Here's a little history of that and more.....
The Lemalsamac Church of Christ was organized in 1847 in Wood’s School House, one quarter mile north of Churchton, TN, by Brother Green Hill, a member of Concord Church of Christ, three miles west of Milan,TN. The founding members were:
◾* Lemuel Scott
◾* Dr. J.F. Algea
◾* Sarah McCorkle Algea
◾* Robert Andrew Hope McCorkle and Turzah McCorkle (Sar
ah McCorkle Algea’s father and mother)
◾* Jehiel Morrison and Elizabeth McCorkle
◾ * James McCorkle and Margaret Dickey
Jehiel Morrison McCorkle was chosen elder and Robert Andrew Hope McCorkle was chosen deacon.
*R.A.H. McCorkle coined the name Lemalsamac using letters from the names of the founding members in this way:
◾Lem = Lemuel Scott
◾Al = J.F. Algea
◾Sa = Sarah McCorkle
◾ Mac = McCorkle
In 1856-57 the decision was made to construct a church building. Margaret Dickey deeded them 3 ½ acres of land upon which the church house was built. Carpenters were Joe Gray Moore and Jonathan Hall. At or around this time the Lemalsamac name was given to our church building.(*–R.A.H. McCorkle is the same as Robert Andrew Hope McCorkle)
Some sixty (60) years later a need was felt for a new building. A committee of members was selected to solicit funds. Moore
◾J.C. Rose
◾H.A. Huie
◾Jo W. Pope
◾ Joe Hiram Pope
The cornerstone of the new building was set August 26, 1917. A bible, names of officers, elders and deacons were placed under the cornerstone. Andrew J. McCorkle, 84, the oldest member, broke the first shovel of soil for the building. Contractors were: Lester Bone and his father, James Bone. This building was completed with lights at a cost of $2,500.00. The last service was held in the old building July 22, 1917. From July 29th until the second Sunday in December 1917, services were held in the hall over The Village Blacksmith. The opening services were hindered in the new building because of heavy snow, but some met and observed the Lords Supper. Those were:
◾T.M. Carney
◾Tom Miller and his 3 sons - Ollie, Richmond and Melvin
◾Holland Moore
◾Eurleen Moore
◾ Ora McCorkle Huie and son - Maury A. Huie
The 12th day of March 1918 was set aside as a day of thanksgiving for the blessings they had enjoyed through the years.
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Improvements have continued taking place throughout the years. Exact dates of many of the improvements were not obtained, so I broke it down into decades. Exact dates are given when possible.
1940’s
– Solid foundation placed under the church
– Front door was moved east to center of the building
– Front classroom added
– Foyer added
– New windows were added - cost $1,100.00. Carpenter - Clarence Eaks
1950’s
– New ceiling put in
– Trees were planted around the building by various people. Some of whom were Harry King, Roy Parrish, Johnny Rose, Jim Hargo, Wyans Taylor…just to name a few.
1951
– New pews were added
1963
– Air conditioning was added
1964
– Five (5) additional classrooms, a Baptistery, and bathrooms were added. The plans for this addition were drawn up by Joe Harris Moore. He also coordinated the construction.
1970’s
– Lot was paved (late 70’s)
1975
– Classroom walls were opened for kitchen and fellowship hall. Lloyd (Tootie) McManus did the finish work.
1977
– Carpet was added
1978
– Seats padded
1980’s
– Walls painted - cost $1,600.00
– Canopy was put over west door. Harry King was responsible for the addition.
1990’s
– Tree in front of building was cut down
– Lot was re-paved
2002
– December - New tin roof was added
2003
– Wheelchair access ramp was constructed by Billy Rose
2005
– Lighting in church was rewired
The congregation of our Lords Church, at this time, has been assembling for 157 years. We have met on this 3 ½ acre plot for 148 years and in the present building for 87 years. Alan Sims
February 20, 2005
