A Bicentennial Moment

In anticipation of Mulberry’s upcoming Bicentennial Celebration in 2026, the Leonard Hill Cochran Historical Room presents a moment of Mulberry history.

A History of The Joy Class



In 1944 when Macon was teaming with soldiers, defense workers, college students and young adults, Mulberry Street Methodist Church saw the urgent need for a new Sunday School class to accommodate these newcomers as many in the area were very far from home. Mulberry members set about organizing the new class, sending out a warm welcome to make Mulberry their church home while in this area.

The newly formed Young Adult Class, which was soon, renamed The Joy Class, for 81 years has remained an integral part of this historic downtown church. The large membership through the years has heard inspiring lessons taught by physicians, attorneys, ministers, bankers, educators, artists, college presidents, architects and businessmen.

During the earlier years Dr. Silas Johnson, then Mulberry pastor, made every effort possible to insure that the young adults of this church as well as other youth within the community were given the chance to enjoy the facilities of Mulberry for recreational purposes in the basement of the church. Use of the basement for this purpose undoubtedly planted the seeds for the construction of Mulberry’s larger Youth Center during the 1950s.

When the class organized, it was primarily one of “singles” but at the end of the first decade married couples were in the majority. Subtle “nudges” given to older members that perhaps they should move to other classes were of no avail. Members were too entrenched, too dedicated and too devoted to each other to “budge”.

Charlotte Gaines, daughter of Rev. F. M. Gaines is credited with suggesting the name Joy Class with the letters standing for: Jesus-Others-You. Bob Arthur, the 1st president of the class and Charles Walker, local attorney, was the 1st teacher. In the year 1969, the class had 176 members.

In 1974 under the leadership of president, Roy Kennedy, Carol Pope, project chairman, and Carter “Mac” Stout, fundraiser, more than $5,000 was pledged to refurbish the upstairs classroom. Central air conditioning, new lighting, paint and draperies turned the classroom into a place of comfort. Again in 1983, the room was refurbished under the presidency of Shellie Inzer. A beautiful pulpit that had served in the sanctuary from 1928 to 1958 was refurbished, moved to the classroom. During the church-wide renovation in the early 2000s, the Joy Class moved to a new classroom, giving up their old one to be used as the choir room. Then in 2013, again another moved, necessitated by the need for more space, another move to a larger room where it has functioned for the last 12 years.

The class always was ready to provide for the spiritual and, when necessary, material needs of its members. Additionally the class always was an integral part of this great church by providing leadership and service in support of its plans and programs. To sincerely emulate the class name, “Jesus-Others-You” was always the primary goal of the Joy Class.

Macon Outreach

In memory of Ann Kite Hall from Dr & Mrs. William Dasher

 In memory of Jean Weatherfod from Frank & Mary Anne Gaudry

 In honor of Dr Terre Johnson and Daniel McIntosh from Dr. Rick and Kim Lanford

 In honor of Elisa Reece from Calissa Fonner

 In honor of Frank and Mary Anne Gaudry from Mariann and John Evans

 In honor of Mr. and Mrs. J.B Easterlin from Bryan and Nelle Persons