Perhaps you seek a welcoming community center. Cherokee Place United Methodist Church is just that. It is a place offering spiritual guidance and support to its members.
Cherokee Place United Methodist Church focuses on inclusivity. It emphasizes service. The church provides diverse programs. These programs support individuals seeking connection. They foster personal growth too.
North Charleston Methodist Episcopal Church South began several years earlier in 1916 or 1917. Its start was an interdenominational Sunday School. Mr. Lebby of Charleston organized it. Meetings took place in the Seaboard Railway Depot. They also occurred in the old high school building. The first assigned pastor was Reverend Robert R. Tucker. He served in 1920-1921.
A meeting of the Methodist Church Society occurred. It convened March 19 1921. The location was Bethel Methodist Episcopal Church South. They decided to proceed with plans. These plans were to erect a one-day church in North Charleston. The Charleston News and Courier extended an invitation. It asked all Methodists of the city to declare a holiday on April 14. They were asked to assist in the worthy undertaking. Everyone who could work was pressed into service. The ladies furnished luncheon on the grounds. The article stated that construction of the church would be completed from sunrise to sunset. A service was held that evening at 8:00 p.m. by the Methodist Church Society. Everyone was invited to come and lend a helping hand. It was predicted that 10000 people would go out to North Charleston to see this church being built.
Mr. Leland Moore reported on arrangements. He stated two suitable lots could be purchased. These were on Jenkins Avenue and Crawford Street. They could be purchased at a reasonable price. The building material was properly gotten together. This was for the erection of the one-day church. A handful of Methodists met in the old school house. They organized the first North Charleston Methodist Episcopal Church South. The first official record of this organization was found. It appeared in the quarterly report of the Hampton Charge of Charleston. The pastor, Reverend Robert R. Tucker, made this report.
Plans for the one-day church were finalized in the spring of 1921. The Methodist City Mission Board of Charleston assisted. All Methodists in the city and North Charleston were asked to assist. They needed to raise a budget of $3500 for the materials. The ladies of the North Charleston Church contributed a piano. The labor paint and mason’s materials were donated. The transportation of the materials was also donated. These were donated by a few prominent Methodist laymen. The Electric Supply Company volunteered to install the wiring at no charge. The structure was to be used only as a temporary church. Later it could easily be converted into a six-room bungalow. This would serve as a future home for the pastor.
The foundations had been laid by April 13 1921. All materials had been transported to the site. A group of workers joined other citizens from the community early. They were eager to work on the one-day church. Mrs. Viola Henderson and Mrs. Della Bingham worked all day. They served dinner and supper to the workmen. They kept their energy at full strength. This was done with dozens of cups of coffee. Workmen crawled over the building like birds. As soon as a window was completed two women would appear. They shined the glass one on each side. The building had been completely erected by nightfall.
Services were held that evening. Dr. C.F. Wimberly delivered the sermon. He was the pastor of Bethel Methodist Church South. Reverend D.N. Busby and S.B. Harper also addressed the congregation. Closing remarks were given by Mr. Leland Moore. He had served as The Methodist Society’s Chairman of the Committee on Arrangements. John Landrum provided music. He was known throughout the area as The Blind Artist.
The pastor’s reports indicated the North Charleston Methodist Episcopal Church South was a good church. The members were enthusiastic dedicated and worked diligently. Reverend E.G. Coe reported a woman’s missionary society had been organized in June 1922. Other references called the organization The Pastor’s Aide Society. It helped the pastor and the church in whatever way it could.
The final payment on the church debt was made in 1935. The interior of the church was repainted. The congregation celebrated the payment of the debt in January 1936. They held a week long series of services with dedication on Sunday evening.
So here we stand before Cherokee Place United Methodist Church. Remember that community and faith have built this church. May it continue to be a beacon for all.