“Part of the scene since 1890!”
Friends of Epworth support our church’s ability to remain a vital resource for Atlanta’s intown neighborhoods, as we have been for over 120 years! Our Friends provide financial support, share their talents, and volunteer in many ways. From outreach events and kids ministry to historic infrastructure and resource stewardship, our Friends make the key difference in Epworth’s ministry. Find out how you can be part of the bigger plan>> email friends@epworthatcandlerpark.org or give the church office a call (404) 525-4746.
BE INVOLVED
- Friend us on Facebook!
- Lend a hand at our next volunteer day!
- Visit when you’re in the neighborhood!
- Sponsor a Wish List Item!
- Play a musical instrument or sing at Sunday service!
- Consider adding Epworth to your Financial Plan with e-giving!
- Lend your expertise on the Friends of Epworth board!
- Pray for Epworth Church!
- Tell a friend about us!
- Serve with us in our Community as we respond to those in need!
Sacred Places
Friends of Epworth is planning for the big picture by gathering resources for long-term masterplan improvements. We’re learning to manage our historic building though the nationwide Partnership for Sacred Places initiative. It’s a focused way to use our resources wisely, responding to opportunity rather than responding to last-minute crisis, and keeping an eye to the future as our church continues to grow. Plan with us>> send an email to friends@epworthatcandlerpark.org or call the church office for more information.
Homecoming!
No matter where life takes you, Epworth Church is here! Many folks hold fond childhood memories of life at Epworth United Methodist. And each May – the church’s birthday month – everyone is invited to reunite at our Homecoming celebration! Praise time is filled with recognitions of Epworth’s reach into our memories (and, with archives reaching back to 1890, we have the entertaining photos to prove it!). And, of course, it’s all followed by a social with plenty of tasty treats. Have ideas for this year’s Homecoming? Want to make sure you’re invited?>> Give the Church Office a call or send an email to friends@epworthatcandlerpark.org
Epworth United Methodist Church has a rich and inspiring history, and has built relationships with Atlanta families and surrounding neighborhoods since the church’s inception in 1890. In the fall of 1890, twenty-two charter members organized this church with Mrs. C. W. Smith suggesting the name Epworth. The first services were held in the Mason Academy on the corner of Mason and McLendon Avenues with Rev. J. W. Colley as the first pastor. The first church building was built in 1892 on the corner of South Mason Avenue and LaFrance Street on property donated by Mrs. A. E. Bennett. In 1897, this church was struck by lightning and totally destroyed by fire. Immediately, under the leadership of Rev. S. B. Ledbetter, members and friends rallied and decided to build again on the same lot. Epworth gained in membership and by 1925, the congregation decided a new church should be built. During the pastorate of Rev. R. Z. Tyler, a building program was instituted. When Rev. R. A. Edmondson came as minister, he followed through with the plans and a lot in the 1500 block of McLendon Avenue was purchased. Here the Educational Building (now the Community Center) was completed and the first service was held on November 4, 1928. Plans were then laid for the building of a Sanctuary, but these plans were not undertaken until after March 4, 1945 when the Church School Building was dedicated. Funds for the building of the Sanctuary were raised in usual ways. On Sunday, September 7, 1952, Rev. Charles. W. Fruit preached the sermon which marked the opening of the House of Worship. On May 17, 1959, the Sanctuary was dedicated during the ministry of Rev. Dwight Nysewander. The Educational Building was then remodeled to serve its intended purpose as a Sunday School plant. Throughout the years Epworth has served this community with loyalty and devotion. In the field of service Epworth played a part in sending out these ministers: The Rev. Carl J. Dodds, Jr., The Rev. Robert Bridges, The Rev. Guy Sharpe, and The Rev. Jack Reaves. Walter Turner and Clay Turner who grew up as members of Epworth have become full-time ministers. Epworth has been the training ground for students from the Candler School of Theology for many years, and in turn has appreciated their services and presence. {Narrative by Francis Spratling, 1986}
E-GIVING
Save time, simplify your life, and support the church. Our electronic contribution program is an automated funds transfer. You’re in control of all the details, there’s no cost to you, and you can cancel anytime. E-Giving is provided through Vanco Services and endorsed by the General Council on Finance and Administration of the United Methodist Church. Details and authorization forms are available in the sanctuary narthex, Dobbins Hall, or downloadable here. Have questions?>> Call the church office or send an email to finance@epworthatcandlerpark.org.
Thanking Our Friends
What’s a church without its community? So many generous folks have given their time, talent, and treasure to Epworth over the years, and continue to do so. We acknowledge these very precious relationships that we have with these folks and the value with which we hold their friendship. Many of these friends have special skills in their area of expertise. We hope you will see our Friends as a resource for you should you have a particular need or project in mind!
Dabbled Studios / Nancy Dorsner: fabulous webpage design and our Lake Claire neighbor
Smart Landscapes / Elise Cormier: sustainable master plan, outdoor design, & church marketing management
Hughes Printing / J.B. Hughes: posters and flyers printing and our Candler Park neighbor
Cowbell Communications / Emily Pylant: marketing brilliance and our Candler Park neighbor
Architectural Millwork, Inc. / Tony Citro: general contracting, including our Outdoor Parlor
Superior Standards Carpentry / Tony Elsey: carpentry
A.G.A. Gutters
Butler Electric / Raymond Butler: electrician
Griffin Painting & Murals / Freddie Griffin: interior and exterior painting
Roberts Engineering / Tom Roberts: heating & cooling and Candler Park neighbor
Hanley Roofing
Lake Claire Neighbors: Grant funding in 2009
Candler Park Neighborhood Organization: Matching grant funding in 2009
City of Atlanta Arborist Division: Trees for Atlanta’s Sustainability Grant in 2010
Jana Brunken: our logo development
Marc Noreikas Murals / Marc Noreikas: mural design for Community Center
Thank you to our Donors of Plants, Building Materials, and Labor for the Smart Landscapes Project!
Jacqueline McCrae, Betsy Abrams, Diane Moore, Sandra Clem, Faye Chasteen, Barcia Chasteen, Brenda Cormier, Michelle Hughes, Teri Stewart & Iris Hale, Janet Reeves, Ellen Buettner, Kathy Evans, Marty Peeler, Judith Simmons & Tom Blakely, Derek Meriweather, Ted Pettus, Tony Citro, Grady Whittle, Heidi Hill, Priscilla Werner, Lauren Owenby, Robby Handley, Jeff Ford … and so many more!
