History7

In the late 1970's and early 1980’s, the church recommended three
other members for a license to preach. Joe Gamble, who was a lifelong
resident of the Clay community at the time of his licensing, is serving
as Associate Pastor of First United Methodist Church in Cullman,
Alabama Joe's parents, Paul and Delia Gamble, are currently active
members of the Clay church Eric Bell is serving as pastor of Trinity
United Methodist Church in Rainsville, Alabama. Ron Echols is pastor
Of St Paul United Methodist Church In Ft. Payne, Alabama. All of
these churches are in the North Alabama Conference.

Again in 1987, the church saw the need for expansion of the
facilities. A two-story building was erected between the church and the
parsonage. This building of brick and stone contains nine classrooms, a
nursery, restrooms on each floor, kitchen, and a large fellowship room.
The building is not only used for church activities, but also for
community group's meetings, family gatherings, and the like. This
building project was completed under the pastorate of Rev. J. W.
Hallman. Bro. Hallman retired at the end of the conference year in June,
1993, after ten years of ministry and service to the church and
community.

Currently, the church is under the pastoral leadership of Mike
Pope. His ministry comes at a time when the Clay church is facing her
greatest potential for impacting the community for Christ.

No longer is Clay a small, rural community in eastern Jefferson
County. Instead, it is rapidly becoming a suburban communality with
new roads and houses springing up all around.

We look at the past 175years of history of the Clay United
Methodist Church with fondness for those saints who labored so
diligently in the work of Christ. We give glory, honor, and praise to
God who has blessed this church down through the years. But, we also
look forward into the future with excitement and expectancy of the
things He has in store for us. And we are reminded of the words of
God spoken to Jeremiah the prophet:

"For I how the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans
to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a
future."

Jeremiah 29:11

The year is now 2001. Seven years have passed since the last
writing of the history in 1994. Mike Pope is serving in his eighth year as
pastor. The lord has blessed he church during his ministry.
Attendance at morning worship services have more than tripled which
made it necessary for two services on Sunday. The present building was
still not large enough. A building committee was elected and plans were
made to erect a multi-purpose building which is used as the Worship
Center and can also be used for certain sports events. The church
office, nurseries, youth room, Sunday School rooms, restrooms and
storage rooms along with a walking track and future kitchen are also in
this building. The first service was held on June 14, 1998. Future plans
are for the rock building to be torn down and a new sanctuary to be
erected in that location.

This building program required the need for the parsonage to be
Moved to the back of the church property. The church staff was increased
to include a church secretary, youth minister, children’s Minister and
visitation minister.

During his time the Charge Conference voted to recommend that
Chris Perry be licensed to preach. He attended Asbury Seminary in
Kentucky and at the present time is serving as Associate Pastor at
Huffman United Methodist Church. His mother, Joyce Perry, and
grandmother, Arvie Summers, are members here at Clay.