In 1944, Mr. Thomas J. Adkins and Mr. Olin Krimminger donated additional land for our cemetery area, bringing it to our current status.
History of Zoar United Methodist Church
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The word "Zoar" translates to a special place of refuge in Biblical Times. What a perfect name for our special church, founded in the era of The Civil War when strong support and faith were needed. |
Prayer services were first held at the home of Mr. Hamilton Smith on Youngblood Road in 1861, about the time of the beginning of the Civil War. This was the birthplace of Zoar Protestant Methodist Church. These prayer meetings were first started by Mr J.P. Blackwelder, father of Mrs. Nan Adkins. A brush arbor was first used for these services. Arbors were an aspect of church ritual during that time. These structures were constructed by an overhead frame out of small trees which was then covered over with brush or tree boughs.
The first actual church building was a log cabin. It was approximately one mile from our current building. Reverend Dunn was the first pastor to serve in this church building. The second building was erected later on the site of our current building. Mr. Billy Smith donated this tract of land.
Mr. Sam Wilson donated one acre for the cemetery and later his son Lewis Wilson donated an additional one half acre.
The second building was torn down, and a new church- building was erected in 1901 Reverend PC. Battle was the first pastor to serve in this third church building.
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In 1944, Mr. Thomas J. Adkins and Mr. Olin Krimminger donated additional land for our cemetery area, bringing it to our current status. |
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| September, 1955, marks the time that, Zoar received a full-time pastor, Reverend Joe Tysinger. It was with his encouragement and the prayers of the people of the congregation that our current church building was begun on October 25, 1955. The building was completed on July 29, 1956. |
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Our church bell was donated by Shelly Knox McKee , Sr. in 1956
Labor was furnished by members and friends of the church. The MYF purchased the light fixtures and the pulpit furniture. The dedication service was held on December 30, 1956, officiated by Pastor Murray Yarborough and Dr. E. Glenn, District Superintendent. In 1959, our water and heating systems were installed.
August 6, 1967, Reverend Carroll and Reverend Ervin officiated the dedication service for our Christian Education Building.
June 18, 1969, it was voted to have Zoar transferred back to the NC Conference.
Our first pastor from the NC Conference was Reverend W. Edwin Dennis in 1969. Rev. Dennis served from 1969 until 1973.
Reverend George Brain, Jr. served Zoar from 1974 until 1983. It was during Reverend~ Brain's ministry at Zoar that the Care & Share group was started.
August 2, 1970, John R. Setzer presented our piano in memory of William Harris Osborne.
October, 1982, Zoar's first Bazaar.
January 18, 1987, our new organ was first used.
February 15, 1987, the UMW of Zoar dedicated our foyer table in honor of Laura Adkins; the light fixture in honor of Lillie Adkins, and a brass vase in honor of Kate Philemon.
April 12, 1987, thought for the day. "Wherever I am, I can be with Jesus."
1991, our Baptismal Font was dedicated to Michael and Matthew Lawrence by Lynn and Barry Lawrence, from contributions of Zoar friends.
August, 1991, Zoar became the first church of any denomination to pledge its support to donate blood four times a year at the Pineville Red Cross Center. Kathryn Thomas headed this activity.
| Our picnic shelter was constructed and our church building was stuccoed in May, 1992, orchestrated by the talents of Downey McCall. |
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1992, Zoar organized trash pick up for Zoar Road
September, 1993, the altar cross and candle holders were donated by family and friends of Richard (Jiggs) Hoover.
1994, our beautiful stained glass doors were donated by Lisa & Todd Hathcock, Judy & Sid Anthony and other loving persons from Zoar.
February 13, 1994, the sanctuary flags of our Christian faith and of our nation were presented by the children and their teachers.
1994, a team from Zoar traveled to Florida to repair homes damaged by hurricane.
July, 1995, God brought Jimmy Howard to us as pastor.
September 3, 1995, altar flowers were donated to the loving memory of Lewis Bailes, Sr.
October 28, 1995, our Processional Cross was dedicated to the life of Gloria Masterman.
1996, dedication of Mrs. Kate Philemon's picture to our Christian Education Building in honor of her founding and leadership of our Care and Share Group.
April, 1996, the first issue of "The Circuit Rider" monthly newsletter was published circulation to 91 homes that year.
April, 1996, beautiful Bradford Pear trees and shrubs were donated by Lois Krimminger, Thelma Jennings, Peggy Hoover, Sheryl Helms, Nettie Aycoth, Peggy Bailes, and other loving members of Zoar.
July, 1996, the Zoar UM Men's Club donated the ice machine for our fellowship hall.
July, 1996, church sign donated in loving memory of Ethel LaFoy, Gloria Masterman, and L.Z. Bailes, Sr.
Summer of 1996, playground equipment donated by Zoar UM Men's Club. Picnic tables were donated by Bill & Jean Schmelzle.
Wade Lawrence and Bill Schmelzle headed up a major landscaping project which included underground water lines, trees, & shrubs.
1997
In July, 1997, Zoar received the 1996 Church of Excellence Award from the Western North Carolina Conference.
The beautiful lot and former home of Lillie Adkins located adjacent to Zoar was generously donated by the Jimmy Adkins and Robert Adkins families.
Zoar's refurbishing committee members' efforts were tremendous in modifying our Christian Educational Building.
The beautiful print of The Lord's Supper was donated by Sheryl and Dickie Helms.
Building supplies and efforts in the modification project were donated by Sara and John Register.
Dee Alexander started our junior MYF group.
David Pernie headed our prison ministry outreach program.
Libby Leister headed our Nursery Program.
Al-Ateen & AA meeting sponsorship at Zoar began in May, 1997.
Effie Canup had experienced six consecutive years of perfect attendance.
Zoar's Youth joined the Steele Creek Youth Rally!
1998
Zoar's new sound system was installed.
1998, Fellowship Building refurbishing project was completed.
April, 1998, Food Pantry Program at Zoar established in conjunction with Food Bank Uptown Charlotte.
July, 1998, Zoar received the 1997, Church of Excellence .
August, 1998, Pastor's Study refurbished via donation of furniture by Springs Industries, orchestrated by Sheryl Helms and other donations by Nettie Aycoth and Kathy & Will Younce.
September, 1998, Sheryl & Dickie Helms donated additional shrubs for our grounds project.
Debbie Blackmon and the children of our church began our flower and serenity garden.
1999
Methodist Banner for our Sanctuary donated by Jean & Bill Schmelzle.
Beautiful Tapestry of The Lord's Supper donated by Phyllis & Jim Foster.
| Zoar purchased it's first Church Van |
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June 12, 1999, Pastor Jimmy Howard was ordained.
June, 1999, The Giles family began our Music Scholarship Fund in honor of their mother Doris Giles.
Zoar established a web page,
Peggy Bailes became our communion Steward.
2000
David Pernie & Jim Foster were instrumental in beginning a study group for our teens,
Melanie Harris, Libby Leister, Wayne Lynch, & Robyn Walbridge contributed their talents toward organizing the children's program. Melanie Harris became our Youth Ministry Leader.
January, 2000, Church Van paid for in full.
March, 2000, Visioning Committee for Zoar's future established.
Under the leadership of Chuck Barnes & Jim Foster our adult education program expanded.
June, 2000, Phyllis Foster began our Reading Library Program.
July, 2000, Zoar was the recipient of the Church of Excellence Award.
Norma Lane began our Nursery Program.
August, 2000, Michelle & Will Tolson and Michelle's parents Sandy and Bill Holland redecorated out nursery making it a beautiful place for our newborns and toddlers.
New picnic tables for our shelter were purchased by our UMM's Club
New Fellowship Center furniture began phase I replacement due to the efforts of our United Methodist Men and Women, Michelle Tolson, and Sandy Masterman.
In August, 2000, Mary & Horace Hutto, so rich in their heritage and contributions to Zoar, lovingly sold their home and adjoining property to Zoar, making a generous contribution to Zoar. Terri & Marcus Philemon donated their time and talents in this transition.
Neal & Sandy Winslow transformed our flower garden into a reverent haven of serenity.
Wes Caudle and Terry Little in conjunction with Wade Lawrence have expanded our tape ministry program.
Our Food Pantry Program continues to grow thanks to leadership of Frances & Wade Lawrence and Bill. & Jean Schmelzle and the work of many other volunteers.
The CIRCUIT RIDER Newsletter continues to be a strong ministry thanks to the leadership of Bill & Jean Schmelzle.
2001
In July, 2001, Zoar was the recipient of the 2000-2001 Church of Excellence Award.
The Debt Reduction Fund was established to pay off the annexed property in preparation for the building expansion project.
Two sessions of "Experiencing God" Bible Study Groups were completed under the leadership of Pastor Howard.
In August, 2001, the children's hand bell choir began.
Wes Caudle orchestrated the new web page for Zoar --- www.zoarmethodist.org --- with the assistance of Fort Mill webpage.com.
Care & Share and Pine Needle sales were strong in mission and fellowship.
In September, 2001, Pastor Howard dream and vision of a comtemporary 11:00 Praise Service became a reality at Zoar. The talents of Janice Jadlocki and Terry Little greatly enhanced this service.
In December, 2001, the talents of David Alexander and his father, Robert, provided Zoar with a wonderfully functional wheelchair access ramp.
2002
Our mission at Zoar in 2002 has been about Love and Hope!
The year 2002 has been one of focus upon our children.
Our youth choir became a reality. Pastor Howard, Frances Lawrence and Wayne Lynch devote much of their time, talents and love each Wednesday afternoon with our children's rehearsal and praise service.
Our children's handbell choir has grown to an all-time favorite of our Sunday morning Worship Service.
In May, 2002, Our United Methodist Men's Group purchased a carport shelter for our church van.
Our United Methodist Women's Group purchased new signs directing the path to Zoar. The lovely signs were placed on Zoar Road, Highway 160, Thomas Road and Youngblood Road.
Zoar was selected as one of the locations for the United Methodist Counseling Services. Phyllis and Jim Foster have served diligently as representatives of Zoar for this project.
Our nursery program has grown under the direction of Sheryl Helms.
Zoar's Food Pantry Program has been a wonderful ministery in 2002. Feeding both the souls and the bodies of many, our Zoar Food Pantry volunteers work endlessly fueled by the love of God and the desire to share our blessings with many.
The Debt Reduction and the Building Funds have been hot topics at Zoar in 2002. John Register and Bill Schmelzle, with the assistance of our United Methodist Women's Group, have sponsored numerous dinner fundraiser events this year. The goal is to completely pay for the recent land purchase so we can break ground on our new fellowship building addition.
A beautiful architectural rendering of the new building structure was provided by Becky Joye, granddaughter of Wade and Frances Lawrence. Our thanks to Bill Holland for his contributions to the building design.
In August, 2002, Our fellowship hall received a new roof.
The year 2002 was one of marriages, baptisms, new members joing our congregation and the loss of loved ones. Through it all, God was our refuge and our strength. We thank God for the people of Zoar and our community.
2003
Tireless fundraisers diligent mission work and the loving support of one another in a time of economic uncertainty have been of love throughout the year 2003.
In August, 2003, Our Zoar Debt Reduction Fund retired , thanks to the continued support of our wonderful Zoar United Methodist Women and Men's Groups; countless Friday evening Dinner's by Bill and John, the generosity of our supportive congregational members and friends of Zoar. This fund was established in the year 2001 to pay off our newly acquired property expansion to prepare for the next phase which is the building of the new Fellowship/Family Life Center. This was a God Sized Task and Zoar was the center of our sucess.
Zoar launched the Aluminum for A.L.S. Project in 2003 under the leadership of Will Tolson, Richard Wetzel and Neal Winslow. An aluminum recycling project to benefit research for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis or more commonly referred to as Lou Gehrig's Disease was founded in the loving memory of our Dickie Helms, a lifelong member of Zoar.
Our children raised $500.00 through the Mile of Pennies Campaign in 2003. This money was sent to the Livada Orphan Care in Romania.
Our Serenity Garden became an even more special place in 2003, due to the talents and green thumbs of Sammie Dellinger and Sand Winslow. Sammie and Sandy participated in a comprehensive Bible Study Group and wanted to expand our current garden to showcase the herbs mentioned in Biblical Times. Lib McKee donated some special stones to accent these herbs.
Confirmation classes at Zoar are a focal point. It is the United Methodist tradition to periodically hold classes to instruct our youth {5th graders and older} in basic Christianity Protestantism and the role of Methodism in the Church Universal.
Our cherished babies find comfort each Sunday morning as they are greeted by Carollee Lively who regularly staffs our church nursery.
Our choir grew in number and talent in 2003. The talent scout remains active and the invitation open for anyone interested in expressing God's Love through music. This year we enjoyed special presentations by The Male Chorus, Our Youth Choir, Our HandBell Choir, The St. James Men's Chorus and many of our talented families of Zoar.
The inspiring performances of our choir are enjoyed by all and our Wednesday evening choir rehearsals end in a prayer vigil for congregational members and friends of Zoar. Our choir is an important part of our ministry at Zoar.
Thanks to Michelle and Will Tolson, and Sandy and Bill Holland our playground received new equipment this year. Thsi wonderful gift will add enjoyment to our church family and new members.
Our 11:00am Contemporary Praise Service, the Food Pantry Ministry, the site for the Methodist Counseling Service, the site for the 12 Step Program, the Care & Share Ministry remain as active ministries for our entire community.
Zoar was the recipient of the Church of Excellence award for 2002-2003.
Zoar extended a warm welcome to our new District Superintendent, Reverend George E. Thompson and his wife, Pat, as we bid best wishes to our friend the Reverend Earl Wilson.
The building of our new Family Life Center is our next project.
Zoar United Methodist Church firmly believes that God has called us to "BE" our faith. We believe that "BEING" our faith requires serious consideration of the evangelism message brought by Christ.
2004
The year 2004 has been a time of Stewardship, Mission Work, God-Sized Tasks and Miracles! As Christian Stewards, our task at Zoar is to share God's resources with others.
February 29, 2004, marks the date of the first meeting of the Building Fund Committee, formed for the purpose of establishing a formal building fund campaign for the building of a new multi-purpose Family Life Center at Zoar. A larger Family Life Center Building will allow us to share God's love with our community as it grows.
Metrolina Builders, Inc. is serving as the general contractor in our Design/Build Project.
June, 2004, our parking lot was expanded. The vacation Bible School Theme was Lava Lava Island. It was a pilot Family Bible School program designed for involvement of children and adults. It was a very sucessful program thanks to the leadership of Sandy Holland and Michelle Tolson.
The Zoar United Methodist Women presented a gift certificate for a new pastoral robe to our Pastor, Jimmy Howard.
September, 2004, Elementary Education Sunday School Classroom was updated thanks to the efforts of Sandy & Bill Holland and Michelle & Will Tolson. New Bibles for our church pews were presented to Zoar by Jill & Hart Weatherford. A generous contribution was made to our Building Fund by the Williams Family in honor of lifelong member of Zoar, Pearl Morton.
Zoar received the Church of Excellence Award for 2003-2004.
Membership soars to the count of 300 in 2004.
December 19, 2004, was the date of groundbreaking services for our new Family Life Center.
December 27, 2004, was the official date that building construction began on our new Family Life Center and a new chapter in the life of Zoar United Methodist Church begins.
2005
The year 2005 has been a "Big Year" and a "God Directed Year" at Zoar United Methodist Church.
This was a year of "Riding the Wave" of Stewardship and of sharing the love of Christ with each other.
April, 2005, Pastor Howard lead a Relationship and Marriage Enrichment Seminar which lasted for the duration of eight weeks.
May 11, 2005, Under the leadership of Sandy Winslow and the direction of God, our Hot Dog Ministry began. Each Wednesday afternoon from 5:00 to 7:00pm, our Zoar United Methodist Women and Men are busy preparing and selling delicious hot dog and chicken sandwiches, not to mention the yummy desserts. Hot Dog Wednesdays, as we fondly refer to them, has proven a valuable program of mid-week fellowship for our entire church body, as well as our community. It's a wonderful time to share joy, tell a joke, greet one another and simply get caught up on prayer needs. Proceeds are donated to our Building Fund Program.
May, 2005, The St. James Male Chorus donated $500.00 to our Zoar Building Fund following one of their wonderful performances. Under the direction of Dee Alexander, who we fondly refer to as "Tweetsie", our Secret Sister Organization was born. "Sharing the Load" is the Christian Theme of our Secret Sisters. Prayers, support and appreciation of each other abounds within this group of women.
Zoar was the recipient of the Western North Carolina Conference Church of Excellence Award for 2004-2005.
June, 2005, Was designated as the Building Fund Push Month. Our Zoar United Methodist Women Group sponsored the Beth Moore Bible Study series on Sunday evenings. Pastor Howard lead an eight week Bible Study entitled "Daring to Dream", which focused on a Biblical approach to the healing of painful issues of the past, discovering God's involvement in our lives today and the setting of spiritual goals for the future, plus building the courage to move beyond our comfort zones to become true disciples of Christ.
Zoar received the Church of Excellence Award for 2004-2005.
The summer of 2005, our United Methodist Men held a School Supplies Drive to benefit the Fort Mill Care Center, which provides school supplies to children and school teachers in need.
August, 2005, The Zoar United Methodist Women changed their monthly meeting time from 7:00pm to 10:00am in an effort to accommodate members who may prefer not to drive in the evening. John Register and Bill Schmelzle spearheaded the drive for new tables and chairs for our new Family Life Center. Contributions were swiftly made for the tables and chairs, enough that, other furnishings for our building could be purchased. Sheryl Helms and Jodi Robinson delivered beautiful office furniture donated by their companies. A GREAT thanks to all of our congregation and friends of Zoar. Chuck Barnes also built an alter frame for our sanctuary.
Wayne Creighton created a beautiful cross our of trees which were sacrificed from our property to make room for our Family Life Center. This cross will proudly be displayed in our Family Life Center as a memorial to our trees of the past.
September 11, 2005, The dedication of the New Family Life Center was made during our Homecoming Celebration.
2006
May, 2006, The St. James Male Chorus donated $500 to our Zoar Building Fund.
June 18, 2006, Our Family Life Center was named The Jimmy Howard Family Life Center.
July 2, 2006, Reverend Robert (Bob) Roten's first Sunday at Zoar!
Zoar was the recipient of the Western North Carolina Conference Church of Excellence Award for 2005-2006.
2007
January, 2007, Our Secret Sisters organization combined efforts with our Zoar UMW group to create synergy for the planning of joint missions and fund raisers.
March, 2007, The Grounds Beautification Committee was formed.
May, 2007, The St. James Chorus donated $500 to our Zoar Building Fund.
June & July, 2007, Pastor Bob Roten conducted healing services for our congregation and community.
July 01, 2007, Our Traditional Worship service changed form 9:30 am to 11:00 am, with a Contemporary Worship service beginning at 9:30 am. Children's Church and Sunday School are held at 9:30am. Fellowship Time is from
10:30 am 'til 11:00 am.
September 09, 2007, Donation made to the Zoar Choir to celebrate the time and talents which Doris and Sylvester Giles so freely gave to Zoar.
September, 2007, Zoar UMM's group sponsored the outside lettering of the Jimmy Howard Family Life Center.
2008
January through June, 2008, Concentration on our 9:13a.m. Contemporary Service. The time 9:13 was selected based upon Matthew Chapter 9, Verse 13.Wayne Lynch worked tirelessly toward this early morning ministry.
Committee work and Healing Services conducted by Pastor Bob Roten were of top importance.
Pam Crane became the email wizard of Zoar. Pam keeps the news piped our via email to keep our congregation well informed.
Friday Night GameZ under the leadership of Chrissy Osbourne, Debbie Marion, Bill Schmelzle and Terry Little flourished for the children of our church and community.
The Southern Cross Gospel became a welcome part of our 9:13a.m. Contemporary Service.
Our Secret Sister Organization sponsored numerous dinners.
Hot Dog Wednesday's was a rocking place to be under the leadership of Connie Bundy and the dynamic fearless team of men and women.
June 26, 2008, Reverend Laurie Knoespel became our pastor at Zoar.
August 17, 2008, Blessing of the Book Bags and Back Packs conducted by Reverend Laurie Knoespel at both services.
Our thanks and God's blessings to all who have contributed to the founding and good works of this "Special Church".
Early Ministers of Zoar
(Specific Dates Uncertain)
| Reverend Martin | Reverend Hall |
| Reverend Carson | Reverend Self |
| Reverend Harrison | Reverend Sisk |
| Reverend Hanna |
Ministers of Zoar United Methodist Church, Western NC Conference
Dates Obtained from Conference Journal
| 1880-1881 Rev. F.M. Totten | 1881-1882 Rev. C.A. Pickens |
| 1882-1884 Rev.Garrett | 1887-1888 Rev. E.A. Plyler |
| 1889-1891 Rev. WE McDowell | 1892-1983 Rev. W.T. Totten |
| 1894-1895 Rev. I.I. York | 1898-1900 Rev. J.F. Dozier |
| 1900-1904 Rev. PC. Battle | 1904-1906 Rev. W.D. Reid |
| 1906-1907 Rev. T.A. Plyler | 1908-1910 Rev. D.D. Stacey |
| 1910-1911 Rev. J.B. Bivens | 1911-1913 Rev. W.P. Martin |
| 1913-1915 Rev. H.E. Waldrop | 1915-1917 Rev. J.H. Stowe |
| 1917-1921 Rev. Atlas Ridge | 1921-1924 Rev. W.L. Carson |
| 1924-1926 Rev. J. Robert Short | 1926-1927 Rev. W.T. Totten |
| 1927-1929 Rev. WC. Hall | 1929-1931 Rev. Q.L. Joyner |
| 1931 1932 Rev. J.L. Love | 1932-1934 Rev. J.L. Love |
| 1932-1934 Rev. RE. Bingham | 1935-1938 Rev. J. Robert Short |
| 1942-1943 Rev. C.E. Murray |
SC Conference Ministers
| 1944-1946 Rev. A. W. Baker | 1946-1950 Rev. L.C. Tuberville |
| 1950-1954 Rev. Q.E. Gunter | 1954-1955 Rev. John Cooley |
| 1955-1956 Rev. Joe E. Tysinger | 1956-1957 Rev. Murray Yarborough |
| 1957-1963 Rev. G.C. Grier | 1963-1966 Rev. David Ervin |
| 1966-1968 Rev. Bryan Carroll | 1968-1969 Rev. Walter Pettus & Rev. John Cooley (Associate Pastors) |
Western NC Conference
| 1969-1973 Rev. W. Edwin Dennis | 1974-1983 Rev. George Brain, Jr. |
| 1983-1985 Rev. Ben Stokes | 1985-1988 David Hughes |
| 1988-1989 Robert W. Rollings | 1989-1991 Rev. Claude Kaylor |
| 1991-1994 Randy & Kathy Sherrill | 1994-1995 Cooper Lewis |
| 1995-2006 Rev. Jimmy Howard 2008-Present Rev. Laurie Knoespel |
2006-2008 Pastor Bob Roten |
