John B. Joy sr with son, Winbon Reverend Ulyssees S. A. Heavener James T Marsh and wife Sarah George B. Lusby and his dog, Prince Sarah Lusby, our first organist History Of Olivet Church For over 124 years there has been a Methodist Church in the Olivet neighborhood! But before there was a church here, the Methodist Episcopal people either attended Old St. John's church or they rowed over to Dowell for services held in the home of Delilah and George Lusby. In 1884 the Olivet Chapel was built under the pastorate of Rev. J. F.F. Gray. George Lusby, John B. Joy, William Hill, their children, brothers and the Dodson were foremost workers in the erection of this Chapel . Some years later, it was enlarged six feet in length and six feet in width. Reverend A. J. Gill was preacher when the Chapel was dedicated free of debt in May 1885. The community grew so that for a long while, the need of a new and more up to date Church was sorely felt. In May 1905, the cheerful helpers was organized and year by year they gathered approximately $100 per year until 1912, plans for a new church were made. The building committee consisted of the pastor, Reverend Ulyssees S. A. Heavener who drew the plans; Luther Joy, Joseph B. Joy, and J. E. Lusby who donated the land. Lyons & Gibson were the contractors and the new Church was begun in June 1912 and finished in September of that year. On October 13, 1912 the dedication was held with Bishop Cranston preacher. Clara Dixon and Loch Humphries were baptized at this joyous occasion. The building with furnishings cost $3,300. The ladies of the church helped out with their chickens by setting aside a separate amount of eggs each day, selling them and giving the money to the church on Sundays. Miss Dora Wheelers gave the three pulpit chairs, and the two flags, the bible was given by Mr. Watt Dixon's family, the bible marker was given by Wallace Lusby in memory of his mother and the picture, "The Head of Christ" was given by Doris Thomas. Here is a piece of the original carpet of the Church which is now covering one of Aunt Stella's doorsteps. By the way, it used to be Aunt Stellas' chose to bring the coal in for the furnace each Sunday and to clean the oil lamps. The old Church which had been badly damaged by a storm was torn down and rebuilt into a Hall for social purposes in 1913. A few years ago, it was torn down and a bigger more modern hall was built on the land donated by Mr. Webster Dixon. The first Superintendent of the Church school was Joseph E. Joy who served until poor health forced his resignation. Children's Division Superintendents have been Miss Sarah Lusby, Mrs Delma Thomas and Mrs. Nellie Baki. Mr. Winbon Joy has served as Church School Secretary since the Church was built. The Olivet Youth in 1957 Clara Dixon James Dodson, Eddie Langford, Bill Hellerick, and Frank Thomas