Mutual Rights Methodist Church
by Rev. James T. Dunnam
The Mutual Rights Congregational Church was established in 1853, making it, probably, the oldest church in the county. The early history reveals that two men, Sam Breland and John Smith, came with their axes and began to cut timber and hew out logs to build a church, complete with a stick and mud chimney. Doubtless, there were others who helped; but, these men seemed to get it started.
The church began as a Methodist Protestant Church and was first known as the Smith Meeting House. The Methodist Protestant Denomination had its beginnings in Alabama. Some members of the Methodist Episcopal Church South resisted the providing of Ministers by the denomination and insisted on "Mutual Rights", which gave laymen and ministers equal footing in the church. The Mutual Rights Church, for a short time after the Civil War, returned to the ME South fold. However, in 1871, it returned to the MP tradition. During the early years, Rev. Ebenezer McCants Dunnam served as pastor. Many Methodist Protestant Churches have become Congregational Methodist Churches, in recent years.
The Mutual Rights Methodist Church is now without a regular pastor, but are seeking one. During this interim time, they are using various pastors to fill in. Odis Lee Dunnam is their Church Leader. Glenn Pulliam is Sunday School Superintendent.
Services are: Sunday School at 10 a.m., Worship 11 a.m., with evening services at 5 p.m. They have about 50 members, with attendance of 45 each week. The 4th Sunday in October they will observe Homecoming Day.
A recent church project, that serves all of the community, is a nice large Pavilion, that was constructed by the members of the church, and dedicated to Coy Pulliam, a long time member.
Visitors are always welcome at Mutual Rights Methodist Church. It is located on Highway 63, north of Avera Community.