Friends and supporters of Muddy Springs Meth-odist Church near Magnolia met last Sunday for their annual open house in the small, wood-framed building that was a place of worship for many families in the area.
With motorized transportation and younger people moving away, the once-thriving congregation became smaller and smaller. The last regular service, according to those who might venture a guess, was in the 1970s.
Each year, the Pike County Historical Society, along with Magnolia Methodist Church, holds a Christmas open house. There is music, a program and time for people to visit.
This year, the annual event was held on Pearl Harbor Day. A number of veterans were present to tell of their experiences during those times.
The Rev. Phil Gerber, pastor of Magnolia United Methodist Church, opened the meeting with prayer. Danny Bullock, music director at Johnston Chapel Methodist Church; and choir member Laura Allen sang several Christmas songs.
Malcolm Allen, president of the historical society, told of efforts those who treasure preserving the church have overseen during the past months.
The old roof has been replaced; the next project is repainting. Right away, a woman said she would be glad to help, even in the higher places. Another said she would provide some of the paint.
Allen thanked nearby neighbor Winton Smith, whose daily walks include a circle of the grounds and inspection of the building’s exterior. Ramon Prescott, who lives in sight of the church, keeps the surrounding area mowed. He was not able to attend. These two are the ones who receive great credit for the church’s preservation.
Allen pointed to the large American flag hanging on the wall behind the pulpit. Elsie Haygood, who owns it, let it be used for the afternoon. She bought it at an estate sale and was told that it had been flown during World War II.
I attended the open house and told my story about a special flag in our family. My husband Bernell’s uncle and aunt, Hansford and Mattie Simmons, lost their only child, who was killed in a plane crash in World War II. They received the traditional American flag at his burial. When Southwest Mississippi Regional Medical Center, was built, they wanted to donate the flag to fly at the entrance.
But there was a problem. The flag had only 48 stars. With a little ingenuity and finger work, I added four (two on each side) more. They were strategically placed in the best spaces. Being so high in the air, probably no one would have ever noted them. And they would have certainly wondered about their addition.
The informal program at Muddy Springs honored veterans who served in World War II. It was interesting to hear each one present tell just where he was on Dec. 7, 1941, when the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor.
One of the veterans was still in college and was on the way from A&M College at Starkville (now Mississippi State University) to see his girlfriend, who was attending nearby Mississippi State College for Women in Columbus.
When he arrived, girls were glued to a small radio, listening to news of the Japanese attack. That was when he found out.
He pointed to his wife beside him last Sunday and said, “She was the girl — I married her.”
Two women who were present have special ties to the church. Minnie Bell Lenoir McGehee is the oldest person who was a member. And Sheila Carter Russell joined as a child. Her ancestors had come to the Pike County area in the early 1800s. She said her ancestors were among the church founders.
There was a warm feeling of love and fellowship in that little building, with its simple wood benches, fine pine floor and the pulpit where circuit preaches delivered God’s word to people who came by horseback, in buggies and even wagons in those early days.
There was surely a black iron stove to provide warmth in the winter. There have been two concessions to modern times, electric lights and butane heat.
Allen said donations to the church’s upkeep are welcome. Anyone who would like to contribute may do so by sending donations to Magnolia United Methodist Church, with notation that it is to be used for Muddy Springs Church care.
This quaint church was the worship place of many people for more than a century. It is unique and in its original condition. Shouldn’t it be on the National Register of Historic Buildings?
