PROVIDENCE UNITED METHODIST (1765) CEMETERY, Anderson County, SC a.k.a. > Version: 3.0 Effective: 20-Oct-2006 Text File: A232.TXT Image Folder: A232 ******************************************************************************** REPRODUCING NOTICE: ------------------- These electronic pages may not be reproduced in any format for profit, or presentation by any other organization or persons. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent of the recording contributor, or the legal representative of the submitter, and contact the following USGenWeb coordinator with proof of this consent. Paul M Kankula - nn8nn (visit above website) SCGenWeb "Golden Corner" Project Coordinator Anderson: http://www.sciway3.net/scgenweb/anderson-county/ Oconee: http://www.rootsweb.com/~scoconee/oconee.html Pickens: http://www.rootsweb.com/~scpicke2/ DATAFILE INPUT . : Paul M. Kankula at (visit above website) in -2006 Debbie Kellogg in Oct-2006 Vivian Parkman in Nov-2006 GPS MAPPING .... : Gary L. Flynn at (visit above website) in -2006 HISTORY ........ : ____________ at ____________ in _______ IMAGES ......... : Paul M. Kankula at (visit above website) in -2006 RECORDING ...... : ____________ at ____________ in _______ ******************************************************************************** CEMETERY LOCATION: ------------------ > Latitude N x Longitude W CEMETERY HISTORY: ------------------------ I found those graves that were moved from Shockley Ferry Road to Providence Methodist Church. Note the picture Potters.jpg. Archie Morgan who is the overseer at Providence Methodist said that the graves were located across the road from the Potter's Field - at Old Silverbrook Cemetery. When Shockley's Ferry Road was widened back in the 1960's, they decided not to move the graves to across the railroad (to the rest of Potters Field), so Providence allowed them to move them out there. Someone just dug the graves up with a backhoe and dumped all of the dirt and bones in one spot at Providence's cemetery. By: David Payne in Jul-2006 o----------o HISTORY OF ANDERSON COUNTY In the early days of the nineteenth century camp meetings were a popular form of revivals and they were held not alone by Methodists, but by Baptists and Presbyterians as well. The Methodist churches of Ruhamah and Providence were famous for their camp meetings. Gleaned From: Traditions & History of Anderson County by Louise Ayer Vandiver o----------o HISTORY OF ANDERSON COUNTY In the early days of the nineteenth century camp meetings were a popular form of revivals and they were held not alone by Methodists, but by Baptists and Presbyterians as well. The Methodist churches of Ruhamah and Providence were famous for their camp meetings. In the southwestern part of the county, two miles from the Savannah River, stands another early Methodist Church, Ruhamah. It was organized in 1823, Mr. William Glenn giving the land upon which it was built. It was dedicated in 1836 by Reverend Levi Garrison, who also named it. The original building stood a little back of, and to the left of the site of the present one, which was erected in 1874. At that time Mr. John F Glenn, son of the original donor, gave an additional half acre of land so that the cemetery might be enlarged. For some years camp meeting were held at Ruhamah also, but in 1849 conference determined that Providence was a more suitable place for those great gatherings, so the change was made. Gleaned From: Traditions & History of Anderson County by Louise Ayer Vandiver o----------o Independent, Anderson, S.C., Friday, October 10, 1969 By: Bob Herndon 100 YEARS OLD PROVIDENCE METH. CHURCH SETS HOMECOMING SUNDAY One grave was marked with a tombstone which bore the inscription: "RIS." What names the initials stood for in life over 100 years ago were as mysterious as whose bones were enclosed in the small grave. The chilly autumnal winds danced across the barren cemetery behind Providence Methodist Church, as if in defiance to change. Looking to the left and right upon swinging the cemetery gate open, there were many of the headstones so weather beaten that the names scratched on the field stone rocks were illegible. Other bright marble and granite stones of a more modern era illustrated the contrast. Over there, there in the corner of the cemetery was another grave marked with field stones. But what was so unusual about this grave was its length. It was about four feet long between the headstone and quartz rock footstone. It was mounded over with rocks. Probably the grave of a child, who might have contracted smallpox or any of a score of childhood diseases in the mid-1800's which meant near certain death then, but are now curable. And the pile of stones over the grave, well in those by gone days in the country often times rocks were placed over graves to prevent prowling animals from digging up the remains. Some parents probably put the stones over their child as a final gesture of love, and with the assurance that their child's last earthly resting place would not be disturbed. Perhaps the sentiment expressed on the stone of Mattie Brooks, born Aug. 13, 1851 and who died April 27, 1916, best expresses the feeling which engulfs a visitor to the quaint church and cemetery tucked away in a wooded setting on the banks of Lake Hartwell near where Andersonville once flourished. The inscription reads: "Safe in the arms of Jesus." To insure the preservation of the frame church and cemetery is the reason for the annual homecoming services slated at the church this Sunday, October 12. Manley McClure, prominent farmer of the area, who literally came to the rescue of the church some 30 years ago when it appeared it might be forgotten and razed, said that a large crowd was expected for the annual homecoming. "We will start to gather at the church about 11 a.m., or just as soon as those who attended Sunday School at their respective churches can arrive." he said. Pat Hobson retired school teacher and layman, will deliver the morning message. The Rev. M.L. Harkey of Central Presbyterian Church in Anderson will speak in the afternoon. The dinner meal will be served at 1 p.m. on the church grounds, but in case of rain the dinner will be moved inside. McClure said all those interested in the preservation of the 109-year-old church were invited, along with former members, those whose ancestors were members, historians and residents of the rural farming belts in the Roberts and Wiliford School communities. "We are asking that those who plan to attend please bring well filled picnic baskets. We'll furnish plates, cups and ice," he said. The church is located on the secondary road that turns off S.C. Hwy. 187 at Roberts Presbyterian Church. In days gone by, the road near where the church stands connected Andersonville and Anderson. McClure is the man most responsible for keeping the spirits of the church alive. He recalled that about three decades ago, services were discontinued at the church. "Most of the people who attended there either died or just moved away. They were going to sell the property, but we started working and prevented this." Sunday will mark the 23rd annual homecoming. Trustees of the property are McClure, Glenn Gurley and William Pettigrew. McClure is a member of Central Presbyterian Church in Anderson. The church is steeped in history, much of it of romantic nature. For example, several large loblolly pines which grace the church yard were used by Confederate troops for bayonet training during the Civil War. Most of the bayonet cuts have grown over, but the damage to the pines is still evident. McClure said the church history revealed that week long camp meetings were held each summer. One woman attending the first camp meeting died, and was never carried home. She was buried near the spot she fell. Also a visiting pastor from Charleston, the Rev. George Moore, died in the pulpit from a heart attack. The devotion of the early congregation members is evident by Sela Cook, who died July 18, 1842, and is buried in the cemetery. The inscription on her tombstone states: "A consistent member of the M. E. (Methodist) church from her youth until her death. Erected by John Cox." The official church history as compiled by numerous members of past congregations list many of the illustrate highlights in the church's past. It follows: "Old Providence church and the Providence church of today were both located in Rock Mills township of this county. The original church was located on the National Highway between TOMBSTONE TRANSCRIPTION NOTES: ------------------------------ a. = age at death b. = date-of-birth d. = date-of-death h. = husband m. = married p. = parents w. = wife >