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Sumner Presbyterian Church

       From A HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, Sumner, MS written for the celebration of its Centennial: 1873-1973, based on the writings of Dr. F. R. Graves, minister from 1917-1943, and Mrs. E. I.. McLellan one of the two oldest members of the congregation and the church organist for 50 years. donated by Louise Smith Oakes

Shortly after the close of the Civil War there were enough Presbyterians in the area to warrant occasional visits from two ministers from North MS. There was a meeting on the banks of Cassidy Bayou on Oct. 11, l873, closing on Oct. 19 with the organization of a Presbyterian Church.

There were 14 charter members, 6 of whom came by letter from the College Hill Church in Lafayette Co. Two of these, Mr. Charles C. Frierson and Mr. Samuel W. Henlon were elected and installed as Ruling Elders. The name "Neriah" was chosen for the new congregation.

In July 1881, 5 members were received into the church, one of whom was Dr. Henry A. Smith by letter from the Long Creek Church in Panola Co. There is a lack of information in the Session Books for prior years.

In 1892 a small one room, white frame structure with a small porch on the front was erected on the lot where the manse now stands. The building committee members were: Mr. Waight Webb, Mr. and Mrs. C.C. Frierson, Dr. H. A. Smith and Mr. W. B. Buford.

In 1901 the church reported 20 members, one Ruling Elder and one Deacon,

In 1919 the congregation began the erection of a brick building on the corner lot next to the first building. The cornerstone contains the names of F. R. Graves, pastor; W. B. Buford, H. A. Smith, F. M. Mitchener and T. C. Buford, Ruling Elders; A. H. Smith, J. W. Phillips, J. C. Knox, D. M. Smith, H. P. Buford, deacons.

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This page updated on November 6, 2004