In the year 1891, the Reverend Reynolds was living at Conyers, Ga. On Sunday afternoons he would yiLsit in the home of Mrs. M. F. Brantly, who lived in the small settlement of Arabia. She was a member of the Methodist Church in Conyers. Brother Reynolds would have prayer in her home and conduct a short devotional service. Usually before he came he would notify her of his coming and she in turn would notify her friends and neighbors·. In a short time the crowds became so large that these good ladies decided to build a brush arbor. Mrs. Ellen New, Mrs. Talilthia New, Mrs. Frank Sills and some others met to decide on a location for the arbor. They received permission from Mr. James Jenkins to build an arbor anywhere on his property that would be suitable. A site just across the road from where the church now stands was chosen, ana with the help of their children these great pioneering souls began work on the brush arbor. In the evenings as the quarry hands were returning home from work they would stop and help. These men cut and carried in four large logs across which they nailed saw-milled slabs. This crude equipment served as seats. A stake was then driven into the ground and across the top of it there was nailed a small plank which served for a pulpit. The first sermon in the brush arbor was preached by Brother Jim McClelland in the summer of 1891, and the Reverend Mr. Shay continued the services. Interest and attendance increased so rapidly that after a short time Dr. Bonds and Mr.. Alec Almand suggested that a tent be purchased. Money was raised among the people and with it a tent was bought at Dillians Store in Stone Mountain, Ga. The tent was set up about 200 yards from the brush arbor. Preachers from Conyers, Lithonia and the neighboring communities and churches came to offer their services. From all the surrounding countryside people came and from the efforts of all who had a part there burst forth a great spiritual revival. The Lithonia Granite Company would bring its locomotive in each evening with the flat cars loaded with people. The railroad ended only a short distance from the tent. The great meeting lasted for about three weeks and on the closing Sunday Dr. Bonds proposed that a church be built. A collection was taken up and the name of Rockland Church was decided upon. Money was given from many different denominations and by people who had never belonged to any church. After construction of the church was completed, several men borrowed money with which to build the pews. This money was paid back within twelve or eighteen months. Rockland Church was officially organized in the summer of 1892. The building committee, and later the first trustees were: Dr. Bonds, A. J. Almand, L. G. Brantley and Bud White. The church was put on the Lithonia Charge as a mission church in the same year it was organized. On November 29, 1892 , the Reverend F. JJ. Mirshburn was appoirted the first pastor. Below are listed the tlilelve charter members of the church: W. M. Williams Mrs. A. E. Rogers J. M. Williams Mrs. H. A. Hubert Mrs. M. F. Brantly Miss Esther Caldwell L. G. Brantly Mrs. Amanda Wood Mrs. L. G. Brantly Miss Rona Wood W. M. Plunkett Mrs. Fannie Reagin In 1893 three more members were added to the church by transfer of certificates and one on profession of faith or conversion. History of Rockland Methodist Church Route 2, Lithonia, Georgia