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In 1958, residents in the Pine Flat community constructed what would become a historic landmark, the structure known now as the Pine Flat Methodist Church. While the building no longer houses weekly worship services, it is still home to an annual reunion and will see its 166th Homecoming Memorial service Oct. 6 at 11 a.m.

Over the past few weeks, a host of congregations have held homecoming services, and some, like Pine Flat, are marking triple-digit anniversaries. The celebrations are like an extended family reunion, boasting covered-dish dinner on the grounds and fellowship time along with worship services. 

Each one is an occasion to actively express faith through worship, but it is also a commemoration of the community’s foundation and a chance to remember a few of the people and events responsible for building not just a church building, but also a space to foster togetherness among local residents.

Snow Hill Christian Church Disciples Christ in Fort Deposit will hold its 145th anniversary and homecoming celebration Oct. 6 at 12 p.m. The event, featuring guest speaker Timothy Stilmon, will be followed by Monday-Wednesday revival services. The occasion will be a gathering of worshippers and their families and also a return of distant friends who still hold a connection to Snow Hill and its people.

In the early days of Alabama settlement, church buildings served as the center of community life, hosting worship service, schools, elections and public meetings along with birthdays, wedding anniversaries and a wide array of other gatherings. It’s good to see that so many still fulfill the purpose of bringing people together to foster community connections.

Camp Ground Methodist Church in Luverne recently celebrated the confirmation of two new believers in September. The church, documented as the oldest known church in Crenshaw County still active today, celebrated its 207th homecoming service in July, honoring the occasion with a historical marker dedication memorializing the church’s rich history.

We hope the places will still serve that purpose for many years to come and continue to foster connections throughout Butler, Lowndes and Crenshaw County communities.