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Persons Old Church (Methodist) celebrated the church’s 184th year on the third Sunday in September at the Drewryville site. 

Persons is on the Boykins Charge, Living Waters District, with sister churches Branchville United Methodist Church and Boykins United Methodist Church.

Persons Church officials noted in a news release commemorating the 184th anniversary that “travelers from the Carolinas and Virginia came to celebrate and pay tribute to those before us.” 

Persons Church dates back to the days of the circuit riders when the ministers rode by horseback to deliver the sermon before heading to their next church. 

Mark Person, Melissa Butler, Brad Painter and David Cifers arrived early Sept. 18 to set the welcome tables and canopies in preparation for the noon picnic on the church grounds. Keith Jordan delivered the sermon, and pianist Milton Overby shared his talents as he played for the congregants at the 9:45 a.m. service. Linda Beatty and Overby provided a wonderful rendition of “The Church in the Wildwood” to a well-attended crowd.

As tradition would have it, many arrived in time for lunch at noon and brought their favorite dishes, which included many homemade recipes passed down from generations.

Several visited the cemetery to pay tribute to their ancestors and former friends. Flowers were in bloom, and the bright sun made for a welcoming visit.

Before heading home several met back in the little country church to share the stories of the past and listen to the talented Jean Drewry play favorite hymns in a singalong.

Everyone was glad to be reunited again and looked forward to coming back next year.