First United Methodist remains a vital downtown congregation

WRITER’S NOTE: I was not able to complete my column about the First United Methodist Church of Morganton due to family circumstances. Here is a long-delayed conclusion of my quick sketch of this vibrant downtown church congregation.

According to a church publication, “A Historical Sketch of the First United Methodist Church of Morganton,” the congregation of First UMCM contracted to purchase the half-block facing King Street known as the Collett property in the early 1900s.

On the Queen Street corner at that time was a large, two-story boarding house and on the other corner was an old barn.

During the Great Depression, starting in 1929, the church could not make payments, and the women of the church assumed responsibility for the debt. They served the Kiwanis Club meals and other dinners to raise funds. Final payment was made in 1936.

The sanctuary of the church, dedicated in 1954, is a beautiful space for worship. I imagine the neutral-colored brick interior lends itself to low maintenance and makes any colors of banners or seasonal paraments really stand out and draw attention to their symbolic messages.

Attention is appropriately drawn to the large Celtic cross that hangs above the altar. It was designed and engineered by Drexel Furniture Company employee Howard Hodgeman. The needlepoint kneelers were a special project of a committee of dedicated church women. They were completed and dedicated in 1977.

A ‘lighthouse’ congregation

First UMC chose to be designated a Lighthouse Congregation, which is part of the United Methodist Movement in the Western NC Conference. These congregations are particularly equipped to welcome anyone whose church has closed or disaffiliated due to recent controversies.

Their mission statement is: “A Lighthouse Congregation is a United Methodist faith community that will serve as a resting place with people who will care for you while providing a haven of peace and grace. Whether you are an individual or a group of people who have become displaced or churchless because of closing or disaffiliation, Lighthouse Congregations will be there for you during this difficult time.”

A tradition of good church music

Minister of Music Brent Lawrence, who began his ministry with First UMCM in June, 2023, describes the present music ministry in this way: “Our music ministry is highly active and diverse, with the choir and handbells forming the core ensembles. The choir, in particular, has experienced steady growth. This year, my focus has been on expanding ensemble offerings and supporting individual musicians in pursuing specific interests and goals.”

“In November of last year, we launched a beginning ukulele ensemble, which meets weekly for jam sessions and occasionally participates in worship. We have also established men’s and women’s ensembles as subsections of the choir and incorporated small chamber ensembles — including violin, cello, and flute — into worship services. While not all of these initiatives occur every week, I am proud of the breadth of our offerings and of the musicians’ willingness to engage creatively and courageously with new formats.”

Lawrence continues, “What I value most about this church is that it has become a place where people feel inspired and supported. I believe our music-making, as a communal discipline, is part of that and helps the congregation to encounter God’s grace and grow together in faith.”

Clint Long is the Organist and Accompanist for the church. He is also a Band Director at Mill Creek Middle School. He has had music roles in several churches, but affirms, “First UMCM is one of the most caring, inclusive, and loving congregations I’ve ever been part of. As the organist, I’ve seen firsthand how our music program blends traditional and contemporary worship elements, creating a space where everyone can find inspiration to worship God, honor His Son, Jesus Christ, and commune with the Holy Spirit.”

Church member, Doug Shepherd, talks about the importance of music to First UMC:

“My wife, JoAnn, and I jointed First UMCM in 1972. With the encouragement of a good friend I started singing in the choir. Over the years our church has been blessed with some very talented choir directors. We have one now in Brent Lawrence, who has a PhD. In music theory! I recently read that ‘God is in the music’. I think there is a lot of truth in that statement. I find church music inspirational and stress reducing. That includes all kinds of music — from the John and Charles Wesley’s composed hymns to quality ‘contemporary’ songs.’”

Children’s and Youth Ministry

Abbigail Williams, Minister of Discipleship, is equally enthusiastic about other First UMCM ministries: “Our children’s and youth ministry is growing and we have the best time learning about Jesus and each other together. Our S’more Time with God Wednesday afternoons is for Kindergarteners through 5th graders. We have a weekly youth group on Sunday evenings and Sunday school on Sunday mornings.”

“On Mondays at 10 a.m. we have a new Bible study for Moms and our Praise & Play Cafe at the same time for babies and children. Every third Sunday we combine with other churches for a joint youth group. We are mission-minded, always looking for opportunities to serve our community. Every year we go to White Lake to help repair homes and to Give Kids the World in Florida to serve families of children with life-threatening illnesses.”

“I love this church and these people,” she concludes, “I often tell people if they’re in a rut or having a hard time to go to one of our mission team meetings and they’ll leave rejuvenated and excited to serve others.”

Expressions from different age-stages

Associate Minister Austin McNeil came to FUMC fresh out of seminary. He says, “As a new minister, and new to the area, what has stood out to me the most about First UMC is how open and welcoming the congregation is here. From the first day, I felt like I was part of the family here, and that’s a pattern that I have seen repeated with visitors week after week.”

Longtime member John Greene offers this view: “For over 80 years First Methodist has always supported my faith in God’s love for all. The building located in downtown Morganton and the symbols throughout the sanctuary always remind me of Christ’s love for me and that I should always share that love with others.”