OUR HISTORY
A summary as taken from:
The History of Romeo United Methodist Church
By Frances Burchette
“O Come to the Church in the Wildwood” is the opening line that pulls the reader into this 14 page history of the “Romeo United Methodist Church” written by Frances Burchette in 2000.
Romeo Church has a long history marked by shared pastoral leadership, significant milestones, and circuit affiliations. For many years, the church, along with Carter’s Station at Albany and Carter’s Chapel, shared two part-time pastors and eventually transitioned to a brief period of full-time pastoral leadership after purchasing a parsonage in 1996 and forming a two-point circuit with Mount Carmel. Since its founding, the church has been served by numerous pastors, each leaving a lasting impact. Romeo Church was a member of the Mosheim Circuit since 1878 and later joined the Carter’s Valley Circuit in 1882, with circuit membership and affiliated churches changing over time. The Mosheim circuit included varying numbers of churches before its disbandment in 1982, after which Romeo continued to share circuits with Albany and other congregations.
The church’s history reflects a pattern of collaboration, adaptation, and growth, with each pastor contributing to its present-day identity.
Their names, and years of service, are as follows:
Ministers:
Romeo has benefited from the guidance of several notable ministers throughout its history. After World War I, church leaders worked diligently to keep the congregation together and rebuild their meeting place. J.W. Hammer played a significant role in the late 1930s with his thorough record-keeping and the introduction of “Laity Sunday” in July 1937, recognizing the contributions of laypeople. This era also saw the establishment of a Bible School and the organization of the Epworth League, a Methodist association for young adults founded in 1889.
The LORD’s Acre Sale:
During Allen Carpenter's ministry (1956–1958), Sunday School classrooms were added at Romeo Church, with a committee appointed to oversee the construction. In 1961, under S. Lee Campbell, the Lord’s Acre Program began as a fundraising initiative involving several local churches. The program, interrupted only in 2024 due to Hurricane Helene, has funded numerous improvements to the church, including redecorating, new furnishings, construction of bathrooms, blacktopping the driveway, and installing central heat and air. Since 1983, proceeds have also supported the addition of a steeple, a fellowship hall, more classrooms, restroom renovations, landscaping, a modern sound system, new carpeting and paint, and, in 2000, an upgraded heating and cooling system.
The Woman’s Society at Romeo Church:
Originally formed as the Ladies Aid Society in the late 1920s, has been a dedicated supporter of the church. Renamed over the years, it became the United Methodist Women in 1973. Key members include Stella Carter, Vona Brotherton, Juanita Ricker, Glenna Brotherton, Flossie Kilday, Georga Kite, Mary Carter, Geneva Brotherton, and Betty Fullen. By 2000, the group had four members with over fifty years of service. The organization initiated many events for church families, most notably the annual oyster supper.