100 YEARS AND THE COUNT CONTINUES
100 Years of Methodist ministry and Counting
Hillsboro Methodist Church was 100 years old as a Methodist church September 2010. It was established in 1910 and as part of its celebration, an exhibit featuring historic and current photographs, was unveiled on Easter Sunday, April 4. Panels were designed by Miriam Owen, Nolensville resident who is well-known for her work with museums including the James K. Polk Home in Columbia and the Children's Discovery Museum of Murfreesboro.
Caneta Hankins, Assistant Director of the MTSU Center for Historic Preservation and member of the Hillsboro church, is the curator. She has incorporated photographs of early trustees and members as well as the earliest known photo of the church dating from 1911. Several of the vintage photographs were supplied by local historian Rick Warwick. To tell the story of the church's history for 100 years, items include the certificate verifying that the church was wired for electricity in 1942, a church school award from 1949, and two of the original window panes found beneath the church. Also featured are illustrations of a century of mission work as well as gatherings at the church, such as the annual Fall Festival and the always-popular Easter Egg Hunt. The church also hosts a number of events and activities in keeping with sacred traditions of Holy Week.
These include a Seder Meal on the Thursday of each Holy Week. This meal combines the ancient elements of the Jewish Passover and the Last Supper shared by Jesus and his disciples prior to his crucifixion and resurrection.
Sunrise Service is held at 6:30 a.m. followed by breakfast that ends the season of Lent. The Resurrection service, featuring special music, follows at 11:00. Listen for the church's original bell, installed in 1911 when the existing brick sanctuary was completed, to ring out over the village on Easter just as it does each Sunday. Come join in the celebration. You will be most welcome. And, on Easter Sunday, look for the cross of fresh flowers in front of the church that marks this special day--it is always a sign that spring has come again.
