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Our
History |
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The Hoosier Story
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Hoosier Memorial United Methodist Church was officially opened on Sunday, June 27, 1982. This new congregation was formed to replace The Audubon Forest Church, which disbanded in 1982 upon the retirement of the pastor, Reverend Wallace Wiggins. The new church became a part of the North Georgia Conference in the Atlanta-College Park District as a result of an almost complete racial transition from white to black in the Cascade and Audubon Forest communities in Southwest Atlanta.
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The church is named in tribute to Harry Hoosier, the great Black Methodist preacher. Bishop Joel McDavid revealed the church name at the first worship service. Hoosier was born a slave near Fayetteville, North Carolina around 1750. He became a national figure as a companion preacher of Bishop Francis Asbury, one of the founders of Methodism in America.
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The keynote speaker for the first service was Bishop L. Scott Allen, retired bishop of the Western North Carolina Conference. The first pastor, Reverend Rodney T. Smothers was presented to the newly formed congregation and 17 persons came forward to unite with the church. At the first charge conference, which was held on October 6, 1982, 156 persons were declared charter members. The new cornerstone was installed following a special service on Sunday, August 12, 1984. |
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Under the leadership of Rev. Smothers, a viable and mission-minded church was begun with active organizations and many Christian programs. The church motto – “Committed to Christ and the Community” – and the Mission Statement, which provide a base for the development of programs, ministry, and mission were formulated and activated. |
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