Gamewell United Methodist Church
History
Several years after the War Between the States, an area for camp meetings was needed as an outreach of Littlejohn Church. In 1873, a committee found a suitable location on land donated by D. M. Puett and Joseph Winkler. The campground area was named Marvin in honor of Bishop Marvin, who eventually preached there.
In May of 1904, a Sunday School with 65 members was formed. The following September, a committee met to consider building a church, but their dream was not realized until much later. On March 21st, 1914, with $200 in cash and $750 in pledges from 14 individuals, a T-shaped building covered with a tin roof and weatherboard siding was built.
This church served the congregation until 1937 when the current rock church was built beside the new Highway 18. The land on which the church stands was donated by Mrs. Lucinda Puett Tuttle, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. D. M. Puett, grantors of the former deed. Much of the lumber and some of the windows from the old church were used. The church was constructed without a steeple. Around 1952, the rocks from a walkway were taken up to construct a steeple and belfry.
In 1938 the Women's Society of Christian Service, now called the United Methodist Women, was organized with 14 charter members. A parsonage was built for the charge in 1952 and the educational building was constructed in 1962. On July 1, 2003, Gamewell United Methodist Church became a station church. Ground was broken for a new parsonage the following November. It was completed in 2004.
The first pastor of the Gamewell Church was Rev. T. S. Coble. Thirty-one pastors have served the charge. Our current pastor is Rev. Renee Easter.
