{"id":1620,"date":"2023-02-18T06:25:51","date_gmt":"2023-02-18T11:25:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mullinsumc.umcchurches.org\/?page_id=1620"},"modified":"2023-06-26T16:26:25","modified_gmt":"2023-06-26T21:26:25","slug":"colibri-1620","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/mullinsumc.org\/?page_id=1620","title":{"rendered":"Our History"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n \n
\n \n \n
\n \n
\n \n
\n \n
\n
\n \n \n
\n \n
\n \n
\n
\n \n \n \"brush\n
<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n
\n \n \n
\n \n
\n \n \n
\n

THE BEGINNINGS <\/p>\n

From early days as a brush arbor meeting place for pioneer farmers and enslaved Black people, the church called Mullins was established in 1845 in a rural area about ten miles outside the Bayou Gayoso eastern boundary of young Memphis.\n On July 15, Gabriel Anderson and wife Martha deeded two acres of this land to the church for the price of $18, for \u201ca house of Public worship for the use of the members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South.\u201d <\/p>\n

{illustration: Morehouse sketch brush arbor} <\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

\n \n \n
\n \n
\n \n
\n \n
\n
\n \n \n
\n \n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n
\n \n \n
\n \n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n \n
\n \n
\n
\n \n \n
\n \n
\n \n \n
\n

CIVIL WAR ERA <\/h4>\n

In 1861, with war imminent, Shelby Countians voted overwhelmingly to have Tennessee secede from the Union. This followed nearly a decade of anti-Union sentiment, in large part due to beneficial Mississippi River commerce. Military\n conflict reached the area, and Memphis became both a military depot and a hospital center. Memphis was captured by the Federal fleet in June 1862. <\/p>\n

Federal troops dismantled the log church and used the materials to construct Fort Hurst, just north of today\u2019s Poplar Avenue near Erin Drive, to guard the road and railway. Through the war years and some years after, Mullins Chapel\n held services in a schoolhouse about a half mile to the east. Members reclaimed some original logs in 1876 and rebuilt on the church property, making a white, one-room frame house built over logs. <\/p>\n

{illustration: Morehouse sketch frame building typical of the times} <\/p>\n

\n
\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

\n
\n \n \n
\n \n
\n \n
\n
\n \n \n \"\"\n
<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n \n
\n \n
\n
\n \n \n
\n \n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n \n \n
\n \n
\n \n
\n \n
\n
\n \n \n
\n \n
\n \n \n
\n

 <\/span><\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

\n \n \n
\n \n
\n \n
\n \n
\n
\n \n \n
\n \n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n \n
\n \n
\n
\n \n \n
\n \n
\n \n
\n
\n \n \n \"1870\n
<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n \n
\n \n
\n
\n \n \n
\n \n
\n \n \n
\n

\n
\n <\/p>\n

Memphis was devastated by the yellow fever epidemic of the late 1870s, and the state of Tennessee assumed governance of the city. Effects of the disease spread outward in the county, yet Mullins\u2019 pastor Rev. R. N. Freeman continued to serve \u201cthe sick, the dying, and the bereaved of his charge.\u201d Mullins persevered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

\n \n \n
\n \n
\n \n
\n \n
\n
\n \n \n
\n \n
\n \n \n
\n

TURN OF THE CENTURY <\/p>\n

In 1892, Mullins purchased a one-acre plot for $75 just north of the church. The deed specified use \u201cas a burial ground and for no other purpose.\u201d Several church founders are buried here, markers are in fascinating variety, and burials\n continue in the twenty-first century. <\/p>\n

The third church building opened in 1897 and faced Mendenhall Road, the cross street named for Mendenall brothers (original spelling) who were among the founders of Mullins. The church was larger and of New England design, complete\n with white siding and steeple. <\/p>\n

{illustration: collage of 1897 church is the c.1918 family AND 1930 engraving w\/inset portraits}<\/p>\n

\n
\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

\n
\n \n \n
\n \n
\n \n
\n
\n \n \n \"1900\n
<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n \n
\n \n
\n
\n \n \n
\n \n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n \n
\n \n
\n
\n \n \n
\n \n
\n \n \n
\n

WORLD WAR II ERA <\/p>\n

In the early twentieth century, Memphis was expanding away from the riverfront. Subdivisions sprang up, and housing patterns changed, sometimes in discriminatory ways. The eastern city limits and prosperity crept closer but had not\n yet reached the church, and Mullins faced a crossroads in its history. <\/p>\n

On December 14, 1941, just one week after Pearl Harbor, nine members met with the pastor and the District Superintendent. The pastor recommended closure of the church, and the motion was seconded. Superintendent Dr. C. C. Grimes called\n for discussion, and one member asked to speak, saying \u201cI believe Mullins will again be a thriving rural church, and I for one am anxious to see it continue.\u201d Five of the nine members present voted against closure, and Mullins began\n anew. In November 1943, Mullins Chapel became a regular \u201cstation,\u201d Mullins Methodist Church, with an appointed pastor and no longer dependent on clergy who rode circuit.<\/p>\n

\n
\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

\n
\n \n \n
\n \n
\n \n
\n
\n \n \n \"1930\n
<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n \n
\n \n
\n
\n \n \n
\n \n
\n \n \n
\n

POST-WORLD WAR II ERA <\/p>\n

As WWII veterans returned home and began to put down roots, the farmlands around Mullins gave way to suburban neighborhoods, and church membership slowly increased. The 1897 building was ill-equipped to welcome newcomers, as it was\n warmed only by pot-bellied and oil stoves and lacked indoor plumbing. Mullins planned to make improvements and to construct a Sunday School building, but thorough inspection found the 1897 structure was beyond repair. <\/p>\n

The decision was made to tear it down and \u201crebuild by faith.\u201d Calvary Episcopal Church graciously allowed the Mullins congregation to worship in their Episcopal Mission Chapel at Poplar and Perkins during construction. <\/p>\n

The fourth church building, 1947, replicated the design of the 1897 structure, with additions of a basement and modern conveniences. The stained glass windows were sourced from a church in Arkansas. Both the new church and the subsequent\n William H. Fisher Memorial Sunday School Building, dedicated 1950, were built on the \u201cpay-as-you-go\u201d plan, thanks to members and the generosity of friends and business associates. Today, these structures are known as the Chapel and\n Fisher Wing. <\/p>\n

{illustration: collage of 1947 church is the c.1953 bulletin photo w\/Fisher Wing AND the pre-1950 b&w photo}<\/p>\n

\n
\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

\n
\n \n \n
\n \n
\n \n
\n
\n \n \n \"mid-century\"\n
<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n \n
\n \n
\n
\n \n \n
\n \n
\n \n \n
\n

MID-20TH CENTURY <\/p>\n

The fifth and current sanctuary was the heart of modern facilities consecrated April 14, 1957 as membership neared 1,000. The brick and stone tower at the southeast corner of the building received the old chapel bell still there today.\n In the sanctuary, arches overhead resemble the body of a ship, or ark. The large, wooden cross with descending dove and wreath of Christian symbols was added to the back of the chancel in 1960. <\/p>\n

The two-story education wing opened in 1960 to fulfill the growing needs for Sunday school class and nursery space. Mullins experienced its peak membership of 2,149 in 1965. The gymnasium was built in 1967 to accommodate sports\n and youth activities of Mullins and the surrounding community. <\/p>\n

Mullins United Methodist Church acquired a new name, adding \u201cUnited,\u201d by action of the 1968 Uniting Conference which merged two Wesleyan bodies\u2014the Methodist Church and the Evangelical United Brethren Church\u2014to form the United Methodist\n Church. <\/p>\n

{illustration: c.1969-70 sanctuary exterior steps with worshippers} <\/p>\n

LATE 20TH CENTURY <\/p>\n

In the 1970s and 1980s, multi-generational families that swelled Mullins\u2019 ranks began to scatter, and the faithful now had a significant \u201ccommute\u201d to Mullins. Still other families moved nearby to send children to award-winning public\n schools. The Mullins youth group stayed strong as friends from all over came to participate. <\/p>\n

The Woman\u2019s Society of nineteenth-century Mullins Chapel grew into the United Methodist Women (UMW). The Mullins Crafts Fair was the organization\u2019s primary fundraiser for decades, sometimes engaging one hundred or more vendors. Over\n the years, the UMW has supported United Methodist Neighborhood Centers, Metropolitan Inter-Faith Association, Methodist Hospital Auxiliary, Church Health Center and many other organizations. <\/p>\n

The celebration of Mullins\u2019 150th anniversary filled all five weekends of July 1995. In the 1990s, improvements were made to the church grounds and facilities. Richly colored stained glass was installed in all windows of the sanctuary,\n including the tiered \u201ccandelabra\u201d windows high on the side walls. The bell tower was extended upward to accept cellular communications equipment. <\/p>\n

{illustration: present day with cell tower extension } <\/p>\n

21ST CENTURY \/ LOOKING AHEAD <\/p>\n

For generations, Mullins\u2019 members have demonstrated hearts of service. The Mullins youth group has led Sunday worship, travelled near and far on mission and recreational trips, and volunteered with homeless ministries in Memphis. Adult\n Sunday school classes and United Methodist Women (now United Women in Faith) are involved in activities as varied as soup kitchens and tutoring young readers in public schools. The list grows as someone may witness about their relationship\n with a particular ministry and invite others to participate. <\/p>\n

Music ministries grew in the 2010s, as the Mullins Ringers handbell choir and Mullins Community Orchestra aided worship more frequently and also participated in community or interdenominational events. For services, piano and organ\n provide regular solo voluntaries and accompany the chancel choir. The restored Steinway grand piano and various guest instrumentalists are featured in duets throughout each liturgical year. New singers and instrumental musicians\n are welcome. <\/p>\n

Grimes Memorial United Methodist Church merged with Mullins United Methodist Church on Pentecost Sunday 2019, to realize better opportunities for both congregations. We were uniting in fellowship, worship and service when the Covid-19\n viral pandemic hit Memphis. During this interruption, new ways emerged for communicating. Activities became a mixture of in-person and virtual events, and Mullins\u2019 digital presence became more valuable. <\/p>\n

Sunday, July 3, 2022 was a day of new beginnings, as Mullins welcomed new pastor Dr. Russell Morrow. A church-wide dinner and celebration was enjoyed that evening by the Mullins family together again and looking ahead! <\/p>\n

{illustration: people at merger? Pastor? Grimes cross? ? UMC cross&flame logo ? to indicate our connectional nature }<\/p>\n

\n
\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

\n
\n \n \n
\n \n
\n \n
\n
\n \n \n \"\"\n
<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n \n
\n
\n \n \n \"front_view\"\n
<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n \n \n
\n \n
\n \n
\n \n
\n
\n \n \n
\n \n
\n \n
\n \n \n
21ST CENTURY \/ LOOKING AHEAD For generations, Mullins\u2019 members have demonstrated hearts of service. The Mullins youth group has led Sunday worship, travelled near and far on mission and recreational trips, and volunteered with homeless\n ministries in Memphis. Adult Sunday school classes and United Methodist Women (now United Women in Faith) are involved in activities as varied as soup kitchens and tutoring young readers in public schools. The list grows as someone\n may witness about their relationship with a particular ministry and invite others to participate. Music ministries grew in the 2010s, as the Mullins Ringers handbell choir and Mullins Community Orchestra aided worship more frequently\n and also participated in community or interdenominational events. For services, piano and organ provide regular solo voluntaries and accompany the chancel choir. The restored Steinway grand piano and various guest instrumentalists\n are featured in duets throughout each liturgical year. New singers and instrumental musicians are welcome. Grimes Memorial United Methodist Church merged with Mullins United Methodist Church on Pentecost Sunday 2019, to realize better\n opportunities for both congregations. We were uniting in fellowship, worship and service when the Covid-19 viral pandemic hit Memphis. During this interruption, new ways emerged for communicating. Activities became a mixture of in-person\n and virtual events, and Mullins\u2019 digital presence became more valuable. Sunday, July 3, 2022 was a day of new beginnings, as Mullins welcomed new pastor Dr. Russell Morrow. A church-wide dinner and celebration was enjoyed that evening\n by the Mullins family together again and looking ahead! About us<\/h6>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n
\n \n \n
\n \n
\n \n
\n
\n \n \n \n
<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n \n \n
\n \n
\n \n
\n \n
\n
\n \n \n
\n \n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n
\n \n \n
\n \n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

THE BEGINNINGS  From early days as a brush arbor meeting place for pioneer farmers and enslaved Black people, the church called Mullins was established in 1845 in a rural area about ten miles outside the Bayou Gayoso eastern boundary of young Memphis. On July 15, Gabriel Anderson and wife Martha deeded two acres of this […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":1073,"menu_order":4,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"page-templates\/full-width-page.php","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-1620","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/mullinsumc.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1620","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/mullinsumc.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/mullinsumc.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mullinsumc.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mullinsumc.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1620"}],"version-history":[{"count":21,"href":"https:\/\/mullinsumc.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1620\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7143,"href":"https:\/\/mullinsumc.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1620\/revisions\/7143"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mullinsumc.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1073"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/mullinsumc.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1620"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}