St. Paul United Methodist Church boasts a history closely tied to the city, as its opened just six years after Meridian was established. The church celebrated its 150-year anniversary in 2016 and prides itself in its philanthropic efforts

A group of male parishioners has come together to further that mission.

The inaugural St. Paul United Methodist Men Charity Golf Tournament will take place at 8 a.m., Saturday, April 29, at Meridian’s Lakeview Golf Course. Proceeds will be donated to the Boys and Girls Club of East Mississippi, and the Wechsler Foundation.

“I’m a member of the board of directors for the Boys and Girls Club, and the (St. Paul) United Methodist men at my church have always helped raise funds to help support that organization,” tournament organizer Oliver Peebles III said. “This year, we wanted to increase our fingerprint in that regard, and we wanted to try to do a little better. So, whatever we have been doing, we want to do that, plus more.”

The tournament will follow a three-man scramble format, which Peebles said appeals to both seasoned and novice golfers. 

“You don’t actually have to be a golf pro; you’re not playing as an individual, you’re playing as a team,” he said. “All three members will hit a ball, and then they’ll play off the best ball. That’s the format which they’ll follow.”

Peebles, a past president of the United Methodist Men of St. Paul, said the community’s reception has been positive. There are three levels of sponsorship — Gold, Silver and Bronze — and while the group has secured sponsors, it’s still seeking more. 

“We do need more help from sponsors,” Peebles said. “The ones we sent letters out to, and now we’re in the process of going by and following up and making telephone calls and visits.”

The United Methodist Men of St. Paul hope the tournament not only brings robust donations but also awareness to the Boys and Girls Club of East Mississippi and the Wechsler Foundation, which functions to preserve the Wechsler School. The Wechsler School opened in 1894 and was Mississippi’s first publicly funded public brick African-American school.

“Being on the board of directors, I see exactly what they do and how many kids they help,” Peebles said of the Boys and Girls Club of East Mississippi. “They have a good mission statement, which is, ‘To inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens.’”

For more information, contact Oliver Peebles III at 205-215-8181.