The History of Berlin United Methodist Church

Berlin Tennessee UMC Celebrates 150th Anniversary
from The United Methodist Reporter, October 5, 2007

On Sunday September 9 2007, Berlin United Methodist Church celebrated 150 years of ministry and did so in a sanctuary that was built before the War Between the States. The congregation that morning included District Superintendent and Mrs. Willie Burchfield, and several former pastors. Rev. Roger Hopson, Assistant to Bishop Richard Wills, preached an uplifting sermon, "The Incredible Journey," based on 2 Timothy 4: 1-8, and special music was provided by singer, composer, evangelist Cinde Lucas.

Originally begun as Berlin Methodist Episcopal (ME) Church in 1857, a commemorative plate was used by Berlin UMC to commemerate its 150th anniversary in the much same way it commemerated its 100th anniversary in 1957.

Though the service celebrated a rich history, a genuine "incredible journey," it was obvious that the congregation is looking forward to works of the Spirit that are yet to come. Berlin United Methodist is a small rural church, not a mega church, but definitely displays mega spirit.

On Sunday, the day of the celebration, as the congregation celebrated 150 years of ministry, a couple came forward to become members of Berlin United Methodist Church - symbolically showing that the congregation is preparing for the next 150 years.

Very little is known of the congregation's earliest history - except it definitely had to do with water. Water is an essential for life. When scientists look for life on other planets, one of the markers is the presence of water, and when the first pioneers settled the land in and around what is now Berlin United Methodist Church, they looked for an essential to life - water.

They found a source of good "sweet" water in what is now known as Berlin Spring. It was around this spring that people gathered to exchange the news of the community as they watered their horses and mules. Politicians spoke from the rock above the spring, urging people to vote.

With people gathering at Berlin Spring it was natural that Methodist Circuit Riders would discover the area, and in 1856/1857 a Circuit Rider came to the spring. He was a different kind of speaker, one who spoke of life eternal and of life-giving water from a spring that never runs dry. He started "Camp Meetings" and "Brush Arbor" Meetings, and soon a congregation of the Methodist Episcopal Church South was formed. The new congregation built a church on land donated by the Alien family. The builders did a good job as the church was well built. The congregation still worships in the sanctuary built nearly 150 years ago.

As the water has continued to flow from the spring, so too has the congregation, never more than 100 souls, and never failing to serve God and community. Life-giving water has flowed from this place; aided by numerous pastors through the years. All administered the water of baptism to seekers whether infants, youth or adults.

As with all congregations, Berlin church has had struggles. Pastors have been paid with food instead of cash. Attendance and membership have fluctuated over the years. Worship services had to be held only two times a month.

There have been celebrations as well. The building has undergone repairs and improvements. A kitchen, Sunday school room, bathrooms, new and comfortable pews, and a PA system have been added through the years. Worship services are now held every Sunday. Marriages have been performed here. Children's programs have been celebrated as the knowledge of Jesus has been passed from generation to generation. Countless saints have sat in the pews, served on committees, and supported this congregation and the work the Water of Life had lead it to do.