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On Sunday, August 25, 2024, Historic Williams Chapel Methodist Church on the Tennille Road near Brundidge hosted a special homecoming event.

Every church homecoming is special. However, Williams Chapel’s Homecoming 2024 was even more special in that it celebrated the 200th year of its rich history and the enduring legacy of the church.

Williams Chapel members and visitors came to celebrate the legacy of the chapel that has served the Brundidge/Tennille community for two centuries in fellowship with the Lord.

And, they came in Christian love for those who have gone before and those who are the body of historic Williams Chapel.

Lawrence Bowden is a fourth-generation descendant of the church founder Jonathan Williams, who, at age 15, enlisted in the American Revolution.  In 1824, Williams married and moved his family to Pike County. That same year, a Methodist circuit rider organized a church at the home of Jonathan William’s son and his wife, Simeon and Elisha.

Williams Chapel Pastor Wesley McCormick’s shared what it means for a church to celebrate 200 years of caring service to the community through Christ.

The 200th Year Celebration included special music by Lenny Trawick and his daughter Amanda, a display of historical photos, letters and other memorabilia and the opening of the Williams Chapel 1959 time-capsule.

Fancy hats and overalls added a touch of yesteryear to the Williams Chapel Homecoming. The opening the chapels’1959 time capsule was an opportunity to look back with fondness to yesteryear. Polly Graham said the 200th Homecoming had been a wonderful experience

Covington County Circuit Judge Ben Bowden, a fifth- generation descendant of Jonathan Williams, and his wife Angie, joined his dad, Lawrence, and sisters. Laura and Katie Ross, who are also fifth generation descendants of the church founder.

Polly Graham said celebration was a great reunion of many people and a happy day for all who came. “It is a bitter sweetness to know that most of us there will not see another milestone at this church.”