By Betsy Finklea
Main Street United Methodist Church in Dillon celebrated 100 years in their present building on Mother’s Day, May 8th.
Main Street United Methodist Church is a part of the Marion District of the South Carolina Annual Conference.
The prelude, “Now Thank We All Our God,” was presented by organ, brass, and the Sarah Allen Handbell Choir. The Choral Call To Worship was “O For A Thousand Tongues To Sing.”
The greeting and welcome was given by the Rev. Bruce Sayre. The opening prayer was given by Owen McCutcheon, Jr., Church Council Chairperson. This was followed by the singing of the hymn, “God of Grace and God of Glory.”
Shelley Bethea, Children’s Coordinator, led the children’s moments which focused on Mother’s Day and the 100th anniversary celebration.
Tom Cooper Bethea, Jr., Centennial Chairperson and Church Historian, spoke about the centennial. He said this was the 100th year of the church building and the 124th year of the congregation. He thanked the committees and all who worked on the celebration.
John Braddy, a church member and Dillon City Councilman, made a special presentation of a proclamation signed by Mayor Todd Davis.

PROCLAMATION
Recognizing the 100th Anniversary of Main Street United Methodist Church’s Current Building
WHEREAS, the original Methodist church was built in 1892 and sat on the lot where the courthouse is now; and,
WHEREAS, the first church building was moved to another location on East Main Street so that the new courthouse could be built in 1910; and,
WHEREAS, the building at its current location was originally built in 1914, but was completely destroyed by fire within months of the completion; and,
WHEREAS, this tragic turn of events did not deter the stalwart and faithful members of the church and building resumed once again; and,
WHEREAS, the current church located on East Main Street is of the same design as the previous church and was completed in 1916; and,
WHEREAS, the church was blessed with twenty-five (25) dedicated ministers over the last 100 years; and,
WHEREAS, many of the original members and families are still part of the community as well as many new members and families that have joined this ministry;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Todd Davis, Mayor of the City of Dillon do hereby congratulate this great church, the pastors and members for 100 years of ministry and service to the community, to God, and to the citizens of Dillon County. I encourage all of the members, family and friends to join Main Street United Methodist Church in this great celebration as they give thanks to God for the past 100 years and for the future He has in store for them.
—Signed and Sealed with the Great Seal of the City of Dillon, South Carolina, this 8th day of May in the year Two Thousand Sixteen.
Rev. Sayre said the proclamation will be framed and placed in Asbury Hall.
The anthem, “A Loving Heart,” was performed. The gospel lection for Ascension Sunday (John 17: 1-3, 6-8, 15, 18-24) was read by Katelyn Tallon, UMYF.
The anthem, commissioned for the centennial anniversary of the sanctuary of the church by Larry Shackley, entitled “I Am Coming Soon,” was performed by David Boyd, tenor soloist. The words to the special anthem as printed in the program are:
Behold, I am coming soon,
bringing my reward.
I am the Living One;

I was dead, but behold I am
alive forevermore.

He is Alpha and Omega,
the First and the Last.
He is Alpha and Omega,
the Beginning and the End.

Blessed are those who wash their robes
that they might enter through the gates
into the city, and to the tree of life.

I, Jesus, have sent My angel to
testify these things to you.
I am the root and off-spring of David,
and the bright and morning star!

The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come,”
and let the one who hears say, “Come.”
Let the one who is thirsty come and
drink of the water of life.

He is Alpha and Omega,
the First and the Last.
He is Alpha and Omega,
the Beginning and the End.

Blessed are those who wash their robes
that they might enter through the gates
into the city, and to the tree of life.

Come, Lord Jesus!
Come, Lord Jesus,
Amen! Amen!

The scripture was Isaiah 61:1-3. The Rev. Dr. Norman Rogers, a former member of Main Street United Methodist Church and the current pastor of Wassamassaw Baptist Church in Moncks Corner, was the guest speaker. His sermon was entitled “Beauty Out Of The Ashes.” He said 100 years ago this church burned and was rebuilt in all of its beauty. He said this was true in a visual sense and true in a spiritual sense. He said there is hope in Jesus. He said Jesus can make something beautiful out of the ashes. He says he knows it is true because Jesus did it for him.
The hymn, “Welcome Home,” was sung. Ian Bethea, a member of the UMYF, led the Affirmation of Faith, The Apostles Creed.
Rev. Sayre gave the morning prayer. The offertory was taken while “Praise The Lord With Drums And Cymbals” was performed by the organ and brass quartet. This was followed by the Doxology with Alleluias and the prayer of Thanksgiving led by Rev. Sayre.
The hymn, “The Church’s One Foundation,” was sung.
The benediction was given by Rev. Sayre followed by the choral amen, “Sevenfold Amer.” The postlude, “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God,” was performed by the organ and brass quartet.
A congregational portrait was taken and then several of those in attendance enjoyed lunch.
The following recognitions were included: Special thanks to Delores Jones and Ann Alford.
The flowers are placed at the altar in celebration of Mothers Day and the Centennial of our building, and in memory of Mr. Thomas C. Bethea, by Mrs. Majorie Bethea and her family.
The flowers in Asbury Hall are in memory and honor of all the dedicated men and women of our church; and in loving memory of Elizabeth M. and David W. Bethea, Jr., Hattie P. and David Bethea, Sr., and Kate B. and Jewell P. McLaurin, Sr., by the family.
Special thanks to Brad Horton for the cover photograph of the sanctuary ceiling mandala.
CENTENNIAL COMMITTEE: T.C. Bethea, Jr., chairperson, Margaret Moody, John Braddy, Susan Newton, Kay Lynn, Susan Shuttleworth, Alpha Hartley, Linda Wallace, Bill Rogers, Janet McCutcheon, Carlton Carr, Brad Horton, Betty Daley, Robin Thompson (Music Director), Bruce Sayre (Pastor), Dean Shuttleworth, Chairperson, Board of Trustees.
INTERIOR ARTS COMMITTEE: Joann Carr, Jean Berry, Brad Horton, Dorothy Bethea, Kay Lynn, Margaret Moody.
Special thanks to these persons who assisted in our Festival Worship, Sunday, May 8, 2016 – Some began their work months in advance to make this day one-in-a-hundred.
Larry Shackley, composer, who honored us with his special commissioned anthem.
MUSIC MINISTRY OF MAIN STREET UNITED METHODIST CHURCH: The Charles Wesley Choir, The Sarah Allen Handbell Choir, Robin Thompson, Organist, Shaw Thompson, Director.
GUEST MUSICIANS: Brass Quartet – Trumpet: Kurt Slaughenhaupt, Kelly Jokisch; Trombone: Derek Jokisch, Thomsas Spittle.
GUEST SINGERS: Sandra Anderson, Maggie Baker, Emily Bochette, Chrissy Fennel, Glen Gourley, Shauna Lair, Lee Whittington Ousley, Betsy Webb.
LUNCHEON CATERER: Rick’s Catering, Laurinburg, NC
PHOTOGRAPHER: Benton Henry, Latta