A sight to behold anywhere in the United States is a church still standing from the 1800s. One such church exists right here in Baldwin County, on County Road 112, three miles north of Perdido River.

Clear Springs United Methodist Church will turn 150 this month, and Pastor Bill Hodge and the congregation will celebrate this event with homecoming services Oct. 19, beginning with services at 10 a.m., followed by dinner on the grounds and a homecoming-style convention singing in the afternoon.

Guest speaker will be newly elected Resident Bishop of the Alabama-West Florida Conference Bishop Paul Leeland.

Clear Springs United Methodist Church was formed in 1857 when members of the community saw the need to start a church. Church services began in 1858 in Clear Water Springs schoolhouse near the ferry crossing at Perdido River.

The Rev. Alpheus Jones served as pastor at the school house. The church was later moved to its present location on County Road 112. The Rev. Henry Watson served as the first preacher at the new location.

That first building was nicknamed “Little Barkey” because it was built from unpeeled logs. A new structure was built later, and became known as “Old Sway Back,” referring to the dip in the middle of the roof caused by faulty construction.

Finally a building was built and dedicated in 1898, and is still in use today on occasion. That is where the homecoming singing will be held this Sunday.

In 1997, the current sanctuary was finished and dedicated with Bishop William Morris officiating the dedication.

The cemetery at Clear Springs is of historical significance as well, with some of the headstones dating back to 1865 and many graves holding the remains of confederate and union soldiers.

The old church still retains most of its original content, including the original pews, communion rails and pulpit. The only modern touches are carpet, heating and air conditioning.