The Methodists of Simms realized the fruition of their fondest hopes yesterday when the beautiful new church which they have made many sacrifices to build was dedicated.
The services were very impressive, the music being especially fine. In the choir were a number from Wilson which included Mrs. C.L. Coon and her sister, Miss Elsie Sparger of Mt. Airy, now a teacher in Smithfield, and the Misses Clee Winstead and Gladys Foust, who accompanied Miss Zell Winstead on the piano with their violins.
Rev. J. Herbert Miller, pastor of the church, who has labored so faithfully and earnestly in his efforts to erect a church at Simms, made the introductory remarks, which preceded a very eloquent sermon from Presiding Elder Rev. N.H.D. Wilson, who took as his subject the Church of God.
Mr. Miller said announcing that he would conduct a series of meetings to last a week beginning tonight, said in part regarding the erection of the church, “I am sure this is a very happy occasion for the people of Simms and the members of this church, for it fills our hearts with joy and happiness for it has brought us to the realization of our dreams.”
With many it was not merely a dream, but a reality which they determined to fulfill. There were some who felt that it was too great an undertaking during the recent period of depression, but all manfully put their shoulders to the task, and we have accomplished much in a short space of time. Mr. Miller thanked the friends outside of the church for their assistance. At the close of Mr. Miller’s remarks, the church was received by Rev. Mr. Wilson from the trustees. The church property complete cost around $5,000 and was quite an undertaking for a small community. It is the only church house located in Simms.
The sermon of Presiding Elder Wilson of the Washington District was a fine exposition of the church and what it meant. His text was from First Timothy, 3d chap. and 15th verse, “But if I tarry long, that thou mayst know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the House of god, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.”
The speaker said that he was going to give himself considerable latitude in his explanation of the word ‘church’ and the various relations it held to the member and the world, and the way it should be considered as a sacred place for the worship of the Almighty God.
Some speak of the church, meaning the building, some refer to it as a body of members, others think of it as the church universal; the Saviour referred to it as His bride, the Lamb’s wife.
The word is derived from the Greek “Ecclesia,” which means those whom God has called out from other folks to be his peculiar people, that they may exert and influence others and be a shining example of His work here on earth.
Mr. Wilson then discussed most interestingly the various phases of the church as outlined above. He said there was danger, while contemplating the fact that the church is composed of God’s chosen people, to feel that religion is strictly for their own benefit and for them alone.
The Jews felt this way about it and entertained the opinion that they could go off in idolatry, and disobey God’s commands, thinking they would not have to atone for their sins. But we know that they were made to suffer for their misdeeds. From time immemorial God has not been without a witness, that men might know that He is God, their Maker and Creator, and that He has the right to command and demand our love, homage and praise. With the coming of Christ, we are made to know and to feel that salvation is offered to all people regardless of nationality or race, for God has condescended to reach down to men of low estate. In order to focus our minds on Him, he has set aside his church, with all the import of its sacredness, as was the temple in Jerusalem, that we may know this house is sacred, for it is God’s house, and should never be defiled in word or act.
But every day should be a holy day unto the Lord, in that men should not only be religious on Sunday but every day in the week and everything they do should be as unto the Lord. The farmer, merchant, housewife, and everyone should carry their religion into their work, that ultimately the whole lump may be leavened with the saving grace of His religion, that the world may grow better and all may be followers of the Christ.
So then we come to the responsibility of the church, as a leader among men, and the speaker dwelt at length upon the responsibility resting upon each and every member of church, to act and walk in such a way that others may be directed to have confidence in the Church of God as the great light which is set upon a hill leading onward and upward to God.
Therefore, we want this church to be a monument to God. A place which you have erected in which to worship him. A place for the gathering of the people, that they may in all sacredness and true holiness worship Him.
Mr. Wilson said that he did not mean that the people could not gather in the church house for other than religious worship. But whatever was done in this house should be in His name, with true reverence for the place, ever remembering it is God’s house, and that He would not hold blameless those who desecrated His edifice.
People love to come together socially, and the church should be the center of the community. This is the place to study the word of God, to learn of His message to man. He prayed that the minds of the little ones and the young people and those of more mature age might be turned to God within the walls of this edifice, that their lives may grow into a fuller and richer experience, for the uplift and helpfulness of others and the glory of God. Oh, that like Isaiah in the temple, the spirit of God may fill this house, and that this may be the trysting place of those who really and truly seek after Him.
Some may ask, why is it that the kingdom of God comes so slowly, why is there not a greater religious revival among the people? The answer is that the people are slow to realize and appreciate the great blessings bestowed both naturally and spiritually by our Heavenly Father. What a power the church could be if it but awakened to the possibilities and responsibilities of the hour. The Lord always shows His face to those who truly seek after Him and blesses them abundantly. May you seek to know Him and call upon His name that each and every member may feel the presence of His spirit.
One of the subjects to which he referred was the relation of the Methodist church to other churches. He said that since there were conflicting views and opinions on almost every subject, that it was quite natural to find people holding different religious beliefs, but that should not cause a rivalry among the various denominations, but the realization that there was one God, and one Saviour, and the purpose of all the churches was to direct the minds of men to Him that they might find everlasting life.
We have attempted to touch upon the prominent features of a most excellent dedicatory sermon, which was delivered in its conception, and eloquent in its delivery, and yet so simple that all could understand, covering the subject fully and in such a way as to greatly impress those who heard him.
From the front page of The Daily Times, Wilson, N.C., Oct. 31, 1921. Although the town and church were spelled "Simms" throughout the newspaper article, both are spelled "Sims" today. The photo was taken inside the current Sims UMC, as shown on the church's website at simsunc.org.
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