In 1979, on the southeast edge of Hattiesburg, Mississippi, a closed United Methodist Church stood idle and deteriorating. In this area were individuals and families of diverse ages, races, resources and stages of life. Needs abounded among all these age and stage-of-life groups.
The Hattiesburg District of the United Methodist Church opened the closed church as Edwards Street Fellowship Center (ESFC) and began after-school and weekend programs for children and youth. As the programs and word of their impact expanded, support began to come from sources in addition to the United Methodist Church. Volunteers and funding emerged from across the Pine Belt of south Mississippi.
Come forward several decades, with ESFC serving a community whose hand-to-mouth, day-to-day struggles often emerged faster than they could be met. Today, ESFC's primary service area is a large urban community on the southeast side of Hattiesburg, but there is more. In the decades since 1979, ESFC's personnel have been advocates for the area, working to keep the ministries and programs of the center in line with the evolving needs of the community. The heart of the ministry has not changed, but its size and scope have.
From that little closed church to today, ESFC remains centered on a commitment to strengthening families and individuals and meeting special needs in the community. That community now spans the Pine Belt as the ESFC food pantry provides supplemental emergency food to around 1,400 families each month from Covington, Forrest, Jasper, Jeff Davis, Jones, Lamar and Wayne counties. The medical clinic serves adults from Forrest and Lamar counties, while the thrift store welcomes customers and donors from across the Pine Belt.
Don't forget the little church. It now bears the name Warren Pittman Founders' Hall, and is still in use for programs related to the free medical clinic.
In addition to the Founders' Hall, ESFC's ministries are also held across the street in two buildings nestled among fruit, flower and vegetable gardens, a walking trail, woodlands area, and outdoor classroom. The buildings house the administrative offices, food pantry, medical clinic, pet food bank, Bible study fellowship, and many special events and programs. The Edwards Street Fellowship Thrift Store, which opened in the spring of 2012, is located on busy Lincoln Road close to the midtown area of Hattiesburg.
Financial support for the ministries of ESFC comes from contributions of the Mississippi Conference of the United Methodist Church, as well as area churches of all denominations, businesses, private foundations, school and civic groups, and individuals. Hundreds of volunteers who willingly and generously give their time, resources, and knowledge sustain the programs and services of ESFC.
All of this is wonderful; God continues to richly bless the efforts of this ministry. Those who serve and are served through ESFC are thankful for these blessings. The ever-evolving ministries of Edwards Street Fellowship Center still strive to fulfill the mission of the Center: to shine the light of God's love.
The Hattiesburg District of the United Methodist Church opened the closed church as Edwards Street Fellowship Center (ESFC) and began after-school and weekend programs for children and youth. As the programs and word of their impact expanded, support began to come from sources in addition to the United Methodist Church. Volunteers and funding emerged from across the Pine Belt of south Mississippi.
Come forward several decades, with ESFC serving a community whose hand-to-mouth, day-to-day struggles often emerged faster than they could be met. Today, ESFC's primary service area is a large urban community on the southeast side of Hattiesburg, but there is more. In the decades since 1979, ESFC's personnel have been advocates for the area, working to keep the ministries and programs of the center in line with the evolving needs of the community. The heart of the ministry has not changed, but its size and scope have.
From that little closed church to today, ESFC remains centered on a commitment to strengthening families and individuals and meeting special needs in the community. That community now spans the Pine Belt as the ESFC food pantry provides supplemental emergency food to around 1,400 families each month from Covington, Forrest, Jasper, Jeff Davis, Jones, Lamar and Wayne counties. The medical clinic serves adults from Forrest and Lamar counties, while the thrift store welcomes customers and donors from across the Pine Belt.
Don't forget the little church. It now bears the name Warren Pittman Founders' Hall, and is still in use for programs related to the free medical clinic.
In addition to the Founders' Hall, ESFC's ministries are also held across the street in two buildings nestled among fruit, flower and vegetable gardens, a walking trail, woodlands area, and outdoor classroom. The buildings house the administrative offices, food pantry, medical clinic, pet food bank, Bible study fellowship, and many special events and programs. The Edwards Street Fellowship Thrift Store, which opened in the spring of 2012, is located on busy Lincoln Road close to the midtown area of Hattiesburg.
Financial support for the ministries of ESFC comes from contributions of the Mississippi Conference of the United Methodist Church, as well as area churches of all denominations, businesses, private foundations, school and civic groups, and individuals. Hundreds of volunteers who willingly and generously give their time, resources, and knowledge sustain the programs and services of ESFC.
All of this is wonderful; God continues to richly bless the efforts of this ministry. Those who serve and are served through ESFC are thankful for these blessings. The ever-evolving ministries of Edwards Street Fellowship Center still strive to fulfill the mission of the Center: to shine the light of God's love.
based on "The Little Church that Could" by William E. "Bud" Kirkpatrick, 2013
Come join us! You are invited to be a part of God's work through
Edwards Street Fellowship Center!
Edwards Street Fellowship Center!