Thomasville History Series - First Methodist Church
This geocache is located across the street from Thomasville First United Methodist Church, Thomasville’s first church, established in 1838. The cache is located just off the sidewalk. The building next to the cache is the Food Bank and may be busy during certain times. If it is, please excercise stealth so this cache isn't muggled. There is absolutely no reason to enter the property of the adjacent law firm. If you choose to search for this cache on Sunday monings, please act respectfully, as it is still a functioning church.
The Thomasville First Methodist Church's original wooden structure served as a hospital for sick Union soldiers held at the Thomasville Civil War Prison Camp in December of 1864. During this period, church services were held at the Thomas County Courthouse. The Prison Camp and Courthouse are also home to geocaches in this series.
Following the war, a new building was constructed in 1867. During the economic boom of the late 19th century, fueled by Thomasville’s reputation as a “Winter Resort for Northern Invalids and Pleasure Seekers,” a new church was constructed. The 1885 building, which you see today, features intracite brickwork, made from local clay, which is indicitive of the style of the time. The planned visit of President William McKinley to First Methodist was the imputus for the new construction. He attended church in this building in 1886. It was said that so many parishoners felt comfortable around McKinley that it was more like a visit from a brother than the President.
The Thomasville Methodist Church has operated on this site for more than 180 years, older than almost half of the United States.
Circa 1886
Circa 1913
The interior, circa 1910
The interior and choir, today
THIS GEOCACHE IS JUST ONE OF SIXTEEN IN THE THOMASVILLE HISTORY GEOCACHING SERIES. THIS ENTERTAINING AND INFORMATIVE SERIES LEADS GEOCACHERS ON AN EXCITING TOUR OF THOMASVILLE, GEORGIA. FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE SERIES OR TO SEE THE ROUTE, CLICK HERE!