Kemmie Warren Tells the History of Long Rock United Methodist Church

HUNTINGDON (May 20) — Nestled atop a small hill on a road branching off of Gordon Browning Highway is a small church and cemetery with stories spanning over a century old. Named for a long rock sitting on the six-acre property, Long Rock United Methodist Church is one of only six Carroll County locations listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Longtime member Kemmie Warren, 92, spoke of the church's lore with the Huntingdon Historical Society on Wednesday, May 20.

Warren began her presentation with a poem called "Long Rock: Beneath Tall Cedars," written by Linda Vestal in 2010.

"Nestled beneath tall cedars on a narrow winding road," the poem read, "You'll find a place to rest your mind and leave your heavy load."

Those cedars, Warren said, were where the parishioners hitched their mules and wagons before services.

Long Rock United Methodist Church as Warren knows it was built in 1886. Warren's grandparents were charter members of the church, and Warren herself became a member of the church in 1951 in a baptism that involved Crooked Creek and red food dye.

"The familiar surroundings are serene yet scream with history," the poem read. "And our minds wander back to a simpler time in 1873."

Before Long Rock United Methodist Church was constructed, there sat a log building that served as both a church and Long Rock's only school.

"Students gathered at the sturdy long rock to eat and socialize," the poem continued. "Eight[h] graders claimed the highest point and the rest lined up by size."

"On a beautiful day, during lunchtime, the rock would be covered with the children and their lunch buckets," Warren said.

In 1886, Silas Cory drew a building plan for the church's new structure. Hezekiah Wilcox was hired as the carpenter but died before construction was completed.

"When Hezekiah died the community vied to see the job complete," the poem read. "Bricks were made and baked in a kiln and arranged three layers deep."

Warren said the bricks were hand-picked to be uniform in color. The pieces used on the front layer had to have good faces. Community members also laid brick for the new schoolhouse, which was built the following year.

"The carpenters must have been pretty good," Warren said, "because the buildings are all still standing."

Long Rock United Methodist Church still has a pencil-written document detailing every nail, measurement, paint color and other items used in the building's construction.

Over time, Warren said, people have made changes to the building. Notably, the original, handmade pulpit has seen changes.

When a shorter preacher began serving at Long Rock, he couldn't see over the original pulpit. Warren said the preacher eventually sawed off the top of the pulpit, which became an issue when the next preacher was six-feet tall. The taller preacher then added a base to the new pulpit, making it taller for his use. Warren said the pulpit has since been untouched.

The original log schoolhouse building was demolished, the site turned to a cemetery.

In 1956, Long Rock expanded further when Ottix Cox gave up his four- or five-acre cotton allotment for the building of a fellowship hall.

"Long Rock Church challenges time and withstands the changing weather," the poem read. "But its strength comes from members who continue to pull together."

Warren shared a story about a 1921 birthday celebration for MJ Moore, a former Civil War major who taught Sunday School at Long Rock. Over 400 people showed up to celebrate him.

Warren also spoke of the Presson family, who began the Carroll County Singing Convention at Long Rock. At the time, Warren said, Carroll County didn't have a civic center, and the courthouse reportedly "didn't have good acoustics."

Revivals, she said, were also very popular at Long Rock, with people planning their vacations around the event. "That week," Warren said, "you didn't do anything but go to church."

"As we think about all the deceased and the sacrifices made," the poem concluded, "Our hearts are filled with gratitude and memories that will not fade."

"This is the history of Long Rock Church," Warren said. "We are still going strong. Our attendance is not what it needs to be, but we're hanging on."

Long Rock: Beneath Tall Cedars

By Linda Vestal, 2010.

Nestled beneath tall cedars on a narrow winding road

You'll find a place to rest your mind and leave your heavy load.

The building's charm reflects its time as the front doors open wide.

Warm rays filter through enormous panes and welcome you inside.

The wooden pew is just a clue of the craftsman's flawless skill.

We imagine his faith and determination to do the Father's will.

Amazing Grace how sweet the sound is the song of praise we hear.

Melodies bounce to and fro and echo loud and clear.

The familiar surroundings are serene yet scream with history.

And our minds wander back to a simpler time in 1873.

A log building served as a church and Long Rock's only school.

Circuit riders were eager to spread the Word and teach the golden rule.

Isabella Purvis was one of the first members added to the roll.

She was baptized by T.J. McGill, and Jesus claimed her soul.

Students gathered at the sturdy long rock to eat and socialize.

Eight[h] graders claimed the highest point and the rest lined up by size.

A new structure was discussed in 1886, and Silas Cory drew the plan.

Hezekiah Wilcox was hired as the carpenter and construction soon began.

When Hezekiah died the community vied to see the job complete.

Bricks were made and baked in a kiln and arranged three layers deep.

Long Rock Church challenges time and withstands the changing weather,

But its strength comes from members who continue to pull together.

Granite headstones on nearby graves remind us of loved ones gone.

We're sad to see some graves unclaimed or marked with a simple stone.

As we think about all the deceased and the sacrifices made,

Our hearts are filled with gratitude and memories that will not fade.