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The Hickory Grove United Methodist Church is nestled among the pine trees and farm land not too far from the Withlacoochee River. It is located in the northeast part of Madison County, and is one of the two oldest churches in the county. The church was started in 1828, and is still kicking and trying to teach and preach the word of God.
The church has always been filled with local folks who made their family living off of the land, commonly known as farmers. Madison County has always been, and always will be, a rural, farming county. In today’s economic setting, there are fewer and fewer farmers. However, the folks at Hickory Grove have a full understanding of the most important industry in our county, state and nation, and that is farming.
The early pioneers in Hickory Grove's rural community had an extremely tough time trying to make a living and feeding their families, but that is exactly what they did. They also went to church every Sunday. Church was important to these early pioneers; but unfortunately, church attendance all across our nation is down, and fewer and fewer people see the need to be in church each Sunday.
That is one reason the church started something really cool 26 years ago, and that was Founder’s Day. It is truly hard to believe that Founder’s Day is 26 years old. This year, the event will take place on the third Saturday in October, and the official date is Saturday, Oct. 21. It all begins at about 8 a.m. and will last until the Worship Service is held at 2 p.m.
As usual, there will be all kinds of food for everyone to enjoy. The chicken pilau will consist of 5 huge black-iron wash pots of the delicious Hickory Grove specialty. There will also be Steven Williams' slow-cooked Boston butts pulled pork sandwiches. Williams has been cooking for many events in our county, and is well-known for great barbecue. A sure-fire delicacy will be the biscuits cooked on wood-burning stoves, just like our early pioneer kin-folks used. There will be ham or sausage to place in your biscuit, or just butter and jelly. No matter what, it will all be really tasty and great for breakfast. The coffee will also be hot.
Remember the date for Founder’s Day on Saturday, Oct. 21. Come early and stay until the preacher finishes his sermon, which will be given under the trees, just like before the church was built. Everyone is invited to attend.