Imagine a birthday celebration that lasts a month.
First United Methodist Church of Greenwood will do just that during September.
"The celebration honors our 160th year of congregation at the church," said Newby Cook, program director.
The church has quite a bit to honor, said Sandra Perry, co-historian for the church and a member since 1962.
The church was built in 1898 and completed in 1899. Some of the same bricks remain.
"We are the only church in the area that is using its original sanctuary," said Perry.
In 1999, the members celebrated the 100th year of the building's opening. They observed the milestone by opening up their cornerstone, Perry said.
It was interesting to see what was tucked away a century later, she said. Inside, was a rich history of the church including a list of all church members, gold coins, a small Bible and old newspaper clippings, she said.
Perry said the church has been renovated during the past several years. In 1990, the Russell Annex was added. It houses the fellowship hall, church parlor and kitchen.
"Only three years ago, we built our church playground," said Perry. The church will host open house all month as part of its celebration. There will be several workshops focusing on promoting good health.
Doctors, nurses, therapists, chaplains and preachers will be providing information to help people become more healthy physically, mentally and spiritually, said Cook.
For public viewing, there will be scrapbooks of the church's events recorded since the 1970s on display in the parlor along with wedding pictures spanning the 1900s.
The public is invited to attend all events.
