Winona Park Methodist Church Waycross GA

Winona Park Methodist Church began as a community church in 1939. We still have a few charter members with us. Many of our members grew up in this fellowship and still serve the Lord side by side with friends who have recently joined the ministry. We have an active children's ministry, youth ministry, and adult Bible studies.

 

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From little acorns great oaks grow. Winona Park Church is not yet the mighty oak, but it is on the way.

Two men with a vision! ..A sparsely developed community! An obedient minister! A church survey! Thirteen responsive families! Unwavering faith! A great God!

These enthusiastic forces culminated in the decision for a church in the community. But where? The two men with a vision, the Rev. F.M. Gaines, Supt., Waycross District, and the Rev. J.C.G. Brooks, pastor of the First Methodist Church, Waycross, and the obedient pastor, Rev. W.A. Sedgewick, began the search. Suddenly, there it stood! The old Odum Commissary! When contacted regarding its use, the owner, Mr. I.W. Odum, naval store operator, gladly consented. It was the perfect location to serve the people of the area, on the corner of Albany and Augusta Avenues.

As soon as the building could be readied, services began. On September 10, 1939, the first service was held. The Rev. Gaines conducted a church conference and the church was organized. The name Winona Park Methodist Church was agreed upon. The Rev. Sedgewick was appointed pastor. In that first Sunday’s service thirty-seven people were welcomed into the fellowship of the church. A revival began with the Rev. Gaines preaching and William “Bill” Cribb leading the singing. The people of Winona Park community responded; they came from various denominations, all loving the Lord and uniting their hearts in His service, realizing a church in the community would be an asset.

Charter Members September 10, 1939 Mrs. Weeta (Lang) Adams Ms. Jimmie Anderson Mrs. Viola Anderson Mrs. C.B. (Ellen) Arrington Mr. C.W. Brooks Mrs. C.W. Brooks Mrs. R.G. (Edna) Cadenhead Mrs. Clara Capps Copeland Mr. Rufus Corbett Ms. Doris Corbitt Mrs. Lola Davis Mr. D.C. Dukes Mrs. D.C. Dukes Ms. Beatrice Herrin Mr. T.L. Herrin Mrs. T.L. Herrin Mrs. E.P. (Katie) Hillman Mr. B.L. James Mrs. B.L. (Ora) James Mr. Nolan W. Lang, Jr. Mr. Robert Gary Lang Mrs. N.G. (Nettie) Lang Mr. Nolan W. Lang, Sr. Mrs. N.W. (Virginia) Lang, Sr. Mrs. W.E. Lynn Mr. O.M. Mincey Mrs. O.M. Mincey Mrs. Fanny Mintz Mrs. Walter (Sallie) Murray Mr. Eddie L. Rouse Mrs. Eddie L. Rouse Rev. Arthur W. Sedgewick Mrs. W.A. (Addie Lee) Sedgewick Mr. Jesse Jacob Sedgewick Mr. Clyde E. Smith Mrs. C.E. (Margaret) Smith Mr. C. Emel Smith

The first Board of Stewards was composed of the following: Clyde E. Smith, T.L. Herrin, C.M. Mincy. The Sunday School officers were Clyde E. Smith, Superintendent, J.W. Robinson, Assistant Supt., and Mrs. C.B. Arrington, Secretary and Treasurer.

In 1940, eight beautiful lots were purchased on the corners of Ben Hill Street and Augusta Avenue. Retis Cadenhead drafted the plans for the church, which were sent to the Methodist Conference Architect for approval. The men of the church and neighborhood began pouring cement blocks with which to erect the building.

Rev. W.A. Sedgewick was secured as the pastor with Rev. R.F. Owens, who departed this life in 1943, acting as assistant pastor. Worship was held in the old commissary while work was in progress on the new building which was started July 4, 1941. The building started with absolutely no money in hand. But when the pastor and his faithful flock made the start, many were ready to give the Lord’s work a hand. Members began clearing the site, installing a well, preparing to erect the church, and pouring cement blocks. God honored their efforts, and the church was completed. On April 11, 1943, the church family marched from the Commissary to the new church, singing, “When the Saints Go Marching In.” Bro. Sedgewick sermon topic was “Have Faith in God.”

The fact that Rev. and Mrs. Sedgewick went about their Master’s work wholeheartedly was evidence by the full working program which was in operation within a month after the church was organized. The Sunday School and Methodist Youth Fellowship began immediately, and the Woman’s Society of Christian Service was organized on October 29, 1939.

When first organized, the Winona Park Church was placed on a charge with three other churches : Raulerson’s Chapel, Ward’s Chapel, and St. John’s Methodist Church (as well as Ruskin Methodist Mission, on Sunday afternoons).

About this time the Rev. and Mrs. J.W. Hitch, former missionaries to Korea, came to Waycross as District Superintendent. They were indeed inspirational and supportive of the work, often filling the pulpit while Rev. Sedgewick was busy serving other churches on the charge. The Sedgewicks and the Hitches completed their tenure with their faith evidenced in the beautiful Sanctuary and Education Building.

In 1944, the Rev. David Price came as pastor of Winona Park charge. The Rev. J.C.G. Brooks returned as District Superintendent. Since we did not have a parsonage, a temporary apartment was arranged in the Educational Building to accommodate Rev. and Mrs. Price and their five children. Due to World War II, building materials were frozen; therefore, building a parsonage was postponed. The Prices accepted this fact and endeared themselves to the church family.

The fourth anniversary of the founding of the Winona Park Church was celebrated on Sunday, September 10, 1944, and declared Homecoming. The Rev. Bishop Arthur J. Moore gave the program, and it was held at 12 noon so that friends of the members could attend after their own services. The Rev. James W. Hitch, district superintendent, also took part.

Materials remained frozen during the pastorate of the Rev. Ramus Freeman, a young ministerial student who was sent to us in 1945. Naturally, he was mothered and loved by his congregation. During his ministry, he was able to start a parsonage fund, anticipating the day when the pastor’s family would have a comfortable home. Another church, Pierce Chapel, was added to the charge, making a total of five churches to pastor. The Rev. E.F. Dean, associate pastor, with his wisdom and patience, was helpful in guiding the young minister. While serving Winona Park, Bro. Freeman married one of our young ladies, Miss Betty Ruth Sellers, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Walter Sellers. Betty was also the niece of Bishop Arthur Moore.

In November 1946, the Rev. Frank Quillian was sent to Winona Park. God called him home to glory after only being here a week or two. Then Bro. C.D. Herrington was secured, but illness prevented him from filling more than an appointment or two. Then followed several long weeks with no ministerial leadership, but the great Methodist Layman’s Movement proved successful as prominent laymen of South Georgia filled the pulpits of both Winona Park and Gilchrist Park.

On February 1, 1947, the Rev. Louis E. Gholson came to this work and found a spirit conducive to the advancement of the building program. There were materials on the ground from the old Methodist church at Fairfax, which had been given by the J.R. and T. Boon estate. These materials of heart pine made a wonderful start on the new parsonage. Plans were drawn up and work started around March 15th with J.H. McIntosh as architect and M.W. Capps as builder. With good fortune and much faith, the building was completed, and the pastor moved in May 20, 1947.

Thus Winona Park now had a beautiful church plant ample for a full program of work in the Lord, and a comfortable parsonage built of the best materials. All of this was worth conservatively $35,000. There remained a small balance due of $1,300 on the church and $1,500 on the parsonage, a total of $2,800.

Bro. C.M. Infinger came as pastor in June of 1948 and had served only a few months when God called him home. He was dearly loved by the membership and the community. The church year was finished by Rev. J.C.G. Brooks. May 2, 1948, was dedication day for the church and parsonage. God richly smiled on us during the first eight years of life for Winona Park Methodist Church. Even the wildest dreams of those who organized the church in 1940 could not picture the commodious church plant and the beautiful parsonage that was free of debt and ready to dedicate in just eight short years.

In June 1949, the Rev. L.W. Williams came to the Waycross District as Superintendent and the Rev. W.R. (Billy) Key came as pastor of Winona Park Church. Bro. Billy and his wife, Sunshine, were deeply spiritual and soon won the hearts of everyone. The church progressed under his leadership, a Boy Scout Troop was organized, Aunt Runy’s Prayer group started, and Carroll Crosby accepted a call into the ministry.

Rev. T.J. McCullough and his lovely wife, Virginia, came to Winona Park in June 1952. The spiritual life of Bro. McCullough and his lovely wife will long be remembered not only in Winona Park Church, but throughout the community. Their enthusiasm was contagious! The church continued to move with Rufus Corbitt serving as Scout Master; in 1954, the Men’s Club was reorganized and received their charter. The pastor, along with Rev. J.R. Webb, District Superintendent, spent a great deal of time and effort towards establishing Winona Park and Gilchrist Park churches as stations. This was accomplished at the next conference.

In June of 1955, Rev. G. Reid Smith came to Winona Park as pastor. It was under his leadership that our sanctuary was redecorated and the educational plant enlarged. An educational annex was constructed, the sanctuary also carpeted, new pews, pulpit furniture and an organ were added. It was also under his guidance that the W.S.C.S. was divided into four circles.

Rev. J.M. Yarbrough came to Winona Park and the Waycross area as District Superintendent in 1957. His devotion to the churches made him loved by all the members. He was always ready to give us encouragement when needed.

Rev. John R. Blackwell came to Winona Park in June of 1958. He brought much enthusiasm for the material and spiritual growth of the church, and under his leadership the work went forward in all areas of the church.

The church welcomed the Rev,.J.W. (Bill) Dupree, his lovely wife Sue, and their two young daughters in June 1961. Under his guidance, the spiritual life of the church and the community was greatly enriched. Improvements to the church and the parsonage continued to be made during his years here. The church was air-conditioned, and parsonage bedroom furniture and carpet were purchased.

Arriving in June 1964 were the Rev. and Mrs. W.M. Nance, Jr. They endeared themselves to the church membership and to the community. During their stay, an entire new plumbing system was installed in the church and in the parsonage.

In June of 1967, the Rev. W. Eugene Allen was sent to us. His wife Emma was a tireless worker in the church, helping with the W.S.C.S., the M.Y.F., and singing in the choir. During Bro. Allen’s tenure here much was accomplished. The flat roof of the Education Building was replaced with a hip roof, and a new roof was placed on the parsonage. The remodeling of the parsonage was underway in the later part of the Allens’ ministry here. This remodeling included the addition of two bedrooms, a bath, and brick veneering of the entire parsonage.

The Rev. Tom Oliver, his wife Betty, and their three children, Debbie, Ricky, and Julie, came to Winona Park in June of 1970. They lived in an apartment until the parsonage was completed. During his ministry, Bro. Oliver led the members in the work of installing carpet in all the downstairs Sunday School classrooms, the Social Hall, and the pastor’s study. A trip to the Holy Land really enriched his ministry (he was accompanied on the trip by Hugh Farrior). Many recall the impressive Communion services under Bro. Oliver’s time here. The Foot Washing service and the Last Supper are also well remembered. Their son Ricky later returned and married Connie McDaniel, who later led the church choir.

In June of 1975, the Rev. James L. Hendrix, his lovely wife Mildred, and daughter Margaret were sent to the church. They endeared themselves to us. However, Bro. Hendrix’ health failed. He suffered two heart attacks, and so his ministry was hindered. He could not accomplish all he had planned. He said, “The membership of Winona Park really showed Christian virtues in their loving care of me and my family. They treated us royally.”

Rev. Hunter Bassett came in June of 1977, and served the church for three years. The church grew spiritually under his ministry. His wife, Louise, held District Offices in the United Methodist Woman and also was active in the local UMW. During his ministry, a weekly newsletter was mailed to each church family.

In June 1980, the conference sent the Rev. Richard M. Mitchell, Sr., his wife, Carol, and their three children, Richard, Jr., Dennis, and Becky as our church family. Bro. Mitchell was energetic and radiated love and enthusiasm that was inspiring. He was a finish carpenter and did much repair on the church property including building a roof over the front entrance (with the members’ help). He had plans for the new Social Hall and desired to see a new sanctuary erected. However, he was killed in a tragic automobile accident. Later, when the building was completed, it was dedicated as “The Richard M. Mitchell Fellowship Hall.”

The Rev. Shannon L. Holloway and his lovely wife, Edith, came to Winona Park in 1980 to fill the vacancy created by Bro. Richard’s untimely death. They too, won the hearts of the congregation and the community. Both Bro. Shannon and Edith were accomplished musicians. He was a talented pianist, and they sang beautifully together. They were much in demand to share with other churches. Due to ill health he was unable to stay longer than one year.

In 1981, the Rev. Orville Ferris and his wife Naomi came to serve us. Bro. Ferris had an unusual ministry. He was able to relate to all classes. He was a special blessing to the elderly of the church and community. Although he underwent heart surgery during his ministry here, that same year the church received more members by faith than any other church in the Waycross District. Also, he reported the greatest increase by percentage in the district. Plans were underway for the new sanctuary when Bro. Ferris retired due to ill health. The new fellowship hall was added in 1982 with Sunday School rooms.

The Rev. Calvin C. Hays was appointed to the church in 1985, accompanied by his wife, Carrie, and young son Joshua (Josh). Bro. Calvin was deeply spiritual, a Bible scholar, who often spent as much as twenty hours on each message. The church grew in knowledge of The Word as we studied together on Wednesday evenings at Prayer Meeting. Ground breaking for expansion of the sanctuary of Winona Park United Methodist Church was held Sunday night, June 23, 1985. Participating in the ceremony was Waycross District Supt. Marion Edwards, Pastor Calvin Hays, and congregation leaders.

Leaders participating were Clyde Smith, representing charter members of the church, Heather Lemke, youth leader, Alice Taylor, President, Winona Park United Methodist Woman; and Jimmy Smith, chairman of the building committee of Winona Park UMC. Other charter members attending were Mrs. Clyde Smith, Mrs. S.R. Clark, Mrs. Edna Cadenhead, and J.W. Robinson. In his ground-breaking ceremony address, the Rev. Edwards challenged members of the congregation to “cause a church to rise here which will be devoted to the honor and worship of almighty God and to the glory of his blessed son, Jesus Christ.”

Winona Park UMC members launched a building fund drive to expand the seating capacity to 437. The project, with Alton Suttle of O’Steen and Suttle of Douglas as architect, was estimated to cost $320,000. Bro. Calvin delivered the first sermon in the new sanctuary September 7, 1986. On October 19, 1986, a beautiful Consecration Service for the new sanctuary was observed with the Rev. Marion Edwards, District Superintendent, and area Methodist ministers participating. All hearts were filled with praise to our Heavenly Father for the “dream come true”! Much credit for this tremendous accomplishment is due the young men of the church for their untiring efforts. They wish to ascribe “the glory to God”. Due to ill health, Bro. Calvin resigned and moved on January 19, 1987.

During the intervening months the parsonage was redecorated, repainted, wall papered, and new lamps, drapes, bedspreads, and living room chairs were added. New floor covering was placed in the kitchen and breakfast area, and new furniture was added for the conversation area. This work was accomplished by the ladies and men of the church under the direction of chairpersons Ann Dell, Bunnie Smith, and Naida Tanner.

Several months later in March of 1987, the Rev. Tommy McCook, Jr., his lovely wife Dian, and their children, Chris, Cindy, and Joy came to us from Macon, Ga. Bro. Tom conducted a Women’s Prayer Luncheon, a Wednesday morning Men’s Prayer breakfast, and an effective children’s ministry was established with Terry and Becky Chancey as directors. Bro. McCook was passionate about the Methodist Children’s Home and Vashti and inspired our members to do more in missions for these institutions. The children’s group presented several musicals that were appreciated by all. A large youth group flourished under the leadership of Danny Callahan, with coordinators Dana and Walter Youmans, Brenda Callahan, and Bunnie Smith.

A group of our men, under the direction of Bro. Tom, presented “The Last Supper”, which was most effective. The Sojourners met regularly once a month and presented a beautiful piano to the church for use in the Fellowship Hall. Mrs. McCook, Dian, worked faithfully as president of the U.M.W. The grounds around the sanctuary and courtyard area were landscaped, and a new sign was built on the corner of the lot to proclaim our program to the community. Our missionary vision was broadened under the leadership of Dean Morris.

The Rev. James “Jim” Kenney along with his wife Janis came to our church as minister in 1991. Under his direction many committees learned to function more effectively. The Council on Ministries became very active, and planning sessions were led by the chairmen to organize the various activities of the church. An Alpha-Omega rally promoted healthy competition and fellowship to increase attendance in our Sunday School. About 30 members participated in Disciple I & II Bible studies, each 42 weeks long, which covered the entire Bible. Children became more involved in worship services with 3rd Sunday special singing and a regular acolyte program. A Tuesday morning prayer vigil at the altar was begun, and annual family picnics at the college started.

In June 1994 the conference sent the Rev. Fred Foster and his wife Gloria to become part of our church family. During the ministry of Bro. Fred, our new sanctuary was paid off. Many suppers, dinners, and social activities were held to retire this debt. We added an annual 4th of July celebration and a Soup & Singing praise event at Thanksgiving. The educational wing of the church was remodeled under the leadership of trustees Jimmy Smith and Paula Cole. This work included new carpet, lighting, painting, and new furniture. The old bell from the original sanctuary was installed in the courtyard of the church. A Jr. High Youth program was established and became very active. A Kidz Praise children’s church program was carried out for two years, giving many young children training in worship and individual attention. In June of 1999, Bro. Fred and his wife Gloria retired and moved back to Valdosta.

The Rev. Randy Nease, his wife, Bernardine, and their three sons, Stephen, Brandon, and Jonathon, came to us in June of 1999. Winona Park United Methodist Church continued to grow under Randy’s leadership. During these 8 years, there was wonderful fellowship, a very large and vibrant youth program under the leadership of Scott Ray, and a Praise Band with Jonathan Nease and three other young men which was very popular with the youth. A large group of junior youth went through Confirmation classes with Bro. Randy and Anna Wade leading. Many of these young persons were baptized in Emel Smith’s pool. Also, during the Nease ministry, Winona Park decided to buy a larger parsonage. The house directly across the street from the new sanctuary was purchased, and the old parsonage eventually became an office building. Bro. Randy led in the laying of new tile floors in the Social Hall and many other improvement projects on the parsonage and church facilities.

Rev. Paula Lytle was assigned to minister at Winona Park in June of 2007. She retired two years later in June of 2009. She was the first female pastor at Winona Park UMC. Paula’s ministry was very dignified and caring. She always chose her Biblical text from the lectionary, wore her robe on Sunday mornings, and was so thoughtful in all her ministries to the congregation. Family ministries such as Valentine’s banquets, scavenger hunts, game nights and 5th Sunday night sings added much to the fellowship of our church. Paula was very active in the UMW.

The Rev. Eddie Morrison and his wife Karen came to Winona Park in June 2009. Bro. Eddie and his wife are a wonderful team and work very hard in almost every ministry of the church. Bro. Eddie is active in Kairos, a prison outreach ministry, and he has encouraged others in our church to also become active. He has led groups of youth in work projects such as roofing a home for a family in need. Eddie and Karen are active in Rebuilding Together, the Food Pantry, United Methodist Women, and working with our children’s program. Bro. Eddie has led our church to greatly improve our Safe Sanctuary status and fully meet our apportionments. During his ministry we have enlarged and improved the kitchen of the church, painted and repaired windows, done many air conditioning and plumbing upgrades, purchased a new organ, installed a new video system in the sanctuary, improved nursery facilities and safety, and began several new accountability groups such as the Women of Faith. Rev. Morrison is also a welcome addition to our choir.

In June of 2014 we welcomed Brother Gary Page and his wife Becky to Winona Park UMC. Brother Gary began his career in the ministry when he was twelve years old, and became an ordained minister at the tender age of thirteen. Becky has greatly added to the children’s ministry with her impressive musical skills, and she is also a vital member of our choir. The church witnessed many upgrades and repairs such as new chairs and tables for the Social Hall and Choir Room; installing new wall treatment, new blinds, and upgraded lighting in the Social Hall; replacement of a/c unit in the Church Office; and upgrades to the women’s bathroom inside the building.

In June of 2017, Winona Park welcomed Rev. Aubrey Abbott as pastor. He grew up in the Americus, Georgia area and is a lifelong United Methodist. Rev. Abbott entered the ministry after working for the Tog Shop many years. He has served two appointments prior to Winona Park. He is a Southern gentleman with strong faith, love for God, and enthusiasm for service and fellowship. Winona Park has continued many traditional ministries and has enjoyed some new events like the recent Voices of Zambia concert. Our Children’s Church is thriving under the leadership of Emily Cole Fraley.