Mulberry United Methodist Church: Founded 1896
A part of Mulberry for over 100 years…
Mulberry was a "drinking, gambling, killing place" according to one early Sheriff. So the calming influence of a church was sorely needed. Mulberry United Methodist Church began as a Sunday school in a former saloon, around 1896, as part of a circuit (a group of churches served by one pastor who rotated among them). Included in the circuit were Haskell (now Highlands United Methodist Church), Greenwood, and Prospect (both now defunct). Mulberry remained in the circuit until approximately 1905, when the then prospering church split from the circuit to become a station church (having a full-time pastor).
The saloon became a private residence so Sunday school was held in a brush arbor until the local public school was constructed and the congregation began to meet there. Membership, however, was growing by leaps and bounds and the first sanctuary (constructed in 1905) was immediately outgrown. In 1907 renovations were done, but it wasn't enough. In 1914 a new sanctuary was under construction. This building, along with an educational building added in 1955, sufficed until the present sanctuary was built in 1963.
Mulberry has a long history of commitment to education, music and children. With only one short break, the congregation has sponsored a Cub Scout Troop since 1954; presently keeping company with teh Cubs are both Boy and Girl Scout Troops. In the late 1950’s and early 1960’s the church has its own Kindergarten. Many members of the congregation are active in the public school system, both as professional educators and volunteers. The present Mulberry Community Center was originally organized by Mulberry Methodist Church.
Mulberry was a "drinking, gambling, killing place" according to one early Sheriff. So the calming influence of a church was sorely needed. Mulberry United Methodist Church began as a Sunday school in a former saloon, around 1896, as part of a circuit (a group of churches served by one pastor who rotated among them). Included in the circuit were Haskell (now Highlands United Methodist Church), Greenwood, and Prospect (both now defunct). Mulberry remained in the circuit until approximately 1905, when the then prospering church split from the circuit to become a station church (having a full-time pastor).
The saloon became a private residence so Sunday school was held in a brush arbor until the local public school was constructed and the congregation began to meet there. Membership, however, was growing by leaps and bounds and the first sanctuary (constructed in 1905) was immediately outgrown. In 1907 renovations were done, but it wasn't enough. In 1914 a new sanctuary was under construction. This building, along with an educational building added in 1955, sufficed until the present sanctuary was built in 1963.
Mulberry has a long history of commitment to education, music and children. With only one short break, the congregation has sponsored a Cub Scout Troop since 1954; presently keeping company with teh Cubs are both Boy and Girl Scout Troops. In the late 1950’s and early 1960’s the church has its own Kindergarten. Many members of the congregation are active in the public school system, both as professional educators and volunteers. The present Mulberry Community Center was originally organized by Mulberry Methodist Church.