Norman Park Methodist Church
Georgia County Heritage Books
Colquitt County
NORMAN PARK UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Obe, Georgia, was a small community/town on
US HIGHWAY 319 about ten miles north of Moultrie. In 1902 the town was incorporated and named Norman
Park. There was no Methodist church in the community. R.L. Norman, a pioneer in the area, saw the need
for one. He gave land across the street from his home, cut lumber and had the church built. Norman Park
Methodist Church was organized, established, and constructed in 1903.
The church started with five members - Mr. and Mrs. R.L. Norman, Mr. and Mrs. C.R. Aven and the Rev. J.W. Wells, a local pastor, who went on to become an Elder in the church, well known and respected in the South Georgia Conference. The church was soon recognized as a spiritual force in the community. In 1905 Mr. Norman donated the materials and had a parsonage built beside the church. It was a three bedroom house, comfortably furnished, with adequate space for a pastor and his family.
Norman Park Methodist Church
In 1918 four classrooms were completely renovated
with new pews and chancel furniture. In 1958-59, a brick education building was constructed immediately
behind the church. It contains social hall, kitchen, Sunday School rooms, bathrooms and storage space.
The buildings have been, and continue to be, well maintained.
Norman Park United Methodist Church has been a spiritual force in the community for nearly a century and is looking forward to celebrating its centennial October 13, 2003.
(244 words)
Submitted by: Edna B. Moye, P.O. Box 175, Norman Park, GA, 31771.
