The gold leaf., 1905-08-03
Methodist Protestant Church.
BY DIR. +. g. HARRIS.

In or about the year 1880, a few
persons who had recently become res
idents OF Henderson, moved by a de-
sire to found here a church home rep
resenting the principles of that branch
OF Methodism known as the Metho-
dist Protestant Church, determined
to ''rise up and build" This move
ment was led by Mr.. Win. A. Harris
and was successful to the extent that
neat and commodions frame build
ing was erected and was dedicated by
Rev. DR.. VIM. III. Wills on the third
Sunday in June, 1881, with a men,
bership OF nineteen. Rev. Jas. p.
Simpson was soon after appointed
first pastor.
This church house was located on
a lot between Garnett, our Main st.,
and the railroad, on the northward
side of the approach to the crossing
formerly known as "Merrimon's 8
Crossing" and almost Immediately
in front of Mr.. J. B. Owens present
residence.
This was occupied as O house of
worship until a new church was built
larger and handsomer and more eligi-
bly, located, to meet the demands of
growing membership and iu keeping
with the newer life and progress of
our town. This building is located
on one of the highest lots in town.
on the corner OF Breckenridge Street
and Wyche Alley-and is constructed
OF brick and stone, with slate roof and
metal trimmings and is handsomely
finished within and without, at cost
OF about $14, 100000. 1t is comfort
ably heated by furnace and is one of
the best lighted public buildings in
the State. 1t is conveniently near
to Main street and the railroad vet
far enough to be undisturbed by the
noise of traffic of thsoe thoroughfares
The memorial window in the front
OF the church was erected in memory
of VIM. A. Harris, the founder of the
old church, and that in the eastern
end was erected to B. F. Harris, of
blessed memory, by his four sons who
are all loyal members of this COM
munion.
1t is an interesting bit Of repetition
of history to note that Mr.. K. w.
Coghill, the contractor and builder
OF the old church, also builtthe new,
and his daughter, now Mrs. F. s..
Harris, who was Organist at the
former dedication, also filled that
office at the latter.
The new church was finished for
occupancy late in 1900, although it
was not dedicated till June, 19O3-in
the sixth year of the pastorate of
Rev. J. S. Williams, who preached the
dedication sermon.
The membership now numbers
about two hundred and the church
is making an impress on the cOmmu-
nifty, the far-reaching and benefcent
effect of which cannot be told.
Rev. w. F. kennett is filing very
acceptably the first year OF his pas
torate here and the church is liberal in
support Of all the general interests
of the Conference and is reaching out
into nearby mission work-having
under her fostering care Spring Val
ley Chapel, two or three miles north
Of Henderson.
We extend a cordial welcome to all
to come and worship with us, and
especially to "the stranger within
our gates" And to any who love the
distinctive principles for which we
| stand we would say, "Come with US
and we will do thee good, for the Lord
hath spoken good concerning Israel. y
| HOW'S This?
We offer One Hundred Dollars Reward fol
| any case of Catarrh that cannot be cured by