LANHAM UNITED METHODIST CHURCH,
1876--
MT. ZION METHODIST CHURCH
Lanham Methodist Church began in
1876 as the Mt. Zion Methodist Church. A group of people met under
a large oak tree to organize this church in 1876. Charter members included
Mr. and Mrs. J. P. Major and their daughter, Mattie, Mr. and
Mrs. B. Ellis Major; Mr. and Mrs. Jim Blakely; Mr. Stephen E.
Ellis; Miss Matilda Rebecca "Tilda" Pearson; Mr. and Mrs. Doc Pearson; Bro. and
Mrs. Trammell, a local preacher; and Rev. Marion Mills. Services
were held in the home of J. P. Major, under a brush arbor, and in
the school house. The church bought a small house but it was destroyed by
a storm in 1887. Later the current church was built on property given by Mr.
and Mrs. J. K. Wilson. Mr. Pearson became a licensed preacher.
Matilda Rebecca "Tilda" Pearson married West Jones, who served as secretary and
treasurer of this church until his death in 1934. Wesley Jones, grandson
of charter member Tilda Pearson Jones, was pastor of this church
for many years before he retired from the ministry.
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