The History of Roswell United Methodist Church

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 RUMC’s 2009 Stewardship in Action report

The earliest account of a Methodist church in Roswell is 1836. The actual date of origin is not known; some members recalled a church on this site predating 1836. The land on which it stood was probably still referred to as Indian land. In the late 1830s the Georgia Legislature passed an act taking the land in this area from the Cherokee Indians and dividing it into 40-acre portions to be sold at lottery. From this humble beginning, a handful of pioneers held services in a log cabin and referred to the congregation as Mount Carmel Methodist, a name that was later changed to Roswell Methodist Church. The log cabin, and subsequently the wood frame building replacing the old log cabin on the same plot of ground, was located at the intersection of Alpharetta Street and Woodstock Road, present site of the Historic Roswell Cemetery.

By 1858, the congregation had grown to the point of raising money to build a new church. In 1859, one of Roswell's founding fathers, Barrington King, donated a plot of land to the Methodist congregation to build the new church at Alpharetta and Green Streets. The new building served the congregation for the next 70 years. (The 1859 structure is the present Masonic Temple on Alpharetta Street.)

The decade of the 1860s was a time of turmoil for the church. The War Between the States touched every family in the small town of Roswell. During the two-week occupation by Federal troops in July 1864, the church building was requisitioned by the Federal Army for use as a stable. The benches and pulpit were destroyed, the cornerstone broken into, and its contents removed.

In addition to burning the Roswell Manufacturing Company, the Ivy, Woolen Mills and related businesses, Federal troops also rounded up some 400 residents, mostly women and children (the men were away fighting in the Confederate Army), and force-marched them to Marietta to the railhead from which they were shipped to Indiana.

Undoubtedly, some of these individuals were members of Roswell Methodist, for membership dipped to 87 in 1865, but recovered in 1868 with the addition of 132 new members. Undaunted, members of the church were returning, more determined than ever that Roswell Methodist had a mission to fulfill in the community. In 1878, the women of the church organized the Foreign Missionary Society, the forerunner of the Women's Society of Christian Service (W.S.C.S.) and the United Methodist Women (U.M.W.), and became an important part of the overall growth of the church. By November 1899, the Society had accumulated enough money to purchase for $350 the first parsonage for the church. The home was located at 1075 Canton Street (presently Moss Blacksmith and Antique Shop). The Society's fundraisers ranged from selling extra butter, eggs, and garden produce to auctioning off the "crazy" quilt they had pieced.

The early years of the 20th century witnessed continued growth for Roswell Methodist, and it was evident in 1919 that a new and larger church building was necessary. Two building programs were launched by Sallie Kimball and Mrs. V. L. Williams at our current site. This was made possible because of a gift of land in 1921. The cornerstone can be seen today, across from the print room in the basement of “B” building. In 1923, the parsonage was completed next door to the new church.

The new church building served the congregation well, but growth was by no means over for Roswell Methodist. By the 1930s, more space already was needed for Sunday School classrooms. Around 1940, a funds drive for a Sunday School annex was successful, but World War II and the shortage of materials caused several years' delay in constructing the building. In the meantime, the church became involved in ministering to servicemen and their families. It wasn't until 1949 that the Sunday School annex was completed and rooms were added in the remodeled church basement. Church enrollment at the time was 381.

The United Methodist Men was organized at Roswell Methodist in 1950 and grew into quite an active group. Their service outreach benefited not only the church and its members, but the Roswell community as well.

The growth of Atlanta northward across the Chattahoochee River in the 1950s was reflected in the continued growth of Roswell Methodist's membership and ministries. This church was beginning to earn its "We Care" reputation as the congregation responded to growing needs in the area.

An expansion and remodeling project in 1956 added a Sunday School building and replaced the two dormers at the front of the building with the central steeple, cross, and a memorial gift of steeple chimes. By 1957, the church staff consisted of the minister, assistant pastor, youth minister, organist, church secretary and a caretaker. In 1958, the church was growing faster than it had ever grown in its previous history. To take care of this growth, Hugh Coker donated land at 222 Spring Drive for building a new parsonage, thereby making the site of the parsonage adjacent to the church available for church expansion. In 1966, the new parsonage was built and dedicated. In that same year a director of Christian education, director of music, and a children's choir director were added to the staff.

Within two years, Roswell Methodist expanded again, this time constructing a new building containing classrooms, parlor, office suite, and nursery.

Aug. 22, 1969 will be remembered as a tragic day for members of the Roswell United Methodist family. Fire broke out and damaged RUMC's youth and elementary church school buildings. This fire, however, was just a calling card for a more devastating fire, which swept through the church less than a week later. The second fire either totally destroyed or heavily damaged the Sanctuary, youth building, elementary wing of the education building, and the renovated kitchen and fellowship hall. The only building that was even partially usable was the new education building.

Once again, Roswell Methodist launched a building program. The stained glass windows that had been given in honor of church members in 1921 were removed from the burned building to be used in the new structure. The steeple, still standing after the fire, also was salvaged for the new building.

And build they did! In May 1970, construction began on a new Sanctuary and additional educational, recreational, and music facilities. The 800-seat Sanctuary, built in the traditional octagonal style of many Methodist churches, was used not only for worship and church gatherings, but for community functions as well. Methodism's use of the octagonal style building seems to have come from John Wesley's 1757 visit to Norwich, England, where he had seen an octagonal meeting house. With Wesley's powerful authority behind it, this type building was widely adopted by early Methodists between 1760 and 1770. When built in Roswell in 1970, it was quite unique for the Atlanta area, and the building was featured in Atlanta papers.

Yet another fire struck Roswell United Methodist on Dec. 12, 1975, destroying classrooms and the library downstairs. The Sanctuary also was damaged. Restoration was completed this time in just two months.

In July 1977, Malone Dodson was appointed minister of RUMC; membership numbered about 1,800. Ministries began growing dramatically, including the opening of the RUMC Counseling Center. The Center was a full-time ministry with Christian psychologists offering marriage and family counseling; individual and group counseling of adults, adolescents and children; and group and vocational counseling.

In 1977, Roswell United Methodist also established the Committee for Services to People with Developmental Disabilities. The purpose of the committee was to educate the public about the needs of these special people and to accept them as an integral part of the church. RUMC's Noah's Ark Sunday School Class was begun especially for the developmentally disabled.

In 1980, Sunday School growth was so rapid that a fund raising drive was started for a new education wing. This addition was completed in 1982.

A Singles Ministry was added in July 1983. This was a relatively new concept, and provided worship, fellowship, and study for single adults. From this program emerged the Stepfamilies Ministry and a Teenager Support Group.

By 1984, facilities were overcrowded again! Eventually three Sunday morning services were required to accommodate Roswell United Methodist's congregation, which had grown to 3,354. With this unprecedented growth, the need for a larger Sanctuary became increasingly evident. In 1986, a Needs Assessment Committee was established to identify the current and future needs of the church. After a series of Charge Conferences, final plans were approved in October 1987, for the building of a new Sanctuary on the same campus. A financial campaign to raise $1,950,000 over a three-year period was approved. Groundbreaking was Jan. 31, 1988, with church and conference leaders, civic and community leaders, and hundreds of members of the congregation in attendance.

The new building includes the Sanctuary, seating 2,000 in the congregation and 200 in the choir, classrooms for adults and children, a gathering room, Sacristy, library, and brides' room. The area for the Music Department contains offices, choir robing rooms, and a rehearsal room seating 200. The architectural design of the Sanctuary is patterned after the original Sanctuary, which is now used as the Chapel.

The 94-rank Moller pipe organ, a memorial gift, was installed in 1989 and is composed of 94 sets of pipes divided into six divisions totaling 5,198 pipes plus a chime set of 25 bells and a zimbelstern of 11 bells. The entire organ is controlled from a massive console of five keyboards and 122 hand-carved stop controls. The antiphonal division in the rear balcony houses nine ranks including the horizontal trumpets (en chemade). The large cross in front of the organ pipes, also a memorial gift, was constructed from lumber milled from a tree on the new building site.

Individual memorial gifts of stained glass windows and overhead dome are an inspirational enhancement to the beauty of the Sanctuary. The 26 windows, depicting biblical scenes, encircle the Sanctuary and the 12-sided overhead dome complements the dodecahedron design of the Sanctuary. Stained glass windows in the south Narthex, designated Outreach Windows, portray biblical scenes of the life and teachings of Jesus, along with symbolism to inspire and reflect some of the outreach ministries of this church. The windows in the east Narthex are designated Wesley Windows and depict John Wesley, founder of Methodism, his mother Susanna, and his brother Charles, the famous hymn writer. Other memorial gifts consisted of pews, furniture and fixtures, choir robes, hymnals, and pew Bibles.

In order to provide space for the new Sanctuary, five homes on Pratt Street were moved and Pratt Street was closed from Thomas Street west. Two of the homes, one a previous parsonage for an associate minister, were relocated to the southwest corner of the church property, joined together, and remodeled to become the Counseling Center.

The first services in the new Sanctuary were held on Palm Sunday, March 19, 1989, with Dr. Malone Dodson preaching. The consecration services were held on Nov. 13, 1989, with Bishop Ernest A. Fitzgerald preaching.

In August 1997, Roswell United Methodist became one of the 10 largest United Methodist churches in the nation, with a wide range of outreach programs and ministries that have been studied and emulated by a number of churches throughout the United States. The establishment of many of these ministries was a direct result of the visionary leadership of Dr. Malone Dodson, with the support and assistance of outstanding associate clergy and a host of dedicated volunteer laypersons from the membership at large.

The continued growth of the Youth Ministry necessitated the planning of a new and larger separate facility on campus in 1997. A capital funds campaign to finance the new building and help retire existing indebtedness exceeded its goal of $5 million. A Building Committee was established at the 1998 Charge Conference. Changing anything within the historic area that is governed by the Roswell Historical Society and the Roswell Historic Preservation Commission involved many meetings and compromises. A petition to demolish six buildings along Pratt and Magnolia Streets resulted in a meeting before the Roswell City Council. The final results allowed the demolition of three frame houses on Pratt Street and left the Weaver House on Mimosa Boulevard and the Lowery and Chapman Houses on Magnolia Street still standing.

This decision enabled the youth building to be located behind the Weaver House. Work began immediately after the city gave its approval. Work continued until the building, affectionately called “The Dod,” was officially dedicated to Charlotte and Malone Dodson on Sunday, March 19, 2000. With this newest construction, RUMC now has four major buildings on a 22-acre campus with a total estimated value of $23 million.

Another bold step was taken at the March 12, 2000 Charge Conference. The Conference approved the proposal to purchase “Great Oaks,” the house and 2.66 acres located on the south side of the RUMC campus, for $1,137,500. It was later sold (March 2002) with a 40-foot strip of land deeded to RUMC for an exit driveway onto Mimosa Boulevard. At the same time the Board of Trustees voted to sell the Parsonage since Dr. Dodson would be retiring in June 2001. The sale brought $205,000, which was placed in the RUMC Foundation. Income from the account was used to fund the Pastor’s housing allowance.

One of the most important events of 2000 was the opportunity to partner with the members of a church in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico to help build a church building there. Additionally, many more foreign mission projects and trips have been undertaken since this partnership was created.

In June 2001, many special events were held for Charlotte and Malone as Malone retired at Annual Conference that month, after 25 years of service at Roswell. Dr. Mike Long was appointed to serve as senior minister at RUMC and was introduced with his family to the congregation on June 24, 2001. Terri, Mike’s wife, daughter Amy, and sons Taylor and Andrew joined RUMC. In an effort to understand the feelings and wishes of the church members, Dr. Long introduced “Growing God’s Church” meetings in the fall of 2001. Attendees were given the opportunity to answer a questionnaire and to discuss “likes and “dislikes” and as a result a worship service with non-traditional overtones was created at the 11:15 a.m. hour in 2003. 

In May 2002 the Board of Stewards approved the following construction to the “A” building: elevator from the lower level to the first level of the Sanctuary, more restrooms, handicapped walkway, and a free-standing covered walkway at the east entrance.

During 2002 a Prayer Walk with 12 stations was constructed on the RUMC campus. These stations remain and the walk can be taken at any time. A Prayer Chapel was also established in the lower level of the “B” building.

2003 was the first year of RUMC’s “Step Out On Faith” Capital Campaign. There were four areas of focus: worship enhancement for the Sanctuary, debt reduction, mission outreach, and a focus on Children’s Ministry. The funds were divided 50 percent for worship enhancement and debt reduction and 50 percent for mission outreach and Children’s Ministry. Worship enhancements included improved audio and lighting and also adding permanent video screens on both sides of the choir area. The addition of the screens provided the capacity to use photography, video clips, fine art, hymns, Scriptures, and promotional materials during the worship service. These projects were completed in 2003.

A committee was appointed in January 2004 to make plans for the RUMC "Garden of Love" Columbarium, an area with niches for cinerary urns. The first phase of the Columbarium, located in the “B” building and named the “RUMC Garden of Love,” was dedicated Jan. 21, 2007.

In 2005, the fellowship hall received a major renovation, costing approximately $400,000. The renovation included a new permanent stage with curtain and a high-tech set for the launch of Kidz Zone, a high-energy, multi-media, Sunday School program for kindergarten through 5th grade.

RUMC turned its focus and energy to missions in 2006. The first annual Global Impact Celebration in February 2006 brought missionaries from around the world to the church. More than 300 church members committed to go on some sort of mission trip in the year ahead and Faith Promises of $686,475 were made to missions. 

Sunday, Jan. 21, 2007, a Service of Consecration was held in the courtyard following the 11 a.m. worship service to dedicate the Garden of Love Columbarium. A reception followed in the parlor for those attending. As of Dec. 31, 2007, a total of 74 niches had been sold with 15 interments, and plans for Phase II were being reviewed.

The world came to Roswell when RUMC hosted its second annual Global Impact Celebration (GIC) Feb. 7-11, 2007. RUMC members made 548 Faith Promise pledges, totaling $651,645; 657 Life Commitments to short-term mission trips or days of service were made; and 257 committed to pray specifically for the 36 ministries represented.

Perhaps the biggest change in 2007 was the reorganization of the RUMC staff on May 1 to better emphasize and align with RUMC's mission of Invite - Grow - Serve. The vision was changed to "Making Passionate Disciples for Jesus Christ."

RUMC celebrated 171 years of heritage with Homecoming on July 22, 2007. Approximately 2,000 members and guests attended the day of celebration that included one worship service led by former RUMC Senior Minister Dr. Malone Dodson, gospel singing, and a catered lunch.

Dr. John Dwight Nysewander, Senior Pastor of RUMC from 1973-1977, passed away at the age of 86 on April 28, 2007.

In 2008, the Board of Trustees was given a specific budget account to begin accruing funds for the much needed comprehensive Long-Range Capital Maintenance Plan, which was approved by the Charge Conference December 2007. This plan addressed issues that would eventually improve the appearance, appeal, effectiveness, and asset value of the RUMC campus. In August, a full appraisal was made of all the stained glass on campus; the Trustees are developing plans to secure the needed funds for those that need to be cleaned and repaired. The addition of a beverage station in the “B” building and parking lot renovations were made possible by grants from The RUMC Foundation and a new chapel organ was made possible by the gift of a generous member. 
 
Three staff members graduated from seminary in May 2008: Steve Heimler, Julie Wright and Craig Yoshihara. With the reappointment of Rev. Brett DeHart to Austell First UMC and the ordination of Rev. Craig Yoshihara at the Annual Conference in June, Craig became RUMC’s Associate Minister: INVITE. 
 
By May 2008, economic uncertainty became a reality. Church finances were monitored and managed closely for the remainder of the year, requiring a spending reduction of 10% and a freeze on hiring of non-essential personnel. Despite current economic trends, the RUMC family remained faithful in their pledges to the 2008 Stewardship Campaign. 
 
In October 2008, the Columbarium Committee entered into an agreement to build Phase 2 of the project in the Garden of Love. The project is due to be completed in the spring of 2009.

On Feb. 4, 2009, a special called Charge Conference approved a revised budget for 2009 recommended by the Budget Task Force, which reduced the operating budgets for all ministry teams by an additional 15 percent and reduced the salaries of all lay and clergy staff by 5 percent. An Organizational Staffing Task Force was put together and led the congregation in making many hard personnel-related decisions.

The continued economic downturn fueled record turnouts at the twice monthly Job Networking meetings. Meetings had an average of 300+ attendees and more than 80 dedicated volunteers.

Rev. Craig Yoshihara, Associate Minister for the Invite Team, left at the end of June to become Senior Pastor of the United Japanese Christian Church in Fresno, California. Rev. Julie Wright was ordained as a Deacon at the Annual Conference in June and became RUMC’s Assistant Minister: Adult Discipleship. Lynn Adcock, RUMC’s Director of Finance and Treasurer, completed 30 years of service on staff on July 1.

Phase 2 of the Garden of Love Columbarium was completed in July, adding 156 niches for a total of 275.

On Aug. 23, at a special called Charge Conference, RUMC voted to purchase the property located at 96 Pratt Street. The City of Roswell gave permission in December to clear the lot for green space, pending approval by the city of the landscaping plan. A strong financial appeal was made at the end of the year, and 2009 ended with a small financial surplus.

Please take time to read RUMC’s 2009 Stewardship in Action report. These pages are a snapshot of our life and ministry together. In these pages, you will read about goals accomplished and lives changed. As you read this report, we hope your responses will be "I didn’t know our church did that" and "my giving really does make a difference."

 
From "A History of Roswell United Methodist Church 1836-1997” and other official documents (Charge Conference Reports, Board of Stewards Minutes, Board of Trustee Minutes) for the years 1997 to 2009.