History of Gibson Memorial United Methodist Church
In 1890, the seed was sown for a Methodist Church here A. D. “Uncle” Betts, a Stanhope minister. The Rev. J. W. Gibson served as the first full-time pastor. This early church, then known as Spring Hope Methodist Episcopal Church, was located on the corner of Nash and Ash streets. In 2017, Gibson Memorial celebrates 127 years of ministry.
The church suffered a tragic loss when Rev. Gibson died in 189, and another significant loss when the church and parsonage both burned on a windy night in December, 1909. Church services were held in the upstairs of the Finch Store Building on the corner of Main and Ash, and the Ladies Aid Society staged bazaars and suppers to raise money to build a new church building. The congregation purchased land for a new church from Mr. Smith Brantley. In 1910, the cornerstone was laid and the members decided, 22 years after his death, to name the new church building for Rev. Gibson. The N. B. Finch house, present on the corner at the time of sale, was moved over and served as the church parsonage until 1970.
It was in the mid 50’s, during the time of Rev. Steward Brodie’s pastorate, that work on the Education Building had begun. During the early 70’s, under the leadership of Rev. Brian Gentile, the church raised enough to build a $30,000 parsonage. In 2010, with the help of the Duke Endowment, the church Handicap/Renovation Project was completed under the leadership of Rev. Elizabeth Polk.
The Ladies Aid Society, later called The Women’s Missionary Society and now known as, The United Methodist Women (UMW), has always been active in Spring Hope. Divided into three circles, named for Mary J. Earle, Sallie May Wood, and Maggie Dixon Baker, the UMW is especially known for an annual Salad Luncheon. The first meeting of the Methodist Men (UMM) was in 195. Our UMM is very active in the district and well known for their annual Brunswick Stew.
Beginning in 2007, the congregation began studying and planning for a way to update the church facility making it handicap accessible. With the help of the District and The Duke Endowment, an elevator, handicap accessible restroom facilities, and upstairs ramp connecting the education wing and sanctuary was installed. The total estimated cost of the project was nearly $291,00.00 of which 50% was provided by The Duke Endowment.
Today, Gibson Memorial United Methodist Church continues to faithfully serve God in Spring Hope and the surrounding area. Jesus shows us how to love God and one another while bringing hope and healing to the least, the last, and the lost, and invites us all to do these same things in our lives. Gibson Memorial is a Christ-centered, loving, active, growing, and missions-oriented congregation located in historic downtown Spring Hope, NC where imperfect people gather, live life together, and encourage each other to join in the work Jesus has begun.
If you don’t have a church home and are looking for a Spirit filled place to learn and grow in a faithful relationship with God through Jesus Christ, then you are invited to come and be a part of what God is doing here in the place.
New to Spring Hope or visiting soon? Be sure to visit our town website at https://www.springhope.net/.
