"Lamar Methodist Church Began in 1879"
by Anna Joe Weatherton
in The Graphic; Clarksville, Arkansas; Thursday, August 12, 1976; page 1D.
Used with permission of the copyright holder.
The Lamar Methodist Church has a lengthy and colorful history dating back to 1879 when, under the leadership of Sidney Bumpas Cazort, a building program was begun.
Originally called Cabin Creek, the new town was founded in 1873 when the Little Rock – Fort Smith railroad was completed as far west as where the town of Lamar is now located. The government established a post office with W. A. Cazort as postmaster. Later the town was renamed Lamar.
The early settlers soon began to realize the need for a church and within six years began a building program. The first church is believed to have been built in the vicinity of the first post office, the Cazort brothers log store building, and a water tank near the banks of Cabin Creek. dedication ceremonies were held the last Sunday in May, 1880, by Rev. A. R. Wingfield of Little Rock.
The Methodist and Presbyterian congregations met together for Sunday school classes. W. A. Cazort was the first superintendent followed by Charles W. Garner. The Presbyterians later built their own church.
In 1896 a heavy windstorm struck the little Methodist meeting house, damaging th foundation and causing a structural shift. It was declared unsafe to use. At this time the Presbyterian friends invited the Methodists to user their building. W. H. Wilson was in charge of the Community Sunday School. A Presbyterian minister and a Methodist minister each led the church service two Sundays each month.
The second Methodist church, a frame building, erected in 1902-1904 on the corner of Seminary and Third Streets and during the pastorate of the Rev. William Tell Martin. Located on the same site as the present building, it was dedicated in 1904 by the Rev. Stonewall Anderson.
Pierce Winningham served as Sunday School Superintendent for 27 years. He was followed by Elbert Nation who held the position for 31 years, retiring in 1962. Mr. Nation was a member of the Administrative Board many years.
Damaged by termites, the church building erected early in the century was declared unsafe in 1957.
Rev. Raymond Hawkins was sent to Lamar as pastor that year and, under his strong and enthusiastic leadership, a building program was begun.
All available men of the church, young and old, worked days and nights as often as possible dismantling the old building, pulling nails, salvaging and stacking all usable lumber and other materials. Lights were strung so the work could be carried on into the night.
Trenches for the new structure were dug by Elbert Nation and the father of RE. Hawkins.
Women of the church also contributed countless hours of planning, raising money, and working toward seeking their new church become a reality. Mrs. Pearl Wilkins Riley, secretary of the Women's Missionary Society during the building program, stated the group held bake sales, sold stationery, and cooked and sold chicken dinners to raise money for the project.
The first services in the modern brick building were held on Sunday, Oct. 29, 1958. Bishop Paul Galloway led the dedication ceremonies Sunday, Feb. 13, 1966.
Early church pianists included Mrs. Agnew Mickel Kraus, Ella Nation, and Aline Nation.
Soon after the new edifice was completed, the Welborn family presented and electric organ to the church in memory of William Welborn and Mrs. Lou Welborn served and the first church organist. Mrs. Ann Little Cash was the organist for several years and Mary Boyer now serves in that capacity. Sue Nordin is church pianist.
Robert A. Head has held the position of Sunday school superintendent since 1962. George Overbey is secretary-treasurer.
J. L. Daniel is chairman of the present Administrative Board. Other members are Coleman Selby, George Overbey, Carmon Austin (lay speaker), Billy Castleberry, Ada Cox, Jessie Head, Polly Sparks, Jim Boyer, Marie Lessley (membership chairman) and Mr. and Mrs. Frank Nordin.
Officers of the Women's Society of Christian Service are Mrs. Robert Head, president; Mrs. Kermit Sparks, secretary; and Mrs. James L. Daniel, treasurer.
Mrs. Carmon Austin, Mrs. Frank Nordin, and Mrs. James L. Daniel comprise the Pastor-Parish Relations committee.
Pastors of the Lamar Methodist Church since it's beginning are T. J. Reynolds, J. A. Walden, J. L. Marlin, W. H. Hurns, J. J. Tarlton, Frank Naylor, W. J. Stone, G. W. Boyles, J. W. Head, W. J. Stone, W. P. Hamilton, W. T. Thompson, H. A. Matney, W. T. Martin, J. L. Bryant, J. F. E. Bates, M. F. Johnson, A. B. Williamson, J. C. Floyd, O. E. Dyer, B. M. Burrow, A. E. Goode, H. L. Wheeler, M. C. Bevens, Byron Harwell, J. G. McCollum, W. J. Spicer, S. B. Wilford, Bedford L. Harris, Ray McLester, Verlia Harris, John Humphreys, Kenneth Shamblin, M. L. Kaylor, S. B. Bryant, James T. Weatherford, Sherman Ragsdale, James Meadors, Carl B. Adams, Frank Roop, Lindsey Rolland, Jerry K. Stroud, Raymond Hawkins, Carl V. Matthews, Jerry Eubanks, H. M. Smith, Gerald Rainwater, Jim Brooks, David Nicholson, Paul Wilson, J.B. Tackitt and Jacob A. Cline. C. L. Martin is the present pastor.
