32 days ago
Sunday marked a special milestone for one Central Georgia congregation.
Culloden United Methodist Church celebrated 200 years of worship.
Bag pipes lead the procession into the church, celebrating their Scottish heritage.
Sarah Jean Ray, one of the longest serving members of the church says, "it's wonderful because the church has withheld all the past history and still we are active, I think it's great."
Ray is one of only eight current church members.
She says membership has fluctuated over the years because the community has gotten smaller.
But for this special event, Pastor Michelle Holtmann was proud to see the sanctuary fill up with more than 60 family and friends.
She says, "having the church full of people was just amazing, and I just love hearing everyone sing and the resonance in the room."
Pastor Holtmann says 200 years is a big accomplishment for the church.
She says, "as Methodists, we have those who have gone before us and bring up traditions and values and a grounding and foundation for us to go forward from here."
Barbara Fincher came to church dressed in an outfit representing the 19th century.
She says it is the church's historic significance that means the most.
Fincher says they have been told they have the oldest brick Methodist church still in continuous operation in the state of Georgia.
She says that is why it is so important to keep holding strong to their values, despite their small numbers.
Fincher says, "days like this reinforce what a wonderful community this is, and people and families are all together on trying to preserve the church."
Pastor Michelle Holtmann says the church was originally established in 1803 but the building burned down before they could move in.
The current facility was then built in 1809.
