Church History
 
History of Redan United Methodist Church -
Mrs. Marion (mama) Keys, Historian.
Redan, Georgia had its beginning when K. F. McCarter donated a right
-of- way of 500 acres for the Georgia Railroad. When the railroad was completed in 1845, the town was known as McCarter's Station.
A house could not be seen anywhere. Just across from the railroad was a water well, a tank for thirsty locomotives, a woodshed, and a saw to provide wood for the passing trains. Mr. McCarter and his son operated these. This was located at the spot where Wellborn meets Stone Mountain-Lithonia Road.
The power to operate the saw was generated by a horse and rolling incline. In the distance were a church and a schoolhouse, which were built on land donated by Mr. McCarter. The church was called Woodville Baptist and the town was then known as Woodville.
Then along came J. P. Johnson, who built the first store and residence in the town. J. M. Floyd later built a store. He and Mr. Johnson sold fertilizer, farm supplies, cotton and seed. They both did a large volume of business for such a small place.
In 1965, the town began to grow and the name was changed to Redan, when the first Post Office was established. Redan was named after Mr. Reed Alford, a store operator who was one of the early settlers. His wife's name was Annie, so they coined the name Redan from Reed and Annie. Some of the roads were also named after the early settlers. Among them were Phillips, Wellborn, Rice, Holt, Alford, Marbut, Summer and Giles.
Later, the Georgia Railroad put up a depot and a telegraph office in the town of Redan. This helped the town to become a booming cotton market. A cotton gin was located just above the church lake.
Redan United Methodist Church, was built in 1895 from lumber donated by members and friends. It was cut at the local sawmill, and the Church pews were made from the same wood. One of the original pews still remains in the back of the choir room.
Classrooms were added in 1926, and a parsonage was built next to the church in 1940. Additional classrooms were added to the church in 1960. A new parsonage was built in 1965. In 1985, the property next to the church on the west side was purchased. This property included the lake. The Weatherly Family Life Center was built in 1988. It was named for long-time members, Mr. and Mrs. D. M. Weatherly.
Additional parking space was also added.
In the early 1990's, the church sign was donated in memory of Donna Keys, and the back porch was donated in memory of W. H. Suder.
Church members built a pavilion and barbecue pit by the lake in 1994.
On September 13, 1894, Redan United Methodist Church was founded, and began with 65 Charter Members.
From 1894 to 2005, Redan U. M. C. has been blessed with 58 pastors.
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