Church calls for old photos and stories for a memory book to celebrate 150th anniversary

Courtesy of Anderson Historical Society

The Trinity United Methodist Church in Anderson is gearing up to celebrate its 150th anniversary Sept. 18-20. Members of the church are asking the public, past and present members of the church for contributions for a memory book in the form of old stories passed down through families about the church, copies of old photos, and memories about happenings in the local church.

The committee would like to have these items submitted by May 1 to prepare for publication of the memory books.

The church, at 1821 Ferry St., has grown over the years to what is standing today, here and in other areas. The congregation currently sponsors youth overseas that live impoverished lives. They also participate in many other humanitarian relief efforts in the area and around the world. Pastor Pauline Bowen would like to invite all past, present and future members of the Trinity United Methodist Church to share in the celebration of 150 Years of Caring.

The celebration will also include a production of the "Gospel of John," put on by Into the Light Productions on Friday night, a family fun faire which will feature games for children, gold panning and a performance by Gospel singer, Ricky Russ of Abaline, Tex., on Saturday.

A circuit rider will also be present, special worship services on Sunday with a luncheon to follow.

The original Methodist Church in Anderson was formed in 1859, with its first building being built in 1884. The building was destroyed by fire on a windy day in 1953. Fortunately at that time, a new church building was being built where it currently stands today, on the corner of Church and Ferry Streets in Anderson. Upon its beginning, Reverend John Milton Ward was the circuit rider who traveled many miles to minister to the people of the Methodist Church in the area. The present church grew from the organization of the Millville Methodist Episcopal Church, South which was traveled by Reverend Ward. He organized the Circuit and traveled many miles to teach the residents of Shasta County. Some of the places he traveled to were Millville, Bald Hills, Cottonwood, and Dry Creek. Anderson, Redding, Igo and Ono were also eventually placed on the Circuit. It is not known what form of transportation was used by the circuit riders, whether it was by horse, wagon, on foot, or by faith alone to be the Reverend's guide.