JONES COUNTY GA Wayside Presbyterian Church File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by Joyce Sims DKJCSIMS@aol.com From The History of Jones County by Carolyn White Williams Written by Mrs. Maude Russell The seeds of the Wayside Presbyterian Church were planted when the Wayside Community Sunday School was organized in March 1921, at the inspiration of Miss Maud Childs; with the schoolhouse as a meeting place. In the fall of the same year a series of evangelistic services were held by the Reverend John Goff, evangelist from the Macon Presbytery. In December the Presbytery organized a church with four members. Messrs. E. M. and H. B. David, Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Marquess, Reverend John Goff and Reverend Doctor R. E. Douglas, pastor of the First Presbytery Church, Macon had charge of the organization services; Messrs. E. M. and H. B. Davis were appointed trustees, and ordained deacons, Mr. W. H. Marquess was elected and ordained elder, and Mrs. W. H. Marquess, pianist. Plans for a church building were soon being made, a lot was given by a devoted member, Mr. Dorf. Barfield, plans were gratis by Mr. Elliott Dunwody, a Macon Architect and through the influence of Mr. Goff and Dr. Douglas a thousand dollars was given by the Assembly Home Mission, this amount was more than doubled by resident of Jones County and Macon and friends of various denominations, the building was dedicate in May 1923. In the meantime a manse had been built, this being entirely financed by E. M. Davis, Sr. The Reverend E. B. Witherspoon had arrived in May 1922 and under his leadership the membership grew to thirty or more. Mrs. Witherspoon organized a Woman's Auxiliary in June 1922 which has continued to function efficiently after the happy start which she gave it. Following Mrs. Witherspoon's death in June 1023, Mr. Witherspoon left, and the church was pastor less until January 1924, when the Reverend George R. Ratchford took charge, in the summer of 1925, when he accepted another call. During the period when the church was pastor less the pulpit was often filled by Reverend Goff and by the Men's Evangelistic Club of Macon. In December 1925, Reverend F. E. Manning accepted the call of the Wayside Church, he proved to be a wonderful Spiritual guide, organizer and friend. In the fall of 1926 the Church voted to divide the pastor's time with Liberty Community, about nine miles from Wayside. A Sunday School was organized there and in September 19297, Liberty Presbyterian Church with Reverend J. W. Smith as the principal factor in organizing this. This Church was soon moved to Caney Creek Community, this being a better location, the name was changed to New Liberty Presbyterian Church. For a short time the services were held in the Caney Creek schoolhouse; however the building was soon bought and remodeled, the work was superintended by Doctor Gillian. Under Mr. Manning's enthusiastic leadership being assisted by his splendid and beloved wife who was an Assembly Training School graduate, the church continued to grow. In August 1933, it was decided to make an exchange of pastors for the period of eight months, beginning with Oct. 1, 1933. The change was made between Reverend C. L. Landrum and Reverend F. E. Manning; Reverend Manning going to Kenly, N.C. and Reverend Landrum to Wayside. In October 1933, Reverend Landrum became pastor of the Wayside Church for eight months, he was the Spiritual guide and leader and through his earnest efforts and those of his efficient and beloved wife, the work prospered. Reverend F. E. Manning returned Jun 1, 1934, and was with us until the last of August 1934, when he accepted another call. In April 1935, Reverend J. M. Davis accepted the call of the Wayside Church. In 1942 he went to the Army as a chaplain. Miss Alva Byrd was a home mission worker from Ilah, GA. J. R. Rogers of Cincinnati, Ohio contributed substantially for years to the support of this church. E. McCall Davis was also a loyal supporter. This was written for Mrs. Williams by Mrs. Maude Russell . ======================== USGENWEB NOTICE: In keeping with our policy of providing free information on the Internet, data may be freely used by non-commercial entities, as long as this message remains on all copied material. These electronic pages cannot be reproduced in any format for profit or other presentation. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access.