United Methodist Men
In the early 1950's there was not an organized United Methodist Men in Mills River. The Methodist Church men volunteered within the community working on projects within the community and church addressing many needs. Several members of the church including Luke Hill, Walt Bryson, Bob Cathey, James Dixon, and Bob Clement who belonged to the Mills River Lions Club.
The Methodist Church was growing and clearly needed a place for activities and fellowship. This core of men began having meetings at the Mills River Community building. They held barbecue chicken suppers and ice cream socials to raise money for the old MRUMC Fellowship Hall. By the early 1960's Mills River had grown even more and great leadership at the Methodist Church focused even more on a Fellowship Hall.
The dedicated "Methodist Men" (as they came to be called) diligently kept up the pace of activity. Monthly suppers raised funds and strong hands contributed labor and skills and the first Fellowship Hall was built.
The Methodist Men continued to provide solid fund raising activities that are now part of the history of Mills River Methodist Church. Names have become synonymous with unique ideas and talents - Paul Meadows joined the Men and grew potatoes and sweet corn, Tom Dalton became a legend with his molasses mill, apple cider was the fall favorite with Walt and Lee Bryson and Jay Evans heading up work crews. Joe Lee Heffner was always among the workers. Jack Combs grew cane that was stripped and hauled to the mill by dozens of Methodist Men.
The community has received a tremendous benefit from the Methodist Men's Helping Hand Fund. Ministers Abe Cox and Bob Roach contributed enthusiastically to the 'poor man's suppers' that featured local wild ramps and pinto beans and corn bread. The Men expanded their efforts and began to run a very successful Christmas Tree lot in 'downtown' Mills River at the parking lot of the Restaurant.
A highlight of the Methodist Men’s yearly activities has always been the Christmas Dinner that honors widows and widowers from the Church. Entertainment and fellowship are a key part of this event that brings the men and their wives to celebrate the joy of this special season. The Wild Game Dinner and Auction is a highly anticipated annual event which raises funds for mission trips.
A long list of many faithful Methodist Men have shaped the legacy of Mills River Methodist Church. These men are strong role models and dedicated Christian men who have paved the way for the next generation at Mills River Methodist Church. The future is woven with the past as these men have created Scholarships for college, Camp Tekoa children's scholarships, White Christmas for needy families, an ongoing mowing project in the historic cemetery, wood for needy families - wherever there is a need, the Mills River United Methodist Men respond.
