About Us:

The Warwick United Methodist congregation has always had a strong commitment to serve its community and the world in a way that glorifies Christ. Vital worship and a strong emphasis on Christian education equip its people for service in the community, and outreach to the world. We are grateful for our past, and we embrace those with dreams for the future.

History:

Warwick UMC was founded in April 1913. The land was purchased with the first services held under a brush arbor that same month, & the church building was constructed in 1914.

The original church was part of the Oakfield Circuit of the Cordele District with Reverend W.E. Hightower as Pastor. Hightower is said to have walked from Oakfield (five miles) on many occasions to conduct services. He reportedly picked cotton by hand to raise money for the construction of the first church building. In 1920 the name of the circuit was changed to the Arabi Circuit and the parsonage was located in Arabi. In 1929 the circuit was again changed to the Warwick Circuit. During these times, one Pastor served several churches in his circuit. About this same time a parsonage home was built in Warwick and this home still serves as our parsonage today.

In 1947 a sawmill was located just to the east of the church. On Good Friday of that year sparks from the mill blew onto the church and the building was severely damaged by the resulting fire. The present building was rebuilt on the same site later that year. Charred remains from the fire can still be seen under the present church building.

Warwick UMC was part of a charge (more than one church served by one pastor) until 1966. Rev. Byron C. Davis served as Pasor for 12 years. In 1966, the church became a station church with a Pastor assigned only to serve that one church. Rev. Heyward Heirs was the first full time pastor assigned to Warwick.

In 1978 the church acquired an adjoining piece of property which today serves as a playground, tennis and basketball court, and a parking area. The youth built the tennis court and furnished the playground. Community Easter Sunrise services are held on this site each year. The church & fellowship hall were connected in 1990 by building additional Sunday School rooms, meeting rooms, a nursery, & a pastor's office.

In the Spring of 1996, our first boat church lake ministry service was held at the Smoak Bridge Marina, led by Rev. Jeff Beasley. Attendees came by boat or car, there was no formal music, & 20 people attended. The number attending the service continued to grow over the next 2 years reaching an average attendance of 35. In 1999 the owner of the marina asked the church to re-locate, and the lake service was moved to a piece of property on Lakeshore Drive in Crisp County. In June 2001 Dorsia Atkinson was assigned to Warwick. He was exceedingly intrigued about the lake service, which by then had been known as Boat Church. Under Dorsia's leadership, our church saw phenomenal growth. Boat Church services had an average weekly attendance of 135 in 2007. The one day attendance record of 260 was set on a July 4th weekend. Boat Church has been featured on television news, the Advocate, and Atlanta Constitution newspapers & other media. An early Sunday morning service at the church during the Winter months, was started shortley after Dorsia's arrival. Warwick UMC was selected "Small Church of the Year" for the South Georgia Conference in 2005 & 2006. 

Various new ministries have been started in the past few years. Among these are our Prayer Ministry, which through e-mail keeps our members infomed about those in need of special prayer. Back to School Bash providing school supplies for many children in our area. Fishes and Loaves minsitry began in 2008 and provides food and clothing for the less fortunate in our area. Our UMW organaization conducts bake sales and other activities. UMM conduct an annual barbeque sale and help foster children at Christmas.

Rev. Rick Hamilton, our current Pastor, began serving in June 2008. Both he and our congregation are very excited about his leadership and the future growth of Warwick UMC.