Methodism is a Christian denomination that has a rich history in the United States, and Cobb County, Georgia is no exception. The arrival of Methodism in Cobb County can be traced back to the early 1800s, when the first Methodist church was established in the area. Since then, Methodism has played a significant role in shaping the religious landscape of Cobb County and continues to thrive today.
The Beginnings of Methodism in Cobb County
The first Methodist church in Cobb County was founded in 1828 by Reverend John W. Glenn.This church, known as the Marietta Methodist Church, was located in the heart of Marietta and quickly became a hub for the growing Methodist community in the area. The church was initially a part of the Georgia Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church, but later became a part of the North Georgia Conference. As more settlers moved into Cobb County, the need for additional Methodist churches became apparent. In 1834, Reverend James E. Evans established a second Methodist church in Cobb County, known as the Smyrna Methodist Church.
This church was located in what is now known as Smyrna and served as a place of worship for many years.
The Growth of Methodism in Cobb County
Throughout the 19th century, Methodism continued to grow and thrive in Cobb County. In 1851, Reverend William J. Parks established a third Methodist church in the county, known as the Acworth Methodist Church. This church was located in Acworth and served as a place of worship for many years until it merged with another local church in 1968. During this time, Methodism also played a significant role in education in Cobb County.In 1851, the North Georgia Female College was established in Marietta by the Methodist Church. This college, which later became known as the Southern Polytechnic State University, provided education to many young women in the area and was a testament to the strong presence of Methodism in Cobb County.
The Impact of the Civil War
The Civil War had a significant impact on Methodism in Cobb County. Many churches were forced to close their doors during this time, and some were even used as hospitals for wounded soldiers. However, despite these challenges, Methodism continued to thrive in Cobb County. After the war, many Methodist churches in Cobb County were rebuilt and expanded.In 1870, the Marietta Methodist Church was rebuilt and renamed as the First Methodist Church of Marietta. This church still stands today and is a testament to the resilience of Methodism in Cobb County.
Modern Day Methodism in Cobb County
Today, there are numerous Methodist churches located throughout Cobb County, each with its unique history and community. Some of the most notable churches include the First United Methodist Church of Marietta, Due West United Methodist Church, and Mt. Zion United Methodist Church. In addition to these traditional churches, there are also several non-traditional Methodist congregations in Cobb County.These include The Well United Methodist Church, which meets in a local coffee shop, and The Vine United Methodist Church, which meets in a movie theater.
