Clayton First United Methodist Church’s 100th of Sanctuary

“Christ’s Ministry in the Mountains” describes Clayton First United Methodist Church (CFUMC)’s mission. “That beautiful, old Sanctuary will always be a beacon of hope and a place of worship that truly glorifies God”, to quote a former pastor. Methodist congregations were served in school houses and homes of believers with circuit riders being assigned to the Clayton area as early as 1837. The earliest confirmed date for Methodism in Clayton is February 7, 1842 when a church made of handmade brick was erected on the south side of Green Street (Pickett Hill Street). As Clayton’s population grew, the building did not have adequate space.

Clayton’s Main Street was the center of commercial business and Rabun County’s government. In 1878, a 50’ X 70’ lot on the northeast corner of Main and Wall Streets was donated to the Methodist Church. A frame building was erected with a center steeple and two doors fronting Main Street and windows facing north and south. A bell cast in 1880 at a Troy, New York foundry was hung in the church. It is this building that is the “backbone” of our present Clayton First United Methodist Church building.

In 1923, a major renovation of the church building took place. The frame building was moved 20 feet west and south “utilizing a stump puller and crossties”. That must have stirred a lot of excitement in Clayton! A two-story addition was built across the back furnishing greatly needed Sunday School space, the church was widened by 20 feet, the central steeple removed and a tower was built on the southwest corner of the lot. The 1890 bell was hung in the tower. Much of the exterior was covered with dressed stone donated by a Mr. Kerr who had numerous stone culverts on his property dating from the pre-Civil War construction for the proposed Blue Ridge Railroad.

The frame building is the core of the present church sanctuary. Very little is now visible to the eye. What is visible, however, is at the heart of the present worship service: the pulpit, the chancel rail, and the flower stands on either side of the chancel. Stained glass windows were installed in the narthex, the front, and south sides in memory of caring, dedicated, and supportive families.

In 1929 the interior was remodeled to the present impressive Gothic style. With the completion of this work, the church became a “small cathedral”. Much has been done since to enhance its beauty and usefulness. It is especially magnificent during the Christmas season with decorations including the Chrismon tree, lovely wreaths, and red ribbons. The beautiful stained glass window behind the choir loft was given by Mrs. S.C. Dobbs in honor of her father who was a Methodist minister. Chandeliers from the old Henry Grady Hotel in Atlanta were given by Cecil Cannon.

During the Depression, the congregation spearheaded a program of joint church action in Clayton to alleviate the hunger being experienced at that time. A food pantry was established that continued in operation until 1985. New pews were installed.

In the late 1930’s the original 1878 basement was significantly renovated and refurbished. The walls and floors were redone and a fellowship hall with light kitchen facilities was designed and built. This area provided space for church suppers, administrative meetings, Bible School, and the “rummage sale” which benefitted families for many years. That area now houses the Choir Room, a parlor named for Mrs. J.C. Dover, a restroom, and storage.

In the mid-1940’s, the L. F. Reeves family gave the double doors to the narthex while remodeling the entrance as a memorial to “T/Sgt. William W. Reeves, born July 25,1921, killed in battle with German Air Forces over the North Sea, July 28. 1943” as written on the bronze plaque in the narthex. In 1948, S. C. Dobbs gave an electric organ to the church in memory of Mrs. Dobbs. In the late 1960’s seven memorial windows were donated for the north side of the sanctuary.

“Christ’s Ministry in the Mountains” is served on two separate campuses. The historic Sanctuary and the Fellowship Hall on South Main Street and the Family Life Center is one mile north of Clayton on Ministry Mountain Drive. A Contemporary service is held at 9:00 in the Family Life Center (FLC). The Sanctuary houses the Traditional service at 11:00. Boat Church on Lake Rabun is between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Both services are streamed on claytonmethodist.com. The Traditional service is broadcast on WGHC, 100.3 at 11:00. The CFUMC offers programs for all ages. For adults there is the Wesley Seekers Morning Bible Study, additional Bible studies are offered, the Youth Group, Faith Builders Children’s Ministry, UMW, GriefShare, the opportunity to share talents with the Chancel Choir, Handbell Choir, or Praise Band, Children’s Church, RAP (Rabun Aid Program), and blood drives. In addition to these ministries, the FLC houses the Creative Learning Center (CLC), a preschool and childcare facility. For information on these programs please go to claytonmethodist. com.