The descendants of the pioneer founders of Pine Flat Church will gather at the simple, white frame church and its cemetery on Oct. 7 to celebrate a special part of Butler County history as they worship, fellowship and remember their forefathers.

Founded in 1858, the original white columned structure underwent a revamping in 1967 when descendants of Pine Flat’s early families and their friends came together to carefully restore the historic church’s pews, altars, pulpit and other areas of the church. Today members of the church and Pine Flat Cemetery Association work to maintain the building, grounds and cemetery.

“We are very proud of what we have been able to do to keep up this wonderful old church and cemetery, and we are all looking forward to our annual Homecoming and Decoration Day,” said Mae Poole, a member and trustee of the Pine Flat Cemetery Association.

The day will begin with a worship service at 11 a.m. Rev. Dean Moore, the pastor at First United Methodist Church in Greenville, will serve as the speaker.

Moore graduated from Newburgh Theological Seminary in  Newburgh, Ind., with a doctorate in Christian counseling. He also holds a master’s of divinity from Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Ky.

He was ordained at First United Methodist Church in Montgomery in June of 2007. He has served as senior pastor at Heritage United Methodist Church in Enterprise and Destin United Methodist Church in Destin, Fla.

Mrs. Ken Renfroe, Mrs. Charles Terry, Jr. and Hubbard Smith will provide special music for the service. Myralyn Trawick Watson  will lead the memorial service. Mr. and Mrs. McDuffie Stallworth, Mrs. Larry Smith, Mrs. Wayne Wall and Mrs. Billy Dees serving as registrars. Mary Helen Terry will serve as the acolyte.

Following the service there will be dinner on the grounds. Attendees are asked to bring a basket lunch, folding chairs and folding tables.