History of the Bewleyville United Methodist Church

This material from the pamphlet, "Through the Ages Bewleyville United Methodist Church 1804 - 2004", published for the 200th Year Celebration Service, September 12, 2004, Janet L. Carden, pastor.

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It was in the fall of 1804, at the home of Thomas and Rhoda Stith, that Rev. Jesse Walker, a Methodist Missionary preacher and a member of the Western Conference in charge of the Hartford Circuit, organized the first Methodist Church ever organized on Breckinridge County soil. It was composed of 13 charter members. Namely:

Thomas and Rhoda Stith, William and Nancy Stith, Richard and Betsy Stith, Matthew Sanders, Katy Jordan and daughters, Lucy and Katie Little Dick Stith and wife, and Betsy Hardaway

A few years after the organization of the church at Thomas Stith's home, the first house of worship was built. It was a log building and was about 4 miles southeast of where the present church stands. It was called "Stith's Meeting House."

As time rolled on and the congregation was so largely increased that the house became inadequate to the needs and demands of the congregation, a change was imperative. A new house of larger dimensions and more modern in design as well as more central in location was now the demands of the congregation.

The new building was erected about the year of 1835 on a spot about l/. mile north of where the present church stands. The name at this time was changed to "Old Liberty Church." When it was built, the church was considered one of the best church buildings in the county.

The Methodists opened wide the doors of "Old Liberty Church" and invited all denominations to worship therein. They held their meetings on the first Saturday evenings and Sundays of the month. The Baptists also used this building to hold their meetings.

About the year of 1850, the members of "Old Liberty Church" built a new house of worship. The building of this church marked an epoch in the history of Methodism never to be forgotten (referring to the division of the Methodist Church which occurred about 1844 and grew out of the slavery question). The church now divided, our church took her stand with the Southern Division and became known as the Bewleyville Methodist Episcopal Church, South. This new building was a modern frame structure and was built on the site where the present church stands.

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The building of the new church was very cumbersome on the congregation. About this time, a gentleman, Peter Duncan, proselyted among the disaffected members of the Methodist Church until he succeeded in getting them to build another church in Bewleyville. As soon as some found out that they were about to be ushered into the Baptist Church, they returned to their first love - the Methodist Church.

This was the first Baptist Church built in the town of Bewleyville and was built out of Methodist timber and Methodist material. The Duncanites, as they were styled for many years, flourished for a time, but their church was burned. The congregation somewhat demoralized and financially embarrassed could not rebuild at once without forming an alliance with the Mason's as they had done in building their first church. This alliance having been successfully formed and arranged made it possible to build the present Baptist Church.

The Methodist Church building was burned on the night of December 24, 1870 due to having a Christmas tree in it, after having been used for public worship for about 20 years. Later, the present church was built in or about the year of 1871.

The year of 1948 brought electricity to our community and our church began to enjoy its electric lights on June 4th of that year, replacing the old gas and kerosene lights.

Improvements were made on the church at this time, which included new aisle and pulpit carpet and a new roof. Soon to be followed with a remodeling plan which resulted in closing the two original doors and putting in double doors and a vestibule. Also, new concrete steps were added which improved the looks and convenience of our church.

During the Annual Conference in September 1951, Rev J. D. Morrow was returned to our charge for his sixth year - a distinction that no other preacher had experienced.

In the early part of 1952, our church launched a campaign to remodel the original building and build some Sunday School rooms. This work was started in early March and resulted in the church being placed on a new concrete foundation, the interior of the church being refinished, and a new gas furnace, which replaced the old coal stoves.

This new addition was built onto the back of the church to take care of our Sunday School classes, which had grown in a space of 10 years from an average attendance of 22 to 84. New sidewalks were also laid at this time. At the close of the year 1952, the church started presenting perfect attendance pins.

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Due to delay in getting some of our material, this work was delayed until early the next Spring. However, on Go-to-Sunday School Day, May 2, 1952, we moved into our new rooms and classes for the first time. This was a great asset to our Sunday School, as the addition was very badly needed.

Mr. and Mrs. E. P. Hardaway (deceased), whom in their will left the principal part of their estate to the church, made much of this work possible. Another thing that added much beauty to the church was the installation of art glass memorial windows in November 1952 (two of which are in memory of Mr. and Mrs. Hardaway). Members bought the remaining windows or friends of the church, in memory of some loved ones that were or had been members of the church.

The new pastor assigned to our church at the Annual Conference in September 1952 was Rev. J. H. Cox, who came to us from Owensboro. He was a man well mature in years and preached an old fashion gospel.

It was about this time that Mr. and Mrs. Elbert Bandy began a yearly tradition of preparing and donating "Santa" sacks for the congregation the Sunday before Christmas. The sacks contained an apple, orange, two walnuts, and a piece of candy, which were enjoyed by the entire congregation.

A day long to be remembered in the history of Bewleyville Methodist Church is that of June 6, 1954 at which time we had a homecoming in observance of our 150th year as an organization. We had approximately 600 in attendance. Rev W. P. Gordon, former pastor from 1933-1935, brought an inspiring message using as a scripture the first part of the sixth chapter of Isaiah.

In July 1954, we organized our first Methodist Youth Fellowship.

On March 4, 1956, members of the Methodist Youth Fellowship donated to the church a set of American and Christian flags.

In the year of 1956, our Annual Conference changed its time of meeting from September to June. The new pastor appointed to the Bewleyville congregation was Rev. Luther R. Langsdon, who came to us from Louisville.

In the early Spring of 1957, we did some work on the exterior of our building, which was new siding of asbestos shingles on the main auditorium and new aluminum awnings over the doors.

Then came the year of 1958. Our Annual Conference was convened in June. Our new pastor was none other than Rev. Thomas A. Nankivell. Brother Nankivell was a "country boy" himself and was very much at home among the members of the Bewleyville church.

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Another day of interest to Bewleyville Methodists is that of April 20, 1959, which was the day the district conference of the Owensboro District came to our church to hold its annual meeting. This is the first time in the history of our church that we have been privileged to enjoy this distinction. It is also the first time that we here at Bewleyville have had the privilege and pleasure of having as our guest the Rev. Dr. William T. Watkins, Resident Bishop of the Louisville Conference. It was a great day with the 300 pastors and delegates of the district.

Brother Nankivell was a great worker with young people. A Junior Day Camp was held on the farm of Mr. and Mrs. Walter Scott during the Summer of 1958 and 1959. During the Summer of 1960, a Junior Day Camp was held on the farm of Mr. and Mrs. W. R. "Buss" Bandy.

In 1961, Rev. J. Alton Lawhorn was appointed as our minister. His wife and four daughters brought many fresh ideas to our church. His sense of excitement and use of common everyday occurrences electrified his sermons to see God's work in everything. The energy was ignited within the congregation. Brother Lawhorn continued the tradition of Day Camp. This special week started with everyone meeting at the church and loading up in the back of pick-up trucks with a sack lunch in hand.

Approximately 1963, the location of our Day Camp was moved to Mr. and Mrs. Cecil Ross' farm where we would unload the trucks and make our way up to the top of the hill. It soon became a tradition to end Day Camp with a fellowship dinner on Friday night and remain overnight for breakfast on Saturday morning.

In the Fall of 1964, we started another building program. This project consisted of digging a basement and adding four more Sunday School rooms onto the back of the church and remodeling of the four present rooms and space provided for restrooms to be completed at a later date since the church had no water at this time. The project was awarded to Robertson Lumber Company for the lowest bid of $10,090. This work was delayed due to bad weather during the Winter and was resumed in the Spring. The project was completed and we moved into the new rooms on May 30, 1965 with 123 present at Sunday School.

During the 1966 Annual Conference, a major change in the life of our church occurred, our charge was divided and Harned was made a station church with full time and Bewleyville and Webster was made a two-point charge, each having half time. Assigned to our charge was a young minister just out of school, this being his first pastorale, Rev. Ron Gaddie. He introduced a modern form of worship.

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The 1967 Annual Conference appointed Rev. Don Dorris as our new minister. Rev. Dorris was a young man preaching an old gospel and he quickly began to gather up the flock that was somewhat scattered. In December 1967, new double storm doors were installed at the main entrance adding much to the beauty and comfort of the church (donated by Mr. and Mrs. A. H. Payne, Jr.).

In 1968 the Methodist Churches and the United Brethren Churches merged, that again changed our name to the "Bewleyville United Methodist Church." During this timeframe, our church began the Wesleyan Service Guild with Mrs. Thelma Bandy as the advisor.

The year of 1969 and the Annual Conference in May of that year brought to us as pastor a young man from Louisville, Rev. Jerry Crockett. He spent so little time with us that he was never very well known or long remembered for reasons never known he resigned his pastorale in September and was replaced by Rev. Fred Buchanan, a retired Army chaplain who had just returned from duty in Vietnam. His pastorale here began the first Sunday in October 1969. Under his guidance, our church continued to grow spiritually.

In 1973 we remodeled the historic sanctuary installing insulation, wall paneling, lowered ceiling with fluorescent lighting, new carpeting, forced air furnace, and new pews were purchased by pledges within the congregation. On the 5th Sunday in March 1974, we celebrated our 170th anniversary with all day services. We had the privilege of having Bishop Frank Robertson and District Superintendent Harry Pullam as our guest.

In July 1977, a well was dug and water put in the church. This allowed completion of the restroom project. Kitchen cabinets were built in the basement and a hot water heater installed. Labor, material, and hot water heater were donated by Norman Foote. Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Bandy donated the kitchen sink.

The Bewleyville United Methodist Church celebrated our 175th anniversary on December 2, 1979. Rev. Wendell Hurt, Conference Council of Ministries, was our guest speaker. The day was filled with fellowship, lunch on the grounds, and special singing in the afternoon.

At the 1980 Annual Conference, Rev. John Poteet was appointed to minister to our congregation. The Women's Missionary worked many volunteer hours at the Medco Center in Hardinsburg. It was around this timeframe that our Day Camp was relocated to the farm of Mr. and Mrs. Gene Dupin.

Mrs. Lena Foote retired in June 1981 after teaching Sunday School for 33 years and serving 27 years as the church pianist.

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The first Christmas musical cantata was presented in December 1981 under the direction of Mrs. Bonnie Dupin. Rev. Poteet reminded us weekly to have the faith of a mustard seed due to our concerns of no one being available to listen since the majority of church members, all generations, were singing. However, each performance had standing room only within the sanctuary.

During Annual Conference in 1983, the Bewleyville United Methodist Church was once again moved to a new charge. This two-point charge joined us with the City Roads United Methodist Church in Valley Station, KY. Our newly appointed minister was Rev. Robert Morton-Stout.

Due to timing and scheduling conflicts with having two churches so far apart, the Annual Conference in 1984 once again changed our two-point charge to join us with the Muldraugh United Methodist Church. Rev. Alice Scott was appointed as our minister. Rev. Scott developed a strong United Methodist Women's Group and led many ethnical studies with the youth and congregation. Rev. Scott and her husband, Jack, hosted many functions at their home and farm. As a team, Rev. Scott and Jack, brought a new meaning to the Volunteer in Mission (VIM) Program. During her tenure with our church, two mission trips were completed with Mr. and Mrs. Norman Foote (daughter-Jean accompanied one visit). They visited Haiti and Dominican Republic to help build a church/school in both locations. Rev. Scott sponsored a "Time Away" retreat for the church at Camp Loucon. Our church entered a float into the Irvington Fall Festival. In 1986, the Missionary began quilting during the winter to present the quilt to the Mary Kendall Home.

Annual Conference in 1987 appointed Rev. Paul Tashiro as our new minister. Rev. Tashiro taught at the Louisville Seminary. With his guidance, our church took on a new project of each member constructing a Chrismon ornament for the new Christmas tree donated to the church. It was during this time that the church began a new project to purchase a new piano. A donation was accepted for each key on the piano. The new piano was purchased once all keys were sponsored. Once again during the winter, quilts were made for the Mary Kendall Home and Versailles.

Rev. Lyle Baker was appointed as our minister during the Annual Conference in 1988. Rev. Baker empowered our congregation. The church joined together to purchase new hymnals in honor or memory of loved ones. Mrs. Sherry Baker provided excellent Children Sermons that kept the whole congregation's attention. During this time period, another VIM project in the Dominican Republic was supported by two members of our congregation to work on the ministers home. In 1989, the Missionary presented a quilt to the Mary Kendall Home and Versailles. During this time, the church building took on the new look of vinyl siding.

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In 1991, Annual Conference once again appointed a new minister for the Bewleyville United Methodist Church - Rev. Nathan Snider. During Rev. Snider's tenure, his wife, Margaret, worked closely with the children on special programs. Our church exterior was remodeled to enlarge the front porch and steps and add a handicap ramp for easier access. An additional sidewalk was added with donation from Mr. and Mrs. Norman Foote. Day Camp was moved to Mr. and Mrs. Carlie Ross' farm. Two members of the congregation joined a VIM team project in Haiti to work on the water purification system.

During 1994, the roof was reshingled and new carpet was installed in the sanctuary. However, due to difficulty in providing transportation, Day Camp was changed to Vacation Bible School and held on the church property.

Rev. Steve Dennehy was appointed as minister in 1995 during the Annual Conference. During the Annual Conference in 1996, the Bewleyville twopoint charge was moved from Muldraugh United Methodist Church to join the Bethel United Methodist Church in Brandenburg, KY. In 1996, the Methodist symbol of a flame and cross was hung on the front of our church and communion goblet was purchased in memory of Mrs. Maxine Wilson. The kitchen was updated with a new stove and refrigerator purchased with donations from the church, Women's Missionary Group and additional donation from Mrs. Carolyn Board and Mrs. Linda Ross. The children's sermons took on a new meaning when Rev. Dennehy allowed the children to bring any item they wanted from home for him to use for his sermons. Fifth Sunday services became our Singing Service with favorite hymns from the congregation. During 1997, church members attended Versailles Day and donated a quilt made by Mrs. Verdie Ater.

A great change came during the 1998 Annual Conference. Our church became a station church with Rev. Janet Lawhorn Carden as a student pastor. She brought many new inspirational services to the congregation to include the Agape Meal. The youth of the congregation became involved in Fifth Sunday services and attended Versailles Day with members of the congregation, where once again we donated items for the auction. In 1999, the MYF participated in a retreat at Lake Junaluska, NC. The sanctuary has been remodeled with new lights and a phone installed. New carpet was installed in the basement. Also, the basement and restrooms were redecorated with the labor of love by Mrs. Mildred Claycomb and Mrs. Mary Jane Henderson. Our favorite hymnals were rebound with assistance from Mr. Jay Henderson. Our church attended Versailles Day with donations. In 2000, church members attended Versailles Day with donations that included a quilt top made by Mrs. Carolyn Board.

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During the 2001 Annual Conference, Bewleyville United Methodist Church was once again made a two-point charge and joined with the Rosetta United Methodist Church. Improvements continue around the church to include a new copier, removal of trees next to the church with donation from Mrs. Verdie Ater, and the addition of a mural in middle Sunday School Room (materials and labor donated by Mr. and Mrs. Jimmy Bandy). Bibles were purchased and placed in the sanctuary in memory of Mr. and Mrs. Elbert Bandy by Mr. and Mrs. Jimmy Bandy and Rev. Carden and family. Our church took on a new challenge in 2001 to participate in the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life with Mrs. Susan Thornhill serving as our chairman.

A new sound system, replacement windows for the Sunday School rooms and basement, new storm doors, and recaulking of the original stain glass windows was all accomplished in 2003. A church marquee was donated by Mr. and Mrs. Norman Foote in memory of their parents, Percy and Lena Foote and Will C. and Lillian Dooley. Sunday School rooms and the pastor's office were redecorated, ceiling fans donated by Rev. Carden and family and Patty and Billy Compton, and an awning over the basement door were improvements seen within the church. At the end of 2003, Mr. Elroy Johnson retired from serving as Sunday School Superintendent, Teacher of the Senior Adult Sunday School Class and Lay Leader for worship service. Traditions are still strong within our church. "Santa" sacks are still presented the Sunday before Christmas. Perfect attendance pins are presented the first Sunday of each new year with donations made by Mrs. Mary Bandy and Mr. and Mrs. Johnny Ross. There were 15 perfect attendance pins presented the first Sunday in January 2004. Mr. Joe Goins received his 42d year pin and his wife, Dorothy, received her 33d year pin. Their children and grandchildren are following in their footsteps receiving perfect attendance pins.

The year 2004 started with a new tradition in February, we organized a United Methodist Men Fellowship group and the United Methodist Women sponsored a Valentine Dinner for all the ladies of the community. During the year, the church has updated our restrooms with handicap accessible fixtures and railings for the side porches. Pew cushions were added to the sanctuary, which were altered by Mrs. Mildred Claycomb. Mr. Jimmy Bandy retired as our church Treasurer, after serving over 30 years. Mrs. Donna Paul has assumed the Treasurer's responsibility. In August, a metal roof was placed on the church.

Through our loving congregation, generous donations (time, labor, and material) has made many projects within the Bewleyville United Methodist Church possible and allowed us to reach far beyond Bewleyville, KY. We are a constant reminder of Romans 8:28 - And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

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As time rolls on and generations have come and gone, the Bewleyville Methodist Church has stood here on the hill as a lighthouse to all that are seeking the light.

August 2004
By - Martha J. Crisp

Bewleyville United Methodist Church Ministers

1804- 1813 Jesse Walker
John Bowman
John Taylor
1814 Benjamin Edge
1815 William F. King
1817 John Blume
1818 James Leach
1819 John Smith
1821 William Allison
1822 John Denham
1823 John James
1825 John Denham
1826 Elisha Simmons
1827 George Robbins
1828 S. Harbor
1829 Adam Baker
1830 Absalom Wooliscroft
1831 Pleasant Alverson
1832 John Denham
1833 W. Helm
1834 W. G. Bowman
1835 T. P. Farmer
1836 R. Y. McReynolds
1837 Joseph G. Ward
1838 Joseph D. Barnett
1839 Elijah Bosley
1840 Moses Levi
1841 Peter Duncan
1843 William Abbott
1845 John B. Perry
1847 Joseph D. Barnett
1849 Robert G. Gardner
1850 John W. Rhodes
1852 W. H. Morrison
1853 Schuyler L. Murrell
1855 Dubartis F. Dempsey
1857 Aaron Moore
1858 Joseph D. Barnett
1860 James R. Dempsey
1862 Artemas Brown
1864 James R. Dempsey
1865 Joseph D. Barnett
1866 Henry C. Settle



Bewleyville United Methodist Church Ministers

1867 Thomas J. Randolph
1868 J. S. McDaniel
1869 D. H. Linebough
1870 S. C. Allen
1871 J. M. Lawson
1872 Joseph D. Barnett
1874 G. E. Overton
1875 John W. Shalton
1876 C. M. Caldwell
1877 L. Ames
1878 J. R. Dempsey
1879 J. M. Phillips
1880 G. R. Dempsey
1881 Bryant A. Cundiff
1883 Gabriel S. King
1887 T. C. Peters
1893 George F. Cundiff
1895 D. F. Walton
1899 A. L. Mell
1902 W. A. Haynes

1905 R. H. Roe

1906 B. F. Wilson
1911 L. K. May
1913 T. J. Wade
1917 P. H. Ryan
1918 R. L. Sleamaker
1919 C. F. Hartford
1920 W. Leroy Baker
1922 J. M. Perryman
1924 E. P. Deacon
1926 Elmer Ashby
1929 J. R. Noland
1930 W. P. Gordon
1933 Gilbert Robertson
1934 William E. Cassell
1937 A. D. Lewis
1940 Raymond L. Oliver
1942 G. G. Lyle
1945 Chesley D. Wilson
1946 J. D. Morrow
1952 James H. Cox
1956 Luther R. Langsdon
1958 Thomas A. Nankivell

1961 J. Alton Lawhorn
1966 Ron Gaddie
1967 Don Dorris
1969 Jerry Crockett
1969 Fred Buchanan
1980 John W. Poteet
1983 Robert Morton-Stout
1984 Alice Scott
1987 Paul Tashiro
1988 Lyle Baker
1991 Nathan Snider
1995 Steve Dennehy
1998 Janet Carden