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Lewisburg United Methodist
Church History
Methodist services were
held in Lewisburg as early as 1787. The next year, circuit
rider Bishop Francis Asbury preached at the home of James
Watts and formally organized the congregation. Around 1800,
the Methodists erected a church house on Lot 61 on German
(now Foster) Street. This was later sold for use as a
dwelling.
A new brick church was
constructed on adjoining lots about 1820. The building,
later damaged by cannonball fire during the battle of
Lewisburg in 1862, is now John Wesley United Methodist
Church and listed on the Historical Registrar. The Civil
War, race issues and division of the Methodist Episcopal
Church created two separate branches: MEC North and MEC
South. In Lewisburg, dispute arose over ownership of the
brick church.
A court ruling awarded
the church to MEC North and in 1868 MEC South Methodists
gathered at the post office to plan another building. A
frame structure "finished in workmanlike manner. . . in good
style with suitable pews" was constructed on our present
site. At the beginning of the century, the church reported
340 members and plans were made for a larger building of
brick. The sanctuary was dedicated in January 1905 and
included stained glass memorial windows. Growth of Sunday
School (435 enrolled) and Epworth Leagues showed need for an
educational wing. An addition with narthex, parlor, Baraca
Room and classrooms was finished by 1914.
World War I affected our
church as well as the nation, and it closed for 3 weeks in
1918 during the influenza epidemic. Great upheaval
followed, with the Great Depression, World War II and
postwar adjustment. Interest in foreign and domestic
missions increased and church membership rose to 679 in the
three decades.
The congregation in 1951
launched a campaign for building and remodeling. Work done
by 1954 added Wesley Hall, a kitchen and Sunday School
rooms. Remodeling was completed and these facilities were
dedicated in 1961. Further sanctuary renovation was done in
1984. Church growth and community use led to more
additions, with choir room, offices, elevator and
porte-cochere completed in the fall of 1996.
Lewisburg Methodist
Church in 1968 became Lewisburg United Methodist Church as
the Methodist Episcopal Church and the Evangelical United
Brethren combined. The church grew and reached out to meet
needs of community and social issues. The first female
pastor and co-pastor team of Revs. Patricia Jarvis and
Julian Sulgit were appointed in 1997 and emphasized Bible
Study and everyday ministry and began Saturday Night Alive
and Taize services. Lara Nunley (Edwards) joined the staff
as program and children's ministries director. Continuing
under the pastorate of Rev. Dr. Joseph Kenaston in 2005, the
church expanded both worship and ministry areas in music,
renewal services and community outreach. New Associate Rev.
Beth Peters served both LUMC and our sister church John
Wesley. Shepherd's Center Adult Ministry, Joyful Noise
Afterschool Program, Snacks in Packs, Parents' Morning Out,
and LUMC Preschool sounds filled the church halls. Close
connection continues between LUMC and Wellspring, a ministry
assisting those in need. Dawn's Playground was built and
dedicated on the new Green Space and work completed on Youth
House.
Since 2013 Rev. Rick
Brown has led our church with emphasis on Gospel, service
and pastoral care, added short term Bible Studies and a
focus on youth missions. "Rev Bev" Colombo arrived in the
summer of 2014 as Minister of Youth, Families and Creative
Worship and has begun the Quest Program and Life Group and
greater participation in worship. We cherish this history
and are grateful for our dedicated leaders and strive to
uphold our mission:
GO MAKE
DISCIPLES
GROW IN LOVE GLORIFY
GOD!!
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Lewisburg United
Methodist Church