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Liberty United Methodist Church

RR2 Box 409 South Shore

Liberty Methodist Church, Lynn Kentucky, is a small concrete block building standing on the banks of Tygart Creek. It has windows of clear glass and the congregation on Sundays can watch traffic go by on Route 7, look to the right at the trees along the creek, or to the left to the hill. The seasons have their charms--fresh, green, blooming Spring--bird songs--Summer and it's lush growth--autumn with it's red, yellow, and browns--Winter's drab brown or magnificent white.

It has never been a large church. However, to it come four generations of Dupuys and Howlands whose ancestors were among those who founded the church.

No one knows exactly when Liberty Methodist Church was organized. Methodist ministers have been in this area since 1820, and they must have held services in school houses or any available buildings.

However, it is known when the first Liberty Church was built. It stood on the hill where the church cemetery is today approximately a mile from the current building. There was a town there, called Liberty of about 40 houses, a doctor, a store, a post office, another church, and a tanyard, established by people from New England.

Mrs. Lizzie Warnock, an old lady of 80 in 1946, was positive that the church was built in 1851. She knew because her mother was a member joining in 1851, when the church was first built and when Hugh Rankin was minister.

On record in the Greenup County Clerk's office is the deed for the land given by John Waring and Ursula Waring, his wife, March 2, 1950. It was deeded to the trustees of the Liberty Methodist Church. They were Charles Craycraft, Edward Stevenson, Basil Waring, Moses Dupuy, and I.S. Canterbury.

This church burned and a new brick church was built at the present location in 1883. In 1946, the brick building was in need of much repair. It was replaced by the current concrete block building. Certain features from the old brick building were kept and are still in place. They include a few pews, the altar railing, pulpit chairs, and a small ceremonial table. In later years there have been two additions. The first to add restrooms and a spacious entry way, the second to make the building fully handicap accessible.

Through the years we have had some wonderful ministers and much good work for the Lord has been done by the congregation. Our members are few, but we hope to serve our community and witness for our Savior.