China Grove Homecoming April 27

By Cathy Chance Harvey
The annual homecoming at China Grove Methodist Church, located in northeast Walthall County, will take place on Sunday, April 27. Worship services begin at 11:00 a.m. and will be followed by dinner on the grounds, a tradition that has been embraced for over 150 years. China Grove Homecoming this spring is especially timely in view of the tornadoes that recently devastated our community: let us come together in a prayerful renewal of hope and affirmation.
Brother Bobby Thornhill will deliver the sermon. Debrah Simmons will lead the music, Wanda Brock will perform a solo, and Carol Miller will play the piano. Another time-honored tradition will be observed, the singing of favorite old hymns requested on the spot by members of the congregation. The flowers at the front of the pulpit will serve to honor both those who have been adversely affected by the tornadoes and the volunteers who are assisting them.
Everyone is welcome. We invite those who have recently moved to Walthall County to come and enjoy the old-fashioned and heartfelt worship service and experience the beauty and significance of the historical setting of China Grove church and adjacent cemetery. China Grove Methodist Church was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1984.
Those of us in the present generation are fortunate that China Grove Homecoming is a tradition that is still going strong. We welcome all to walk through the church doors when they open again on April 27. China Grove Methodist Church is located about nine miles from Tylertown on State Highway 585, five miles north of the intersection of U.S. Highway 98.