods families, agreed to pay one-half of this amount if the church would accept the balance of the obligation. The board took affirmative action.

In preparation for Easter 1955, Ralph Batchelder made a wooden cross and presented it to Rosalie, who decided it should be a gift to the church. It now graces our chancel.

Rev. Olson was forced to retire due to ill health and, in June 1956, Rev. Robert Howerton became the minister. We were once more sharing the minister with the Cotter Church. During his tenure, plans were made for an addition to the church, the basement was to be enlarged and to include a kitchen as well as classroom facilities. A successful rally was held under his direction as $3,000.00 was pledged. Donations were also received from the Board of Missions and the District. Work was started, but Rev. Howerton was transferred in 1957 and Rev. Gerald Hammitt took the pastorate and the building was completed. During Easter 1959, twenty-two members were received into the church.

Rev. Jouston B. Farmer became the pastor in June 1959 for one year, and he was followed by Rev. J. J. Clark who served until 1963. It was at this time that Madelyn Henry contacted Representative James Trimble of the House of Representatives in Washington, D. C. in regard to a flag for the church. He responded, "It is a pleasure to send you a U. S. flag for the Bull Shoals Methodist Church. I am having the flag flown over the Capitol building and will send it to you in a few days."

Rev. J. J. Clark was transferred and replaced by Rev. Moyers in 1963 and stayed until 1965. He was followed by Rev. Jewel Linam who served four years. During this time the church mortgage was burned and dedication service of our enlarged church was held January 29, 1967. It is of interest that two of his sons are also in the ministry.

Rev. Ray Edwards came in 1969 and served until 1973. Our present organ was purchased at this time and dedicated. He was followed by Rev. George Cleary who served until 1975. A parsonage was started and completed in July 1975. Rev. Watt and family came in 1975 and became our first full-time pastor and the first to occupy the new parsonage. Our membership is 220 and the church is bulging at its seams. Once more, plans are being considered for a larger sanctuary.