The Rich History of Lithia Springs Methodist Church
The history of Lithia Springs Methodist Church is deeply woven into the fabric of the community, tracing its roots back to the mid-19th century. It all began in 1845, when Israel Causey, a pioneering settler in the area, established a non-denominational church near the intersection of Maxham Road and Old Alabama Road. This early congregation attracted a diverse membership, becoming a spiritual center for the surrounding community.
After Israel Causey’s death in 1880, the once-unified congregation splintered into various theological factions. Despite the division, a group of dedicated individuals, including some of Causey’s descendants, remained committed to their faith. This group laid the foundation for what would become the Salt Springs Methodist Episcopal Church, South, in 1885. This church, later renamed Lithia Springs United Methodist Church, has been a steadfast presence in the community for over a century.
The original sanctuary, constructed in 1885, was a humble one-room building that served dual purposes as both a place of worship and a schoolhouse for the local children. This building reflected the simplicity and resourcefulness of the early congregation. However, in 1887, a powerful cyclone devastated the original sanctuary, destroying important records and leaving the congregation without a place to worship. Undeterred by this setback, the members of the church came together to rebuild. The second sanctuary, which stood on the same plot of land, was more robust, featuring a potbellied stove for warmth and kerosene lamps for lighting until electricity was introduced.
Over the years, the church continued to grow and adapt to the needs of its congregation. By 1979, the second sanctuary, which had served the community for nearly a century, was replaced with the current sanctuary to accommodate a growing congregation and provide a more modern space for worship. The construction of this sanctuary was a monumental effort, reflecting the hard work, patience, and dedication of every member of the church. The majestic 18-foot cross that now serves as the focal point of the altar was crafted from timber salvaged from the second sanctuary, symbolizing the continuity of faith and tradition that has defined the church’s history.
The previous building prior to the construction of the new sanctuary in 1979.
The church’s history is also marked by its connection to other Methodist congregations in the area. The splintering of the original Causey-led congregation led to the establishment of several other churches, including Mt. Olive Church (now First United Methodist Church in Austell, Georgia) and Trinity Methodist Episcopal Church, South (now Trinity United Methodist Church in Austell, Georgia). These churches share a common heritage, rooted in the same pioneering spirit and commitment to faith.
Throughout its history, Lithia Springs Methodist Church has not only been a place of worship but also a community hub. The church has witnessed and adapted to many changes, including the construction of five different parsonages over the years to serve the needs of its pastors and their families. Each parsonage, like the sanctuaries, represents a chapter in the church’s long and storied history.
Today, Lithia Springs Methodist Church continues to honor its rich heritage while looking forward to the future. The congregation remains committed to the values that have guided the church for more than a century—faith, community, and service. As the church moves forward, it does so with a deep sense of gratitude for its past and a hopeful vision for the generations to come.
A more thorough compilation of this history can be downloaded in PDF format here.