Fire Destroys Historic ChurchThe church was destroyed by fire February 11,1999. It was rebuilt and dedicated on Sunday, 14 Feb 2001 |
Butler Herald 1912 Account by C.M. Lucas
(Mrs. Mary Hancock)
The background of Crowell Methodist Church dates to the earliest history of the white man in this part of Georgia. Its beginning centers in the life of the family of Mr. Henry Crowell, and Agent for Indian Affairs, who came to this area from Washington Co, S.C. about the year of 1806. The family built, with slave labor, a lovely two-story home later to be known as the Matthews Place. In addition, Henry Crowell owned and later donated the land upon which the church, school, and cemetery now are located.
Mrs. Crowell, a devout Methodist from Camden, S.C., soon set about to have a church in their new surroundings. But before a circuit rider could make regular stops ehre, it was necessary to have at least seven members and only five could be found. Seeing his wife's hopes sagging, the obliging, if not overly pious Mr. Crowell offered himself and his overseer as "probationary" members until two could be won to replace them.
"If your religion is not good enough to gain two new members in a year, it is not the kind we want, and does not deserve to survive", he might have added. The church did survive, and in 1806 (though some say 1819, and relying on that, celebrated a centennial in 1919) the church was born with seven members. According to the records, Mr. Crowell remained a member!
The first building was of logs built by Mr. Crowell but was lost to fire in a few years. Evidently, the present building was first erected in 1829 but was quite different in appearance before many efforts at modification and remodeling took place. the classrooms were added in 1924 but not until 1938 did the kerosene reflector lamps give way to electricity. When there were no heating facilities in the early days, all church activity was moved to the schoolhouse in winter. In later years, the church began to show its age and weathering. No longer would it hold paint, and thus, it became necessary to cover the aged lumber with aluminum siding to retain the appearance and to preserve the little white church.
Since 1931 the Reynolds and Crowell Churches have worked closely together, and the same pastor has served both churches. Two former pastors went to the mission field. Weyman Huckabee left the church in July 1933 to go to the field, and his place was filled by David Stubbs. The Stubbs family also went to the mission field and saw the bombing of Pearl Harbor from the ship they were aboard.
The history of Crowell would not be complete without the mention of the cemeteries nearby. There are two at the church and both are replete with interest. The older one is on the north side of the old road and some of the graves have been there for more than 163 years. The first graves for white persons were those of Top and Ann Northern who lived at or near Five Points and were killed in a runaway accident on the road just a short distance from the church.
In 1977 Pastor Allen V. Johnson came to us and changed our meeting times. Formerly, we had services on first Sunday at 10:00 a.m, third Sunday at 11:00am, third Sunday night and fifth Sunday at 10:00a.m. Lay Speakers filled the pulpit on second and foruth Sundays. Brother Johnson suggested that he would come us us every Sunday at 9:30 a.m., drop our third Sunday night service and have Sunday School following each worship service. This change really was a blessing to us. Frankly, I believe that Brother Allen just couldn't keep in mind when he was supposed to be where!
Crowell United Methodist Men organized in 1991. This is a plus for the church. In 1996 they gave the first of an annual scholarship in the amount of $500 to a worthy senior at Taylor County High School. Also the Church has established a scholarhsip fund to aid anyone from our church called into the ministry. Vacation Bible School at Crowell is the best evangelistic tool we have and has been for years. Many faiths come together, yound and old, and have a great and rewarding time. Each night the Methodist Men prepare the meal for us. This is a real service to the church.
Crowell is growing in her "Mission Ministry". We furnished partial support to Rosalie and Morgan Johnson to Zimbabwe. They have since retired and live in the Atlanta area. Our support now goes to Kim and Stephanie Crutchfield, missionaries to Tanzania. This year we doubled our support for them. Also, a missionary couple who lived in our midst and attended Crowell were going on a trip to Kenya, and we helped to send them on their way.
Stained glass windows adorn the sanctuary and are noted as follows:
Vivie Lee Cosey Montgomery, C.E. McCrary Family, C. Marion and Martha D. Lucas, Willie Rob Cosey Family, Carrie Russ, Agnes C. Montgomery, Fickling Family, William and Henry Crowell, William W. and Louisa M. Parr, James Grice Dugger and Mamie Momand Dugger.
Mr. Sims Garret, Jr., wishing to help the church and keep his grandfather's and grandmother's plot, gave a sum of money to establish a cemetery fund. Many contributions have been made to this fund and the cemetery is well kept.
A Pulpit Bible, a 1919 New Year's gift is dedicated as follows:
"We the undersigned, feeling an interest in the Crowell Church in Panhandle, Taylor County, take pleasure in presenting this Holy bible for the Pulpit with the hope that you and your children may be able to reap a great harvest in the "Sweet Bye and Bye". It is signed by:
J.H. Neisler, L.T. Cummings, Mrs. G.W. Fickling, A.J. Payne,W.T. Saunders, C.H. Neisler, W.T. Ricks, Mrs. Sarah Ricks, Dick Kirksey, Walter Ellis Saunders, E.J. Poole, and Walter J. Griffith.
The Bible currently used was presented to Crowell Church by Mrs. H.C. Pittman in honor of her mother, Mrs. Beulah Victoria Philmon and her sister, Mrs. Charlie Philmon Horton.
Thank you to Rachel Parr for this contributionCHURCH PASTORS Bro Langsdale 1829-30 Bro. Sinclair 1830 Bro William Arnold 1831 Bro Mabry & Charles Hardy 1832-33 Bro Hunter 1834 Rev James Dunwoody 1835 Rev Noah Smith 1836 Samuel Anthony 1837 J.P. Dickerson 1838-39 Harris Stearns 1840 (Note: 1913 Butler Herald stated: Stanley Smith left in 1840 Thomas Coleman 1841-42 W.W. Robinson 1846 A. Pennington 1847 Henry Smith 1848 Dr. McCarroll Lunsford 1849 Sidney Smith 1850 C.A. Fullwood 1851 C.A. Jewett 1852 J.M. Marshall 1853 Joseph Clark 1853 Chappel Brooks 1854-1856 (No records kept for 1856-1915) L.A. Harrell 1915-19 W.E. Hightower 1919-23 C.L. Wall 1923-25 H.G. Brooks 1925-28 A.P. Foster 1928-29 James Jackson 1929-31 Rev. Williams 1931-32 Weyman Huckabee 1932-33 David Stubbs (Aug-Nov) 1933 J.N. Shell 1933-36 Tom Tinsley 1936-39 J.D. Smith 1939-43 Leon Edwards 1943-46 W.Park Smith 1946-48 David Lastinger 1948-50
Register of
Members And Probationers
In
1869-1870-1871-1872-1873-1874-1875-1876-1877
Crowells Church Taylor County, Georgia
Methodist Episcopal Church, South
MALE At Crowells 1869
*we think that "a" means active
"p" probationer -- member on probation).
It is thought that the church
in those days, followed the Bible and made a joyful noise unto the Lord, and
these two men designated as "clap Leaders" determined when to do so.
William H. Griffith Clap leader a
Jessee D. Beall a
William H. Fickling Clap leader a
F.M. Griffith Deleted
William Tune a
C.M. Lucas a
E.H. Horton p
Vincent Montgomery Transferred to Butler
John Philmon Removed without letter
Dr. Christopher Transferred to Reynolds
Joel B. Montfort p
Robert P. Connell Removed by letter
W.T. Montfort Dropped
B.H. Dickson a
James L. Griffith a
James T. Lucas a Expelled 1871
Little Berry Lineas a
James T. Davis On Profession Oct. 1st 1871
Gideon Kirksey On Profession Oct. 1st 1871 a
William C. Dixon On Profession Oct. 1st 1871 a
Elijah A. Philmon On Profession Oct. 1st 1871 died
C.N. Lucas Jun. Expelled 1874 (a)
William N. Niesler Oct. 6th 1872 (a)
C.A. J. Pope Transferred to Butler 1872
C.C. Brooks p Transferred to Butler 1872
A.J. Kirksey p Transferred to Butler 1872
Robert N. Bryant [Removed in 1873] By transfer left in 1872
Wm. J. Kirksey By Certificate Oct. 5th 1872
John Cosey p Aug. 1873
William James a Aug. 1873
Alexander James a Aug. 1873
James L. Jillers a Aug. 1873 (Gone to Texas)
William Bird to Be Received in Full a Aug. 1873
Eddie Beall a Aug. 1873
1858
FEMALE 1869
Mourning Griffith a
Harriet Corbin a
Sarah Warren a
Samantha Dickson a
Mary Ann Bird a
Catherine Wiggins Transferred to Reynolds
Mary L. Beall p
Ann Dugger a
Caroline E. Fickling p
Jane Davis a
Henrietta (Windham) Philmon p
Effie Ann Humphries a Withdrawn
Maria Tune p
Rebecca Windham Discontinued
Frances Anderson Removed by letter
Mary Bird a
Mary Horton a
Louisa Pare (p) a
Eliza McCrary a
Carolina (Shines) Lucas Transferred to Reynolds
Sarah Ricks On Profession 1st 1871
Addie H. Respess p On Profession 1st 1871
Endora A. Beall a On Profession 1st 1871
Sarah E. Kirksey p On Profession 1st 1871
Adeline Bird a On Profession 1st 1871
Mattie E. Dugger a On Profession 1st 1871
Nancy E. Dixon a On Profession 1st 1871
Frances E. Walker a By certificate Sep. 3rd 1871
Effie Ann Humphries a Reinstated May 41 1874
P. A. Jones a Transferred from Hays May 4, 1872
Fannie Neisler a Oct. 6th, 1872
Anna Pope a Oct. 6th, 1872
Nettie Heath a Oct. 6th, 1872
Laura Pope Transferred to Butler 1872
Alberta Ficking a Transferred to Butler 1872
Mary A. Tune p Transferred to Butler 1872
Susan Davis a Transferred to Butler 1872
Julia Grace a Transferred to Butler 1872
Delilah Peacock a Transferred to Butler 1872
Martha Ann Brooks p Transferred to Butler 1872
Esie O'Neal a Transferred to Butler 1872
Mary Davis a Transferred to Butler 1872
Martha E. Bird a Transferred to Butler 1872
Samantha A. Bird a Transferred to Butler 1872
Julia A. Davis a Transferred to Butler 1872
Samantha A. Griffith a Transferred to Butler 1872
Epsy M. Bird a By Certificate Aug 10, 1873
Louisa A. Spillers a Gone to Texas Aug. 1873
Henrietta Griffith a Transferred to Butler a Aug. 10, 1873
Martha J. Windham a By Certificate Aug. 10, 1873
Miranda Cosey a
Nellie Niesler a
Sarah O'Neal a Aug, 1873
Isabelle Kirksey a Aug, 1873
Sarah E. Jones a Aug. 1873
Missoury Davis Aug, 1873
Thank you Angie Wilderman agwilderman@worldnet.att.net for this list
The Butler Herald
Tuesday, January 28, 1913
Page Four
Some Church History
Just when Crowell Methodist church was established is
problematical, but it is certain, that its foundation dates back
three-quarters of a century or more. A few oldest citizens of the
country may perhaps remember the name of Rev. Sidney Smith, if not
the man who served this church as its beloved pastor 72 years ago.
Recently among some old files of papers we found this bit of
poetry composed by Mr. Smith and read to his congregation on the
eve of his departure in December 1840. The verses are reproduced
as a matter of church history:
Farewell dear friends in bonds of love,
I've been with you in many tears,
I've looked away to realms above,
Where we shall meet in a few more years.
Farewell dear friends I now must go,
Although I would remain with you,
The hour of peace although in tears,
Have rolled around for these two years.
I go, dear friends, yet think of me,
When winter winds around you blow,
For I have wandered far and free,
Yet from you now I'm doomed to go.
I go, but when you come to hear,
From different men the Gospel knew
And all those minds flow silvery clear,
Think of me then, I love them well.
Forget me not, around your hearths,
When clearly shines the burning blaze
For dear have been those hours of peace,
To me sweet friends in former days.
And oh! when music's voice is heard,
To melt in strains of parting woe,
Your tears to tenderest thoughts are stirred,
Think of me then, I go, I go.
Farewell, farewell, I look above.
Farewell to all beneath the sun,
The path is straight, my feet shall roam
And God shall keep me as I go.
My joy, my hope, my only love,
My safeguard here, my heavenly all,
My theme to preach, my song to sing,
My hope in death, my heavenly King.
And when I'm gone far off from you,
I hope you will remember me.
Where e'er I go, I'll think of you,
Then loving friends, farewell, farewell.
Since this was originally in Crawford County you'll also want to visit their site.
Henry Crowell
Written by Millie Stewart, second great-granddaughter of Henry Crowell
Henry Crowell was born March 7, 1782 in Halifax County, North Carolina, the son
of Major Samuel and Tabatha Bradford Crowell. Henry and his brother, John came to
Washington County, GA, where they were found in 1812, John as Sheriff and Henry as
his deputy. Henry married Sarah Catherine Cantey, daughter of James and Martha
Whitaker Cantey.
Henry fought in the War of 1812, where he held the rank of Captain. He was
Justice of the Peace in Washington County from 1799-1812, and was commissioned to
be Deputy Sheriff in 1816. He migrated to Crawford County, which at the time was
Indian Territory. He served in House of Representatives at the State Capitol in
1834, and the Senate in 1835. He purchased a large parcel of land on the west side
of Flint River, where he owned an Inn and Tavern. He entertained many celebreties,
one being General Lafayette. He owned 46 slaves and owned the ferry that crossed
the Flint River.
Family story about the founding of the church states that Sarah Crowell rode
horseback miles each Sunday to church. Henry, her husband, was disturbed about his
wife riding alone in the untamed land. He had a tavern and inn, and during that
time there was a Missionary movement by the Methodist Church to the Indians at Fort
Mitchell, Alabama. One day a Methodist Bishop rode into the yard for an overnight
stay. Mr. Crowell asked him how many communicants it would take to get Mrs. Crowell
a preacher. He said five or six, so when the Bishop next visited the Crowells, he
was informed that they had the members. Henry named them thus: "Sarah, my wifee,
and I will quit swearing, and will amke Nat Bradfor quite swearing, paddy Carr (an
Indian) and Peter, my driver."
In Deed Book K, pages 308-309, Office of Clerk of Superior Court, Taylor County,
GA is recorded a warranty deed dated March 10, 1831. "Warranty deed from Henry
Crowell to Benjamin Weatherly, William Northern, Septimus Weatherly, Joseph McGee,
and Reuben B. Davis, Trustees for the Methodist Episcopal Church, known as Crowell
Meeting House, conveying a parcel of land situated, lying and being in the Reserve
on the West side of Flint River, known and designated in the plan of survey of said
Reserve by Lot #2, it being a part of said lot and containing 10 acres.
There is a second deed dated March 9, 1909 from J.H. Crowell of Terrell Co, GA:
J.C. Crowell of Bullock Co, AL and T.M. Crowell of Montgomery Co, AL. do grant,
bargain sell, alien and convey tunto C.M. Lucas, J.A. Philmona, G.J. Young, J.I.
Fuller and S.B. Montgomery, Trustees of Crowell Church and their successors in
office, the following described land, to with Ten acres of land in the southeast
corner of Lot No 2 in the Agency Reserve in Taylor County, Georgia and bounded as
follows on the NorthWest by lands of J.I. Fuller, South by lands of J.A.
Philmon,Sr. and East by land of Mrs. C.M. Lucas.
From the History of the Crowell Church written in 1952 by Louise Barron
Fuller
The present building (1952) [pictured above but destroyed by fire on Feb 11, 1999]
looked very different sixty years ago (1892) from the way it appears now. There was
no porch, but there were four doors, one in front, one at the rear, and one on each
side. It was not sealed overhead or on the sides. It was lighted by reflector
kerosene lamps attached to post which held up the roof. There was no heating system
of any kind, and in wintry weather, services were held in the nearby schoolhouse.
One woman in the community, who is noted for her memory told me of many happy
memories she retains of the religious and social life that emanated from old
Crowell Church some half century ago (1900). Large were the congregations that
attended and sometimes during revivals the mothers of very small children brought
quilts along, and made pallets on the floor for the babies. At times the revival
services were accompanied by a religious fervor such as educed shouting and trances
from a few of the congregation.
For years Crowell was on the Butler-Howard Charge. Preaching services are held
every third Sunday, morning and evening and fifth Sunday mornings. Until the middle
1920's services were also regularly conducted on Saturday morning.
1912 Newspaper Account
(Transcribed by Carla Miles cmhistory@mchsi.com
The Butler Herald
Tuesday, July 30, 1912
Page Two
Some History Of Crowells Church And Something Of The
Life Of Henry Crowell, Its Founder
By C.M. Lucas
Henry Crowell, from all reports, was a wicked man. I
don’t mean to say that he was a bad, mean man, but a
man who would use profane language. His wife, Sallie,
as he always called her, was one of those good old-
time Methodists and a true Christian.
In those days the Methodist preacher had his horse and
a pair of saddle bags that he hung across the back of
his saddle in which he carried all his belongings.
Henry Crowell always had a place for Sallie’s preacher
and his horse and on one occasion a Methodist preacher
stopped and spent the night with them, and the next
morning offered to pay his bill. By some means
Crowell found out he was a preacher and talked about
whipping him because he did not tell that he was a
preacher and hold prayer with Sallie. At one time
when Sallie’s preacher was holding prayer, one of
Crowell’s negroes hit one of his dogs out in the yard
and Crowell said to the negro: “Never mind, you
scoundrel, I’ll settle you when Sallie’s preacher gets
done praying.”
After many years a bishop spent the night at the
Crowell home and when he was leaving the next morning
Crowell told him that he wanted him to send Sallie a
preacher the next year and the next year the preacher
came, and Crowells Church was built a log building
at first, which was used a good many years, and the
church that is there now was built. This log church
was the second church built west of Flint River.
Shiloh, in Meriwether or Harris County being the first
west of the river. After Crowells church was built
they lacked two members of having enough to establish
the church. Mr. Crowell told them to put him and the
overseer in on six months probation and that if a
Methodist preacher cannot get two members in six
months he ought to be kicked out of the back door.
After the church was established a fellow bought two
acres of land adjoining the church land and started to
put up a grocery store and also intended to sell
whiskey. The male members of the church met on a
certain day and brought their axes, mauls and wedges
and were going out to split rails and fence the fellow
out. After getting to the church they discussed the
matter a while and then Mr. Crowell went to the fellow
and bought him out, land, whiskey and all, and I have
been told that Mr. Crowell and others rolled the
barrels of whiskey out and that Mr. Crowell knocked
the heads out of the barrels and let the whiskey run
off down the road.
This is some of the history of Crowells Church. Ten
acres of good land were donated by Henry Crowell, said
to be a sinner, to a good old-time Methodist Christian
wife.
The first preacher was named Bodenhaner. The deed to
Crowell Church was made in 1831 to the trustees.
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