A wonderful church with a long history and a bright future, Clear Springs United Methodist Church was planted and organized by Rev. James A. Blackburn in 1822, three years after Alabama became a state. Rev. Blackburn was born in England and fought in the Revolutionary War. He and his family moved to Blount County from Anderson County, Tennessee. It is said that he was one of the first Methodist ministers in Alabama.
Rev. Blackburn and his son Joel, with the help of a few good people, cut trees down and built a one room log church building which is still in use today and houses the Adult Bible Class on Sundays at 9:30 a.m. The original log structure is still there, only it has been remodeled to match the other buildings that have been constructed over the years. Rev. Blackburn donated the land on which the church is built. The church is nestled in a valley within the rolling hills of the historical Blackburn Farm, known for years as the Mitchell Farm. The Blackburn Family Cemetery is located across the road from the church.
Clear Springs will celebrate its 190th anniversary on Sunday, May 20, 2012, and the church family plans a large celebration.
Several of the current members at Clear Springs have spent their entire lives as its members. The church was founded on love.
The most recent addition to the church is the multi-purpose building, located behind the two chapel looking buildings. This structure houses the main auditorium or worship center, the Upper Room Cafe, several classrooms, the pastor's office, a walking track, half basketball court, a workout center, nursery, clothes closet, and food pantry.
As we always say, "Come as you are; you'll be blessed."
MEET OUR PASTORS
Ron and Jan Catoe came to Clear Springs in January 2011. They have planted two churches and pastored three others. They make their home in a loft apartment in Attalla, Alabama. They have two sons and daughters-in-law, with a total of six grandchildren and more on the way! Since being pastors of Clear Springs, lots of things have been done. In March, the Sunday Celebration Service has been moved to the Upper Room and lots of work has been done on the facility...plus a lot more yet to be done!
