“What if these walls could talk?” they might tell a story that begins long before they stood here on Abercorn Street. This is the story of Asbury United Methodist Church. It is a tale of faith overcoming adversity in Savannah.
Asbury United Methodist Church has a history stretching back to the Civil War. Black Methodists began holding services without formal church affiliation. In 1871 Reverend Charles O. Fisher officially founded Asbury with 50 members. The church was named after Methodist bishop Francis Asbury.
The early congregation met in different buildings. One was near Savannah Union Station. In 1927 Asbury found a permanent home. It purchased a building from Bull Street Baptist Church. This building was in the Victorian Historic District. It was originally constructed in 1887. The 1896 Cedar Keys hurricane damaged it. It was then partially rebuilt.
Note the Gothic Revival architecture. Twin towers flank the front. Arched windows let light stream in. Asbury is the only African American United Methodist Church in the Victorian Historic District.
Many dedicated pastors have led Asbury. Reverend L.W. Johnson and Dr. C.K. Wright guided the church. They were followed by Reverend P.H. Travis and Reverend J. Jackson. Reverend W.V. Daughtry, Reverend J.A. Richie, and Reverend Rakestraw also served. Reverend E.M. Hurley followed. These leaders helped shape Asbury’s identity.
Later, Reverend J.W. Keller and Reverend J.L. Garrison served. Reverend Robert F. Harrington and Reverend Amos Holmes also led the congregation. Reverend L. Scott Allen served for six years. Reverend J.H. Taggart and Reverend George Walker followed. Reverend P. Harold Gray and Reverend Calvin Lawton continued the tradition. Reverend Lorenzo Williams and Reverend Edward Ducree also served. They all focused on adding souls to Christ.
Acquiring the Abercorn Street location was a major achievement. Purchasing parsonages was also vital. The installation of stained-glass windows beautified the church.
More recently, Reverend Lenton Powell served for almost two decades. Reverend Thomas Mills, Reverend Douglas Force, and Reverend Thomas Norman followed. Reverend Beverly Flowers served until 2012. Reverend Doreen Smalls has been serving since 2012. These leaders have made significant improvements. Membership has increased. Many new ministries have been activated.
In 2019, Asbury was placed on the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation’s “Places in Peril” list. Water damage had rendered parts of the building unusable. The congregation debated finding a new location. Ultimately, they decided to raise funds for repairs.
In 2024, the congregation made the difficult decision to sell the building. They moved to a temporary location on White Bluff Road. White Bluff Presbyterian graciously offered their education building. The new space is ADA-compliant. Worship attendance has increased. They are returning to outreach and mission work.
The story of Asbury United Methodist Church is not ending. It is simply entering a new chapter. As they seek a permanent home, they carry their history and faith with them. They even preserved the stained-glass windows and pews. Asbury remains determined to answer God’s call. They continue to build His kingdom.