First United Methodist Church, Myrtle Beach

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The First United Methodist Church in Myrtle Beach, SC was started in 1919.

1 History
2 Hurricane Hugo Visit
3 References
4 External links

[edit] History

By the early 1900's, summer worship services were being held in Myrtle Beach. These services were probably very similar in format and style to the present Myrtle Beach Campground Ministry services held in the various participating campgrounds. These services inevitably led, in 1915, to a Methodist Sunday School being organized. Mr. S.B. Chapin donated the original Sunday School materials. Finally, in 1918, a new Methodist church was organized at a meeting in the back of the Chapin Commissary.

In 1919, the Myrtle Beach Methodist Church was officially recognized by the South Carolina Annual Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. It was part of the Waccamaw Circuit with the Rev. John Edward Cook, Pastor.

In 1920, the present property was donated by Myrtle Beach Farms for a new church building. It is reported (perhaps apocryphally) that Mr. S. B. Chapin was concerned that there would be much vice going on at the pavilion, and he wanted a church (with a cross on top of the steeple) to stand witness against the inevitable wickedness.

In 1921, "The Little Church" was built on the present location for about $1,500.00. For years it was the only church structure in Myrtle Beach. The Little Church was the site for community weddings, funerals, meetings, receptions, etc.

In 1939, the present sanctuary was built at a cost of about $25,000.00. The debt was paid off in 1943.

In 1952, Asbury Hall was built to provide additional Sunday School space. Today it still provides room for several Sunday School classes and is the home The Coastal Samaritan Center.

In 1958, Wesley Hall was built to provide more classrooms, a fellowship hall/gymnasium and a kitchen.

In 1968, seating capacity of the sanctuary was nearly doubled with the additions of wings on the north and south sides of the sanctuary. Stained glass windows were added at the same time.

In 1985, the Chapel and Administrative Wing was added on the south side.

In 1987, the Child Development Center opened using rooms and kitchen in Wesley Hall.

In 1994, the Contemporary Worship Service began on Monday nights in the Chapel. The Seagulls and Snowbirds Ministry for Senior Adults, serving locals and winter residents was founded.

IN 1996, the North Campus on 65h Avenue and Bypass 17 was purchased. The Child Development Ministry moved to the North Campus the following year.

[edit] Hurricane Hugo Visit

The evening of September 21, 1989 Hurricane Hugo came to town. The storm caused major damage as it zeroed in on coastal lands and the inland to unsuspecting areas of South and North Carolina. The church's steeple was picked up and dropped through the roof into the sanctuary. It caused extensive damage. Pews, carpeting, building timbers on the floor, insulation and puddles of water made a grim picture. For a year and a half the church was without a steeple. On February 20, 1991 the new steeple was installed. The old cross, rescued from the storm, hangs in the Archives Room.