“Who was John I. Brooks?” That’s a question many visitors ask when they first encounter Brooks United Methodist Church. This church stands as a testament to faith and community. It has a rich history dating back to the 1800s. Let me tell you the story of Brooks United Methodist Church.
In 1846 Sewell Waters donated the land for the original church. It was first called The Meeting House. Mr. Daniel Morgan conducted services there. Tragedy struck when The Meeting House was destroyed by fire. It was rebuilt and renamed Island Creek Church. Later, the name changed to Brooks United Methodist Church.
During the 1800s Brooks United Methodist Church served dual roles. It functioned as both a school and a place of worship. The church thrived. Its congregation grew to about two hundred members. The original building became too small for its growing needs. A larger structure was needed to accommodate the expanding religious and educational activities.
In the early spring of 1881 a new building was started. Rev. T.H. Adams provided spiritual leadership. Before the new building was completed the old one burned down. The congregation continued to meet in other locations. This continued until the new church was finished. Upon completion it was named Island Creek Church. Thomas Brown Daniel Rawlings Harry Parker Basil Kent and Albert Gantt were members of the building committee.
In 1908 the church was modernized under Rev. Abraham Jenkins. It was renamed Brooks Church. This renaming honored Mr. John I. Brooks. He was a local preacher and undertaker in the community.
The congregation continued its growth. In 1959 a new church structure was proposed. Rev. Sherman Mason and District Superintendent Rev. Hilton Parker were key figures. Rev. Joseph H. Collins District Superintendent Rev. Hilton Parker and builder G. Franklin Pettigrew finalized the plans.
The new church was completed in the fall of 1968. It was dedicated on December thirteenth of that year. The burning of the church mortgage and building of a new parsonage happened in 1980. Rev. Joseph Collins led this. Rev. Aniachi C. Belu-John was appointed to Brooks United Methodist Church on July 1 1994. This came after Rev. Joseph Collins’s retirement.
On July 1 2000 Brooks received Rev. John D. Snowden Jr. On July 1 2004 Brooks received its first female pastor Rev. Kay F. Albury. Rev. Albury established the Hour of Power early morning worship service. She also started the Multi-media Ministry. The male choir and Methodist Men organizations were rekindled during her time.
On August 6 2006 Rev. Kay F. Albury and others broke ground for an addition to the church. Rev. Dr. Jason L. Robinson became the spiritual leader on July 1 2009. Membership grew tremendously under his leadership. Technological advancements were implemented to spread the word.
Under Pastor Robinson major modernizations occurred. These included paving the parking lot renovating the kitchen and installing new signage. In 2010 Brooks launched its Kingdom Agenda initiative. The goal was to get the church out of debt in 18 months. The debt was paid off in 10 months. On May 23 2012 Brooks burned its mortgage.
Under Pastor Robinson’s leadership many new disciples have been added to the church. A thriving children’s church K.I.D.S. in Divine Study was established. Brooks continues to make technological and media advances. Online worship reaches hundreds of viewers in over 15 countries monthly.
Brooks United Methodist Church has been a pillar of the community. Generations of families have worshiped and served God here. Its diverse congregation shares the good news of God’s love. The church supports the community through various ministries. These ministries focus on spiritual nourishment outreach and leadership. The love of Christ family and community is the foundation of Brooks today.
In 2015 groundbreaking began for a new facility. On October 23 2016 Brooks celebrated its first service in the new church. Brooks Church continues to serve as a beacon for God’s love through Jesus Christ. It stands as a work zone for the Lord. The best is yet to come. As you leave remember the legacy of Brooks United Methodist Church. It is a story of faith resilience and community.