Historic Marvin Methodist Church in Johnstonville, down to only three surviving members, will close its doors after a final worship service Sunday, August 17 at 11 a.m. Rev. Dan Wilson will preside.
The North Georgia Conference of the UMC made the decision earlier this year to close the church and merge it with Milner Methodist Church.
The land on which the church sits was deeded to the trustees by Mrs. R.H. Banks and Captain B.M. Turner in 1886. Rev. S. R. England was the organizing pastor.
The first revival services were held in a brush arbor nearby. The church met in the Johnstonville school house before the church building was completed.
The Sunday School program preceded the church with Professor George W. Merritt serving as the first superintendent followed by Mrs. E. Rumble. When her health failed and she moved to California, Roy R. Manry took over the Sunday School and served as superintendent for many years.
In addition to Merritt, Mrs. Banks and Mr. and Mrs. Rumble, other early church stalwarts were Mr. and Mrs. J.W. Banks and Mrs. Will Banks.
(Editor’s note: Much of this information is from the ‘History of Lamar County’ via Shanna English.)
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