History of Huntersville Methodist Church

 

History of Huntersville Methodist Church

While the sources provide information about a Methodist church in Huntersville, none specify a name like "Huntersville Methodist." The information available suggests the church was founded in 1866, though Methodists may have had an organization in the town before that.

• The Methodist Episcopal Church (South) of Huntersville was organized in 1866 by Rev. S.E. Sixes.
• Before the division of the Methodist Church in 1844, the Huntersville congregation belonged to the Levelton Circuit.

Early Religious Services in Huntersville

Before the construction of dedicated churches, religious services in Huntersville were held in various locations:

• Early preaching services were held in the courthouse.
• After the academy was built in 1842, it was used by Methodists, Episcopalians, and Presbyterians.
• The Presbyterian church, erected around 1855, later became the primary place of worship for all denominations.

Mount Vernon Church

• The sources mention Mount Vernon Church, built in 1850, as the first church on Knapps Creek. While it doesn't explicitly state its denomination, the context suggests it may have been Methodist.
• The church was funded by subscriptions and contributions from Andrew W., Koa, and Preston Moore.
• Rev. John McClure served as its first pastor.
• During the Civil War, soldiers used Mount Vernon Church as a barrack and threatened to burn it down.

A "Very Weak Church"

One source describes a Methodist society located about five miles north of Marlinton, near the Thorny Creek station. It's unclear if this is the same church established in 1866 in Huntersville.

• This society was organized in 1908 by Howard Underwood, and a frame building was constructed the same year.
• The church was part of the Marlinton circuit, and the parsonage for the circuit was located east of the church.
• John A. Berry was a leader in the society.
• Records indicate a membership of 28 from 1908 to 1930, with the Yarras, Dills, and Jacksons as prominent families. By 1934, membership had decreased to 18, with Amailda Dill and Walter Jackson as leaders.
• Ministers who served at this church include U.S. Overholt, H.D. Moon, Ritchie, M.C. Miller, and a Mr. Simpson.
• Rev. Simpson described it as a "very weak church" that couldn't afford to pay a salary or cover his expenses.

It's possible that this church, struggling financially and with declining membership, eventually merged with the Huntersville Methodist Episcopal Church (South) or ceased to exist. Further research would be necessary to confirm this.