Chapter Thirty-One

Marion County Churches

by Mrs. Bernice Johnson

Methodist Churches

Cedar Grove Methodist Church

By: Mrs. Eula Ledbetter and Mrs. Mae Patterson

There is no available record of the date of the building of the first church at Cedar Grove. However, it must have been around 1850, since the first member recorded was that of Mrs. Joe Burleson who joined the church during that year. This first church building was a two-story log building-the upper story was used for meetings of the "Grange" and the lower part was used for church services. Oldtimers used to relate that the building was burned by bushwhackers after the Civil War. The church was called Shiloah during that time.

Prior to the building of the sanctuary of the present building, church services were held in the various homes of the community. The present Church-Cedar Grove Sanctuary-was built in 1872 or 1873 by donations from citizens. This was a Methodist church; however, people other than Methodist donated labor and money to its construction. Other denominations were permitted to hold services in the house when such did not conflict with the work of the Methodist people. Church sentiment in the community surrounding Cedar Grove was predominantly Methodist.

Some of the most noted ministers who served the Methodist Church at cedar Grove in the early days were: Bill Dees and Bob Goundaback from Bellefonte; Parson Wade and his son, Rev. Lynn Wade who preached in the early 1900's; Rev. Bill Black, Rev. Jefferies; Rev. House; and Rev. Seay.

Among the pioneer families who donated time, labor and money toward the building of the church were: Burlesons, Brookshers, Pierces, Hudsons, Browns, and Cunninghams. There were others who helped but there is no record of their names.

During the first few years after the church was built, it also served as a place to hold school. Reubin H. Pierce and his son, William Lafayette Pierce, taught several subscription schools in the building.

The church was later taken into the Yellville circuit, and ministers have been appointed to preach there regularly.

In later years additional rooms have been built across the rear of the main sanctuary, and a vestibule has been added to the front. The church has been re-ceiled on the inside and new furniture has been installed with carpeting on the floor. A complete kitchen is equipped in one of the back rooms and tables are provided for serving meals. Recently, a water system was installed and restrooms were added. In 1974 an air conditioner and heating system were installed.

The following is an excerpt from Rev. H. Lynn Wade's centennial Anderson's history: "Shiloah. . . This church produced one local preacher, R. L. Crow. John M. Cantrell and George Wade were licensed here. In 1920 when H. Lynn Wade was holding his first service in the church as Presiding Elder, Jasper Burleson said, 'The first sermon I ever heard your grandfather, J. H. Wade, preach was where you are standing; the first sermon your father, George Wade, ever preached was where you are standing, and the first sermon you ever preached was where you now stand."