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Hoosier United Methodist News Archives
| Hoosier United Methodist News |
September 2001 |
Oriole
UMC:
Small group watches over the nest
By Matthew Oates
Hoosier UM News Correspondent
- Oriole UMC, Evansville District
- Pastor: The Rev. Bill Reid
- Members: 10
- Average Attendance: 7
- Location: A few blocks west of State Road 66
ORIOLE, Ind. - If time could stop, it might have done so in Oriole.
It used to be a bustling community. There were stores, a post office, a grade school and a high school. But starting in the late 1960s, the residents started to leave, taking all of the services.
The town still remains, however, complete with a few houses, a small business (antique store, we believe) and, of course, Oriole UMC.
The houses are well kept, the roads paved. The green and white Indiana Department of Transportation-issued sign mildly proclaims "Oriole" on either side of town.
But the Oriole church is definitely a country church. It sits royally on top of a hill off a country road, framed by woods. It has a gravel driveway that forms a huge turnaround. Across the street is the old grade school, abandoned but yet basking in the glow of the church.
The church was organized in 1882. The building has electricity but no water, which means the church doesn't have restrooms. But they do have white clapboard (wood, of course . not vinyl) and the rippling windows (really old glass) that have withstood the test of time. It's a quaint church tucked away, but on a firm foundation.
The foundation is exposed rock pillars. The rock could have come from nearby fields or, from Oriole UMC's own backyard. And it's not moving anywhere, much like the existing members.
Two wood-burning stoves are on opposite sides of the building and provide additional warmth for believers during the mild Southern Indiana winters. A hand-painted sign saying "Oriole Methodist Church" hangs over the lone entrance. Above that is a single light fixture. Inside, the one-step platform supports an altar area overlooking the one-room sanctuary.
They're a small bunch (10), and they have about a 70 percent attendance rate. They meet on the first and third Sundays of the month. On the second and fourth Sundays, members can go to Branchville UMC for services, but they always return to the nest on the other Sundays. And there's no excuse for the members to oversleep: the service is at 6 p.m.
"Six seems to be the best time," comments the Rev. Bill Reid.
Reid is celebrating his 11th year serving the church, which is on a three-point charge (Branchville and Collins Chapel-Troy complete the circuit). The church is comprised of a few families that have been long-time residents and work extra hard to keep the church going. "They are faithful in supplying the needs of the community," says Reid.
The church was used frequently in the past for various civic events. "They held the graduation ceremony for the high school in the church."
Don't let their size fool you. Between the traditional service at a non-traditional time, the church does some outreach projects. They participate with neighboring churches in a fall revival. They support missionaries in Russia. With a tinge of pride in his voice, Reid says, "We're meeting all our obligations."
Last updated on 01/14/2004