History of Tillman UMC

Tillman Memorial United Methodist Church was organized on February 21, 1954. For six weeks, twelve charter members met in the Concord Road home of Mr. and Mrs. R.L. Ruff, Sr. Within six months there were 49 members. The church was named to honor the Reverend Charles D. Tillman, a noted singing evangelist, who greatly inspired this area of the country. This church is actually a revival of the old Tillman Chapel, which was abandoned in the 1930's due to the depression, and the subsequent closing of a local cotton mill.

By March, 1954, an old two-story ten room home on 3.5 acres was purchased from the G.B. Brown estate for $11,500. The first floor was cleared for a sanctuary and the top floor was used for Sunday School. The two-story garage in the back was torn down in the spring of 1955 and the lumber plus $2,000 was used for a two room chapel. The present sanctuary was designed by a Lockheed architect for $300. It was dedicated on July 7, 1957 at a cost of $27,800. The main entrance was originally in the front of the church, but was later moved to the back. In time, the original house was replaced by the education building which was later connected to the sanctuary by the breezeway and gathering room.

While the building itself has a rich history the lives of the people who make up our congregation have even more meaningful stories. We are blessed to have several charter members still actively participating in our congregation. Our long time members bring stability and and consitancy to the church while our new members bring new energy and passion. All coming together to keep Tillman United Methodist Church growing and spreading the Word of God.

Charles D. Tillman

Charles D. Tillman (photo taken ca. 1930), who called Atlanta home for most of his career, was a pioneer composer, performer, and publisher of southern gospel music. During the almost sixty years that he was involved in the music business, he wrote some one hundred songs and published twenty-two songbooks