“Organized in 1837 as the first congregation of any denomination in Spartanburg, when this site was deeded to nine trustees. Services began in early 1838. Original frame meeting house with belfry was replaced in 1854 by a larger brick church. The present Gothic Revival sanctuary, built in 1886 and described as “an ornament to our town,’ was enlarged in 1897 & 1910.”
This marker, which was difficult to spot due to some over-achieving shrubbery, is located on North Church Street near the intersection of St. John Street, just south of the Marriott.
Celebrating its 180th anniversary this year, Central Methodist boasts the oldest congregation in the City of Spartanburg. Organized in 1837, the first church built on this location had its first services in the spring of 1838. The congregation rapidly outgrew this structure and it was demolished in 1854 and replaced with a larger brick structure which opened its doors to parishioners in 1855.
As the congregation continued to grow, it soon outgrew this structure and it was scrapped in 1885 and the current sanctuary hosted its first services in 1886. It was built in the Gothic Revival style and its most prominent feature was a 100 foot bell tower with a steeple. Upon completion, Wofford College held its graduation ceremonies there for many years.
The Central Methodist Church was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2003.
If you know the location of any Historical Markers or any other places of interest in the Spartanburg area, or if you have anything to add, please drop a note in the comments. If you are enjoying this site, please take a minute and subscribe. I promise not to flood your inbox with spam, just one or two new posts a week. As always, thank you for your interest!