100 Years of History

Myers Park United Methodist Church, known as Myers Park Methodist Episcopal Church, South at the time, had their first worship service on October 25, 1925 in the chapel at Queens College. Charter membership was closed at 151 charter members by the end of 1925. Ground for our current sanctuary was broken in March 1929 and the cornerstone laid on June 9, 1929. The first worship service in the sanctuary was held in March 1930.

In the century of ministry, the church has increased in size and membership. There have been several capital campaigns over the decades that have resulted in a campus that maximizes our land and ministry potential. Our church now is more than 5,000 members and has been the home for many notable leaders in the city of Charlotte ranging from mayors to founders of nonprofits, while being the home to the people who are the fabric of the city – teachers, doctors, mothers, fathers, students, bankers, civil servants, soldiers, and everyone in between. This church continues to be the home for generations of families to worship God, grow in their faith and to serve the community.

Despite the forces of modernity, Myers Park United Methodist Church has preserved the traditions of the past while continuing to be a church of the future. Although the sanctuary has undergone multiple notable advancements, the architectural dreams of the 1920s continue to inspire thousands of worshippers each week.

Interviews and Stories

As part of our centennial celebration, we gathered stories from our church and community members that highlight our rich history. These personal narratives offer a glimpse into the journey of our congregation as we reflect on a century of faith and community. More of these inspiring stories will be added in the coming weeks as we continue to celebrate this significant milestone.

Centennial Celebration Sunday Worship Services

Access all four Centennial Celebration Sunday worship services on our YouTube channel.

Inside the Very First Worship Service

Dr. Howell walks through the very first worship service: where it took place, who was there, how they spoke, what they sang, (and that they came back in the evening for another service!) – all with photos and live music.

100 Years of Myers Park:

The Neighborhood & The Church

Dr. James Howell and historian Dr. Tom Hanchett talk about how Myers Park – both the neighborhood and the church – came to be.

Parenting Book Recommendations

Bibles and Devotions

Breakfast with Jesus: 100 Devotions for Kids by Vanessa Myers

Indescribable: 100 Devotions for Kids about God and Science by Louie Giglio and Nicola Anderson (5-9 years)

Jesus Calling: 365 Devotions for Kids by Sarah Young (6-11 years)

Love Does for Kids by Bob Goff (ages 5-9)

The Beginners Bible 365 Devotions for Kids (ages 2-5)

The Jesus Storybook Bible by Sally Lloyd-Jones (2+ years)

Mental Health

Raising Worry-Free Girls: Helping Your Daughter Feel Braver, Stronger, and Smarter in an Anxious World by Sissy Goff

Seen: Despair and Anxiety in Kids and Teenagers and the Power of Connection by Will Hutcherson and NCC Chinwe’ Williams

 

Technology

The Tech-Wise Family: Everyday Steps for Putting Technology in Its Proper Place by Andy Crouch

 

Parenting Books

Faithful Families by Traci Smith

Family Discipleship by Matt Chandler and Adam Griffin

Habits of the Household by Justin Early

Parenting in the Pew: Guiding Your Children into the Joy of Worship by Robbie Castleman

The 5 Love Languages of Children: The Secret to Loving Children Effectively by Gary Chapman

To Light Their Way: A Collection of Prayers and Liturgies for Parents by Kayla Craig

 

BOOKS FOR CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES

Masterpiece: an inclusive kids book celebrating a child on the autism spectrum by Alexandra Hoffman and Beatriz Mello

Everyone Belongs by Heather Avis and Sarah Mensinga

Included: A book for all children about inclusion, diversity, disability, equality and empathy by Jayneed Sanders and Camila Carrossine

This is Me (Kids With Special Needs And Disabilities) by Larry S Glover

Brilliant Bea: A Story for Kids With Dyslexia and Learning Differences by Shaina Rudolph, Mary Vukadinovich, et al.

Too Much!: An Overwhelming Day by Jolene Gutierrez and Angel Chang

Different--A Great Thing to Be! By Heather Avis and Sarah Mensinga

Like Me: A Story About Disability and Discovering God's Image in Every Person by Laura Wilfer and Skylar White

 

ADVENT AND CHRISTMAS BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS

Advent with Kids by Wendy Wallace-Wright

All the Colors of Christmas by Matthew Paul Turner

B is for Bethlehem by Isabel Wilner

Donkey’s Christmas Song by Nancy Tafuri

Faithful Families for Advent & Christmas by Traci Smith

God Gave Us Christmas by Lisa Tawn Bergren

Home by Another Way by Barbara Brown Taylor

Room for a Little One by Martin Waddell

Song of the Stars by Sally Lloyd-Jones

The Crippled Lamb by Max Lucado

The Night of His Birth by Katherine Paterson

The Sparkle Box by Jill Hardie

The Tiny Star by Arthur Ginolfi

‘Twas the Season of Advent by Glenys Nellist

Waiting by Kevin Henkes