The Christmas season is upon us, and that means throwing up the tree, going to see Christmas lights, and down here in the South, possibly running the air conditioner during the duration of our celebration. Most importantly, it is the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ.
Heralding in the holy season, the Carrollton United Methodist Church and North Carrollton United Methodist Church will present the Cantata “What Child Is This?” by Sue C. Smith and Mason Brown.
According to Jo Leta Carpenter, the Cantata will be on December 3, 2017, beginning at 5 p.m. at Carrollton United Methodist Church.
According to Carpenter, the Methodist churches traditionally kick off cantata season each year, with Carrollton Baptist Church’s Cantata set for the second Sunday and Carrollton Presbyterian Church set for the third Sunday in December.
Following the program, a reception will be held in the church’s fellowship hall, with refreshments provided by members of the churches.
Carpenter invited everyone in the community to come and celebrate the season and enjoy the fellowship.
The Carrollton United Methodist Church was organized around 1832, about 200 yards east of the building’s current location. The building was torn down before the American Civil War in 1861, but the components were used later to erect a new sanctuary, according to The Carrollton Charge.
Members of the congregation occasionally worshiped in the Presbyterian Church, where now stands the Masonic Lodge, and the Baptist Church, according to information compiled by the late Ethel Marshall Bibus.
In 1885, the congregation of Carrollton United Methodist erected another structure, which was dedicated in 1886. The Rev. H.E. Smith inspired members to raise money for the current building. Andrew A. Norquist, a master builder, constructed the edifice, according to Bibus.
Under the leadership of the Rev. J.W. York, the congregation remodeled the building to remove two front doors that were set on either side of the face of the building. They were replaced with windows, and a single door was installed in the center of the front of the building, according to Bibus.
The church and its sanctuary are rich with hand-crafted crosses, one of which hangs on a wall behind the pulpit, and other items include a hand-carved image of The Last Supper” in the foyer.
The beautifully crafted building is adorned with multicolored stained-glass windows, many baring the names of former members who have died, Carpenter said.
She said on average, about 50 members regularly attend services at Carrollton United Methodist. Under the leadership of Pastor Ed Saunders, members spend much of their time serving others.
The church sits at 501 Green St. in Carrollton having 11 a.m. worship services twice monthly, Carpenter said. The other two weeks, worship service is held at North Carrollton United Methodist Church which is located at 402 Williamson Street in North Carrollton.
Staff reports contributed to this story.
