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Kingswood United Methodist Church In Mobile Alabama |
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God Is Good All The Time, All The Time God Is Good |
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Kingswood UMC History |
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ORIGINS In the spring of 1956, the Florida-West Alabama Conference of the United 'Methodist Church voted to establish new churches in the Western part of Mobile, Alabama. This section of mobile was expanding rapidly. During the summer of that year, the Conference sent two young ministerial students from Emory University to conduct a survey of the Cottage Hill area of the city. This was done to determine the number of Methodists in the area and to estimate the potential population increase. The Conference decided to build two churches, St. Mark's and Kingwood. Dr. A. S. Turnipseed was Superintendent of the District. Reverend J. E. Hastings was appointed pastor at Springhill United Methodist Church that year and was also given the responsibility for development of the new church in the Cottage Hill area. A letter was mailed to each Methodist in the area requesting their attendance at the first meeting. The first meeting of the Church took place in the Cottage Hill Baptist Church on Friday, May 10, 1957 at 7:30 P.M. Reverend Hastings and Reverend Turnipseed presided. A torrential rain and violent thunderstorm made traveling difficult for many people, since most roads in the area were unpaved. Nevertheless, twenty five people attended. Pam and Donna Gilbert were baptized at this meeting and placed on the preparatory rolls of the Church. The first service was held in the Laun Park Civic Center at three o'clock in the afternoon. PROGRESSION A conference was called Sunday, May 26, 1957 to choose a name for the Church. Among those suggested were Epworth, Cokesbury, Kingswood, City Road, Edgewood, Skyland Methodist, St. Luke and St. Paul. Kingswood was chosen because it is a name associated with early Methodism in England. George Whitfield began preaching in a field near the Minning Community of Kingswood close to Bristol, England. Kingswood is also the name of a Methodist School. Thus, our name indicates our mission of evangelism and education. A conference was called Sunday, May 26, 1957 to choose a name for the Church. Among those suggested were Epworth, Cokesbury, Kingswood, City Road, Edgewood, Skyland Methodist, St. Luke and St. Paul. Kingswood was chosen because it is a name associated with early Methodism in England. George Whitfield began preaching in a field near the Minning Community of Kingswood close to Bristol, England. Kingswood is also the name of a Methodist School. Thus, our name indicates our mission of evangelism and education. The Unit of the Woman's Society of Christian Service of Kingswood United Methodist Church was organized in May, 1957. The title was changed to United Methodist Women January 1, 1973. These dedicated women have always been a guiding light for the progress of Kingwoods Christian mission.
In July, 1957 the Mission Board of Church Extension bought a house and two Lots on Highway 90 Drive for the purpose of building a Sanctuary and purpose on the Lots. Due to the rapid population growth in the area, however, it was decided a larger tract of Land was needed. Reverend Frank Dannley was appointed to Kingswood in 1958. In 1960, a five acre, tract of Land was purchased from Roy E. Miller. In May of that year ground WAS BROKEN for the first building project of the church. The plan included a Sanctuary, six classrooms, a kitchen and nest rooms in 1961, the. Project was completed and Kingswood moved to 5200 Perin Road.
During Reverend Sydney Lockes tenure at Kingswood, much was accomplished. The youth, music and Sunday school Programs expanded and membership increased. A building program to extend the East wing and build the North Wing of the Education building was completed Reverend Locke wore the extra hat of Music Director and served as director of the choir and minister in the Pulpit at all church services.
Reverend H. Stanley Mullins served as pastor of Kingswood from June, 1966 through- May, 1968. The church purchased a larger parsonage during his tenure. The United Methodist Church was undergoing social changes at this time and it created a degree of stress and controversy among members of all Methodist churches throughout the Southeastern area of the country. As a result, progress in Kingswood's mission was slowed for a time. Reverend David Carter was appointed minister to Kingswood June, 1968 and remained for one year. Reverend Louie F. Wilson came to Kingswood June 1, 1969. In October, 1969 a building program for a new sanctuary, additional classrooms, offices, a choir room and rest rooms was planned. A bond issue was floated in the winter of 1975 and ground breaking for the new building project |