Harden’s Chapel to Celebrate Homecoming October 12

Courtesy of Harden’s Chapel

Harden’s Chapel will have their annual Homecoming, which began in 1863 as Wesley Chapel, named after Charles Wesley, on Sunday, October 12. Sharing a little history…

During the Civil War the church building was burned, and the site was abandoned. After this tragedy, services were transferred to a site two or three miles west of the original location. In 1891, a new church building was begun on the original site and the name changed to Harden’s Chapel Methodist Church and has continued to be an active church. Our present building was erected and dedicated in 1946-1947. In later years, it became a United Methodist congregation.

In June of 2023, we became an independent church, disaffiliating from the UMC. We continue to trust God and live by faith. We pray Harden’s Chapel will continue to serve as an inspiration to those who come this way. Harden’s Chapel has been a cornerstone in this community since 1863. Previous generations contributed to establishing a legacy within the community for those who come after them, and these efforts are being continued today.

Adjoining the church grounds is one of the largest cemeteries in this section of the state. Descendants of the early planners and organizers are brought back from great distances to be laid to rest near their forefathers. Those who have family and a heritage at Harden’s Chapel are encouraged to attend.

However, since 1992, the upkeep and management of the cemetery have been led by Harden’s Chapel Cemetery, Inc., Board of Directors, when it was deeded to the corporation by Harden’s Chapel UMC Trustees. This long-term care system was implemented to take care of the cemetery, so it would not be a burden for the church family for generations to come.

The 2nd Sunday in October is a time of celebrating what God has done in the life of our church and community. We encourage and invite everyone to join us on Sunday, October 12, for our annual Homecoming. The service will begin at 10:30 a.m. Local singers are encouraged to join us for singing prior to the morning message.

Our guest speaker will be Rev. Don Gibbs, former pastor of Liberty Baptist Church, Lyons, Georgia. He is a Harden’s Chapel “homegrown” boy, where he attended and his parents served in membership, for many years. Bro. Don and Sylvia have 3 children, Matt, Andy and Kim, and 6 grandchildren.

Sharing Rev. Gibbs’ ministry… After moving away and becoming a Christian at age 28, April 26, 1972, God was dealing with his heart about full-time Christian work. In August 1976, Rev. Gibbs and his wife Sylvia moved back to Vidalia and began full-time Christian work. His heart was burdened for Lyons. On January 1, 1978, Bro. Gibbs, his wife, and six friends established Liberty Baptist Church in Lyons, in the basement of an old garden club. God has tremendously blessed their faithfulness. In 1978, Liberty Baptist Church purchased its first building on South Victory Drive. Through the years, people and buildings have changed, but the mission to win souls has not. Bro. Don retired after 28 years due to declining health.

Everyone is invited to worship with us and bring a covered dish for lunch, being served at approximately 12:30.