Is Strawbridge United Methodist Church merely a building? No. It is a beacon of faith and community in Kingwood. Strawbridge United Methodist Church is named for Robert Strawbridge. He was the first Methodist lay preacher in America.
Strawbridge’s story began in 1982. The Board of Missions bought 4.4 acres for a new Methodist church. The congregation started worshiping in 1984. They met at Creekwood Middle School. Rev. C. J. Taylor was the organizing pastor. The church was chartered with 137 members in May 1984. By August 1987, they moved to their new home. It was at Kingwood Drive and Willow Terrace. A second addition was completed in Spring 1997.
Rev. B.T. Williamson became the pastor in June 1992. Dr. Todd Miller joined in 1994. He built a strong music program. Rev. Lindsay Smith continues this tradition today.
Growth strained the church facilities. Planning for expansion began in 1999. Rev. Ken Archer and Rev. Jeff Gage broke ground for a new sanctuary in 2000. By Christmas 2001, worship moved to the new sanctuary. The old sanctuary became the Strawbridge Activity Center.
Rev. R. Winston Goens, Jr. became Senior Pastor in June 2004. Rev. Dr. James H. (Jim) Reiter followed in September 2008. In November 2012, Rev. Stanley Warfield was Interim Sr. Pastor. The Rev. Dr. Todd Jordan became the seventh Senior Pastor in 2013. In September 2021, the Student Activity Center was renamed. It became the Rev. Elizabeth (Beth) Chenault Center upon her retirement.
Strawbridge United Methodist Church is a fully inclusive community. It welcomes every person. It strives to help all find a place to connect and serve. The church supports the United Methodist statement of Inclusiveness. All persons are of sacred worth. Race, color, national origin, or economic status do not matter. All are welcome to worship, participate, and receive sacraments.
Strawbridge United Methodist Church welcomes the LGBTQ+ community. It makes its facilities available for same-sex weddings. The church celebrates the ordination of anyone called by God. This is regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
The church is growing. A year ago, about 250 people worshiped here. Now, about 500 attend. Many come from neighboring churches that chose to disaffiliate. These new members are committed to United Methodism. Many have church leadership experience.
Donald and Gayle Sampley joined Strawbridge. They were looking for a new church home. Their previous church disaffiliated. Strawbridge welcomed them warmly.
Strawbridge United Methodist Church offers many ways to join. You can join by professing your faith. You can transfer your membership. You can also reaffirm your faith.
New members are received after each worship service. Guests can visit the Welcome Center Kiosk. It is in the Narthex.
Strawbridge United Methodist Church is more than just a place of worship. It is a community. It is a family. It is a place where everyone is welcome. It is a place where you can find your purpose and make a difference. It is a testament to faith and inclusivity. Strawbridge stands as a welcoming beacon. It is a place where all can connect, serve, and belong.