May All Who Come Behind Us Find Us Faithful

In March 1957 the Rev. E.A. Wilkes II, from Pelzer Methodist Church, started a Methodist Mission in the old Pepper Grammar School. It had been fifty years since a Methodist Church had been in the area. Rev. Wilkes gave his service and was faithful in attendance. Services were held each Sunday afternoon, with prayer meetings on Thursday nights. On June 22, 1958, the mission was officially organized to become the Augusta Road Methodist Church with District Superintendent Rev. J.H. Kohler presiding. Thirty-three persons expressed desire to become charter members.

In September 1958 Rev. Paul Kinnett, a retired minister, was appointed pastor. There were 47 members on roll at the time.

Land was purchased by the conference on February 17, 1960. The lot, consisting of approximately two acres, was located on Flora Louise Drive in South Greenville (known as Moonville). On December 2, 1960, Cely Brothers Construction Company signed a contract to build the church at a cost of $29,986.36.

A groundbreaking service was held the first Sunday in January 1961 with District Superintendent Rev. Paul McWirter presiding. The church was completed and open for service the third Sunday of May 1961.

Different members of the church donated the pews and furnishings and the pulpit furniture was provided by the Women’s Society of Christian Service. The total value of the church and furnishings was $42,250.00.

The name of the church was changed from Augusta Road Methodist Church to Moonville Methodist. The church deemed it necessary to secure an Assistant Pastor, Rev. J.W. Brown from Greer, to assist Rev. Kinnett. The membership grew to 94.

In 1962, Donaldson Air Force Base started moving to Savannah, Georgia. Approximately one third of the members were transferred.

Rev. Kinnett retired from the ministry the first Sunday in June 1964, having done a wonderful job in getting the church started.

The Rev. R.H. Chambers, retired, came to begin his duties as Pastor the first of Conference year 1964. The church went forward under his leadership with a constant addition to membership.

In February 1965, the name of the church was changed back to Augusta Road Methodist Church. It was deemed best to do this to invite a larger area to the church.

On July 7, 1970, the mortgage on the church was paid in full. The church was dedicated January 3, 1971 by Bishop Harding.

On July 30, 1972, a groundbreaking service was held for a new social hall. The price for the new addition along with enclosing the vestibule, air conditioning and other minor additions came to $25,000.00. The first of April 1976, the mortgage on this addition was paid in full. Rev. and Mrs. Chambers donated a stove and piano along with donations from other members. On October 31, 1976, District Superintendent Levy Rogers dedicated the fellowship hall. The new addition was to be called the “Chambers Fellowship Hall.”

The church expressed their appreciation to Rev. and Mrs. Chambers as he retired in May of 1977. Rev. Chambers was minister for 13 years. There were 94 members at this time.

In June of 1977, Rev. Bill Williams was sent from conference to serve as pastor. The church was put on a charge along with Bethel United Methodist Church in Simpsonville. Bethel Church provided the parsonage with Augusta Road sharing the expenses. The worship service was scheduled for 10:00 a.m. and Church School at 11:00 a.m.

Under his leadership, many activities were planned. The children looked forward to the children’s sermon, young adult class was organized by Sam Hammond and an adult, youth and cherub choir was organized and directed by Tom and Karen Chambers.

Conference sent to serve as minister the first Sunday in June 1982 the Rev. R.C. Emory, a retiring minister from the Greenville District.

Rev. and Mrs. Emory were occupying an apartment on the north side of Greenville, which the church took up responsibility for rent, utilities and travel expenses. This location was not convenient since the minister had to travel so far for visiting and executing his church duties. Progress got under way at once to find a parsonage in the church community.

A parsonage was purchased in November 1982 on Golf Course Road. The selling price was $55,000. A down payment of $20,000 was made. The ten-year mortgage was paid off in 3 ½ years.

In June 1987, the Conference sent Rev. Stephen Taylor as the first full time minister. Rev. Taylor brought with him his wife, Cynthia and daughter, Lauren. Under Rev. Taylor’s direction many new programs began.

A renovation program for the Sanctuary to change the pulpit area, replace carpet and additional lighting was planned in January with a special offering taken to cover the estimated $5,000 expense. Rev. Taylor and some members volunteered their time to assist Carl McDaniel in this project.

A special Emergency Love Fund was set up by Rev. Taylor to be taken once a month to provide help for needy causes within our church and community.

The United Methodist Men had an organizational meeting on February 12, 1989. Seven men decided to meet the first Sunday of each month for a “Men’s Breakfast” at 8:30 a.m. Preliminary plans were made to focus on Christian growth and outreach, to assist the church, to invite local community leaders as speakers, and to sponsor a Boy Scout Unit.

In August 1989, a 15-passenger van was purchased for $16,623 with a $3000 down payment and monthly payments of $354.45.

On Sunday, August 26, 1990 the New Methodist Hymnals were consecrated. That evening at 6:30 we had a congregational hymn practice to get acquainted with the hymnal. Over one hundred and twenty-five hymnals were purchased.

On October 12, 1990, under the organization of Linda Hartley the first day of Mother’s Day Out began. Two classes, 1 & 2 year-olds and 3 & 4 year-olds, met each Friday from 9:30 a.m. till 2:30 p.m. Much effort and love went into this project.

In January 1991, with extra payments made we were able to pay off the loan on the van in 18 months instead of 48. This saved us $2,131.29 in interest.

On December 27, 1990 the parsonage was sold. After paying closing costs the church netted $63,470. The new owners agreed to rent us the home until June first to give us time to build the new parsonage. Mr. and Mrs. Chuck Webb donated the land at 603 Emily Lane for the new parsonage. The Conference granted us $7000 towards the purchase of the new parsonage. After the Finance Committee received loan offers from local banks, we entered into a contract with Mr. Tommy Bridges to build the new parsonage with completion by May 30 th. The approximate price of the parsonage was $115,000. We borrowed $20,000 from American Federal. Monthly pledges were made to pay $1000 a month towards this debt. Rev. Taylor and his family moved into the parsonage the end of May.

On Saturday, May 11, 1991 we had the joy of welcoming into this world and God’s Church, Kelsey Taylor, the first child to be born to a minister while at Augusta Road.

In December 1991, District Superintendent Rev. John Person informed us, that Rev. Taylor would be making a mid-year move effective January 1, 1992. The move was made as a result of a Conference position opening in the District Office. The shifting of ministers made it possible for Rev. Taylor to minister at Covenant United Methodist Church.

In January 1992, The District appointed Rev. Steve Gillespie to ARUMC. Rev. Gillespie brought with him his wife Susan, children, Will, Marian and Anna. Rev. Glimpse’s Children Sermons and his and Susan’s musical renditions lit up all our lives.

On August 25, 1993 a Church Charge Conference was held and passed a recommendation to purchase 8.1 acres of land on Highway 25 for $81,000. The land was purchased for the possible site of a new church.

In December 1994, we paid off one of the two loans to purchase the land on Highway 25. In December 1995 we paid off the land on Highway 25.

In 1995, Eddie Taylor experienced the calling to go into ministry. The church supported his decision and offered prayers and encouragement to Eddie.

During 1995, Mrs. Carrie Harris turned 100 years old. Mrs. Harris played the piano at our church for many years.

A gift from the estate of Rosa S. Moon was received in January 1997. Mrs. Sina Few gave a gift in the memory of her late husband Wilson G. Few. ARUMC appreciated these gifts of love.

During the 1996-1997 year, Steve was diagnosed with cancer. Due to surgery and radiation, Steve was unable to preach and Eddie assumed his responsibilities.

The Conference assigned Eddie Taylor to preach full time at Wightman United Methodist Church in Prosperity, South Carolina. Eddie preached his last sermon at ARUMC June 1, 1997. Besides taking his wife Beth, son Mason and daughter Blaire with him, Eddie took the newest addition to his family. Philip Houston Taylor was born May 2, 1997. Philip was the first child born at ARUMC to a candidate that we have supported for ministry.

At the end of 1997, we learned Rev. Steve Gillespie would be leaving ARUMC. Steve will counsel area ministers within our district. Steve helped establish new programs and worked with the Long-Range Planning Committee to plan for the future growth of ARUMC.

In January 1998, the District appointed Rev. Fred Buchanan to ARUMC. Rev. Buchanan came from Dacusville where he ministered a two-point charge. He brought with him his wife, Clarie and their children, Marie, Jana and Julie.

On March 8, 1998 at the Charge Conference we accepted the recommendation from the Long-Range Planning Committee. It reads as follows: After many months of gathering and studying information, the Long-Range Planning Committee recommends that our church move toward building on the 8.487 acres located on Highway 25. The recommendation was reached based on the space limitations, the parking problems which exist now and would be worsened should we add on to the current site, the cost of new construction on this site which would not likely be recovered at the time of any sale, and further that renovating the current facilities only would meet our immediate needs and not provide for future growth. At this time a Building Committee was elected. The members are: Phil Ward, Janice Hughey, Karen Holder, Ron Young, Ed Chambers, Tom Chambers, Creig Kennedy and Russ Chambers as a youth delegate. In 1998 the building fund was over $90,000.

In early 1999, Rev. Buchanan started a program during the children’s sermon where the kids collect pennies from the congregation each Sunday.

On February 6, 2000 Nancy Landrum Kennedy died. Her parents raised Nancy in this church. She will always be our Peacemaker.

In June 2000 the Conference moved Rev. Buchanan. The District appointed Rev. Michael Wolfe to ARUMC. He brought with him his wife, Marley and their baby son, Charlie.

On February 11, 2001, we held a Church Conference to vote on selling the existing church and building a new church on the land we purchased. The Building Committee made a presentation of drawings, site plans and finances. The vote was 71 for selling and building, 5 against. The motion carried.

On Saturday, May 19, 2001 we gathered to have a formal dinner at the church. This was a time of fellowship, remembering the past and looking towards the future. On Sunday, May 20. 2001 we gave out commitment cards with hope of breaking ground by the end of the summer.

At a Charge Conference on August 12, 2001, Trustee Chairperson David Hughey recommended the sale of August Road United Methodist Church to St. Johns Orthodox Church for $316,250.00 At a Charge Conference on September 9,2001, Building Committee Chairperson Janice Hughey presented an overall view of the church plans. Total cost for the church would be $1,115,150 to be built by Roebuck Builders. Augusta Road United Methodist Church last gathered for worship, lunch, and a Charge Conference on October 31, 2001. That afternoon we moved everything out of the church said our good-byes and moved to Woodmont Middle School where we would meet till the new church was built.

We would like to thank Rev. Michael Wolfe for all of his time, effort and prayers during this move. His leadership and calm guidance has helped this vision become a reality. We thank him and his family.

On November 17, 2002 we entered our new building at 8324 Augusta Road. We started at Woodmont Middle School and carried banners and marched in a parade with great joy. We walked to our new church and thought of all the people who have come and gone on to be with the Lord. So many lives have been touched and so many bricks have been laid down.

In the fall of 2005 we started the Augusta Road United Methodist Academy After School Program. Under the leadership of Ms. Nadine Cobb, children arrived each afternoon at 2:45; they have a snack, prayer, studying and tutoring time, and then play time. This has been a wonderful outreach to our church members and community. As parents and church members we wish to thank Nadine, Diane and all who have worked to make this program a success.

In 2006 we became involve in Kiaros Prison Ministries. Under the leadership of Hank and Ronna Brooks we go into the prisons and share the word of our Lord as well as supporting the families of prisoners. We wish to thank Hank and Ronna and all who work with the program for their time with this outreach ministry.

Our Big Brother/Big Sister Mentoring and Building Dreams Programs through Clemson/Duke have grown. Thanks and appreciation to Brooke Howard for her hard work and dedication to this program.

This Fiftieth Anniversary year, 2008, has been such an exciting year. We created a New Church Development Team that helped conduct survey’s to determine our church’s strongest and weakest points. For the past year we have focused on improving prayer and spirituality within the church. We would like to thank this team for their dedication and commitment to this project.

During the past year we hired Mrs. Linda Guthrie to be our Children’s Ministry Coordinator. Linda lives in Greenville with her husband and attends Erskine College where she is studying to be a full time minister. Linda truly loves each child, but when she walks in the pulpit to preach, you hear her passion for our Lord and Savior. We thank Linda and her family for becoming part of our history.

In February of 2008 the Trustees purchased a new church bus for $40,000. The Learning Academy donated $5000.00 towards this purchase. We would like to thank Jason Anderson for his work with the Trustees on this purchase and Tony Harder for his work with the Learning Academy this past year.

Also in February we refinanced the church mortgage for another five year period. The interest rate decreased to 5.8% with Carolina First. Our monthly payments will decrease, but we will continue to make the same payment as over the last five years to help pay off the loan early. Thanks to all on Finance and Trustees who worked on this negotiation.

We wish to thank Tom, the choir and the praise band for their time and continued love for this church. They are all a great part of the history of ARUMC. Thank you to all who volunteer their time to work in the sound booth each Sunday. To the Learning Academy board and staff we say thank you for your continued outreach within the community. Your time and efforts show through each one of these children. We would like to thank all the leaders of the Boys and Girls Scouting programs for their time and love with these children. Both programs have grown and it is just another outreach that ARUMC offers to our children and community.

We would like to express our love to Rev. Michael Wolfe, his wife Marley and son Charlie. So much of our history has changed since Michael has been with us and we thank him for his guidance.

In the past year we lost six members in death; Jenny McGarrah, Vicki Huff, Dick Grey, Dorothy Woodcock, Irene Maddox and Keith Armstrong. Mrs. McGarrah was dedicated to this church and the United Methodist Women’s Group. Her love for the UMW carried through to when she was not able to attend, she would still contact them to offer any help that she could. Vicki Huff was a leader in the early years of this church. She sang in the choir and taught Sunday School. Her love for our Lord shown through her life daily. Dick Grey will always be remembered as the train man. He would set up his trains around Christmas time and invite the children to come and watch the show. And it was a truly spectacular show. Dorothy Woodcock will be remembered as a loving wife and mother. She was a soft spoken woman who loved attending church each Sunday and looked forward each year to the Young at Heart Social. Irene Maddox loved this church so. She was also quiet, but all respected her. This church historian will remember the Turkey Dinners and Mrs. Maddox preparing the gravy. She stood to the side away from everyone and did the job given to her each year. Keith Armstrong will be remembered as a loving husband, father and grandfather. I will remember Keith standing in the hall of the old church, greeting everyone coming in to Sunday School. Then he would sit at his desk and prepare to totals and figures for attendance as well as make sure everyone had their materials. If a teacher did not show up, Keith would go teach the class. Keith’s spirit will live on through his family.

As we step forward into a new chapter of the history of ARUMC, we ask that each one of us remember where we have been, who has come before us, and pray that All Who Come Behind Us Find Us Faithful. We especially thank God for helping the church achieve all of its goals. May we continue to grow spiritually and follow our vision. May Augusta Road United Methodist Church be instrumental in the ongoing work in the Kingdom of God.