Small Andice church has big plans this week

The Oak Ridge Cumberland Presbyterian Church had dwindled to three people in 2014, but the Andicebased congregation hopes to bring in a new following with a classic Revival beginning this weekend.

Meant to reinvigorate the church community, Revivals are multi-day events in which churches host gospel music, read scripture, share food and dance.

Revivals used to range from five to seven nights in a row, but Oak Ridge has opted for a three day event. It will be held in their historic tabernacle, an open-air pavilion on the church grounds at 12951 Ranch Road 2338 in Andice, southwest of Florence.

“We’re getting back to our roots,” church board member Lue Love Wilhite said.

The tabernacle was built in the 1800s and the church was established in 1857 near Berry Creek before relocating, she said. The Revival will begin Sunday, October 2, and run through Tuesday evening. There will be live music each night, including performances by Ryan Tuttle of Cedar Park, Bill Hall of Florence, and the Lindsey family, a regular of Williamson County Fifth Sunday concerts. A special sermon will close out each night. Refreshments will also be served.

“We hope people enjoy meeting the church and want to come back,” Ms. Wilhite said.

The congregation now consists of 14 members, and she said they hope will grow after the event.

On Sunday, the gathering will begin at 5:30 p.m., with the sermon beginning at 6 p.m. The church will gather at 6:30 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, with the sermon at 7 p.m. There is no cost to attend.