The Rev. Dr. J.M. Ormond was a rural pastor and later Professor of Practical Theology at Duke University.
In 1931 he wrote the book, “The Country Church in North Carolina: A study of the Country Churches of North Carolina in Relation to the Material Progress of the State.”
He asks a number of questions concerning the country church.
One which keeps me up at night is, “Will the country church furnish a spiritual motivation by which society may safely be transported or will it be mere driftwood moved by the current of materialism?”
He took each of our 100 counties and wrote about the population, economy and churches. With the 150th anniversary of Graham County on the horizon, I wanted to share his report about the country church in Graham County.
Dr. Ormond got on my good side quickly, he wrote, “Some of the most beautiful of all Carolina’s mountain scenery is to be found in Graham County.” Most of his information was gleaned from denominational and government reports that was current as of the late 1920’s.
Agriculture was an important part of the economy, with most of the population living on farms. Most families owned their own farms but a few were rented by tenants. The major crop was corn.
In 1927, there were five manufacturing establishments whose total output was valued at $438,409. I assume many – if not all of these – were lumber mills. He mentions the lack of roads caused by the mountain topography and scarce resources in the county.
The population of Graham County was just under 5,000. Of these, approximately 1,900 were church members. I assume these were the adult members and adding children the numbers would be higher.
He describes the church sanctuaries as one-room, frame buildings. One unidentified church had three Sunday School rooms and I wonder if it was the Robbinsville Presbyterian Church – since at one time, it had a school associated with it.
The number of churches had steadily grown and by 1929, there were 18 reported. Of the 18, you had one Presbyterian, two Methodist, one Freewill Baptist, one Primitive Baptist and the rest Southern Baptist.
Robbinsville had Methodist, Baptist and Presbyterian Churches. The Sweetwater community had a Baptist and Methodist Church. The other Baptist churches were Atoah (Freewill), Bear Creek, Bethel, Cedar Cliff, Lone Oak, Meadow Branch (Primitive Baptist), Japan, Rock Spring, Snowbird, Stecoah, Sweetgum, Tuskeegee and Yellow Creek. In the coming decades, there would be a number of new congregations formed with other denominations included.
The country church has its challenges. From being in a consumer culture that expects everything offered instantly, to mastering social media and online worship as a way of outreach. When businesses close and the mills move away, it is the country church that is left. At the end of the day, they work in the community offering help, hope and bringing about the kingdom of God.
To answer Dr. Ormond’s question, “Will the country church furnish a spiritual motivation by which society may safely be transported.”
I believe the answer is yes! The country church not only offers spiritual leadership, but can work with schools, government and local businesses to improve the health and livelihood of our community.
Eric Reece is the faith columnist for The Graham Star. He is pastor of Robbinsville United Methodist Church and can be reached via email, ereece@wnccumc.net.