If you’ve never been to an old-time church homecoming and dinner on the ground, then you probably are not from rural Pike County and certainly not from the Tennille area.

But, whether you have or have not been to an old-time homecoming gathering, you are invited to participate in the experience when Williams Chapel United Methodist Church celebrates its 192nd homecoming Sunday. Judy Carter, church member and event coordinator, said the church membership is especially excited about this year’s homecoming because it holds so much promise for re-creating the atmosphere of the old-time church services and dinners on the ground while remembering those who were a part of the church’s history. Carter said everyone is encouraged to come in the type of clothing that would have been worn in a particular time period, from overalls to double-breasted suits.

“Hopes are that people will dress up and have vintage photographs taken before the 11 o’clock worship service,” she said. “We’ll start taking the photographs around 10 a.m. This will be a great time and a fun time to have family photos taken.”

The worship service will be unique in that the congregation will be visited by Jonathan Williams, the founder of Williams Chapel.

The Rev. Ed Shirley will portray Jonathan Williams and tell the story of how a man born in Connecticut in 1764 happened to come to Pike County and establish a Methodist church in the sleepy, little farming community. As Jonathan Williams, Shirley will highlight the role the Battle of Horseshoe Bend indirectly played in the settlement of Bear Creek that later became Tennille. Dinner on the ground will, as always, be looked forward to with great anticipation.

“We invite everybody to bring a dish to share and join us for our fellowship lunch,” Carter said. “After lunch, we’ll go back to the sanctuary for a time of special music by Derrick Snellgrove and congregational singing. It will be a fun day was we look back on the history of Williams Chapel and enjoy the fun and fellowship of homecoming and dinner on the ground.”

Williams Chapel is located on the Tennille Road just outside Brundidge. From downtown Brundidge, turn left at Salem Baptist Church, cross the railroad track and turn right. Follow Tennille Road. The church will be on the right.