Metz Christian Church

The Metz Christian Church was organized October 12, 1898.  Charter members were Mrs. Emma King, T. J. Pond, Mrs. L. P. Pettit, Mrs. W. W. Penrod, Dr. J. T. Hornback and wife, J. W. McKibben and wife and daughters Blanche and Nellie, Frank Bennett and wife, Mrs. M. J. Plew, Mrs. Lee Scrutchfield, Mrs. Elijah Stout, Mrs. Rosa Usrey, Mrs. Mary E. Willis, Mrs. Mary Baze, Lillie Baze, W. S. Earhart, Elmer Charles and wife, Mrs. Belle Cline, Mrs. Syrenus Cline, Mrs. Delieu Blake, Ella Berry and Marion Bouse and wife.  Elder R. R. Coffee was the first pastor.  (1911 History of Vernon County)

Before electricity, the Church had several lamps which sat on brass holders/reflectors on the north and south walls.  When electricity was available, the lamps and reflectors were removed and stored in the small room on the west side of the building and eventually were discarded.  This lamp was "rescued" and preserved by the Claude Pettit family and was donated by Mrs. Virginia (Pettit) Peterson to the Bushwhacker Museum.  Photo courtesy of her son. 

Very old photo identified as Metz Christian Church 1890 with the Modern Woodmen Association group standing in front of building.  The 1911 History of Vernon County says that the building was built in 1890 and the church organized in 1898.  Photo courtesy of Mrs. Virginia Peterson.

1913 leaflet of a County Convention of the Young People's Society of Christian Endeavor which was held July 26 and 27, 1913, at the Metz Christian Church.  The 1911 History of Vernon County tells us that the Young People's Society of Christian Endeavor met at the Christian Church every Sunday evening.  The society had a membership of about fifty-five at that time.

1927 announcement of Metz High School Baccalaureate Service and Graduation Exercises held at the Metz Christian Church.  Faculty:  J. Verl Groce, Mrs. Allie Lee Strole, Miss Katie M. Blake. 

1928 program leaflet for the "Baptistry Dedication and Baptismal Services at the Metz Christian Church, March 18, 1928, 3 p.m., Earl Bingham, Minister."

Please email the County Coordinator if you can identify some of these individuals.

Please email the County Coordinator if you can identify some of these individuals.

This 2004 photo shows the front (east side) of the church building.

This view of the east and north sides of the building clearly shows where the 20 x 40-ft addition was built on in 1908, giving 2,000 feet of floor room, as the congregation grew and a larger building was needed.  Click photo for a larger view.

Apr 2006.  After over 100 years of continuous organization, the Metz Christian Church was disbanded in 2004.  The building, which stood on the northwest corner of Elm Street and West Street, was sold and has since been torn down.  Many elements from the building were given to or purchased by various individuals or groups.  The pews were purchased by the Old Order Mennonite Church and were moved to their building in northern Vernon County, which was previously the Bethel Baptist Church.

Metz Methodist Church

Methodist Episcopal Church South, 9 Oct 1907, L. H. Hood photographer

  Methodist Episcopal Church South Parsonage. Where was this house located?

  May 2001

Metz Baptist Church

  The location of an original door is clearly visible.