Redwine United Methodist Church in South Hall celebrated its 165th anniversary Sunday through members’ memories, a homecoming service and a multimedia history presentation.

“If you honor God’s call — and I think Redwine United Methodist has for 165 years — then he will bless you,” said lay leader Bruce Townsend to a group meeting in the fellowship hall before the main service.

Associate Pastor Whit Martin likened the church to a “sending post” no different than the role it served during the Civil War.

Area Confederate soldiers gathered at the church before going off to fight.

“They came to this place and then dispersed,” Martin said.

“And I think that Redwine has been that sending post for so many people, whether it’s to other places or other churches. It can be all the way to Honduras or as close as My Sister’s Place or Gainesville Aid Project.

“I’m thankful of being a part of something that is much bigger than ... we are.”

The church began the day with a “coffee and fellowship” program featuring speakers and the history presentation.

During that time, the group heard from Jesse Sewell, a member since 1974, as he talked about past events and pastors at the church.

Church members later met in the sanctuary for a service featuring a Boy Scout color guard, testimonies and music.

Afterward, a luncheon was held in the fellowship hall.

The church bulletin depicted a sketch of the old clapboard church in Civil War times and a message from the pastor, Mark Outlaw, saying the church is gathered to celebrate 165 years “of faith and church family, stewardship, discipleship, mission, ministry, caring and sharing.”

The church off Poplar Springs Road was started by the William E. “Buck” Redwine family on land donated by Redwine.

A modern brick building serves as the main place of worship, but the church maintains a cemetery featuring the graves of several fallen Confederate soldiers.

The Gen. James Longstreet Chapter 46 of the United Daughters of the Confederacy has held Confederate Memorial Day ceremonies at the church for 85 years.

Some of the church’s history is on display in a glass case at the main entrance.

“This church is not here because of anybody or because of us,” Martin said in the main service, as part of welcoming remarks.

“It is here because of God’s good grace, because of his work, his faithfulness and his design and purpose and plan for all the churches in this community to serve this world through God’s love.”