Old South United Methodist Church, Reading, MA

Old South United Methodist Church, Reading, MA

Pillars & Foundations documents an exploration of communities, as well as faith through religious institutions. My intent is to share experiences, and spread the positivity that I observe. The hope is to provide a window into these organizations allowing those who might not other wise venture in to appreciate these thoughtful, often intimate groups in our midst. Faith centers embody a drive to make a difference which they deliver upon, regardless if it is with one person looking for hope & community, or a recipient of their expansive charitable work.

Building & History

Old South United Methodist Church sits in the Common Historic District of Reading on the corner of Main and Salem St. It is one of the most distinctive buildings in the town, and a sign inside the foyer states that it was constructed in 1817. The National Register of Historic places, which the church is listed with, describes the building as a Federal style meeting house. It was redesigned in 1913 by architect Winthrop Parker. I tried finding more information about this architect with little luck, however the "Parker" surname was popular in Massachusetts during that period, making me wonder if there perhaps was a family operation. Another item I was able to track down with relative ease on the amazing internet, is a write up on the organ, which I had the pleasure of hearing played. The organ at Old South was built by John D. Brennan of Reading in 1913, leading one to believe it was added with the renovation. It was rebuilt twice more by Skinner & Son in 1936, and by Kinzey-Augerstein in 1977. For organ aficionados I have included the link to the organ forum where I located this information.

The classic looking church, which includes some additions currently used as function space as well as a home for the foodbank, is flanked on the left and rear by Laurel Hill Cemetery. The Cemetery, like Old South Methodist is on the National Historic Register, and dates to 1737.

The Congregation

The service was well attended, and the chatter and sense of purpose in the historic chamber represented a busy congregation. The organization announces that it is open for all, believers and those that are unsure, and it expresses advocacy for the LGBTQ community as a reconciling congregation, and through its actions. An appreciation for the arts is clear, as they are highly focused on music, having the Old South UMC Band playing in the service I attended, in addition to a choir, bell choir, and the beautiful organ. The church webpage mentions that there is a Reading Community Singers group that rehearses there, and the facebook page indicates that they occasionally engage in movie nights as well. The sign below drawn by the children of the church, not only expresses the values of the congregation, but also speaks to the strong value of family it seems to embody.

The Service

The opening hymn was Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee, which is an invigorating way to begin, and is very engrained in western culture making it familiar to many. 

The service for the nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost was a special children's service. Where typically the children go to Sunday school, they stayed through the duration of this service and were active participants. The children's choir sang a R&B style Christian hymn with the chorus line "No Matter What Comes My Way," complete with and gestures. I believe the song is "My Life is in Your Hands," by Kirk Franklin. Psalm 150 was adapted so the congregation children could all participate with musical instruments. The sermon itself titled "Message for All Ages," engaged the congregation especially the children with a message that we've been given tools to do good, and make a difference. Pastors Jamie and Carol were terrific in describing the lesson to the children in a manner that they could relate to. Something as simple as noting that people sign praise with different voices, our different gifts, connects with a child as they relate it to their own life and understand our diversity. One little girl when hearing the description of high voices and low voices exclaimed, "my Dad has a low voice!" One child also helped the pastors with a reading, and seemed absolutely thrilled with the role.

The bulletin at Old South UMC, makes a statement ahead of the Lord's Prayer telling congregants to say it as they please, in whatever language, with whatever words. Beyond the subtleties of phrasing of different denominations and congregations, Pastor Jamie led with Our Mother & Father, which is a powerful modification that I've appreciated whenever I've heard it.

The Old South UMC Brass Band played "Ashokan Farewell," by J. Unger at one point. This will be immediately recognizable to anyone who is a fan of Ken Burn's Civil War documentary.

All of the pieces, the music, the location, the messages, and mostly the people at Old South UMC make for a joyful and yet contemplative experience.

The church cleverly incorporated wheelchair accessibility into the design of its historic foyer so that all may have access to the sanctuary.

These pews have such beautiful craftmanship, the slight curve, and the accents on the arms. Many churches seem to have had some contemporary replacements at a certain point in time, however these appear to perhaps date to minimally one of the earlier renovations.

Outreach

As mentioned previously Old South UMC provides many opportunities for congregants to give back to the community and the broader world. On the service I attended The Hike for Hope to benefit Lazarus House, an organization that provides services to those in need. The church makes blankets for Project Linus. Such blankets are provided to first responders to give to people in times of crisis. They are also participating in a collaboration with several other Reading churches, in an effort titled People Organized to Welcome Refuges or POWR. Old South UMC hosts several prominent Reading organizations including a Boy Scouts troop, and Christian Cooperative Preschool. As previously mentioned the Reading Food Pantry is also located on site and congregants frequently volunteer. The church is currently actively working to assist those harmed in the tragic gas explosions in Lawrence, Andover and North Andover.

This illustrates how completely the rear of the church is surrounded by the cemetery. A small parking lot is behind the building, but street parking appears plentiful, and may ultimately be more convenient to the sanctuary.

The Old South UMC houses the Reading Food Pantry on its campus.

Laurel Hill Cemetery is very picturesque, and is a perfect accent to the historic church.

Conclusion

Old South UMC is a timeless, beautiful cornerstone that defines the character of Reading. However it is not just a striking set of walls, but dynamic, living history, improving lives, the community and by extension the broader world.

Text and photographs by George Parks

Sources are embedded in links