Mission:

To make and be disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. As a Church, our mission is to worship God in spirit and in truth, to grow in the image of Christ, to care for one another in Christian love, to share the good news of what God has done in Christ, and to follow His example of humble service to all people.

History:

Sumrall United Methodist Church was organized in February 1903. The first building used for worship was the property of J.J. Newman Lumber Company. The first church building was located on the site where the Claude McNease family now has their home at 500 Poplar Street. This wooden structure served the Methodists of Sumrall for a number of years. The steady growth in membership after its organization necessitated the contruction of a larger church building to occomodate the growing congregation. The church school was overcrowded, with no room for expansion. After studying the needs of the church and planning for the future, the trustees and other church officials decided to sell the property to the Catholic people of the community and erect a larger building. They knew this would be a tremendous undertaking for a small and young congregation, but felt that the growth of the church, both physically and spiritually, depended on their decision. Therefore, the church voted to proceed with the plans. The Rev. Luke E. Alford resided as pastor at the time.

The building of our present church building begain in 1913 and was completed a year later. Most of the labor was done by the sawmill workers of Sumrall who worked long hours at night after completing their day’s work at the mill. Dr. Cooper, President of Whitworth College, dedicated the church building in the latter part of 1914.

In the late 1960’s the old white wooden parsonage was deemed unsuitable for the future, therefore donations were taken for the construction of a new home. A lot on Highway 589 was chosen but before work could begin, it was recognized that the lot was not large enough to accomodate a home large enough to suit the needs of a pastor and family. It was then decided that the new parsonage would be built behind the old one, and once completed, the existing parsonage was demolished. Construction of the new parsonage began on Nov. 25, 1970 and on May 3, 1971, the Larry Speed family moved into the newly completed home. On Dec. 19, 1971, a special fundraising dinner was held and the donations completely paid off the construction loan.

The building program for the Sumrall United Methodist Family Life Center began in 1998 due to the expanding membership and activities of the church. More Sunday School classrooms were needed, along with a larger kitchen and fellowship hall. The SUMC Family Life Center is a two story metal building with a large kitchen, fellowship hall and gym on the first floor. The upper floor includes Sunday School classrooms, church offices and access to the sanctuary. The building was dedicated during Homecoming services on May 16, 1999. The Rev. Hank Winsted, District Superintendent, led this dedication service.

A few years ago, the sactuary was rennovated and restored to more closely reflect the original look of the building. Carpet was removed and the hardwood floors repaired, sanded and re-finished. The woodwoork and ceiling were sanded and varnished, and new pew and altar cushions were installed. One of the two entry stairways was replaced with handicap access ramp. The entry doors were replaced with varnished solid wood doors and awning were placed over both entrys. The parking lot was repaved and a new paved parking area was placed along side of the church.

In its 100 year history, the Sumrall United Methodist Church has sent out eleven licensed pastors and one missionary.