First United Methodist Church of Bessemer: Difference between revisions
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[[Image:First UMC Bessemer.jpg|right|thumb|375px|First United Methodist Church of Bessemer in February 2010]] | |||
The '''First United Methodist Church of Bessemer''' was a United Methodist church founded in [[1887]] and dissolved in [[2010]]. It was located at [[Arlington Avenue South]] and [[19th Street Bessemer|19th Street]] in downtown [[Bessemer]]. | The '''First United Methodist Church of Bessemer''' was a United Methodist church founded in [[1887]] and dissolved in [[2010]]. It was located at [[Arlington Avenue South]] and [[19th Street Bessemer|19th Street]] in downtown [[Bessemer]]. | ||
The church building burned to the ground on [[November 24]], [[1928]] and was rebuilt the following year. A pipe organ was added in [[1930]]. During the 1950s the church averaged attendance of more than 1,000 per week and became known for its annual performances of George Frideric Handel's "Messiah" oratorio. The church also hosted many graduation ceremonies for [[Bessemer High School]]. | The church building burned to the ground on [[November 24]], [[1928]] and was rebuilt the following year. A pipe organ was added in [[1930]]. An education wing, designed by R. H. Hunt and Company of Chattanooga, Tennessee, was designed to blend with the original structure. | ||
During the 1950s the church averaged attendance of more than 1,000 per week and became known for its annual performances of George Frideric Handel's "Messiah" oratorio. The church also hosted many graduation ceremonies for [[Bessemer High School]]. | |||
Dwindling membership forced the church to close. [[Gordon McKinney]] led its final service on [[March 7]], [[2010]]. | Dwindling membership forced the church to close. [[Gordon McKinney]] led its final service on [[March 7]], [[2010]]. | ||
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==References== | ==References== | ||
* Garrison, Greg (February 27, 2010) "123-year-old First United Methodist Church of Bessemer will close." ''Birmingham News'' | * Garrison, Greg (February 27, 2010) "123-year-old First United Methodist Church of Bessemer will close." ''Birmingham News'' | ||
==External links== | |||
* [http://www.flickr.com/photos/mcdavidphoto/sets/72157623562128008/ Photographs of 1st UMC Bessemer] on closing day | |||
[[Category:Methodist churches]] | [[Category:Methodist churches]] | ||
Revision as of 07:40, 1 May 2010
The First United Methodist Church of Bessemer was a United Methodist church founded in 1887 and dissolved in 2010. It was located at Arlington Avenue South and 19th Street in downtown Bessemer.
The church building burned to the ground on November 24, 1928 and was rebuilt the following year. A pipe organ was added in 1930. An education wing, designed by R. H. Hunt and Company of Chattanooga, Tennessee, was designed to blend with the original structure.
During the 1950s the church averaged attendance of more than 1,000 per week and became known for its annual performances of George Frideric Handel's "Messiah" oratorio. The church also hosted many graduation ceremonies for Bessemer High School.
Dwindling membership forced the church to close. Gordon McKinney led its final service on March 7, 2010.
References
- Garrison, Greg (February 27, 2010) "123-year-old First United Methodist Church of Bessemer will close." Birmingham News
External links
- Photographs of 1st UMC Bessemer on closing day