City Directories and History: 1917 – Rev. W.A. Fairy, [W.A. Fairey], First Methodist Church, 1938 – Rev. Francis T. Cunningham, 1975 – First Methodist Church (Sunday School Building)
In 1815, a traveling preacher from Virginia came to Laurensville to organize a unit of the Methodist Society of Friends. This church was erected in 1897 at a cost of $15,000. A wonderful representation of Richardson Romanesque Revival architecture, it was the third place of worship for the Methodist community in the city of Laurens. Click here for added information on this house and the Historic District.
First United Methodist Church of Laurens is located on West Main Street in the city. This church was organized about 1815-1819 by a traveling preacher from Virginia. At first the fifteen-member organizing group, calling themselves “The Methodist ……Friends,” met in the stone building of the Seceder Church, at that time the only church building in the village of Laurensville. Laurens at that time was called Laurensville. The Seceder Church stood on the present East Main Street opposite the Depot Square. The other denominations at first also used this stone building for services. About 1824, the First Methodist Church building was erected on West Main Street.
During the early period of this church, the church rules were very strict. The women, old and young, were forbidden to wear jewelry or gay ornaments. Musical instruments were not allowed, and fast days and the Sabbath were religiously observed.
(Information from: Names in South Carolina by C.H. Neuffer, Published by the S.C. Dept. of English, USC)
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