On Sunday, May 3, a modern digital chime system by Chime Master will welcome members and visitors to the 97th homecoming of Marcus United Methodist Church, 2081 Windblow Road. Jackson Springs. The service begins at 11 a.m.

The Westminster chimes play hourly on a daily basis from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. Ringing bells announce the beginning of worship. Special music is available for weddings, funerals and holidays. This gift was given by Ruth Spivey and Doris Bennett in memory of their late husbands, Rupert Spivey and Herman Bennett.

In addition, Dust and Ashes -- Tom Page and Mary Lou Troutman -- will be worship leaders. They began their music ministry at Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C.

Tom Page is an ordained United Methodist minister. They travel full time nationwide performing, and continue to write much of their own music -- songs based on scripture and personal experience. They have performed in local churches and at national church events, colleges and universities, radio and television, prisons and on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry. Their permanent home is now in Aberdeen.

Marcus United Methodist Church was founded in 1912 with approximately 45 people from the Windblow community. They became the charter members within the Methodist Episcopal Church South.

Under the leadership of Rev. N. L. Seabolt, they chose an abandoned schoolhouse called Marcus, and Marcus Methodist Episcopal Church, South was born. Brush arbors were often used for summer revivals to be able to tolerate the heat.

The pastor would walk from Ellerbe to Marcus to conduct worship services once a month.

As the congregation grew, a larger church was needed. The first building was completed in 1922. This church was lifted off its pillars and had to be moved back and repaired due to a tornado in 1923.

Over the years the congregation outgrew the one-room building, and on April 15, 1956, a new church was dedicated.

In 1968 Marcus merged with the Evangelical United Brethren church and became a member of the Sanford District of the United Methodist Church. The church was again destroyed in 1994, when a devastating fire damaged the place of worship beyond repair. After much prayer, careful planning and fundraising efforts, the present sanctuary, church school rooms and offices were built. The fellowship hall was built in 1996 and currently is used for local community events.

Marcus has been served by 36 pastors. The Rev. Myron Dice, and his wife, the Rev. Barbara Dice, currently serve as co-pastors. Music is an integral part of the worship experience and is currently led by Linda Thompson. The youth coordinator is Melissa Sherman.

A covered dish meal will follow the morning worship service.

"Everyone from the community is invited to attend," said a spokesman.?