Many fairly new churches in

Fayette County are already planning additions due to growth in membership.

While the Ebenezer United Methodist Church can trace its beginnings back

to the 1880s, it can also boast of growth.

"Our attendance has greatly increased in the past couple of years,"

said the Rev. Charles Govenstein, who has been pastor for the past four

years. "This year we held a Vacation Bible School for the first time

in quite a while and have just recently added a new children's Sunday

School class."

Last fall the church conducted its first fall festival and raised $4,735

for the Methodist Children's Home. Though many churches gave more

in a total amount, Ebenezer gave the highest per member donation in the

LaGrange District.

"This church is all about love and unity," said Govenstein.

"We are pleased to have raised $1,000, which we gave to the Habitat

For Humanity."

The white frame structure from the middle 1880s has been through a lot

of changes, major repairs and remodeling through the years. It has grown

from a group of believers joined together under a brush arbor to having

its own sanctuary and from being a "second Sunday preaching"

to its own "every Sunday" preaching.

Oddly enough, Govenstein began his work career as a coach and also served

as an assistant principal and principal for 34 years. He then was graduated

from Candler School of Theology at Emory University in 1970 with a master's

in sacred theology. He had retired from pastoring in 1997 only a few months

and decided retirement was not for him.

He has been with Ebenezer since July 1997.

Sunday School is at 9:45 a.m. with worship services beginning at 11 a.m.

Choir rehearsal is each Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. and a fellowship supper is

offered the last Saturday each month at 7 p.m. (6:30 p.m. in the winter

months).

The men's club meets first Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and the United

Methodist Women meet third Tuesdays at 7 p.m. The church is at 680 Ebenezer

Church Road and can be reached at 770-631-0306 or 770-463-2100.