Dr. Mike Guf fee, Rev. Mar y Green Kearse, Rev. Todd Davis, Bishop Mary Virginia Taylor, and Rev. James Russell Taylor celebrate Shandon Uni ted Methodist Church's centennial celebration April 19, 2009 For the past 100 years, Shandon United Methodist church has been rooted in its local ministry to the Shandon community in central Columbia while growing in its impact on the state and the world.

In 1890, the development firm, The Columbia Land and Investment Company, purchased 305 acres of land on Columbia's east side. The next year the company purchased another 115 acres, a site that was originally a race course for members of Columbia's Jockey Club. This newly purchased property was named Shandon in honor of Rev. Peter J. Shand, former rector of Trinity Episcopal Church.

It is believed that the vice president of the Columbia Land and Investment Company also suggested the name Shandon after a town in Scotland that he had visited. Thus the Shandon community was born.

The site of the first church building to house Shandon's Methodist believers was located at the corner of Maple and Preston streets, very close to the property of Epworth Children's Home. The property was purchased in 1909, and in 1910 the church had its first minister, Rev. John Lewis. By 1912, the church membership reached 150. On November 22, 1914, the building was almost totally destroyed by fire.

Top photo: In June 1921, a wooden classroom was built in one day by the men of the Shandon Methodist Church to accomodate the overflowing Sunday School membership. Bottom photo: The women of the church prepared a meal for the men building the classroom. Shandon United Methodist Church has historically been driven by the loyalty and efforts of its congregation. When fire broke out in 1914 a group of young girls called "The Band of Little Workers" raised money for lights and fixtures for the new church and to pay the premium on the fire insurance policy.

A group of boys worked towards placing a bell in the new church. The Ladies Aid Society bought pulpit furniture, and a group of girls bought a Bible for the pulpit. This type of mobilization and contribution is consistent throughout the church's history. According to historian, Jesse L. Scott, "Every time there was a need, Shandon members responded quickly."

With its rapid growth in membership, the Maple Street property could no longer house the congregation. In March 1931, after surviving The Great Depression, the church purchased the original property of Heathwood School, which sat on the land between Millwood and Devine.

During these years, the church became debt- free as groups such as the Women's Missionary Society raised a tremendous amount of money to pay off mortgages and fund the building of a new parsonage.

Fund raising efforts included giving tours of Greenlawn Cemetery for 25 cents, holding a booth at the State Fair (known for its delicious food,) and holding Fourth of July barbeque dinners.

In 1950, Shandon United Methodist Church was able to purchase the property where the church now sits on the corner of Adger and Devine, just down the street from its location on the intersection of Devine and Millwood.

The first congregation in the present sanctuary of Shandon United Methodist Church (1950s) The new sancturary cost over $300,000. Once again, church members bore responsibility for raising funds. The steeple and stained- glass window over the entrance were paid for by money raised by the women of the church.

Betty Bruner, came to the church as a baby in January 1923. She was baptized by Rev. E.R. Mason and, after finishing her education, held her first job as Rev. Mason's assistant. She was responsible for everything that was needed not provided by the church secretary or financial manager. In 1954, Bruner was named the director of Christian Education, responsible for Sunday schools, VBS, Bible Studies, and all other programs of the church. She remained in this position for 40 years.

Bruner remained employed by the church until she resigned in 1994. She worked directly under seven ministers of the church. She says, "each one (pastor) made a definite contribution to the church. Each had different spiritual gifts."

Betty Bruner teaches at a church camp When asked about her favorite memories, she recalls the day of the opening of the sanctuary on Adger and Devine. The church held a "walk over" from the Devine and Millwood location to the new sanctuary. She said the sanctuary was "running over. It was exciting and thrilling."

Bruner also recalls a bit of innovation that made the worship experience more bearable in the hot summer months before they had air- conditioning. She said that hundredpound blocks of ice were brought in every Sunday and placed in front of the fans of the furnace. The cold air would come through the ducts and cool the sanctuary.

Reflecting on her years at Shandon United Methodist Church, she says, "We seem to be at the right place at the right time."

On April 19, 2009, Shandon United Methodist Church held its Celebration Sunday. Bishop Mary Virginia Taylor spoke at the worship service at 9:30 am and in the Lifeline contemporary service at 11:30 am. The Centennial Banner made for this occasion was in the procession of the service and a special Centennial Anthem was sung by combined choirs of the church. An afternoon celebration was held on the church grounds.

"The celebration of Shandon United Methodist Church's Centennial birthday was a great day of worship, thanksgiving and fellowship. The celebration truly honored church members who have made possible an exciting and dynamic ministry to the Shandon community, the state of South Carolina and the world…

"For Shandon United Methodist our best days are ahead of us. We are a strong and vital church willing to take on the demands and challenges of ministry in the future." Reverend Michael L. Guffee Sr., current pastor of Shandon United Methodist Church.

Editor's note: Some historical material in the

article was taken from The

History of S handon United

Methodist Church by by Jesse L. Scott .