Come and experience some world class mandolin music performed by the Nashville Mandolin Ensemble in the sanctuary of Blakemore United Methodist Church, 3601 West End Avenue, Nashville, TN 37205 (Just two blocks west on West End Avenue off the I-440 West End exit).
After the concert refreshments will be served in Blakemore's Fellowship Hall.
Tickets for the concert are $10.00 each or 10 for $95 and can be purchased at the door or reserved by e-mailing soundartrecordings@comcast.net. For additional information, you may call Sinclair Baldassari at 615-292-0324.
Butch Baldassari, of the Blair School of Music, founded the Nashville Mandolin Ensemble in 1991, and they have made some amazing music through the years including four recordings. With its scintillating contemporary qualities, the Nashville Mandolin Ensemble has been hailed for revitalizing and reshaping mandolin ensemble music that enjoyed nationwide popularity at the turn of the 20th century.
Butch died this past January and the Nashville Mandolin Ensemble, which swelled to 24 players for the occasion, played at his Blakemore UMC memorial service. Some musicians worried that this might be the group's final performance; however, the players involved with the Ensemble made a long-thought-out decision to go on. They have decided that their first public appearance since Butch’s passing will be on Sunday, May 17th, 7:00 p.m., in the sanctuary of Blakemore United Methodist Church.
You can hear music by the Nashville Mandolin Ensemble and download individual numbers on the MySpace Music profile for the Nashville Mandolin Ensemble
http://www.myspace.com/nashvillemandolinensemble
To catch a video segment featuring the Nashville Mandolin Ensemble via Google click on the address below
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=1310453621476447041
To order recordings by Butch Baldassari and the Nashville Mandolin Ensemble
http://www.soundartrecordings.com/allproducts.shtml
Monday, April 27, 2009
Nashville Mandolin Ensemble Concert, Blakemore United Methodist Church, Sunday Evening, May 17, 2009, 7:00 p.m.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Whiteside UMC - "The little church that CAN" !!!
By Joel Tompkins
We have all heard the story about the little engine that could... You know, "I think I can, I think I can"...
The families of Whiteside UMC have become "the little church that can" and here is how.
We held our regular board meeting on February 22nd and the following events were discussed.
Our website is progressing with awesome numbers. We didn't officially open the site until June 10th and since then we have passed 4,000 hits and cruising towards our next celebration which we will have once we pass 6,000 hits.
Also, our Pastors (Scotty Sorrells) sermons and our other videos can be found on what used to be called God tube - which is now Tangle. We have 40 videos on line and they have been viewed 19,850 times!!!
One of our youth members attended the meeting as well. He shared with the board that the youth's 1st campaign is to take donations for the local homeless shelter AND the food bank. The youth will also be out visiting the elderly in the coming weeks.
And finally...
We discussed our 2nd "Saturday Night Jams".
This time we are opening it up to bands and musicians of all types. Church choirs are even welcome to join us!!! The 2nd "Saturday Night Jams" will be held this Saturday, February 28th at 7 p.m. in our fellowship hall. Snacks will be provided.
Whiteside UMC used to be a very active church in our community and we are now FOCUSED on becoming active once again with the events you have just read about.
We are a church of 20 people and yes, we know we can make a difference. Yes, we know we can help our community and yes, in this time of hardship we know we can entertain our neighbors.
The big difference in the little engine and us???
He thought he could. We know we can!!!
If you are interested in helping our youth, jamming with us, or just visiting, please visit our website for further information.
www.ourchurch.com/member/w/whiteside_umc
We have all heard the story about the little engine that could... You know, "I think I can, I think I can"...
The families of Whiteside UMC have become "the little church that can" and here is how.
We held our regular board meeting on February 22nd and the following events were discussed.
Our website is progressing with awesome numbers. We didn't officially open the site until June 10th and since then we have passed 4,000 hits and cruising towards our next celebration which we will have once we pass 6,000 hits.
Also, our Pastors (Scotty Sorrells) sermons and our other videos can be found on what used to be called God tube - which is now Tangle. We have 40 videos on line and they have been viewed 19,850 times!!!
One of our youth members attended the meeting as well. He shared with the board that the youth's 1st campaign is to take donations for the local homeless shelter AND the food bank. The youth will also be out visiting the elderly in the coming weeks.
And finally...
We discussed our 2nd "Saturday Night Jams".
This time we are opening it up to bands and musicians of all types. Church choirs are even welcome to join us!!! The 2nd "Saturday Night Jams" will be held this Saturday, February 28th at 7 p.m. in our fellowship hall. Snacks will be provided.
Whiteside UMC used to be a very active church in our community and we are now FOCUSED on becoming active once again with the events you have just read about.
We are a church of 20 people and yes, we know we can make a difference. Yes, we know we can help our community and yes, in this time of hardship we know we can entertain our neighbors.
The big difference in the little engine and us???
He thought he could. We know we can!!!
If you are interested in helping our youth, jamming with us, or just visiting, please visit our website for further information.
www.ourchurch.com/member/w/whiteside_umc
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Jesus Did Not Speak English
West Nashville UMC has reached out to the West Nashville Hispanic Community, and fought against the English-Only vote being taken in Davidson County. Pastor Dennis Meaker reflects on what happened when the church’s sign said, “Jesus Did Not Speak English.” Article from the West Nashville United Methodist Church newsletter WITNESS, January 2009.
“I was a stranger and you did not welcome me,...” Matthew 25:43a, NRSV
“How stupid! Of course, Jesus didn’t speak English. English wasn’t even a language in the first century!:”
That was the mildest comment I received for putting the title to this article on the church sign. The problem with the church sign is we only have three short times. Nuance is hard to convey in three lines. I didn’t have room to explain that Jesus, and indeed all of Scripture, instructs us to welcome the stranger. Yet, I suspect a number of people who complained about the sign understood exactly what we were trying to convey. I think they complained because they did not want to accept that their support for the English-only referendum could be contrary to Scripture. They wanted a Jesus who speaks English and who holds their view of the world.
It is easy to “proof text” the Bible: to choose portions of Scripture that support your views and ignore those to the contrary. Yet, one theme that is difficult to avoid in Scripture is the command to welcome the stranger in our midst, to treat the stranger with justice and fairness. This principle was rooted in God’s act of salvation for the people of Israel. God tells the people of Israel to remember they once were strangers in a strange land and that they were persecuted. God heard their cries and will hear the cries of those they persecute. Consider these verses:
.“There shall be one law for the native and for the alien who resides among you.” (Exodus 12:49)
.“The alien who resides with you shall be to you as the citizen among you; you shall love the alien as yourself, for you were aliens in the land of Egypt, I am the Lord your God.” (Leviticus 19:34)
.“You shall not deprive a resident alien or an orphan of justice, . . .” (Deuteronomy 24:17a
.“I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, . . .” (Matthew 24:43a)
The truly extraordinary thing about the God of Israel, and something Jesus wanted us to understand, is that God is the God of all people. Unlike the gods of other nations, who reflect the nationalism of their lands, God is the God of creation. All people are God’s children. God will judge us by how we treat one another.
Should the resident alien in the United States learn to speak English? Of course. Few ever have resisted doing so in our 233-year history. That, however, is a separate issue.
The issue at hand is one of hospitality and common sense. Government runs more efficiently if our law, rules and regulations are communicated effectively. Why would we hamstring our elected leaders by requiring them to act as if a language barrier did not exist?
Christians have one more thing to consider. Many of those aliens who would be affected by this law are our brothers and sister in Christ. Many already are baptized and profess Christ as their Lord and Savior. They may know the gospel in a different language, but it is the same gospel, the only gospel. The biblical command to extend hospitality is not limited to those of our faith. It is particularly ironic, however, that self-professed Christians are so willing to exclude their brothers and sisters in Christ by reinforcing the barrier of language.
As noted in 1 John 4: 20-21: “Those who say, ‘I love God,’ and hate their brothers or sisters, are liars, for those who do not love a brother or sister whom they have seen, cannot love God whom they have not seen. The commandment we have from him is this: those who love God must love their brothers and sisters also.”
By the time you read this article, early voting will be open in Davidson County. The English-only referendum is not a political issue that the church is supposed to avoid. It strikes at the heart of what we profess to believe. As you go to vote, and please do vote, remember Christ is present in every person around us, even those who do not speak English.
--The Rev. Dennis Meaker
“I was a stranger and you did not welcome me,...” Matthew 25:43a, NRSV
“How stupid! Of course, Jesus didn’t speak English. English wasn’t even a language in the first century!:”
That was the mildest comment I received for putting the title to this article on the church sign. The problem with the church sign is we only have three short times. Nuance is hard to convey in three lines. I didn’t have room to explain that Jesus, and indeed all of Scripture, instructs us to welcome the stranger. Yet, I suspect a number of people who complained about the sign understood exactly what we were trying to convey. I think they complained because they did not want to accept that their support for the English-only referendum could be contrary to Scripture. They wanted a Jesus who speaks English and who holds their view of the world.
It is easy to “proof text” the Bible: to choose portions of Scripture that support your views and ignore those to the contrary. Yet, one theme that is difficult to avoid in Scripture is the command to welcome the stranger in our midst, to treat the stranger with justice and fairness. This principle was rooted in God’s act of salvation for the people of Israel. God tells the people of Israel to remember they once were strangers in a strange land and that they were persecuted. God heard their cries and will hear the cries of those they persecute. Consider these verses:
.“There shall be one law for the native and for the alien who resides among you.” (Exodus 12:49)
.“The alien who resides with you shall be to you as the citizen among you; you shall love the alien as yourself, for you were aliens in the land of Egypt, I am the Lord your God.” (Leviticus 19:34)
.“You shall not deprive a resident alien or an orphan of justice, . . .” (Deuteronomy 24:17a
.“I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, . . .” (Matthew 24:43a)
The truly extraordinary thing about the God of Israel, and something Jesus wanted us to understand, is that God is the God of all people. Unlike the gods of other nations, who reflect the nationalism of their lands, God is the God of creation. All people are God’s children. God will judge us by how we treat one another.
Should the resident alien in the United States learn to speak English? Of course. Few ever have resisted doing so in our 233-year history. That, however, is a separate issue.
The issue at hand is one of hospitality and common sense. Government runs more efficiently if our law, rules and regulations are communicated effectively. Why would we hamstring our elected leaders by requiring them to act as if a language barrier did not exist?
Christians have one more thing to consider. Many of those aliens who would be affected by this law are our brothers and sister in Christ. Many already are baptized and profess Christ as their Lord and Savior. They may know the gospel in a different language, but it is the same gospel, the only gospel. The biblical command to extend hospitality is not limited to those of our faith. It is particularly ironic, however, that self-professed Christians are so willing to exclude their brothers and sisters in Christ by reinforcing the barrier of language.
As noted in 1 John 4: 20-21: “Those who say, ‘I love God,’ and hate their brothers or sisters, are liars, for those who do not love a brother or sister whom they have seen, cannot love God whom they have not seen. The commandment we have from him is this: those who love God must love their brothers and sisters also.”
By the time you read this article, early voting will be open in Davidson County. The English-only referendum is not a political issue that the church is supposed to avoid. It strikes at the heart of what we profess to believe. As you go to vote, and please do vote, remember Christ is present in every person around us, even those who do not speak English.
--The Rev. Dennis Meaker
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
For the fifth year, First United Methodist Church in Tullahoma will host an exhibit of over 300 nativity scenes & Christmas angels, December 6-9, 2008
IMAGINE:
“ In my mind’s eye, I am standing at the door of the stable, quiet
and reverent, careful not to disturb the sublimely beautiful scene within.
Silently, I enter and find a dark corner from which to observe without
being observed. I am aware that I am kneeling on freshly cut hay, the
fragrance of which contrasts with the scent of cattle, sheep and one very
tired donkey. The images before me are bathed in an incredible
light: brilliant, not blinding, but rather warm and comforting. My
attention is drawn to the faces of those surrounding the manger. Never
have I seen such expressions of adoration and reverence. Only dear little
Mary’s face bears any trace of foreshadowing. And then my gaze comes
to rest on the Babe in the manger, and I behold the face of love.The hope
of the ages lies before me on a bed of hay, and the peace that passeth all
understanding that floods my soul.”
For hundreds of years, Christians have tried to imagine shepherds on bended knee, animals bowing in reverence, the brilliance of an incomparable star and the tender vision of a Babe lying in a manger. The mystery of the nativity has inspired artists for centuries and today renderings of the crèche grace many homes and hold a special place in the heart of the believer.
For the fifth year, First United Methodist Church in Tullahoma will host an exhibit of over 300 nativity scenes and Christmas angels. Diversity of depiction is at the heart of this exhibit. Some of the nativity sets are simple, while others are elaborate. Some were discovered in far away lands; others were purchased at the local discount store. From mud figures to fine porcelains the crèches represented are as diverse as the homes from which they come. Regardless of their origin, style or composition, all serve a single purpose---to remind the Christian of a miraculous birth over 2000 years ago. It is the universality of the story that renders significance and value.
Bathed in candlelight, fragranced by fresh evergreens, and reverberating with the echoes of harp strings, the event is more than a mere display-it is a sensory celebration of the Christmas season.
Our exhibit dates this year are as follows:
Saturday, December 6th from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Sunday, December 7th from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Monday, December 8th from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Tuesday, December 9th from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
On Monday, December 8th at 12:00 noon, our United Methodist Women will be a hosting a holiday luncheon to celebrate our fifth anniversary. All are cordially invited. Reservations for the $10.00 meal should be made by December 3rd by calling our church office at 931-455-5434. As always, admission to the nativity exhibit is free.
As you journey through the exhibit, May you experience a personal pilgrimage to the stable in Bethlehem. Please join us and reverently take your place among shepherds, Wise Men and heavenly hosts, realizing anew the peace that comes from kneeling before a manger which cradles the Christ.
“ In my mind’s eye, I am standing at the door of the stable, quiet
and reverent, careful not to disturb the sublimely beautiful scene within.
Silently, I enter and find a dark corner from which to observe without
being observed. I am aware that I am kneeling on freshly cut hay, the
fragrance of which contrasts with the scent of cattle, sheep and one very
tired donkey. The images before me are bathed in an incredible
light: brilliant, not blinding, but rather warm and comforting. My
attention is drawn to the faces of those surrounding the manger. Never
have I seen such expressions of adoration and reverence. Only dear little
Mary’s face bears any trace of foreshadowing. And then my gaze comes
to rest on the Babe in the manger, and I behold the face of love.The hope
of the ages lies before me on a bed of hay, and the peace that passeth all
understanding that floods my soul.”
For hundreds of years, Christians have tried to imagine shepherds on bended knee, animals bowing in reverence, the brilliance of an incomparable star and the tender vision of a Babe lying in a manger. The mystery of the nativity has inspired artists for centuries and today renderings of the crèche grace many homes and hold a special place in the heart of the believer.For the fifth year, First United Methodist Church in Tullahoma will host an exhibit of over 300 nativity scenes and Christmas angels. Diversity of depiction is at the heart of this exhibit. Some of the nativity sets are simple, while others are elaborate. Some were discovered in far away lands; others were purchased at the local discount store. From mud figures to fine porcelains the crèches represented are as diverse as the homes from which they come. Regardless of their origin, style or composition, all serve a single purpose---to remind the Christian of a miraculous birth over 2000 years ago. It is the universality of the story that renders significance and value.
Bathed in candlelight, fragranced by fresh evergreens, and reverberating with the echoes of harp strings, the event is more than a mere display-it is a sensory celebration of the Christmas season.
Our exhibit dates this year are as follows:
Saturday, December 6th from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Sunday, December 7th from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Monday, December 8th from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Tuesday, December 9th from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
On Monday, December 8th at 12:00 noon, our United Methodist Women will be a hosting a holiday luncheon to celebrate our fifth anniversary. All are cordially invited. Reservations for the $10.00 meal should be made by December 3rd by calling our church office at 931-455-5434. As always, admission to the nativity exhibit is free.
As you journey through the exhibit, May you experience a personal pilgrimage to the stable in Bethlehem. Please join us and reverently take your place among shepherds, Wise Men and heavenly hosts, realizing anew the peace that comes from kneeling before a manger which cradles the Christ.
Monday, September 29, 2008
Oktoberfest 2008 Offers Something for Everyone – Historic Germantown to Host the City’s Original and Largest Cultural Festival, Saturday, October 11
Nashville, TN – Nashville’s historic Germantown is gearing up for the 29th Annual Oktoberfest Celebration to take place on Saturday, October 11. The city’s original and longest running cultural festival will again entertain, regale, and delight thousands from around the region with its unique brand of traditional German revelry. This colorful, family friendly, autumn festival attracts over 25,000 guests.
The day will begin at 9:00 a.m. with the opening ceremony and at 9:30 a.m. with services at the two historic sponsoring churches, Assumption Catholic Church and Monroe Street United Methodist Church, The rest of the day is full of fun, food, fellowship, and entertainment. Oktoberfest ends at 6:00 p.m.
For over a quarter century, this original, city wide celebration has been offering authentic German food, crafts, tours, dance, and entertainment. Founded in 1980 by notable Nashvillians such as Davidson County Historian John Connelly and Father Bernard Niedergeses, former pastor of Assumption Church, Oktoberfest began as a way of bringing members of the neighborhood’s Assumption Catholic and Monroe Street United Methodist Churches together for a homecoming of sorts. Today, this festival is one of the few nationwide that can claim an authentic German neighborhood as a venue. Oktoberfest showcases the best of Germantown – it’s past history, present revitalization, and expanding future growth and diversity.
“Oktoberfest will be bigger, better and more exciting than ever,” said Rev. Rosemary Brown, chairperson of the Oktoberfest steering committee and minister of the Monroe Street United Methodist Church, which celebrated its 100th Anniversary in 2006. “I’m thrilled that Oktoberfest offers something for everyone, especially the children. With the kids’ Funland area – along with music, crafts, food, dancing, of historic churches – Oktoberfest is truly a family oriented, family friendly, family fun festival. Plus the Funland area is FREE for all of our little friends.
“And I want to encourage everyone to come at 9:00 a.m. for our joint prayer service and opening ceremony. Then at 9:30 a.m. you’re invited to worship at the Monroe Street United Methodist Church or Assumption Catholic Church, whichever you desire. These services are so meaningful with wonderful music, much of it in German. The worship services set such a positive tone for the entire day.
“Oktoberfest is an exciting and historic time for us,” said Father Michael D’Souza, pastor of Assumption Catholic Church. “It’s exciting because so many diverse people can spend the day enjoying delicious food, fun and friendship. And it’s historic because this celebration allows our former parishioners, neighbors, and young friends a wonderful opportunity to visit the site of their roots, heritage and traditions.”
Oktoberfest is a nonprofit organization. Proceeds go to the continuing historic restoration of Assumption Catholic Church and Monroe United Methodist Church and neighborhood outreach programs.
The day will begin at 9:00 a.m. with the opening ceremony and at 9:30 a.m. with services at the two historic sponsoring churches, Assumption Catholic Church and Monroe Street United Methodist Church, The rest of the day is full of fun, food, fellowship, and entertainment. Oktoberfest ends at 6:00 p.m.
For over a quarter century, this original, city wide celebration has been offering authentic German food, crafts, tours, dance, and entertainment. Founded in 1980 by notable Nashvillians such as Davidson County Historian John Connelly and Father Bernard Niedergeses, former pastor of Assumption Church, Oktoberfest began as a way of bringing members of the neighborhood’s Assumption Catholic and Monroe Street United Methodist Churches together for a homecoming of sorts. Today, this festival is one of the few nationwide that can claim an authentic German neighborhood as a venue. Oktoberfest showcases the best of Germantown – it’s past history, present revitalization, and expanding future growth and diversity.
“Oktoberfest will be bigger, better and more exciting than ever,” said Rev. Rosemary Brown, chairperson of the Oktoberfest steering committee and minister of the Monroe Street United Methodist Church, which celebrated its 100th Anniversary in 2006. “I’m thrilled that Oktoberfest offers something for everyone, especially the children. With the kids’ Funland area – along with music, crafts, food, dancing, of historic churches – Oktoberfest is truly a family oriented, family friendly, family fun festival. Plus the Funland area is FREE for all of our little friends.
“And I want to encourage everyone to come at 9:00 a.m. for our joint prayer service and opening ceremony. Then at 9:30 a.m. you’re invited to worship at the Monroe Street United Methodist Church or Assumption Catholic Church, whichever you desire. These services are so meaningful with wonderful music, much of it in German. The worship services set such a positive tone for the entire day.
“Oktoberfest is an exciting and historic time for us,” said Father Michael D’Souza, pastor of Assumption Catholic Church. “It’s exciting because so many diverse people can spend the day enjoying delicious food, fun and friendship. And it’s historic because this celebration allows our former parishioners, neighbors, and young friends a wonderful opportunity to visit the site of their roots, heritage and traditions.”
Oktoberfest is a nonprofit organization. Proceeds go to the continuing historic restoration of Assumption Catholic Church and Monroe United Methodist Church and neighborhood outreach programs.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Liberty United Methodist Church & Liberty Hill/Liberty Downs Historical Event, October 5, 2008
2008 marks the 200th anniversary of the Liberty Hill Conference and of Liberty United Methodist Church
200+ Year Liberty Church Memorial Service
11:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m., October 5, 2008
Liberty United Methodist Church
9587 Liberty Church Road,
Brentwood, TN 37027
(615) 373-4117
http://www.libertymethodist.com/
Liberty Hill Shrine 200 Year Ceremony
12:30 p.m. -3:30 p.m., October 5, 2008
Liberty Hill Vineyard-Liberty Hill Shrine
http://www.libertyhillvineyard.com/
the residence of Fred and Carol Mindermann in Liberty Downs Subdivision http://www.libertydowns.com/
9401 Glen Ridge Drive
Brentwood, TN 37027
And here is the history being celebrated:
Liberty United Methodist Church Congregation planting Oak Tree Spring 2008
In 1786, Mr. Green Hill acquired land which is the current Liberty Downs Subdivision in Brentwood, TN through Revolutionary War land grants he was awarded and that he purchased from another soldier (Randolph Humphries). The Revolutionary Veterans were paid land grants versus cash after their service in the American Revolutionary War. He moved his family from Louisburg, North Carolina in 1799 and named his new home “Liberty Hill” after his home in North Carolina. His family had to stay in the safety of Fort Nashboro (Nashville) until his home was completed.
Easter Sunrise Service at Liberty Hill
Early in his life, he dedicated himself to two causes: Colonial independence and Methodism. He served in the North Carolina Militia as a Major then later as an Army chaplain. He is credited while serving as the State Treasurer of the Halifax District in NC for saving the state treasury from the advancing British Army led by Cornwallis. As a lay preacher, Green Hill was instrumental in the spread of Methodism in North Carolina and Tennessee. His home Liberty Hill in Louisburg, NC was the scene of the first Annual Conference of the Methodist Church in America in 1785.
Green Hill brought the Methodist Church to Middle Tennessee and held the first services in his Liberty Hill log home in 1799. At that time the Methodist-Episcopal Church was an American Revolutionary version of John Wesley’s English church but since the Americans wanted little to nothing to do with England it was based on American ideals of liberty and spirit for freedom resting on the foundation of the Holy Bible. That's why it’s also called Liberty Hill.
In 1807 the Liberty Methodist-Episcopal Church was officially created and most services were held on Liberty Hill. According to the property deed on record, August 18, 1837, one acre was donated by Mr. John Hamer to the church trustees (Primm, Fly, Hamer, Brown) by the waters of Millcreek (the current Bonbrook neighborhood on Liberty Church Road off Concord Road) for the sole purpose of erecting a place of worship.
Liberty Hill Log Home made from local logs dating back to 1829
After 200 years Liberty Church is still holding weekly Sunday services at 11 a.m., performing community outreach programs like the Scouting Teen Venture Crew (Liberty Crew 9 http://www.crew9.com/ ) and children’s ministry. There is live music and worship every week with pot luck once a month following service and communion the first Sunday of each month. Visitors are always welcome to this historic living worship site that is filled with the Holy Spirit every day. Recently an outdoor meditation area was created by a member Boy Scout for his Eagle Project and is open anytime for anyone to find a peaceful place to reflect. Another Liberty Crew 9 Scout is currently doing a historical video documentary on the Liberty which should be completed fall 2008.
One of the brightest hours of the Liberty Church was in October 1808 when Green Hill and the Liberty Church entertained the ninth session of the Western Conference of the Methodist Church right in Liberty Downs. A week long Camp Vigil was held with prayer meetings, revivals and people accepting Jesus Christ. It was called "The Awakening." People were said to be filled with the Holy Spirit dancing and singing in joy. This conference was presided over by Bishops McKendree and Asbury and was the first annual conference held west of the Alleghenies.
Early Methodist Itinerant preacher Lorenzo Dow mentioned in his journal attending the Liberty Church in 1804 on his way from Ohio to Natchez, Mississippi. He said:
“Camp meeting commenced at Liberty Hill; here I saw people filled with the Holy Spirit. Some danced and jerked; a strange exercise indeed; however, it is involuntary, yet requires consent of the will, i.e. the people are taken jerking irresistibly, and if they strive to resist it, it worries them much, yet is attended with no bodily pain, and those who are exercised to dance, (which in the pious seems an antidote to the jerks) if they resist, it brings sadness and baroness over the mind; but when they yield to it they feel happy. Although it is a great cross; there is a heavenly smile and solemnity on the countenance, which carries a great conviction to the minds of beholders; their eyes when dancing seem to be fixed upwards as if upon an invisible object, and they are lost to all below."
Green Hill, his family and others are buried in a family cemetery on Liberty Hill and on June 25, 1960, it was given by Green Hill’s 58 descendents to the Tennessee Conference of the Methodist Church and was accepted as a Methodist Shrine. The Mindermann Family, currently living on the property, maintains the shrine-cemetery. Their log home made from local logs dating back to 1829 rests next to the shrine. The Mindermann family and Liberty Church hold annual Easter Sunrise Services with worship and music including a bag pipe player & ministry.
To honor this 200 Year Event, Liberty United Methodist Church, Liberty Downs Subdivision and the Mindermann Family will host a day of celebration starting with a one hour service at Liberty United Methodist Church -- 9587 Liberty Church Road, Brentwood, TN 37027; phone (615) 373-4117; web-site http://www.libertymethodist.com/. The service will be held at 11:00 a.m. October 5th.
Then a memorial ceremony will start at 12:30 on Liberty Hill Vineyard-Shrine Cemetery http://www.libertyhillvineyard.com/ the residence of Fred and Carol Mindermann in Liberty Downs, 9401 Glen Ridge Drive, Brentwood, TN 37027.
Food, speakers, cemetery tours, music and activities will be done. Dignitaries from the military, scouts, churches, local government and others will be invited. We have and are looking for donations for food, tents, tables, music, logistics etc so if you want to help please contact Fred Mindermann, fred@mindermann.org for more information or his cell 615-300-7723. All are welcome.
200+ Year Liberty Church Memorial Service
11:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m., October 5, 2008
Liberty United Methodist Church
9587 Liberty Church Road,
Brentwood, TN 37027
(615) 373-4117
http://www.libertymethodist.com/
Liberty Hill Shrine 200 Year Ceremony
12:30 p.m. -3:30 p.m., October 5, 2008
Liberty Hill Vineyard-Liberty Hill Shrine
http://www.libertyhillvineyard.com/
the residence of Fred and Carol Mindermann in Liberty Downs Subdivision http://www.libertydowns.com/
9401 Glen Ridge Drive
Brentwood, TN 37027
And here is the history being celebrated:
Liberty United Methodist Church Congregation planting Oak Tree Spring 2008In 1786, Mr. Green Hill acquired land which is the current Liberty Downs Subdivision in Brentwood, TN through Revolutionary War land grants he was awarded and that he purchased from another soldier (Randolph Humphries). The Revolutionary Veterans were paid land grants versus cash after their service in the American Revolutionary War. He moved his family from Louisburg, North Carolina in 1799 and named his new home “Liberty Hill” after his home in North Carolina. His family had to stay in the safety of Fort Nashboro (Nashville) until his home was completed.
Easter Sunrise Service at Liberty HillEarly in his life, he dedicated himself to two causes: Colonial independence and Methodism. He served in the North Carolina Militia as a Major then later as an Army chaplain. He is credited while serving as the State Treasurer of the Halifax District in NC for saving the state treasury from the advancing British Army led by Cornwallis. As a lay preacher, Green Hill was instrumental in the spread of Methodism in North Carolina and Tennessee. His home Liberty Hill in Louisburg, NC was the scene of the first Annual Conference of the Methodist Church in America in 1785.
Green Hill brought the Methodist Church to Middle Tennessee and held the first services in his Liberty Hill log home in 1799. At that time the Methodist-Episcopal Church was an American Revolutionary version of John Wesley’s English church but since the Americans wanted little to nothing to do with England it was based on American ideals of liberty and spirit for freedom resting on the foundation of the Holy Bible. That's why it’s also called Liberty Hill.
In 1807 the Liberty Methodist-Episcopal Church was officially created and most services were held on Liberty Hill. According to the property deed on record, August 18, 1837, one acre was donated by Mr. John Hamer to the church trustees (Primm, Fly, Hamer, Brown) by the waters of Millcreek (the current Bonbrook neighborhood on Liberty Church Road off Concord Road) for the sole purpose of erecting a place of worship.
Liberty Hill Log Home made from local logs dating back to 1829After 200 years Liberty Church is still holding weekly Sunday services at 11 a.m., performing community outreach programs like the Scouting Teen Venture Crew (Liberty Crew 9 http://www.crew9.com/ ) and children’s ministry. There is live music and worship every week with pot luck once a month following service and communion the first Sunday of each month. Visitors are always welcome to this historic living worship site that is filled with the Holy Spirit every day. Recently an outdoor meditation area was created by a member Boy Scout for his Eagle Project and is open anytime for anyone to find a peaceful place to reflect. Another Liberty Crew 9 Scout is currently doing a historical video documentary on the Liberty which should be completed fall 2008.
One of the brightest hours of the Liberty Church was in October 1808 when Green Hill and the Liberty Church entertained the ninth session of the Western Conference of the Methodist Church right in Liberty Downs. A week long Camp Vigil was held with prayer meetings, revivals and people accepting Jesus Christ. It was called "The Awakening." People were said to be filled with the Holy Spirit dancing and singing in joy. This conference was presided over by Bishops McKendree and Asbury and was the first annual conference held west of the Alleghenies.
Early Methodist Itinerant preacher Lorenzo Dow mentioned in his journal attending the Liberty Church in 1804 on his way from Ohio to Natchez, Mississippi. He said:
“Camp meeting commenced at Liberty Hill; here I saw people filled with the Holy Spirit. Some danced and jerked; a strange exercise indeed; however, it is involuntary, yet requires consent of the will, i.e. the people are taken jerking irresistibly, and if they strive to resist it, it worries them much, yet is attended with no bodily pain, and those who are exercised to dance, (which in the pious seems an antidote to the jerks) if they resist, it brings sadness and baroness over the mind; but when they yield to it they feel happy. Although it is a great cross; there is a heavenly smile and solemnity on the countenance, which carries a great conviction to the minds of beholders; their eyes when dancing seem to be fixed upwards as if upon an invisible object, and they are lost to all below."
Green Hill, his family and others are buried in a family cemetery on Liberty Hill and on June 25, 1960, it was given by Green Hill’s 58 descendents to the Tennessee Conference of the Methodist Church and was accepted as a Methodist Shrine. The Mindermann Family, currently living on the property, maintains the shrine-cemetery. Their log home made from local logs dating back to 1829 rests next to the shrine. The Mindermann family and Liberty Church hold annual Easter Sunrise Services with worship and music including a bag pipe player & ministry.
To honor this 200 Year Event, Liberty United Methodist Church, Liberty Downs Subdivision and the Mindermann Family will host a day of celebration starting with a one hour service at Liberty United Methodist Church -- 9587 Liberty Church Road, Brentwood, TN 37027; phone (615) 373-4117; web-site http://www.libertymethodist.com/. The service will be held at 11:00 a.m. October 5th.
Then a memorial ceremony will start at 12:30 on Liberty Hill Vineyard-Shrine Cemetery http://www.libertyhillvineyard.com/ the residence of Fred and Carol Mindermann in Liberty Downs, 9401 Glen Ridge Drive, Brentwood, TN 37027.
Food, speakers, cemetery tours, music and activities will be done. Dignitaries from the military, scouts, churches, local government and others will be invited. We have and are looking for donations for food, tents, tables, music, logistics etc so if you want to help please contact Fred Mindermann, fred@mindermann.org for more information or his cell 615-300-7723. All are welcome.
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