Our History

SINCE1873

Birth of a Church Community

(1873–1892)

In 1873, Samuel Piper—after whom the town of Piperton is

named—began a Bible study group that marked the beginnings of what would become Piperton United Methodist Church. By 1880, the first services were held at the original Piperton Church, located in a small red schoolhouse on

Old State Line Road, east of the Piper Store. However, the location proved unsuitable due to distractions like buggy racing and cockfights. To provide a better setting, Samuel Piper offered the upstairs of his store for worship, though it was cramped and hard to access.

In 1892, Samuel Piper constructed a dedicated church building made of local poplar across from his store. He sourced Bibles and other literature from Atlanta, establishing a more formal place of worship. Services were led by a rotating group of ministers from various denominations—including Baptist,

Primitive Baptist, Presbyterian, and Methodist—under a circuit rider model.

the sun is setting over a mountain range

Becoming Methodist

(1953–1959)

In 1953, Dr. James Crichton of the Mid-South Bible College

became the first full-time pastor. He resigned in 1959 to become president of the college, and that same year, the church officially became a part of the Memphis South District of the Methodist Church under Dr. William S. Evans, District Superintendent. The church was renamed Piperton United Methodist Church. That year, Rev. James Simons was appointed the first Methodist pastor. Starting with only 16 active members, he grew the church rapidly, prompting the need for a larger facility by 1960.

A New Home (1961)

In 1961, Rev. Simons and the congregation built a new church

building, seating 250 people, about one mile east of Collierville. Land was donated by Frank Webb Piper Sr. and Perry Piper and their wives. To fund the building, costing $35,000, members picked cotton and held bake sales. The Piper family provided consistent support through the years, helping the church thrive.

Expansion of Fellowship (1982-1994)

In 1982, the church added a 40’ x 60’ steel fellowship building, later named Piper Hall in honor of the Piper family. Perry Piper generously paid off the remaining balance, fulfilling the motto: “Debt-Free by '83.” In 1994, Paul Piper donated a new organ for the sanctuary in memory of his parents, continuing the family’s legacy of giving.

A Decade of Growth

(1999–2009)

Between 1999 and 2009, numerous improvements were made, many thanks to James and Kathy Watson:

  • Paved parking lots
  • Renovated restrooms in both the Sunday School building and Piper Hall
  • Installed 14 stained glass windows in the sanctuary
  • Enlarged the choir and pulpit areas
  • Updated the sanctuary with new carpet, lighting, and paint.
the sun is setting over a mountain range
In 2004–2005, the church purchased an additional acre of land with a brick home (later known as Kathy’s House). In 2009, the garage workshop was converted into the pastor’s office, church office, and a meeting room. That same year, a new pavilion was added in front of Piper Hall in memory of Dr. Thomas R. Wilson, Jr., a former pastor. In 2006, Alpha Chemical donated another acre, expanding the property significantly.
the sun is setting over a mountain range

Modern Renovations

(2022)

In 2022, major renovations were completed to modernize and expand church facilities:

  • Piper Hall: Renovated bathrooms (now handicap-accessible), fresh paint inside and out, all windows replaced, and a drainage system installed.
  • Church Building:
  • New front entrance with a walkway, porch, railings, and doors
  • Added security lighting and cameras
  • Complete interior renovation of the rear section, creating:
  • Two handicap-accessible bathrooms
  • A kitchenette
  • Offices for the pastor and church
  • A library
  • A multi-purpose room

These efforts marked a significant investment in both the functionality and future of the church.