A Retrospective on Centennial Weekend
The long-anticipated Centennial Celebration of Jarvis Memorial United Methodist Church took place the weekend of September 28 – 30, 2007. Beautiful weather was on tap as hundreds gathered for an exciting and memorable time marking 100 years of ministry in the heart of Greenville at our 510 South Washington Street location. [Note: The year 2007 is also the 225th anniversary of the establishment of Methodism in Pitt Country and the community of Methodists which would eventually become Jarvis Memorial.] Our 1907 sanctuary building is now one of oldest structures in the city.
However, the celebration was by no means simply a recounting of past glories. Rather the emphasis was focused on the great years of witness and ministry that lie ahead.
Attendance at all the Centennial events exceeded expectations. An enthusiastic crowd of nearly three hundred cheered our Friday evening production of “Commander Naaman Takes a Bath”. Director Ada Milenkovic Brown, Music Director Cheryl Stephenson, Steve Cagle, accompanist, saxophonist Michael Stephenson and the 35 children in the cast did a masterful job of telling the Old Testament, 2 Kings, story of Naaman in dialog and music. The script for Naaman was written by Ada. The score by Stan McDaniel included much original material and an arrangement of C.J. Watson’s song, “Send Your Love Here, Lord”. A delicious dinner preceded the performance which was prepared/coordinated by Patty Marr and “Fellowship Feast” committee. Please click here for a list of acknowledgements related to Friday evening’s presentation.
Saturday evening’s concert of The New Century Saxophone Quartet was a delight! Variety was the order of the evening as the quartet sampled music from very old (Bach’s Art of the Fugue) to very new (2 beautiful arrangements by former Jarvis Music Director Glenn Haynes) – and everything in between. The audience of over 200 thoroughly enjoyed the quartet’s virtuosic playing, and the performance was punctuated by two standing ovations. Many could be seen clapping hands during the rollicking encore when the musicians formed their own parade up and down the center aisle! A beautiful reception, much enjoyed by all, was held in the Parlor following the performance.
The focal point of the celebration was, of course, the Sunday morning worship celebration. A congregation of nearly 700 heard Bishop Alfred W. Gwinn preach that, while we live in an ever-changing world, for the Christian, the challenge of Jesus’ “Great Commandment” and “Great Commission” are never-changing. It is to them, he urged, that we must continue to look for guidance. Dignitaries attending the service included Don Parrott, Mayor of Greenville, who presented Pastor Albert Shuler with special City Council proclamation. The morning’s music included three pieces of historical interest: Dudley Buck’s Te Deum in E Flat Major, and “The Holy City” by Stephen Adams were sung by the Chancel Choir and soloists. Organist Steven Cagle played Alexander Russell’s “The Bells of St. Anne Beaupre” To read more about the music for the morning, click here.
As a fitting conclusion to the weekend, a beautiful meal and reception, attended by over 400, was held at Rock Springs Center. Fellowship was enjoyed by all. Historical pictures and video from Jarvis’s past was shown throughout our time together. Special music was provided by the Jarvis Men’s Quartet. Pastor Shuler spoke for all in attendance in thanking the many who had worked so long and hard to make the weekend possible. Significant among those were the members of the Centennial Committee: Albert Shuler, Senior Pastor; and Diane Christianson, Associate Pastor; Louise Duncan, Chair; Anne Parkinson, Page Curtis, Jim Kelly, John Allen Tucker, Debbie Hartsell, Martha Ferrell, John Ellen, and Lib Proctor.
CENTENNIAL PHOTO GALLERY
THANK YOU'S and ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
LISTEN TO HIGHLIGHTS OF THE SERVICE!
OPENING HYMN, PRAYERS AND SPECIAL MUSIC
SCRIPTURE AND SERMON BY BISHOP GWINN
"THE HOLY CITY" (S. Adams)
Ada Milinkovic Brown, Soprano Soloist
Chancel Choir
