founded 1837
The oldest congregation in Spartanburg, Central UMC had its beginnings on January 25, 1837, when nine local Methodists constituted themselves as trustees and acquired property on which to build a church.
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. The transepts were added in 1909, the social hall and education building in 1930, the Cannon Chapel and office suite in 1953, and a new social hall and education building in 2001.
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. The National Park Service in Washington, DC, approved and entered Central on the Register on October 3, 2003.
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.
Today Central is on the move with a challenge to even greater service to humankind 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.
Dr. John Bullard
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. The transepts were added in 1909, the social hall and education building in 1930, the Cannon Chapel and office suite in 1953, and a new social hall and education building in 2001.
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. The National Park Service in Washington, DC, approved and entered Central on the Register on October 3, 2003.
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.
Today Central is on the move with a challenge to even greater service to humankind 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.
Dr. John Bullard