On a bright sunny day in 1884, a group of residents of the Poplar Springs community met with Rev. R.F. Witt on the porch of W.A. Barker’s home, which was located across the street from the present church site. This meeting resulted in the organization of what is now Poplar Springs Drive United Methodist Church.

The first church building, a one-room structure, was erected in 1896 and was situated in what is now the driveway of Poplar Springs Drive Elementary School. The building, however, was destroyed by fire in June, 1909. A plot of land was purchased on the corner of 40th Street and Poplar Springs Drive, and a new building was erected in 19092 and stood until the final sanctuary was built in 1951.

Today, even though the world looks a bit different, the heart is the same for those who worship at PSDUMC. To love God, share our scars, and see the Gospel change lives. And while our message never changes, our methods must. So we seek God for his plan in each of our lives and as a congregation.

About the church:

Name: Poplar Springs Drive United Methodist Church (The Springs).

Pastor: Chuck Meador – 2014 to present.

Denomination – United Methodist.

Members: 409.

Founded: 1884.

Phone: (601) 485-5598.

Address: 3937 Poplar Springs Drive, Meridian MS 39305.

Service Times:

Sunday Worship – 9:30 a.m., Lifegroups 10:45 a.m.

Weekly Programs:

Sunday:

Reading Helps Program – 4-5 p.m. (pick up available)

Youth Fellowship – 4-6 p.m.

Wednesday:

Family supper and classes – 5:15-7 p.m., (during school semesters).

Daily School Programs:

Dayschool – 6:30 a.m.- 5:30 p.m., (newborn to 5 years of age) and Afterschool 2:30-5:30 p.m. (5 to 12 years of age).

Special upcoming events:

Vacation Bible School – June 4-8 – 5:30-8 p.m. (Paul’s Journey To Rome).

Annual events special to our church:

We generally plan a number of events throughout the year that coincide with religious and national holidays. Also, in the spring we have an annual Spring Festival, where we sell baked goods and shrimp plates. All of the proceeds go to missions.

Cheryl Owens coordinates Worship Site Profile, which appears Saturdays in The Meridian Star. Recommend your site to cowens@themeridianstar.com.