Stories of Haygood

Here you will find stories of the ministries, activities and programs, past and present, that have made Haygood Memorial UMC what it is today.

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Music

The Cherub and Joyful Singers children’s choirs keep us smiling, we love hearing the voices and instruments of the Harmonics youth ensemble, our Handbell choir rings out our faith, our Men’s Quartet delights us, and our Chancel Choir soothes, revives, and strengthens us.

Growth

In 1987, under the leadership of Rev. Renfroe Watson, Haygood began planning our Family Life Center. Harrison Kohler chaired the planning team, and our “gym” was constructed at a cost of $1.1+M–a debt paid off in three years. With ever-expanding needs, we purchased property that in 2003 was dedicated to beloved member Claude Grizzard.

Service

Haygood has built almost 20 Habitat homes for qualified families. We’re long-time supporters of Intown Cares’ work with the homeless and hungry. Rise Against Hunger, work with refugee families, and our Angel Tree are more ways we reach out. Our Christmas tree lot has supported various missions since 1992.

Small Groups

Haygood began as a small group when a few people held a prayer meeting in someone’s home in the 1920s. Now a large congregation, we still grow and thrive in Sunday School classes, women’s circles, Bible and book studies, Haygood 101, the Thursday men’s group, and others. Small groups make lasting connections.

Celebration

This is not our first party! As Rev. Jim Higgins said in the 2002 booklet, “Future generations will look back at this record and note the faithful-ness, effectiveness, and vitality of their April 2025 congregation at the beginning of the new millennium.” On March 23, 2025, we introduced our 100-year logo, designed by member Carol Hatcher, and began our year-long celebration leading to Centennial Sunday on March 22, 2026.

Community

Haygood has long been the living room–and the patio and porch–of our neighborhood. At somber times and celebratory ones, we gather for services, for Christmas carols, for blessing our pets, for loving on our children, for meeting new friends.

Children

Haygood’s wiggly, giggly children are nurtured on Sunday and every day. In 1970, the church opened a Day Care Center, later renamed the Child Development Center. In September 1977, the Preschool opened for 3- and 4-year-olds, and in 1999 those programs were connected as Weekday Children’s Ministries with Haygood member Rev. Faye Hudnall as director.

Youth

A 2006 directory for Haygood’s youth emphasized respect, a positive attitude, and an open mind, values that our youth hold today. From a movie night so parents can shop for Christmas - to a formal dinner to raise money - to mission trips in the U.S. and the first-ever international mission trip in 2024, Haygood youth are involved members of our congregation.

Recreation

For more than 30 years, Haygood Hoops has put the emphasis on fun and sportsmanship in a friendly, laid-back, family atmosphere. In 2022-23, over 700 families participated in the program. Then March-May, it’s girls spring volleyball season. Enrichment activities include golf, chess, art, and more. Oh! And don’t forget pickleball. All Recreation volunteers are trained through Safe Sanctuaries.