Courtesy of Wagener Monthly
On Sunday, May 1, Clinton United Methodist Church celebrated its 150th anniversary.
The history of this church began in 1861 when a group of Christians felt the need to worship God and met in homes and later in a "brush arbor" with Rev. Charles Wilson as the first preacher. In 1884, this group planned to build a church. Mrs. Mary Vann, a Baptist friend, gave five dollars to the group to purchase 4 4/10 acres (of the present tract) of land from Miss Betty Ann Starnes. Mr. Wesley Garvin gave the logs for the construction of the building and his son-in-law, Mr. P.J. Whetstone, sawed them.
The men of the community worked together to build the church that was called "Jack Dam Methodist Church." The church began to progress and grow so it was necessary to build again. The first building was sold to the colored people of the community. During the ministry of Rev. W.D. Quick (1911-1914) a second building was established. Mr. C.T. Whetstone donated the timber and Mr. Jasper Rish built the church for $125 with the help of the men of the community. Mr. Henry Poole Sr. furnished the material and built the steps. Mr. Arthur Williamson of Wagener gave the material and made the pulpit. This time the church was named "Clinton," a suggestion by Mrs. P.J. Whetstone. Under the direction of the trustees, Mr. C.T. Whetstone, Mr. M.W. Poole and Mr. J.H. Hydrick, six-tenths of an acre was bought (now making 5 acres). In 1939 the first Women's Missionary Society was organized.
The church expanded and outgrew its facilities, so in 1944, during the Rev. Clyde Hendrix's ministry, a building program was begun for what is now the sanctuary. This church was completed in July 1948 while Dr. A.D. Betts was pastor. Rev. Hendrix returned and preached the first sermon of the new building.
As the church continued to grow, the need for a parsonage was recognized and in 1902 the parsonage was completed and dedicated to Dr. E. Wannamaker Hardin, the District Superintendent of the Orangeburg District. The Rev. L. Carroll Pope was the first minister to reside in the new parsonage. In 1984, a fellowship building was constructed to the rear of the church for use during the special occasions such as Christmas pageants, UMYF activities and Homecoming. In 2000 Clinton had its first woman minister, the Rev. Miriam Hadden. In 2005 our pastor, the Rev. David Williamson, was married in our church.
One hundred seventy-five people attended the worship service given by the Orangeburg District Superintendent, the Rev. John Hipp, a former pastor at Wagener United Methodist Church Special recognition was given to the youngest and the oldest person present as well as the one who traveled the greatest distance for Homecoming. As part of the service, a Sacrament Tree was dedicated in honor of the children of Clinton Church and planted next to the sanctuary. Following the service everyone feasted on the homecoming traditional covered dish dinner. A special display area featuring photos, old bulletins, news paper articles, church directories and church history was set up for all to browse. Many gathered there to exchange memories of the church and their own lives and the impact each had on the other.
After 150 years, Clinton church is still a growing rural congregation that shares it's love for God by reaching out to those in the community. The story of Clinton church is the story of its members.