Senoia United Methodist Church: 164 and still strong

Written by FRANCES KIDD | Photos courtesy of PETER FENNER

Senoia United Methodist Church and the town of Senoia have grown organically from their beginnings.

In 1860, the Rev. Francis Warren Baggarly acquired the land on which Senoia now sits. One year later, the Methodist Episcopal Church South, now Senoia United Methodist Church, was established; it was the first church founded in Senoia.

Rev. Baggarly served as pastor from 1861 to 1872, and the church's first building of its own was constructed in 1871. While the pulpit he preached from isn’t used for preaching anymore, it has a place of honor in the church.

The original church building was sold and the present sanctuary built on the same lot in 1897.

Architect Peter Fenner is a member of Senoia United Methodist and has a passion for history, architecture and art. He describes the building’s architecture as primarily Queen Anne Style with Romanesque Revival and Shingle Style influences.

“Shingle Style is considered part of the Arts and Crafts art movement of the late 1800s, which was a cultural backlash to the Industrial Revolution of the time," says Fenner. “What makes the church Queen Anne Style are the asymmetrical components on the front of the building – the end gable of the sanctuary flanked by the round corner watch tower and the majestic steeple. Not to be overlooked are the architectural details including curved trim and various diamond, scalloped and lapped shingles and siding.”

The current historic building has been described by Historic Rural Churches of Georgia as the “best example of Queen Anne architecture in the State of Georgia,” and the steeple is thought to be one of the tallest wooden structures of its period in Georgia. All four sides of the steeple are defined by Roman arches, which were originally open, and which house a bell, although it's no longer in regular service.

The building underwent restoration work in the 1920s. During that period a balcony was added to the sanctuary. At some point, the Roman arches were filled in with louvers, as it is today.

Adjacent to the front entrance of the church on Bridge Street, church members created a Meditation Garden in 2008. The original concept of the garden was developed by church member Jack Humphrey in memory of his late wife, Julie. The design was drawn by Michelle Morgan Cumiskey; both were members of the church at that time.

Other folks in the community pitched in to help develop and maintain the garden. For example, a neighbor across the street who owned a nursery and landscaping business in Fayette County, while not a member of the church, was interested in the project and donated his time and materials towards the project. Today, the garden is currently tended by a small group of women of the church along with members of the Garden Club of Senoia.

Visitors to the church can get a sense of its history from engraved paver bricks, which were donated and placed in honor or memory of loved ones. There is also a Pastors’ Walk with bricks honoring former pastors.

According to church members, many have enjoyed walking around the garden, and special services have been held at the quiet, meditative spot.

Much like the town, Senoia United Methodist Church has maintained a strong link to its past while also staying contemporary. The church has been part of the film and television industry that has become a big part of contemporary Senoia, having appeared in several movies filmed in Senoia, including “Fried Green Tomatoes” and “The Fighting Temptations.”

"Today, the church is led by a young and energetic pastor, the Rev. Julie Schendel," says Fenner. "The congregation is made up of relative newbies, children, young adults and seniors.”

Two of those members have deep roots in the area.

Hal Sewell, the church historian with undeniable credentials, says, “I was born and raised in Senoia, and grew up in the Methodist Church, where I am still a member. On one side of my mother's family (Crook), I am a fifth generation resident; on the other side, Addy and Morgan, my ancestors were among the settlers who migrated from Newbury, S.C., to the Senoia area in the 1820s."

Tray Baggarly, another active member, is the great-great-grandson of the original Rev. Baggarly.

“I still go to the church,” says Baggarly. "I’ve never known another one.”

The family tradition continues. His middle-school son is now an acolyte at the church. NCM