How about a story of faith hope and community at Midland Park United Methodist Church? This church has a rich history. It has deep roots in the Midland Park community. Let’s step back in time to February 1921. Imagine a group of dedicated people gathering in each other’s homes. They formed a union church. Among the founding members were Mrs. F. J. Aichele Mrs. L.W. Davis and Mr. and Mrs. H. L. Fuller.
Without a dedicated building services were held in the homes of members. Each week a different host family invited a minister from their denomination to speak. This shows the initial unity and cooperation within the community. In June 1926 the congregation made a significant decision. They voted to join the lower South Carolina Methodist Conference. The church was then named Midland Park Methodist Episcopal Church South. It became part of the North Charleston Charge. This also included North Charleston Cherokee Place and Mount Pleasant.
During the period from 1934 to 1939 Midland Park was part of the Charleston Mission. This included Mount Pleasant Saint Andrews and Cainhoy. As the congregation grew Midland Park became a two-point charge with North Charleston from 1939 to 1944. To accommodate this growth five classrooms were added to the building. In 1944 Midland Park shared a charge with Summerville Methodist Church. Services were held on Sunday evenings.
A board of Christian Education was formed. Howard Ulsh served as the first chairman. In the summer of 1947 a war surplus building was purchased. It was remodeled into an educational building at a cost of approximately $1200.00. The Aldersgate-Midland Park charge was active from 1947 to 1952. Morning worship services were held each Sunday. Evening services were held on the second and fourth Sundays. An organ was purchased and Midland Park became known as the singing church.
The church needed more space due to expansion. Midland Park became a station church. On January 20 1952 a groundbreaking ceremony was held. The goal was to erect a larger church building on the site. R. B. Stall Jr. was the chairman of the building committee. The first worship service was held in the new sanctuary on November 2 1952. The church and the community continued to grow. In 1972 property on the east side of the church became available. The church purchased it. A Family Center was built. The educational building was remodeled and the sanctuary was renovated.
In 1967 the Methodist charge merged with United Brethren. This resulted in Midland Park United Methodist Church. Midland Park purchased its first parsonage in 1954. It was located across the street from the church. The second parsonage was purchased in 1961 in the Aichele Terrace neighborhood. The current parsonage was purchased in 1985. It is now located in the Northwood Estates subdivision.
Today Midland Park United Methodist Church continues to be a vibrant center for faith and community. It supports various ministries. These include the Aldersgate Special Needs Ministry the Ronald McDonald House and Epworth Children’s Home. The church also participates in Little Dresses for Africa. They provide hope and dignity to young girls. The United Methodist Women’s group has a rich history. It supports the church and mission work. The church also has a Blessing Box. It provides anonymous assistance to those in need.
Midland Park United Methodist Church stands as a testament to the enduring power of faith community and service. It all started from humble beginnings in the homes of its founding members to its current role. The church enriches the lives of many. Remember the words of John Wesley. “Give of the best that you can of all that you can wherever you can as long as you can.” This is the spirit that guides Midland Park United Methodist Church.