Wofford College

Sardis United Methodist Church, Union

Sardis Union Membership Records

Shiloh United Methodist Church, Gray Court

Centennial Anniversary Celebration and History of Shiloh United Methodist Church, 1873-1973

Smyrna United Methodist Church, Bennettsville

Wofford College 
Digital Commons @ Wofford 
Methodist Local Church Records Methodist Collection 
8-28-2024 
History of Smyrna Church: 1846 to 2007 
Smyrna United Methodist Church, Bennettsville 
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 Part of the History of Christianity Commons 
Recommended Citation 
Smyrna United Methodist Church, Bennettsville, "History of Smyrna Church: 1846 to 2007" (2024). 
Methodist Local Church Records. 349. 
https://digitalcommons.wofford.edu/churchrecords/349 
This Book is brought to you for free and open access by the Methodist Collection at Digital Commons @ Wofford. It 
has been accepted for inclusion in Methodist Local Church Records by an authorized administrator of Digital 
Commons @ Wofford. For more information, please contact stonerp@wofford.edu. 






History of Smyrna Church: 1846 to 2007

Rehoboth United Methodist Church, Galivants Ferry

Wofford College 
Digital Commons @ Wofford 
Methodist Local Church Records Methodist Collection 
8-23-2024 
Rehoboth Galivants Ferry Membership 
Rehoboth United Methodist Church, Galivants Ferry 
Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.wofford.edu/churchrecords 
 Part of the History of Christianity Commons 
Recommended Citation 
Rehoboth United Methodist Church, Galivants Ferry, "Rehoboth Galivants Ferry Membership" (2024). 
Methodist Local Church Records. 325. 
https://digitalcommons.wofford.edu/churchrecords/325 
This Book is brought to you for free and open access by the Methodist Collection at Digital Commons @ Wofford. It 
has been accepted for inclusion in Methodist Local Church Records by an authorized administrator of Digital 
Commons @ Wofford. For more information, please contact stonerp@wofford.edu. 




















































Rehoboth Galivants Ferry Membership

Zoar United Methodist Church, Greer

Wofford College 
Digital Commons @ Wofford 
Methodist Local Church Records Methodist Collection 
9-11-2024 
Zoar Greer Church History 
Zoar United Methodist Church, Greer 
Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.wofford.edu/churchrecords 
 Part of the History of Christianity Commons 
Recommended Citation 
Zoar United Methodist Church, Greer, "Zoar Greer Church History" (2024). Methodist Local Church 
Records. 404. 
https://digitalcommons.wofford.edu/churchrecords/404 
This Book is brought to you for free and open access by the Methodist Collection at Digital Commons @ Wofford. It 
has been accepted for inclusion in Methodist Local Church Records by an authorized administrator of Digital 
Commons @ Wofford. For more information, please contact stonerp@wofford.edu. 
HISTORY OF ZOAR UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 
 
 Zoar United Methodist Church is one of the oldest Methodist Churches in the Greer area.  
Around 1800 it had its beginning in a little log schoolhouse near its present location.  In 1830 two 
acres of land were given upon which to build a church.  The first structure was of logs.  In 1845 a 
frame church was built.  In 1901 it was decided that more space was needed and a bigger church 
was built.  On May 4, 1906 this building was destroyed by fire.  On May 13th steps were taken to 
rebuild at a cost of $3,033.  It was dedicated to the service of God in November 1907. 
 Epworth League was organized in 1934.  The Women’s Society of Christian Service was 
organized in 1938. 
 In 1939, when the facilities for Sunday School proved inadequate, plans were made to 
build additional rooms.  The eight classrooms and a heating plant were added at a cost of about 
$3,000. 
 In 1950, a Baldwin electric organ and chimes were purchased.  In the fall of 1953 it was 
decided to remodel and add more Sunday School rooms, choir and choir room, and other 
facilities.  This was completed in 1954.  A box containing a Bible, Discipline, History of the 
church, hymnal, a copy of the S. C. Methodist Advocate and a copy of the Christian Advocate, 
and other records were sealed in the cornerstone. 
 In 1959 a parsonage was built on Gap Creek Road and Zoar enjoyed a pastor all its own.   
 In 1961 the interior of the church was renovated.  Stained glass windows replaced the 
colored glass that had been used in the old church.  A new air-conditioning and heating system 
was installed.  In 1969 the Men’s Club was organized and the church started sponsoring Boy’s 
Scout Troop #41.  A lot was purchased on the corner of Highway 357 and Gap Creek Road in 
1971 and a new parsonage was constructed at a cost of $38,000.  The XYZ Club, composed of 
senior citizens was organized in 1973.  In 1975 an Allen organ was purchased at a cost of 
$13,000.   
 In 1980 the sanctuary was remodeled and May 1984 brought the dedication of a Scout 
Building.  A new air-conditioning system was installed in 1986.  The official street address 
assigned in 1988 is 1005 Highway 357, Greer, South Carolina. 
 In the fall of 1988 grading was done behind the church for future construction of a 
Family Life Center.  A service of Consecration was held on Sunday, July 29, 1990.  In 1990 the 
yard was landscaped. 
 In 1992, a Schimmel grand piano was purchased and installed in the sanctuary at a cost of 
$23,000. 
 In 1993, a handicap ramp was constructed to allow access to the interior of the church 
and an elevator was installed to give handicapped persons access tot he sanctuary and upper level 
of the church. 
 In 1995, a challenge was made to the congregation by an anonymous contributor offering 
to pay ¼ of the balance owed on the Family Life center if the congregation could raise the 
remaining ¾ by the end of the year to pay off the Family Life center.  The total amount of the 
remaining balance owed during the year, the entire congregation joined together to raise the 
money owed.  By increasing personal contributions, several successful fund raising events, 
special contributions from different organizations and Sunday School classes, the three-fourths of 
the balance owed was raised by the deadline date.  With the help of our anonymous friend, the 
mortgage was paid in full at the end of December 1995.  The paid mortgage was burned during 
the morning worship service on January 7, 1996. 
Zoar church continued to accomplish great things in 1996.  A decision was made to form 
a Hand Bell Choir.  Plans were made to purchase three octave bells (37 bells at a cost of $140 
each).  Individual members/families and friends joined in the endeavor by purchasing bells in 
honor or memory of loved ones.  The bells were dedicated on Sunday, November 3, 1996 with a 
special program of tolling each bell as the honored person and memorials were read. 
 Also a new heating/air conditioning system was installed at a total cost of $24,878 and a 
new copier was purchased for the office at a cost of $2,677. 
 In 1997, a new church sign was erected.  The church experienced new growth during the 
year of 1997 and attendance was up for all activities over the previous year. 
 In 1998, the parsonage was renovated and new living room furniture, stove and 
refrigerator were purchased.  The pastor and congregation were very much encouraged in the 
ministry of Zoar United Methodist Church during the year and go forth toward the future with 
confidence that this progressive trend will continue. 
   The year 2000 marks the 200th birthday of Zoar United Methodist Church.  This is a very 
special year was celebrated with a day of looking back and reflecting on the past and look 
forward to the future ministry of Zoar United Methodist Church in this community.  Rev. J. 
Lawrence McCleskey, Bishop of the SC Conference was the speaker for the Morning Worship 
Service.  Former pastors were also recognized during this time.   
 A dinner was served in the family life center and following, an informal service of 
remembrance was held in the sanctuary with special music and guest speakers. 
 At the conclusion, the cornerstone, which was placed on the front of the church building 
in 1954,was opened.  Later the box was sealed and placed back in the cornerstone with several 
up-to-date items in it: a Hymnal, Discipline, a copy of SC United Methodist Advocate, history of 
the church, a Bible, other records, and photographs.  
In 2000 it became evident that repairs were needed on the church steeple.  It appeared to 
be leaning badly.  In reality, the brick veneer was pulling away from the original structure and 
engineers suggested that it be removed and replaced with a lighter weight material.  A contractor 
was hired and the work began.  The plan was to replace the brick veneer with a vinyl siding that 
would be lightweight, low maintenance and replicates the appearance of the original building. 
As the work progressed workers discovered damage to the upper part of the tower which 
supported the spire of the steeple.  A “hidden” gutter around the base of the spire had leaked over 
the years and caused the supporting timbers to rot.  Since the steeple had to be removed in order 
to replace the platform supporting, it was decided to replace it with a more durable one.   Every 
effort was made to maintain the appearance of the original steeple and an aluminum structure was 
selected and installed. A new roof was installed to complete the renovation. 
In the mid-nineties the BMW Corporation constructed a plant in Greer to build luxury 
automobiles.  This slowly changed the face of the community.  New homes were built on the 
property surrounding Zoar and newcomers moved into the area.  Very soon new visitors were 
appearing every Sunday morning.  Reaching out to new residents became an overwhelming 
challenge.  Nineteen new members were added to the roll in 2001. 
 A beautiful Advent wreath was bought with a gift in honor of Claude and Bettie Powell. 
A generous gift from the estate of Ora Burnette provided a new sound system for the sanctuary. 
During 2002 and 2003 several impressive construction projects were completed: the electrical 
wiring was re-worked, adding a new breaker box and replacing some old boxes and wiring. 
Outside lights were added to illuminate the front of the church and a new heating system was 
installed in the Scout Hut. In early 2004 the church and Family Life Center parking lots and 
driveways were paved. 
 


Zoar Greer Church History

St. Matthew United Methodist Church, Bishopville

St. Matthew Bishopville Minutes 1970s-1981

Zoan United Methodist Church, Galivants Ferry

Wofford College 
Digital Commons @ Wofford 
Methodist Local Church Records Methodist Collection 
9-11-2024 
Zoan Membership Records 
Zoan United Methodist Church, Galivants Ferry 
Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.wofford.edu/churchrecords 
 Part of the History of Christianity Commons 
Recommended Citation 
Zoan United Methodist Church, Galivants Ferry, "Zoan Membership Records" (2024). Methodist Local 
Church Records. 401. 
https://digitalcommons.wofford.edu/churchrecords/401 
This Book is brought to you for free and open access by the Methodist Collection at Digital Commons @ Wofford. It 
has been accepted for inclusion in Methodist Local Church Records by an authorized administrator of Digital 
Commons @ Wofford. For more information, please contact stonerp@wofford.edu. 

























Zoan Membership Records

Pond Branch United Methodist Church, Gilbert

Pond Branch Gilbert  Church Register 1917-1950

Main Street United Methodist Church, Abbeville

Wofford College 
Digital Commons @ Wofford 
Methodist Local Church Records Methodist Collection 
10-22-2024 
Abbeville Station Membership Register 4 
Main Street United Methodist Church, Abbeville 
Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.wofford.edu/churchrecords 
 Part of the History of Christianity Commons 
Recommended Citation 
Main Street United Methodist Church, Abbeville, "Abbeville Station Membership Register 4" (2024). 
Methodist Local Church Records. 528. 
https://digitalcommons.wofford.edu/churchrecords/528 
This Book is brought to you for free and open access by the Methodist Collection at Digital Commons @ Wofford. It 
has been accepted for inclusion in Methodist Local Church Records by an authorized administrator of Digital 
Commons @ Wofford. For more information, please contact stonerp@wofford.edu. 




















































































Abbeville Station Membership Register 4

Abbeville Station Membership Register 8