The relationship of Les and Kathy Kicklighter with Pittman Park United Methodist Church has been one of many years. As a member of the Reidsville United Methodist Church and its Youth Group, I (Kathy) attended several Sub-District MYF meetings at PPUMC in the mid to late ’60’s. I remember the beauty and the reverence I felt in this special place. In 1972, as a young, married couple of one month we moved to Statesboro to attend Georgia Southern College. During that time, we made Pittman Park our church. After Les graduated in 1974, we moved away for a job opportunity. In 1982, blessed with three children, Les-8 years, Ashley-5 years, and Shanna 3 years, we relocated back to Statesboro for Les to accept a job at ITT Grinnell. The first question our oldest son asked when told about our move was “Where is my new church going to be?” The week we moved, the first thing we did was to call the church office of Pittman Park to inquire about the times for Sunday School and Church. Denise Conner, Diaconal Minister, answered the phone and welcomed us to the community and relayed the information regarding the services. She also informed Rev. Billy Oliver that we planned to attend. That Sunday, he was waiting for us in the parking lot when we arrived for Sunday School and Church. After introductions, he took us to the Sunday School Classes for each of our children and led us to a Young Adult Sunday School Class led by Norman Wells. That afternoon, Bennie Herring came to visit us, bringing a pan of her delicious, homemade cinnamon rolls. I still remember that bright beautiful smile and her warm, friendly welcome. It was a wonderful day for our family. The next week at dinner one night, Les and I begin discussing which church we would visit on Sunday. Our oldest son emphatically said “We already have a church, and it is Pittman Park.” Les and I smiled and looked at each other knowing that PPUMC was where our family needed to be. We joined the church that summer and each of our children were confirmed at age 12 at PPUMC. From the beginning, we felt God’s love through the many members of our church family. We have enjoyed great fellowship and unconditional love. They have rejoiced with us in the good times, walked with us in the blessing of ordinary days, and helped to carry our burdens in the not so good times. They have been steadfast in their support and love. They helped to teach and guide our children in their faith and helped Les and me to grow in ours. They have been a constant source of encouragement and joy to our family. Our daughter, Shanna, was married in our Sanctuary, celebrating one of the most sacramental moments of her life, in the same place she began singing in the children’s choir at age 3. Our sons participated in the Boy Scouts at PPUMC, starting out as Cub Scouts and both achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. They had their Eagle Scout Ceremonies in our Sanctuary, in the same place they began singing in the children’s choir at ages 8 and 5. Les and I started out in the Young Adult Sunday School Class and are now Senior Citizens! Our memories and blessings are too many to count, and for that, we are forever grateful.
One last, special memory I would like to share. In 2013, after losing our home to fire, we had to find a
new home. As we were settling in, Kathy and Butch Barnes gave us a gift for our new home bringing
us to tears of joy. The mirror that had hung in the Parlor for many years; had been the mirror countless brides had gazed into on her wedding day, was destined for the UMW Garage Sale when it was no longer needed after the remodeling. Kathy and Butch bought that mirror as a gift to us. It hangs in our foyer, a daily reminder of our abiding love for our church family and the wisdom of our loving God in guiding us so many years ago to PPUMC.
