The History of New Grace United Methodist Church

The idea for the merger originated under the leadership of the late Rev. Leroy Middleton, who was appointed in June 2003. Members of the Reevesville Charge (Greenville, St. Luke, and St. Peter United Methodist churches) and the Walterboro District Superintendent, Reverend Herbert Franklin, Sr., initiated discussions due to the expenses of renovations and expansions to the three churches. They desired to increase membership and recognized opportunities to better serve their congregations and community as a stronger body, leading to the formation of a merger committee.

The Merger Committee comprised members from the three churches, with officers including Willie J. Jenkins (Chairman), Raymond McMillan (Vice-Chairman), Catherine Risher (Secretary), and Byron Britt (Assistant Secretary). Other members included Steven Jennings, Heyward Elmore, Bernice Rollins, Wilbert Hankins, Deloris Addison, Leroy Hodges, Elise Shuler, Delaine Stephens, Joseph Ladson, Frank White, and James Sanders. The committee's first meeting took place on December 4, 2003.

Following the death of Reverend Leroy Middleton in June 2004, Reverend James Grant and Reverend Arthur Gilyard served as supply pastors. During this transition, District Superintendent Dr. Ernest Etheredge met with the charge, and Reverend Arthur Gilyard was appointed pastor until the next conference year.

After careful planning and goal setting, the Merger Committee recommended commencing worship as one congregation. Under the leadership of Reverend Arthur Gilyard and District Superintendent Dr. Ernest Etheredge, the charge voted to close all former churches. On Sunday, March 6, 2005, the doors of the Reevesville Charge churches closed, and New Grace United Methodist Church was established, with St. Peter selected as the temporary site until a new sanctuary could be built. Worship services began at 11:00 am, and Sunday School at 9:45 am. Brother Frank White proposed the name "New Grace United Methodist Church," which was adopted by the members.

Reverend Jerry L. Lane was appointed pastor in June 2005 and initiated his leadership with the theme "It's a New Season." He significantly contributed to the growth of New Grace through various ministries, including Disciple Bible Study, Children and Youth Bible Study, Older Adult Ministry, United Methodist Women, United Methodist Men, Health & Welfare Ministries, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, Mentorship classes, and Outreach Ministries.

The Merger Committee also formed a sub-committee to acquire a site for the new structure, consisting of Brother Wilbert Hankins (Chairman), Brother Leroy Hodges, and Brother Frank White. The sub-committee located fifteen acres of property owned by Sister Marsena Simmons, which was approved by the Merger Committee and secured funding for purchase through meetings with the District Board of Congregational Development, the District Superintendent, and the District Board of Church Location and Building.

Dedication service for the new site was held on November 26, 2006, officiated by Reverend Jerry Lane, with participation from Reverend Arthur Gilyard, Reverend Dr. David Brisbon, members of Reverend Leroy Middleton's family, and New Grace members.

The vision statement, "To Become a Victorious Holistic Community of Believers empowered by the Holy Spirit to enlarge God's Kingdom for the Glory of Christ," was completed in January 2008. In June 2008, Reverend Warren Murdock was appointed pastor of New Grace. Under his leadership, the Bread Ministry was formed, and on April 14, 2012, the groundbreaking ceremony for the new sanctuary was held at the corner of Infinger and Wire roads. Rev. Warren Murdock served from June 2008 until June 2012.

Reverend Charles K. Wilson, Sr. was appointed pastor in June 2012. Under his leadership, the New Grace parsonage was purchased, and the dedication ceremony was held in March 2013, with the mortgage finalized in 2015. Workshops on leadership development with Dr. Walter Kimbrough were conducted, and spiritual retreats in Myrtle Beach were organized in 2019 and 2020.

In March 2020, due to the global pandemic of the Coronavirus, Bishop Jonathan Holston of the SC United Methodist Annual Conference decided to discontinue in-person worship and canceled all meetings. Worship continued virtually via conference call in April 2020. The tenure of Rev. Charles K Wilson, Sr. concluded on December 31, 2020.

Starting in January 2021, Walterboro District Superintendent, Reverend Joey McDonald, served as the temporary pastor until the Annual Conference in June. Under his leadership, worship services were held in the parking lot on the first Sunday of each month.

New Grace welcomed our current pastor, Reverend Dr. Constance Nelson Barnes, on Sunday, July 4, 2021. Under Rev. Barnes' leadership, a team approach to ministry development was emphasized and adopted, and worship services continued in the parking lot every Sunday and at the Outreach Center. Various initiatives, including the Grow-In-Grace Campaign, were launched to support the construction budget, which has energized the congregation. After two years, in-person worship resumed on Sunday, June 5.

The theme for 2024 is "Grow More in 2024." New Grace expresses gratitude for God's abundant blessings as they celebrate their 19th Anniversary.