Bertie County NC Church - Aulander Methodist Church File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by Molly Urquhart murquhar@bellsouth.net From a pamphlet entitled, "The Aulander Circuit A Directory of The Aulander, Lewiston, Ebenezer Methodist Churches. Printed, circa 1925. Material copied as given in the pamphlet. Roll of Members of Aulander Church: Mrs. Sara Ballance Mrs. Elizabeth Bradley William B. Cox Paul L. Cox George M. Davidson Mrs. Mary Davidson Peter W. Edwards Lois Early Mrs. W.H. Early J.A. Flythe Mrs. J.A. Flythe Mrs. Perry T. Hale Mrs. Agnes Harrell Mrs. C.R. Hinshaw Miss Blanche Hinshaw J. Lawrence Harrington Mrs. J. Lawrence Harrington Fannie Harrell Mrs. Will Harrell Dan Jackson C.W. Jordan Mrs. C.W. Jordan J.W. Knight Mrs. J.W. Knight Bertha Lassiter Darris Liverman W.S. Montgomery Odell Minton W.H. Modlin Mrs. WlH. Modlin Russell Modlin Mrs. Jannie Moore Mrs. Penny Parker Mr. and Mrs. W.M. Peele Miss Erma Peele Wilson Peele Frances Peele Mr. and Mrs. W.J. Shores Mr. and Mrs. A.L.G. Stephenson Arthur Stephenson John Stephenson Mr. and Mrs. Oscar Vaughan Mrs. Robert W. Williford Miss Virginia Williford Mr. and Mrs. E.C. Williford Miss Margaret Walton "During the years 1910-11 and possibly before while Rev. J.G. Johnson was pastor of the Methodist churches on the work then known as Bertie Circuit, Methodist services were held in Aulander although there was no Methodist church. Rev. Johnson did not confine his labors to his own churches, but seeing an oportunity to expand his work and the work of the Kingdom he announced several appointments for services at Aulander. It in interesting to note that these services were held in the old school building (now known as the dormitory). Mr. Johnson was well liked and he was a preacher of ability. Good numbers of people came out to hear him preach. These services led to the organization of a Methodist Church of Aulander. It was a hard pull for the small number of Methodists at that time to build a church. However, they put their shoulders to the wheel, raised what money they could themselves, and borrowed a thousand dollars from Ebenezer church. It took several years to pay the money back, but the people now had a church of their own. The present church, and the first Methodist church in this community was built in 1911-12. The church was placed with that group known as the Harrellsville Circuit. The district was then known as the Warrenton District (The name having been changed to Weldon only several years ago). The Rev. J.A. Morris was the preacher on the Harrellsville Circuit at that time. He served from 1912-1915. Following Mr. Morris, L.M. Chaffin was sent to the work. He remained on the charge only one year. The Rev. J.J. Barker followed Mr. Chaffin. He remained the pastor until 1920; however, during the latter part of that time the work was supplied by a young man, W.C. Ball, because of the ill health of Rev. Barker. In the conference minutes of 1920 is found the following record: "Transfer Harrellsville and Union from Harrellsville Circuit to Murfreesboro and Winton and change the name of the Harrelsville Circuit to Ahoskie Circuit." This meant that Methodism was growing in this section to the extent that a new charge could be formed. During this period the work was ably served by Rev. L.E. Sawyer. Again in 1922 the conference journal carries a statement that indicated the further growth of Methodism in Bertie County. The entry is: "Make a new charge to be named the Aulander Circuit, to be formed by taking Aulander and Lewiston from the Ahoskie charge, and Ebenezer from the Bertie (now Windsor) Circuit.". At this time Rev. M.F. Hodges was pastor of the Ahoskie charge. He was given the Aulander portion and went to work at once. The present parsonage was built while Mr. Hodges was pastor. In the fall of 1924 Rev. Hodges was sent to another field and Rev. W.L. Clegg was sent to the Aulander Circuit. There has been a Sunday School at Aulander ever since Rev. J.G. Johnson came over and preached in the old schoolhouse. During that time Jr. J.W. Knight has been the superintendent, except for two brief periods when Mrs. Kate Liverman and J.T. Lazar, a principal of the Farm Life School, served as superintendent." ======================== 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.