A Summary of the History of Central United Methodist Church

For over 160 years Central United Methodist Church has stood at the center of Spartanburg as a brick and mortar testimony to certain values stronger and more lasting than bricks and mortar. The oldest congregation in Spartanburg, Central had its beginnings on January 25, 1837, when nine local Methodists constituted themselves as trustees and acquired property on which to build a church. (One of those original trustees was Benjamin Wofford, who later would leave $100,000 for the founding of Wofford College.) A year later, on January 10, 1838, the Reverend Marcus McKibben was assigned as the first minister of what was then called the Spartanburg Circuit. In 1848 the church became a "station," that is, a church whose minister served that congregation only. The name "Central" came in 1889.

In the long history of the church three buildings have occupied the spot where the present sanctuary sits. The first structure, completed in 1838, proved to be inadequate almost from the beginning, and a new building in 1854 had four big columns and a steeple. But the congregation quickly outgrew that space, and in 1885-1886 that building was razed. Our present sanctuary dates from the new construction of that time with several major renovations and enlargements since. The transepts were added in 1909, the social hall and education building in 1930, and the Cannon Chapel and office suite in 1953.

  

Central began a long range plan to purchase property and to revitalize its aging physical plant with resources adequate for an enlarged ministry to the inner city in 1987. Soon 2.6 acres of land was purchased near, but not contiguous, to the existing facility. In 1997 Renaissance Park requested Central to swap its land where the Marriott Hotel now stands for land around the church, and this land enabled the church to plan a new facility on the same site where it organized in 1837. Due to the size of the project, due to the program needs during construction, and due to the increasing membership, the construction was planned in two phases.

In January 2000 construction began on Phase One to build the new educational and program building and the renewal of the sanctuary and the first floor of the old educational building. The completed new building was consecrated in May 2001, and the total project completed in September 2002. Phase Two will later demolish the old educational building and connect the new building with the historic nineteenth century sanctuary with another new facility to serve our growing membership.

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Central in National Register of Historic Places  On July 25, 2003, the SC Department of Archives and History approved and endorsed Central’s application for listing on the National Register of Historic Places.  Last week Central learned that the National Park Service in Washington, DC, had given final approval and that Central has been duly entered on the Register as of October 3, 2003.  So we rejoice.   What is the National Register of Historic Places?  It is “the official Federal list of districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects significant in American history, architecture, archaeology, engineering, and culture.  These contribute to an understanding of the historical and cultural foundations of the Nation.” (from the National Register Bulletin)    By Federal law, National Register listing assists in preserving historic properties in several ways, one of which is qualifying preservation  projects for Federal grant assistance.   Central now finds itself in company with the finest and most prestigious historic churches in our State.  Even without a burial ground, the roster of distinguished leaders who have been members or have ministered to Central, several of whom later became Bishops, is conspicuous.  Central, as the first church of any denomination in Spartanburg history, is the Mother of Spartanburg Methodism.   The role of community service Central has played in Spartanburg’s history, plus the architectural quality of our historic buildings, all rendered Central eligible for listing.   But Central will not wallow in its past.  Central is on the move today with a challenge to even greater service to mankind in the name of Christ.  With God’s blessings Central will remain, as it has for almost two hundred years, a beacon to Christian living in the heart of the City.    --John Bullard   _____________________________________________________________________________________________