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Aaron Goe 9/04
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Nancy Million 9/23
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Our Pastor
Pastor Barry Robinson
Senior Pastor
Williamstown United Methodist Church
brobinson@williamstownumc.com
Barry Robinson is the husband of Denise Robinson and the father of three beautiful girls. He grew up as a “Military Brat” before settling down in
Apart from the church, Barry is an all around sports fan to the point that if it involves putting a ball through something, hitting something, or racing, he will watch it. (FYI: He doesn’t consider figure skating a sport.) He is a die hard (borderline fanatical) fan of the Kentucky Wildcats and is under the impression that the Wildcats should be in the discussion to win the National Championship each and every year in order for the universe to maintain some sense of order and decency. He doesn’t take himself too seriously and believes that humor is a necessity to living a fruitful life. He is a bit square to some-his favorite group is the Statler Brothers, his favorite restaurant is Cracker Barrel, he likes to wear cowboy boots, and nothing makes him happier than a nice cup of coffee or a large plate of hot wings and a ball game.
Barry enjoys visitors and his door is always open.
Very little is known of the early history of the Methodist Church in Grant County. The early pioneer preachers, such as Francis Asbury, William McKendree, Barnabas McHenry, Peter Cartwright, and others traveled large circuits and established churches throughout the Kentucky District. Of these we know that Peter Cartwright more than 100 years ago, visited the southeastern section of Grant County, preached and spent the night in the old Ackman Homestead where L.A. Ackman lived near Layton's Chapel.
As early as 1892, the Williamstown Circuit included: Williamstown, Dry Ridge, Salem, and Bethel Grove. Trustees were:
Williamstown
Tim Needham, W.F. Webb, N.H. Pinkard, and C.C. Nesbitt
Dry Ridge
H. Brown and J.M. Flege
Salem
J.W. Chipman, B.N. Harrison, J.W. Gaugh, and J.P. Evens
Bethel Grove
A. Sheriff and W.H. Beverly
Two home and two foreign Missionary Societies were organized on the Four Church Circuit Charge as early as 1894-1895.
Going back a bit, in 1847 William Tucker and his wife, Elizabeth, deeded to Hezekiah Thomas, Sandford A. Theobald, D.M. Tharp, George Nichols, William Tucker Jr., Wesley Tully and John T. Clark, Trustees of the Methodist Episcopal Church South, a plot of land in Williamstown. This is the present site of the church. From the Souvenir edition of "The Williamstown Courier," dated 1901, comes the following statement: The Williamstown Church was one of them. This old frame church was destroyed by fire in 1885, and for three years the congregation held service in the Court House. Under the leadership of the pastor, Dr. S.W. Spear, the brick church was built in 1888 and dedicated in 1891. It was part of the Williamstown Circuit sharing the time with Dry Ridge and Salem Church.
"As early as 1848-1850, Rev. Joseph Rand, at that time a young man and now residing in Lexington, was a pastor of the Crittenden Circuit. This Circuit included all of Grant County and part of the Pendleton and Boone Counties. It was a three week Circuit and preaching was largely in private homes. There were only two churches in the entire circuit."
In 1915 it became a station Church with Rev. J.W. Carter as pastor. Built during the pastorate of Rev. K.O. Potts (1937-1941) was an addition containing classrooms and a kitchen. This was dedicated in 1941 with Bishop Darling delivering the dedicatory address. This same year (1941) the two Missionary Societies were recognized and renamed. Mrs. L.M. Ackman became the first President of the Women's Society of Christian Service (WSCS) and Mrs. H.T. Mathews the first President of the Wesleyan Service Guild (WSG). Both of these Societies have always met their yearly pledges and helped with other church projects. The most ambitious undertaking of the church was the erection of the Educational Building during the pastorate of Rev. C.B. Hogg (1961-1964). At its completion an open house was held on June 7, 1964 this being well attended by members, former members and visitors.
The Sunday School Superintendents that have served have been Judge W.T. Wimmons, Messrs. Clarence Nesbitt, J.D. McMillan, Tim Needham, Joe Horner, J.W. Bennett, J.W. Lancaster, H.T. Mathews, E.R. Vance, Jack Childers, Guy Vance, George Powers, Wallace Hall, James Hudson, H. Van Huss, Paul Tuttle, Craig Potts, Roy Osborne, Sherry Mason, and Tina Honican. Co-Superintendents have been: Dorothy Powers, Roy Osborne, Susan Trutner.
By May 1971 the indebtedness on the building was completely paid, having been accomplished in large measure through the generous bequests of a substantial sum of money from the estate of the late Rev. George Ammerman and his wife, Nellie. It was decided to have Rev. Charles Perry, Superintendent of the Covington District, dedicate the building on August 23rd, the date designated as Homecoming Sunday for Grant County (1820-1970).
It was also decided to have an old fashioned basket dinner following the morning service and dedication.
During the pastorate of Rev. C.L. Neikirk (1968-1971) further improvements to the church property including the new pews and carpeting in the Auditorium were made with more planned for the future.
After the consolidation in 1939 of The Methodist Episcopal Church, The Methodist Episcopal Church South and The Methodist Protestant Church, the Williamstown Church dropped the word "South" from its name. Again in 1968, its name was changed after the merger of The Methodist Church and The Evangelical United Brethren Church. Now the church is known officially as The United Methodist Church of Williamstown, KY.
In January 2004, the Williamstown United Methodist Church took possession of the building and parking area on the western side of the church property. Acquisition of the property helps the church meet both immediate and long term needs. Here and now, the purchase guarantees that our members and friends will continue to have access to parking near the church facility. In the future, the building will provide classroom and activity space as our congregation continues to grow.
The growth of The United Methodist Church of Williamstown has been steady through the years. Losing many members to death and adding steadily to our membership has made influence in Williamstown and Grant County.
The present membership stands at 181.
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Our Beliefs
The United Methodist Church is an 11-million-strong global church that opens hearts, opens doors and opens minds through active engagement with our world.
John Wesley and the early Methodists placed primary emphasis on Christian living, on putting faith and love into action. This emphasis on what Wesley referred to as "practical divinity" has continued to be a hallmark of United Methodism today.
We invite you to learn more about our rich theological heritage.
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Our Leadership Team
(click here for a detailed list 2010 Leadership Team list)
Chair Monty Joe Lovell
Recording Secretary Becky Manis
Lay Leader Charles Ed Wilson
Lay Member to AC Dick Dildine
Alt. Lay Delegate Tracy Goe
Treasurer Marianna Gardner
Financial Secretary Dick Dildine
Committee Chairpersons
Pastor–Parish Relations Nancy Million
Sunday School Supt. Sandy Dildine
Finance Committee Layne Wagoner
Board of Trustees Greg Hicks (elected by Board)
Outreach & Service Kathy Parker, Cheryl Million, Jennifer Robertson,
Karen Johnson, Marianne Smith
Worship & Witness Sarah Dills, Belinda Lovell, Sarah Marksbury
Fellowship Becky Manis, Shelba Gillespie, Sam Perry, Dorothy Powers
Youth Director Chaz Mathews (staff)
Communication Coord. Robin Webster
Education Committee
Children’s Ministry Coordinator Hillary Herzog
Youth Ministry Coordinator Robin Webster
Youth Representative elected by youth
UMW President Kay Collins
UMM President Mark Manis
For a brief description of the various committees, please click on the below links:
Pastor Parish Relations, Finance Committee, Lay Leadership, & Board of Trustees
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