1781-1783
Methodism came to the Radford area between 1781 and 1783. As the people flocked westward, Methodist preachers followed the flow. The first Methodist Church in this area, the Page Meetinghouse located on what is now Hickman Cemetery Road was opened in 1781. Most of the Methodist churches in this area can trace their origin to this early movement. Bishop Asbury often visited as he made his visits to the West. |
1894-1911
In February 1894, Bourne (named for John Bourne, an early Radford resident) Memorial Methodist Episcopal Church, South, was established at the corner of Third and Wirt Streets in the West Ward of the city of Radford. The property for the church was conveyed by deed from E. W. Jones and Mary C. Jones, his wife, to James Walters, J. H. Woodrum, J.M. Echols, and F. A. McCulloch, Trustees. Bishop Gallaway appointed Reverend T. A. Jordan as first pastor of the church. According to Holston Conference records, E.N. Woodward served as pastor in 1904, Charles H. Fogleman in 1905, J.F. Barnett in 1906 and 1907, and H.B. Atkins in 1908. At that point, Central’s pastors are listed as “East and West Radford” with J.A.H. Shuler serving in 1910, and J.E. Naff serving in 1911. |
1912-1913
Bishop Denny, Reverend E. H. Cassidy, and others visited Bourne Memorial Methodist Episcopal Church South in 1913, and suggested that it be relocated in a more suitable place in the city. On February 12, 1913 Trustees B.O. Pryor, W.R. Jordan, E. Johnson, Selden Longley, E.S. Jones, R.E. McNeil and F.E. Grayson purchased lots on the corner of Second and Wadsworth for $300 from John L. Vaughan and his wife. Another account is that the Vaughans “gave” these lots to the church. The building was erected and dedicated as the Radford Methodist Church. The Holston Conference records indicate that J.W.Rader was the pastor during the years of 1912 and 1913. 1914-1927 Between the years of 1914 and 1927 the Conference records list a series of pastors having served at Central. 1914 and 1915- Thomas Priddy/J.H. Montgomery, 1916 and 1917- H.B. Brown/Marion Stevenson, 1918 through 1920- W.B. Belcher/Ellis C. Jessee and J.B. Simpson, 1921 through 1923- Z.B. Randall/J.H. Umberger/ R.A. Owen, 1924 and 1925- A.S. Thorn/R.A. Owen, and 1926 and 1927- E.A. Shugart/R.A. Owen. |
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