BEN HILL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

OUR BEGINNING:
 

In the year 1953, Methodism established a new field of activity known as Wesley Chapel, located near what is now known as the Niskey Lake section of Fulton County, GA.  Some members of the first church established in Fulton County, Mt. Gilead Church, living a distance from their place of worship decided it would be more convenient to worship nearer where they lived.  Mr. Sidney Robins donated a tract of land near Niskey Lake and a log house was built.  Among the charter members were David Waits, John Waits, Sidney Robins, Mr. Shirling, and Mr. Grant.  David Waits was a famous song leader.  He was Chorister for the camp meetings as well as for his church.  Little is recorded about the work of our early church but it has been noted that its membership was composed of a small band of faithful and consecrated men and women devoted to the service of God and a few well-informed Bible scholars selected a passage of Scripture and commented on it.  This was the extent of our church’s instruction.

OUR MOVE:

In 1875, there was a shift in the center of population to the section of the county where Campbellton Road and Fairburn Road cross.  It was called the Mt. Gilead Cross Roads named after Mt. Gilead Methodist Church which was the first Methodist church established in Fulton County.  This fact led the members of Wesley Chapel to discuss the matter of a change of location to a more convenient location.  By this time Mt. Gilead Camp Ground had become a great religious shrine and it was decided to erect a building on the Camp Ground property.  This change in location was not accomplished without dissension among the congregation.  Some of the older members transferred to other churches and a number of people from Mt. Gilead Church moved their membership to the new Wesley Chapel.  With many prayers and the Holy Spirit guided leadership of O.A. Thrower, the Wesley Chapel Methodist Church moved to Fairburn Road in 1876.  The first activity of the Wesley Chapel Church was to establish a Sunday school and meet as a congregation at the Camp Ground Hotel.

OUR HOME:

Rev. Thrower and the Wesley Chapel’s building committee erected a house of worship in 1877.  Among those on the building committee were Larking Baker and James Barrett.  Mr. Barrett with the help of others constructed the building on the same spot where our present edifice now stands.  It was a very good building for its time, facing the east and about the same site of the pre 1984 structure.

A deed was later made for three acres of land from the Camp Ground Trustees to Wesley Chapel Trustees:  T.K. Waits, W.G. Bryant, T.J. Holbrook, L.P. Baker, and Pleny Robbins, John A. Reynolds, Pastor, approved the deed on August 12, 1896.

During the period of 1880 to 1890, much progress was made particularly in the work of Sunday School By this time, the Methodist Publishing House was publishing literature suited to the needs of the various age groups; and Wesley Chapel’s congregation requested and used the lessons in its Sunday school.

In 1896, three acres of land were purchased from the Camp Ground.  Rev. John A. Reynolds was pastor.  During the period of 1880 to 1890, much progress was being made, particularly in the area of Sunday school.

The earliest official record of Sunday school enrollment is thirty-five in 1898 and by 1904, it had increased to sixty-six.  John M. Wallace served as Sunday school superintendent from 1906 to 1925, which was the longest period of any superintendent at the time.  He is honored and credited for the growth of the Sunday school at our church.

In 1906, The Women’s Missionary Society was founded with Mrs. L.P. Baker as its first president.  This organization has evolved into the United Methodist Women who continue to serve the people of our church.

The growth and progress of our church can best be illustrated by noting its moving from a four circuit church to a station.  From Wesley Chapel’s origin to 1906, it was on the East Point Circuit with East Point, Mt. Zion, and Mt. Gilead.  The parsonage was at East Point.  From 1906 to 1910, our church’s circuit was composed of Hapeville, Mt. Zion, Mt. Gilead and Wesley Chapel.  The parsonage was at Hapeville.  From 1910 to 1917, the circuit was composed of Oakland City, Mt. Zion, Mt. Gilead and Wesley Chapel.  In 1918, the Ben Hill Circuit was formed consisting of Mt. Zion, Mt. Gilead, Owl Rock and Wesley Chapel.  During this year, a parsonage was built on Campbellton Road by the four churches. 

In 1922 under the pastorate of rev. P.A. Kellett, the building committee:  H.U. Baker, I.C. Bryant, J.M. Wallace, W.L. Roberts, and T.J. Powell erected a modern edifice.

After the Civil War, J.M. Baker and James Bryant decided that Mt. Gilead Cross Roads needed a post office.  The nearest post office was at Cascade Road and Utoy Creek.  This was about a two and a half miles and they had to carry the mail there.  After getting a post office established, they decided to name it Ben Hill after Benjamin Harvey Hill, the new Senator for Georgia from Troop County.  Senator Hill was a great orator of this day and using his name brought presence.  The community’s name was also changed from Mt. Gilead Cross Roads to Ben Hill Cross Roads.  In 1928, our Pastor, Rev. A.E. Silvey, and congregation wanted to be identified with the Ben Hill Cross Roads community.  They voted and changed the name from Wesley Chapel Church to Ben Hill Methodist Church.  Rev. Silvey continued to grow the congregation and expand the church building.  In 1930, the basement was dug and the church schoolrooms were added.

In 1937 after much discussion, prayerful consideration, and sympathetic understanding from the District Superintendent, Dr. C.C. Jarrell, and our church moved forward to become a station.  The parsonage was built and Rev. Y.A. Oliver became our first full time minister.  Ben Hill continued to grow and the congregation continued to serve God in the community.  Ben Hill Methodist Church purchased an adjoining tract of land in 1950, giving the church about five acres of land.  In 1951, Rev. J.R. Phillips, the pastor, saw that the church’s membership of 425 had outgrown the facilities.  Plans were approved for the erection of a modern church plant capable of meeting the needs of the Methodist people in this community for years to come.

WE WEATHER CHANGES:
 

In the 1960’s and early 1970’s, African Americans began to move into the southwest communities and the Caucasian community began to move out.  During this period of transition, our church also underwent a period of transition.  Influenced by the predominately Caucasian congregation moving from the area, our church’s membership declined.  Rev. Paul Wolgomuth served as Senior Pastor during this transitional period.  He regularly visited neighborhoods in the Ben Hill area inviting the new residents to worship at Ben Hill Church.  “Brother Paul” as he was affectionately called, encouraged the parents of the Pre-School (now Academy) to attend Sunday services here as well.  “Brother Paul” also brought on staff Ben Hill’s first African-American student minister, Richard D. Winn.

The appointment of The Reverend Cornelius L. Henderson as the first Black pastor of Ben Hill was made in 1975.  The church's membership began to increase and has continued to flourish.  Under Reverend Henderson's leadership, the membership increased from approximately 400 in 1975 to 4,000+ by the end of his tenure in June of 1986.  Early in the 1985, Ben Hill was one of five United Methodist Churches featured in the film "Finding the Way Forward"' produced by the United Methodist Church.  Other ministries that were started under his leadership were the Majestic Choir, the Male Chorus, the Agape Choir, the Women’s Ensemble, the liturgical dance ministry (now known as the Spirit of David), the Birth Month Clubs, the Couples In Christ Sunday School Class, the Carolyn Hines Harris Scholarship Dinner (Higher Education) and The Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (Social Concerns Ministry).

Ben Hill's clergy and lay leadership believe in a holistic approach and strive to provide ministry to all people with worship services designed to meet the varying needs of a diverse congregation.  Reverend Henderson reflects this in a quote when he said, "At Ben Hill, we seek to serve people.  We have found that in serving people, in meeting the needs of the people of God, in offering a ministry of caring, loving, and sharing, people make positive responses."  As a part of that offering to the congregation, the Sanctuary and Majestic Choirs respectively, recorded Ben Hill’s first two albums.  The proceeds from the Sanctuary Choir Album were used to purchase a complete set of bells and the Bell Choir was established.

 The Church's physical structure was expanded in 1984 at a cost of over $400,000 to accommodate a seating capacity of 1,100 individuals in its main sanctuary.  Within the tri-level structure, there are staff offices, classrooms, meeting rooms, a music room, library, Fellowship Hall and an Upper Room (designed for continuous prayer and meditation) has since been changed to make room for much needed office space.  A fully equipped kitchen was remodeled in 1995.  Ben Hill also operates a full-time Pre-School Academy on its premises.  In addition, the facilities are used for scouts, school and neighborhood planning group meetings, and political meetings.  Since the main facility will not accommodate all of the staff, the parsonage was changed into the church annex.  This facility is used for clergy and support staff offices and the Counseling Center.

The Ben Hill congregation regularly supported (and continues to support today) the needs of the less fortunate in the Atlanta community and beyond through its Urban Responsibilities (financial assistance to those in need), feeding the hungry through the Trinity UMC feeding program, Commission on Mission, and Health and Welfare Committee.  Support is given to the Concerned Black Clergy and World Hunger programs as well.  On March 31, 1985, the Ben Hill congregation contributed $10,000 to aid the starving people in Ethiopia.  It gives annually to the United Methodist Church Advance Program, the United Negro College Fund ($15,000 in 1985), Gammon Theological Seminary, the Interdenominational Theological Center, Clark-Atlanta University, Paine College, the N.A.A.CP and other charitable causes.

In 1985, the Ben Hill Church budget exceeded $600,000 for operating expenses and mortgage retirement.  The church staff consisted of a senior pastor, an associate pastor, and an administrative assistant, clerical and maintenance employees, eight part-time musicians, a financial secretary and Ministerial Interns from the Interdenominational Theological Center.

In June of 1986, The Reverend Walter L. Kimbrough was appointed Senior Pastor of Ben Hill.  Under his dynamic leadership, the congregation continued to grow by leaps and bounds.  Reverend Kimbrough inspired the Ben Hill congregation to contribute $190,000 in 1987 above and beyond regular tithes and offerings to retire its mortgage debt 15 months ahead of time.  Several new and innovative programs and ministries were formed including the Traffic Control Ministry, the Ben Hill Economic Development Corporation, three new Bible Study classes, and two discipleship classes.

In 1988, the Ben Hill Church budget exceeded $1,400,000.  There were 43 full and part-time individuals on staff, which included two associate pastors, four assistant pastors, a director of administrative services, an administrative secretary, clerical staff, custodial, music, secretary, and financial staffs.

The Church Budget for 1990 was approximately $2.4 million.  New programs and ministries were implemented and ministry was at an all-time high.  Although the church membership continued to grow, in 1991 the economy went into a recession.  Members lost jobs, homes, and businesses; salaries plummeted and raises were non-existent.  Consequently, the annual operating budget approved for the 1992 Church year dropped to a little over $1.4 million.

In June of 1992, Dr. Cornelius L. Henderson was re-appointed as Senior Pastor of Ben Hill.  In the 12 months that he served, a Wednesday night fellowship meal was established and a church-wide Wednesday night Bible Study was instituted.  The Birth month clubs were revived and the Fellowship Friends Committee was reorganized.  The Older Adults Ministry was reorganized and renamed “The Jewels and Partners.”  Additionally, Dr. Henderson implemented a "Thanks Living" offering that raised over $20,000 in a month's time that allowed the Church to pay 100% of its apportionment.  The church moved from being in the red to black and the staff received a raise for the first time in over three years.  The annual budget went from $1.4 million to a little over $2 million.

In June of 1993, The Reverend McCallister Hollins was appointed as Senior Pastor of Ben Hill.  Under his leadership, the church continued to grow and exciting new ministries were implemented.  Some of these include an Intensive Care Ministry designed to help individuals cope with sickness, death, divorce, and other adversities, a noonday Bible study, a Prayer, Praise and Healing ministry, a bereavement ministry, and a cancer support group.

The Mission Ministry along with hundreds of member volunteers made a dream come true by underwriting the cost and actually building a house for Habitat for Humanity over an eight-week period of time.  The completion and dedication of the house was on November 4, 1995 and the family became members of Ben Hill United Methodist.  In the midst of this Mission explosion, the Administrative Board approved to enter into a capital Stewardship campaign to raise $4 million over a three-year period of time.

 
In 1997, Ben Hill decided to take leadership in the United Methodist Church and in the North Georgia Conference by changing the structure of the Church.  A major transition came by the Administrative Board and Council on Ministries being replaced with The Church Council.  Our church held conferences such as Men’s Conference, Women’s Conference, and Mind Heart.

The new millennium began with Ben Hill’s full membership totaling 9,313.  The Spirit of the Lord is upon Ben Hill as she moved to the next level through worship, training, care, evangelism, and outreach.  The CD project, “Prayers from the House, Praise from the Heart” was released.  Ben Hill’s worship services began airing on WAOK radio station 1380 each Sunday at 7:30 AM.  The Men’s Ministry began leading Ben Hill in the building of “Scott’s House.”  The Ben Hill Community Development Corporation was incorporated.  A pledge made in 1998 to build a dormitory at Africa University was completed and dedicated in 2001.  Ninety Ben Hill members traveled to Zimbabwe for the dedication of Ben Hill Dormitory.  Ben Hill also completed its pledge to Camp Glisson for the Ben Hill Cabin.  “Scott’s House” was completed and dedicated under the leadership of the Men’s Ministry.  More than 300 people registered for the fall semester of the Ben Hill Training Institute.  The Worship Vision Area sponsored a “National Praise and Worship Conference” that ended with a live recording “And All That Is Within Me”.

In 2005, our church family experienced a storm.  The stormy weather affected church attendance, growth, finances, and relationships but we continued to serve God’s people.  Some of the highlights of the year were Women’s Day, Men’s Day, and the Majestic Choir Reunion Concert.  Our Senior Pastor reminded us that when you have truly experienced a storm, you could better identify with the victims of a storm.  That just could be the reason the Ben Hill family reached new heights in responding to the Hurricane Katrina survivors.

In June 2006, Rev. Richard Winn returned to this flock as our Senior Pastor.  As the senior shepherd, he has embraced, supported, and nurtured this flock.  In his own words “What a joy!”  Reclamation, recommitment, reactivation, and recruitment for Christ have been paramount during his tenure.  Rev. Winn has initiated a disciplined approach to budget and expense management.  He has also revitalized the United Methodist Men’s (UMM) ministry.  The UMM led the congregation with Men’s Retreats, the C. L. Henderson Golf Tournament, church beautification projects, and Men’s Day.  We have continued to have Women’s Day, the Women’s Retreat, and United Methodist Women’s Mother-Daughter Luncheon and Fashion Show.  TIBS (Those In Between Jobs) Ministry under the umbrella of the Social Concerns Ministry has been reactivated.  TIBS has worked with numerous churches across metropolitan Atlanta to help establish similar job search and training programs.

The Pastor’s new Noonday Bible Study along with the Wonderful Wednesday meals and Bible Study are well attended weekly highlights.  In 2008, Rev. Winn was instrumental in bringing together the congregations of Ben Hill UMC, Cascade UMC, and Central UMC for annual combined revival services.  The Male Chorus was renamed the C. L. Henderson Male Chorus in honor of our former pastor, Bishop Henderson.  Ben Hill’s doors are continuously open for community organizations, services, and events like Youth Hope Builders, Debt Stoppers, CHADD, free tax services, Friends & Family Day, and health fairs.

Rev. Winn has stated that he loves the miracles as stated in the Bible and believes that miracles continue to happen today!  He has admonished us to “look for miracles today.”   On December 14, 2008 at the 9:45 AM service, which also happened to be Officers Installation Sunday, we witnessed the manifestation of one God’s miracles as Marsha Lawton walked into the sanctuary.  Mrs. Lawton is recovering from a serious illness and was not expected to walk again!  “WHAT A JOY!”

TO WHOM MUCH IS GIVEN, MUCH IS REQUIRED.  God’s people called Ben Hill continue to be blessed with anointed and dynamic pastoral and lay leadership.  This parish of warm, loving, caring, and serving congregants continues to be a beacon of light through Jesus Christ in this community, city, state, nation and world.  PRAISE GOD FROM WHOM ALL BLESSINGS FLOW