Wofford College

New Zion United Methodist Church, New Zion

Wofford College 
Digital Commons @ Wofford 
Methodist Local Church Records Methodist Collection 
2-13-2024 
New Zion Clarendon County Church history revised and updated 
New Zion United Methodist Church, New Zion 
Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.wofford.edu/churchrecords 
 Part of the History of Christianity Commons 
Recommended Citation 
New Zion United Methodist Church, New Zion, "New Zion Clarendon County Church history revised and 
updated" (2024). Methodist Local Church Records. 272. 
https://digitalcommons.wofford.edu/churchrecords/272 
This Book is brought to you for free and open access by the Methodist Collection at Digital Commons @ Wofford. It 
has been accepted for inclusion in Methodist Local Church Records by an authorized administrator of Digital 
Commons @ Wofford. For more information, please contact stonerp@wofford.edu. 
SIGNIFICANT EVENTS IN THE HISTORY OF THIS CHURCH 
 
Methodism began in New Zion, South Carolina, in the year 1830 in a brush arbor.  The preacher 
was Mr. John Lavender, who was a circuit rider.  Two or three log churches were built before a 
framed building was erected.  Services were held monthly by circuit riders.  
The first grave to be dug in the cemetery was that of Mr. Deed Smith’s grandparents and it was 
marked by cedar trees in the center of the cemetery.  The first known marker was a Worsham 
child who was buried in 1847. 
About the year 1845, the first frame church was built.  Mr. Mack Hicks, Mr. Wade Kennedy, Mr. 
Ellison Johnson, and Mr. Anderson Boykin, along with other generous men, helped to build this 
church on the land given by “Captain Brans.  Captain Brand was an engineer, who served as 
second commander of troops in the Salem section during the Civil War.  The first minister was  
Reverend A. D. Betts, Sr.  The first stewards were Mr. Anderson Boykin and Mr. W. E. 
Lavender. 
A number of years later, with an increase in membership and attendance, this small church could 
not accommodate its members, so plans were made to build a larger church.  The material and 
labor were donated by members and in 1882 the church was completed with the Reverend P. T. 
Phillips as its first pastor.  This church had a library because The Life Of John Wesley was 
placed in it in the year 1897. 
Many years later the membership had grown and the Sunday School classes had to meet in the 
sanctuary of the church.  Effective classroom work was impossible in one room, so the members 
realized more and more that something had to be done and during the pastorate of The Reverend 
Max Christopher the building problems were discussed.  Under his leadership a building fund of 
$2,500 was set up. 
During the pastorate of the Reverend T. W. Williams there was much discussion as to the best 
thing to do.  Some wanted to remodel the old church and add Sunday School rooms but others 
wanted to build a new building. 
In 1946 the Reverend W. J. Smoak was appointed to the New Zion Charge.  He began talking ab 
out a new church and much interest began to grow.  A free supper was prepared by the ladies and 
the entire membership was invited. At this supper, The Reverend Smoak told of the advantages 
of a new building and that night $10,000 was raised.  In May 1947, the foundation of the new 
church as laid and work began. On October 23, 1949, the first service was held in the new church 
with an unusually large crowd attending.  The dedication service was held September 17, 1950.   
The new church is of solid brick construction, with a 40 x 54 foot sanctuary, seven classrooms, a 
kitchen, pastor’s study, and a recreational room.  It was equipped with new furniture in the 
Sunday School rooms and the church.  The pews were given by members and friends in memory 
of loved ones, as well as the communion table, altar set, communion set, collection plates, Bible, 
register and hymnals.  The folding chairs for the classrooms were donated by a business man of 
the community.  The building was equipped with a gas heating system, but since then, a modern 
air-conditioning and heating system has been added.  The Hammond organ was also placed in 
the sanctuary. 
The building committee, finance committee, W.S.C.S. and the membership of the church worked 
hard to attain the goal which was set in 1947.  The members of the building committee were as 
follows: R. P. Gibbons, chairman, R. T. Gibbons, W. E. Baker, Carlisle Lavender, W. L. 
Gibbons, and H. M. Morris.  Members of the finance committee were:  P. M. Gibbons, O. P. 
Johnson, J. G. Gardner, Willie L. Gibbons, E. B. Buddin, J. W. Gibbons, and Carlisle Lavender, 
Jr. 
The ministers and their wives have served the New Zion charge diligently and faithfully.  Mrs. 
A. Sassard organized the first missionary society at New Zion in 1926 and the W. S. C. S. has 
functioned through these years as a strong and faithful organization.  In 1940, when the society 
was reorganized there were 48 charter members.  Mrs. Lizzie Jane Buddin was elected president 
and since then the following ladies have served in this capacity:  Mrs. R. P. Gibbons, Mrs. Tal 
Gibbons, Mrs. Wright Gibbons, Mrs. LeRoy DuBose, Mrs. Raymond Gibbons, Mrs. Willie L. 
Gibbons, Mrs. Henley B. Gibbons, Mrs. Leon Knowlton, Mrs. Edward C. Lavender, Mrs. Edgar 
DuBose, and Mrs. Roy Sharpe.  Note:  these officers served prior to 1965, many others have 
served since then. 
The first parsonage was built near the frame church building and the land was given by Mr. 
Anderson Boykin.  Then, in 1917, Mr. Charlie Lavender donated the land for a new frame 
parsonage to be built.  The Reverend Elwell was the first minister to occupy this parsonage.   
In 1954, the members of the charge decided to build a larger and more modern parsonage, so the 
frame one was sold and a lot was bought just across the street for a brick one to be erected. The 
Reverend Charles Kirkley was the first minister to occupy this parsonage. 
Trinity and Shiloh Methodist churches joined the New Zion charge in 1917. In 1970, the Shiloh 
church was placed on the Pine Grove charge.  They sold their interest in the New Zion parsonage 
for the sum of $3,500.  The lot and garage already belonged to the New “Zion church.  This 
purchase was made possible with Ingathering funds.  
In 1966, during the ministry of the Reverend Robert W. Tanner, the sanctuary was remodeled, 
and stained glass windows and wall to wall carpet were installed.  The windows were given as 
memorials by church members and friends.  In 1969, the pastor’s study was remodeled.  This one 
was established as a library in 1977, and a larger study was provided for the Reverend W. B. 
Love. 
The Fellowship Hall was erected on church property during the ministry of the Reverend Harry 
Stullenbarger. It was completed on June 10, 1972, and the consecration service was held in July 
1972.  The mortgage was paid off on October 1975, leaving no indebtedness on our church. 
The first parsonage was built on a given lot on Anderson Boykin’s property to the right of the 
church building.  In 1917, a larger framed building was erected on a given lot owned by Charles 
Lavender.  The Reverend W. G. Elwell was the first occupant.  At this time a new charge was 
formed uniting New Zion, Shilo, Trinity, and Workman.  In 1954, the present brick parsonage 
was built by the charge.  The Reverend Charles Kirkley was the first minister to occupy this 
parsonage.  In 1962, during the ministry of the Reverend Frank Manning, Workman was 
removed from the charge and in 1970 Shilo was removed and placed on the Pine Grove charge. 
Two young men from New Zion church are now serving as ministers.  The Reverend William 
Murray Gibbons went into full time service April 27, 1956, and the Reverend John Bruce Hicks 
entered the ministry in 1960.   NOTE: Carl Lavender joined the ministry in 1985 and Rev. Hick 
died in 1988. 
The first missionary society was organized in 1926. In 1940 it was reorganized as the Women’s 
Society of Christian Service, and in 1972 renamed The United Methodist Women.  These 
societies have functioned through the years as a strong, vital, and faithful part of the church. 
The Methodist Men’s Club was organized in 1950 during the ministry of the Reverend Harry 
Shuler and disbanded in 1973. This club was responsible for sponsoring “The Lord’s Acre 
Program” which was later changed to “Ingathering”.  This project has been the high light of our 
church life and has been responsible for serving many useful and worthwhile needs for the 
church. 
The Memorial Fund, in lieu of flowers, began in the year 1967.  Many improvements for the 
church and grounds have been made by this fund, furnishing the nursery, landscaping the church 
grounds, providing supplies to the sanctuary to name a few. 
An additional two acres of land joining the property was purchased from W. C. Plowden, Jr. to 
add to the parking lot and cemetery. 
The Sanctuary was remodeled again in 2003, placing the choir behind the pulpit area, adding 
new chandeliers and lighting, and changing the color from green to pale blue/gray (Sherwin 
Williams “Ice Cube”).  A baby grand piano was donated by the Sharpe families in memory Mrs. 
Earline Sharpe and Mrs. Alma Sharpe.  New sound and video systems were added. 
In 2011, the home of Dorothy C. Morris was purchased from her estate by New Zion UMC to 
serve as the parsonage.  Trinity UMC decided to pay rent in lieu of joining in the purchase.  
During years 2019 thru spring of 2021, due to COVID pandemic, church services were limited, 
suspended or held via video. This was not a good move for our small church. Full time services 
resumed in late 2021.  Our current membership in January 2023 is 111 active members. 
On January 29, 2023, the church members voted to disaffiliate from the United Methodist 
conference.  Pending approval at Annual Conference to be held June, 2023, the church will 
become New Zion Methodist Church. 
 
    
 
 


New Zion Clarendon County Church history revised and updated

Pinopolis United Methodist Church

Wofford College 
Digital Commons @ Wofford 
Methodist Local Church Records Methodist Collection 
4-3-2024 
Pinopolis Property Records 
Pinopolis United Methodist Church 
Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.wofford.edu/churchrecords 
 Part of the History of Christianity Commons 
Recommended Citation 
Pinopolis United Methodist Church, "Pinopolis Property Records" (2024). Methodist Local Church 
Records. 294. 
https://digitalcommons.wofford.edu/churchrecords/294 
This Book is brought to you for free and open access by the Methodist Collection at Digital Commons @ Wofford. It 
has been accepted for inclusion in Methodist Local Church Records by an authorized administrator of Digital 
Commons @ Wofford. For more information, please contact stonerp@wofford.edu. 










































Pinopolis Property Records

Wofford College Environmental Studies Program

Wofford College 
Digital Commons @ Wofford 
The Fierce Green Fire Environmental Studies 
3-29-2024 
The Fierce Green Fire: Vol. 14 Issue 17 
Wofford College Environmental Studies Program 
Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.wofford.edu/fiercegreenfire 
Recommended Citation 
Wofford College Environmental Studies Program, "The Fierce Green Fire: Vol. 14 Issue 17" (2024). The 
Fierce Green Fire. 321. 
https://digitalcommons.wofford.edu/fiercegreenfire/321 
This Article is brought to you for free and open access by the Environmental Studies at Digital Commons @ 
Wofford. It has been accepted for inclusion in The Fierce Green Fire by an authorized administrator of Digital 
Commons @ Wofford. For more information, please contact stonerp@wofford.edu. 
 
 
 
 
 
The Fierce Green Fire 
A Newsletter of the Wofford College Environmental Studies Program 
Volume 14, Issue 17 
Wilderness in Orlando by Dr. Peter Brewitt 
 
Disney is about believing in magic, of 
course, so it made sense that there’d be 
fairies and aliens all over the place, but a 
whole 580-acre chunk of Disney, Animal 
Kingdom, is about pretend nature. It’s a 
zoo, basically, but you’re supposed to feel 
like it’s not. It was a little disconcerting, 
really, to exist in a zone of semi-belief the 
whole time, having fun seeing okapis and 
rhinos but being nagged by the 
unshakeable knowledge that this was still 
Florida. We had a good time – everyone 
did – and places like this do, I think, 
inspire a sense of wonder and care for 
nature in millions of children. But more 
than anything, Animal Kingdom made me 
want to actually go to Botswana. On that 
note, I hope everyone has a great spring 
break, with a good blend of nature, magic, 
and authenticity. See you in April! 
 
 
The safari jeep rumbled over the dirt 
track, passing a pride of sleepy lions on a 
rise, when I spotted something truly 
outlandish, something you’d never expect 
to see in the Kalahari. “Quick, look!” I 
whispered. “What? Where?!” my wife 
asked. I pointed, she looked, and the two 
of us focused in on…a duck. A mallard, 
dabbling serenely amongst the exotic 
megafauna. Because, of course, we 
weren’t in Botswana. We were in 
Orlando, at Disney World’s Animal 
Kingdom. Welcome to the wilderness. 
My family and I went to Disney over 
Thanksgiving, and the experience was SO 
much. So, so much. My daughters (5 and 
9) loved it – of course they did. My wife 
and I liked it. But at the same time, the 
experience was so overwhelming that we 
had to spend two hours talking it over as 
we drove to my father’s place afterwards. 
And a big part of it was the nature.  
Last week, students in Dr. Savage’s ENVS330 lab worked with Frances Bukovsky, our 
Goodall Visiting Fellow, to create lumen prints using historical images of Glendale. 
 
 
 
____________________________________________________________________________________________ 
The Fierce Green Fire, Vol. 14 Issue 17 March 29, 2024 
 
Upcoming Events and Opportunities 
PROFILE OF THE WEEK: 
East Carolina University – MS in Sustainable Tourism and Hospitality  
In 2009 East Carolina University began offering the 
nation’s first interdisciplinary Master of Science in 
Sustainable Tourism and Hospitality (MS-STH) 
degree. 
The program website states, “Sustaining 
environments, businesses, and social and cultural 
identities requires an interdisciplinary approach and 
perspective. The MS-STH program draws upon 
emerging sustainability sciences ranging from the 
physical to the social to address complex sustainable 
tourism issues. Science and education are critical 
partners in the sustainable, long-term management 
of tourism, and this program provides the 
foundation for this new approach to sustainable 
management.” 
The completely online program is affordable and 
offers four core courses in sustainability and 
tourism are offered - an introductory course, a 
science course, a business course, and a planning 
and policy course. Students also choose from a set 
of electives and can opt for independent study or 
internship experience. The program can be 
completed in one-two years. 
 
 Follow the Goodall Center Instagram page. 
 
April 13th  
9:00-11:00am 
Goodall Center, 351 
Broadway St, Glendale, SC 
29346 
Second Saturdays Volunteer Day in Glendale: Join us on the second Saturday of the 
month to help beautify the garden and surrounding areas at the Goodall Center. 
Register here to let us know you’re coming. 
April 6th – 7th  
(Sat) 9:30am-5:00pm &  
(Sun) 8:00am-12:30pm 
Furman University, 3300 
Poinsett Hwy, Greenville, 
29613   
A Community Centered Climate Future: Furman University is hosting a two-day 
conference. Student tickets are $15. Registration and additional information. 
Happy Spring Break! April 1
st – 5th  
 
Ongoing  
Open Until Position Filled 
 
Summer Internship with Coastal Conservation League: 12-week environmental advocacy 
internship based in Beaufort, SC. See more information and how to apply. 
PALs Trail Stewardship Day: This clean-up day will focus on beautifying the Mary H. 
Wright Greenway Trail. Sign up to participate. 
April 20th  
9:00-11:00am 
Mary H. Wright Greenway 
Trail  
The Environmental Education Association of South Carolina is seeking individuals or 
groups/organizations to present sessions during the 2024 Annual Conference, June 
20-22, at USC Upstate. The theme is Climate ResiliencEE: How to Save the Planet 2024. 
Learn more and submit your proposals. 
April 1st  
Application Deadline 
  


English

The Fierce Green Fire: Vol. 14 Issue 17

In many instances of conflict and confusion, effective communication can be a useful tool in solving problems. When individuals experience a breakdown in communication, it can be frustrating as well as harmful for everyone involved. This autoethnography seeks to explain and remedy issues of communication breakdown through the lens of religious theory, primarily with regard to Peter Berger’s ideas of world construction and maintenance. When once taken-for-granted “worlds” that provide stability become threatened, one way communities respond is by isolating themselves from ideas which pose a threat to their way of life. In a new age of pluralism, this isolation has resulted in difficulties in communication when opposing beliefs are brought into play. This phenomenon is not harmless. Once cemented within individuals, lack of openness to outsider views can result in the continuation of bigoted beliefs and behaviors that present real-world harm. However, greater understanding of the phenomenon can result in both emotional healing and different strategies to combat bigotry

Richardson, Julia M.

Watering a Dying Canopy: How Peter Berger Can Help Us Understand Communication in a Modern Age

Wofford College. Office of Marketing and Communications

ISSUE #163 | MAY 9, 2024 | FROM THE OFFICE OF MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS
Wofford College to award three honorary degrees; the Hon.
Costa Pleicones to give Commencement address
From left: Betty James Montgomery, Dr. Daniel B. Morrison Jr., Tony L. Thomas and the Hon. Costa
Pleicones.
Wofford College will present honorary degrees to three people who have made significant
contributions to the college and community during its 2024 Commencement exercises,
scheduled to begin at 9:30 a.m., Sunday, May 19, on the lawn of Main Building. The speaker
will be the Hon. Costa Pleicones ’65, a member of the college’s board of trustees and retired
chief justice of the South Carolina Supreme Court.
Betty James Montgomery, Dr. Daniel B. Morrison Jr. ’75 and Tony L. Thomas will be honored
during the ceremony with honorary degrees.
READ MORE
Lindsey and family guide Wade’s Restaurant to James Beard
award
Wade Lindsey III ’08 is part of a third generation of family ownership at Wade’s Restaurant in Spartanburg.
From sitting in a bassinet at the cash register with “Ms. Mildred” to celebrating his birthday
parties in the dining room, Wade Lindsey III ’08 grew up in his family’s business, Wade’s
Restaurant.
With Lindsey now a co-owner, the 77-year-old Spartanburg eatery was recently named the
2024 James Beard Foundation for America’s Classic: Southeast winner.
Lindsey’s grandparents, Wade and Betty Lindsey, opened Wade’s in 1947. What started as
May’s Grocery evolved into a place to buy a hot plate for lunch and a drive-in style restaurant,
and eventually, a popular local meat-and-three.
READ MORE
Nancy Williams wins 2024 SCICU Excellence in Teaching
Award
Dr. Nancy Williams has chaired Wofford’s Department of Philosophy for three years.
Dr. Nancy Williams, professor of philosophy, has earned a 2024 South Carolina Independent
College and Universities Excellence in Teaching Award.
Each year, SCICU picks one professor from each college or university in the state for this
honor, which includes a certificate and a $3,000 professional development grant for each
recipient’s institution. Williams was recognized at the SCICU’s awards dinner held on April 9
in Columbia.
During her time at Wofford, Williams has taught Philosophy of Food, Environmental Ethics,
Feminist Philosophy and more. She received Wofford’s Diversity and Inclusion Award in 2019
and was named the Southern Conference Faculty Member of the Year in 2016.
READ MORE
Watson embraces her family’s entrepreneurial legacy
Becca Watson ’24 aims to become a fourth-generation owner of her family’s furniture store, Watson’s
Furniture, in Chesnee, South Carolina.
Becca Watson ’24 arrived at Wofford College with her sights set on becoming an attorney.
During the first week of her college journey, Becca, a government major from Chesnee,
South Carolina, joined Wofford’s Launch Program. Through the program, she gained insights
that broadened her business knowledge and started her on a path to becoming a fourth-
generation owner of Watson’s Furniture, her family’s 72-year-old furniture store in Chesnee.
Becca is already making significant strides in revitalizing the store and expanding its
offerings. She is remodeling the store’s interior, introducing new brands and planning to
pursue interior design school after she graduates from Wofford.
READ MORE
Athletics updates
Track claims 7 titles at SoCon championships 
Softball garners multiple SoCon awards 
Five Terriers earn Big South lacrosse honors 
Athletics celebrates 2024 Bosscars Awards 
Renwick named to Brooks Wallace watch list
Follow us @woffordcollege


Conquer and Prevail Issue 163 May 9 2024

Shiloh United Methodist Church, Gray Court

Shiloh Gray Court Church Council Minutes

St. John United Methodist Church, Sumter

Wofford College 
Digital Commons @ Wofford 
Methodist Local Church Records Methodist Collection 
9-4-2024 
St. John Sumter Membership Roll 1953 
St. John United Methodist Church, Sumter 
Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.wofford.edu/churchrecords 
 Part of the History of Christianity Commons 
Recommended Citation 
St. John United Methodist Church, Sumter, "St. John Sumter Membership Roll 1953" (2024). Methodist 
Local Church Records. 360. 
https://digitalcommons.wofford.edu/churchrecords/360 
This Book is brought to you for free and open access by the Methodist Collection at Digital Commons @ Wofford. It 
has been accepted for inclusion in Methodist Local Church Records by an authorized administrator of Digital 
Commons @ Wofford. For more information, please contact stonerp@wofford.edu. 


































St. John Sumter Membership Roll 1953

Zoar United Methodist Church, Greer

Wofford College 
Digital Commons @ Wofford 
Methodist Local Church Records Methodist Collection 
9-11-2024 
Zoar Greer Property Records 
Zoar United Methodist Church, Greer 
Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.wofford.edu/churchrecords 
 Part of the History of Christianity Commons 
Recommended Citation 
Zoar United Methodist Church, Greer, "Zoar Greer Property Records" (2024). Methodist Local Church 
Records. 406. 
https://digitalcommons.wofford.edu/churchrecords/406 
This Book is brought to you for free and open access by the Methodist Collection at Digital Commons @ Wofford. It 
has been accepted for inclusion in Methodist Local Church Records by an authorized administrator of Digital 
Commons @ Wofford. For more information, please contact stonerp@wofford.edu. 


 





















































































Zoar Greer Property Records

Trinity United Methodist Church, Alcolu

Wofford College 
Digital Commons @ Wofford 
Methodist Local Church Records Methodist Collection 
9-10-2024 
Trinity Alcolu Property Records 
Trinity United Methodist Church, Alcolu 
Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.wofford.edu/churchrecords 
 Part of the History of Christianity Commons 
Recommended Citation 
Trinity United Methodist Church, Alcolu, "Trinity Alcolu Property Records" (2024). Methodist Local Church 
Records. 376. 
https://digitalcommons.wofford.edu/churchrecords/376 
This Book is brought to you for free and open access by the Methodist Collection at Digital Commons @ Wofford. It 
has been accepted for inclusion in Methodist Local Church Records by an authorized administrator of Digital 
Commons @ Wofford. For more information, please contact stonerp@wofford.edu. 





















Trinity Alcolu Property Records

Suttons United Methodist Church

Wofford College 
Digital Commons @ Wofford 
Methodist Local Church Records Methodist Collection 
9-5-2024 
Suttons Property Records 
Suttons United Methodist Church 
Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.wofford.edu/churchrecords 
 Part of the History of Christianity Commons 
Recommended Citation 
Suttons United Methodist Church, "Suttons Property Records" (2024). Methodist Local Church Records. 
370. 
https://digitalcommons.wofford.edu/churchrecords/370 
This Book is brought to you for free and open access by the Methodist Collection at Digital Commons @ Wofford. It 
has been accepted for inclusion in Methodist Local Church Records by an authorized administrator of Digital 
Commons @ Wofford. For more information, please contact stonerp@wofford.edu. 











