KINGSWOOD METHODIST CHURCH HISTORY

THE EARLY YEARS - 1869-1892

 

Kingswood Methodist Church traces its beginnings to 1869 when Methodists in the community of Rural Hall began meeting in private homes for Bible study and worship.  Between 1869 and 1892, thirteen ministers served the Rural Hall congregation.  

 

In June 1892, the Benjamin Lewis Bitting family (B.L. Bitting, his wife, May and their son, Zeb) of Rural Hall gave a parcel of land for the construction of a church building. From that time, the congregation was officially recognized as a Methodist church. The lot was on NC Highway 65 West at the intersection of Church Street, the location of what is now St. James United Methodist Church.

 

1893-1900

 

In April 1893, a building committee, headed by the Rev. W.H. Vestal, met to discuss the construction of a church building.  Members of the committee were S. H. Helsabeck, B.L. Bitting and C.H. Kapp.  The size of the church was to be 30 feet wide and 46 feet long with a pitch of 14 feet. Bids were solicited from local contractors, and on July 29, the committee met to open the sealed bids. They awarded the contract to L.E. Grabs and sons, the lowest bidder with the total fee of $349.50. Construction proceeded according to plan, and on October 7, the building committee met with Mr. Grabs to look over the completed structure. Finding everything satisfactorily completed, the committee officially accepted the building.

 

On Sunday, October 15, 1893, the first services were held in the new church building. The Rural Hall Methodist Episcopal Church South was the formal name of the new congregation. The white wooden structure had a short steeple and double front doors opening into a vestibule. Through the vestibule was the sanctuary, 46’ long and 30’ wide, and two side classrooms; stairs led to a small balcony that was used as classrooms during the church school hour. For several years this building was adequate for the congregation and the Moravians who attended the Methodist services since there was not a Moravian Church in Rural Hall and the Bethania church was too far away for regular attendance. Several years later, however, an addition was built adding three classrooms at the rear of the building.

 

During the early years, the Rural Hall church was one of eight congregations on the Stokes Circuit Charge of the Winston-Salem District of the Western North Carolina conference. The other churches on the circuit were Stokesburg, Trinity, Mt. Pleasant, Antioch, Bethel, Shiloh and Germanton. During this period, two or three of the churches had organized Sunday Schools for some months of the year; however, most declared “winter quarters” that suspended Sunday School during the winter months. Rural Hall did not have an established Sunday School until after the turn of the century. In 1899, all of the churches of the Stokes charge became part of the Mt. Airy District.

 

STEPPING INTO A NEW CENTURY: 1900-1920

 

One of the first official actions taken by the quarterly conference of the churches of the Stokes Circuit after the turn of the century was to endorse the resolution of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South to raise $30 million as a Twentieth Century thank offering.  The money raised was to be used for Christian education. Reverend R.T.N. Stephenson was the minister of the church at this time. 

 

The 1901 Quarterly Report is the first one to mention a parsonage for the circuit. At that time, the parsonage was located on First Street, south of the church, and had an estimated value of $800. The offerings for the circuit for the fourth quarter of that year totaled $79.74. Rural Hall's quarterly contributions were recorded at $2.05.  Some of the members who remember this parsonage described it as "a patched up affair with rooms added on when preachers with large families were serving the charge.”  As part of the same report, the Rural Hall church building and furnishings were valued at approximately $750 and the trustees reported an outlay of $15 spent on the upkeep of the building for that year.

 

In the early days, the needs and wants of the congregation were modest. The pastor’s salary was $600 a year.  The furnishings were meager: an oil lamp, a wood-burning pot bellied stove, pews and a pulpit. Maintenance needs included wood, oil, matches and stove polish. Sometime during the early part of the century, Mrs. M.E. Wolfe traveled by horse drawn wagon to Winston-Salem to buy a piano which she placed in the sanctuary.  On hot summer days, it wasn't unusual to hear members joyfully singing "Standing on the Promises'' using hand fans to keep themselves cool as the music wafted through the open windows to the homes nearby. 

The first organized Sunday School was started at Rural Hall church in 1903 while J.F. Triplette was the minister. The school was discontinued shortly after Christmas because of an outbreak of smallpox. The school resumed in the spring, and has been open at least part of every year since that time, until the COVID-19 shut churches down in 2020.

 

In 1907, the trustees began considering the need for a new parsonage. At the second quarterly conference of 1908, the Rural Hall trustees made a deed to the Rural Hall circuit for a 100‘ x 200‘ lot for the proposed parsonage. At the same meeting, the conference voted to build a parsonage on the lot that was donated. The circuit also started a new church in 1910 named St. Mark’s, three miles east of Germanton. 

 

The years between 1900 and 1924 were important years for growth in the congregation and for continued improvement in the church building. By 1910, the membership of the circuit was 592 and the membership of Rural Hall church was 40. During that year, the Rural Hall congregation made improvements to the church building, although the specifics are not noted. In 1915, the trustees purchased “Little Hymnbooks” and placed them in the sanctuary for use during church services.

 

GROWING IN NUMBER AND SPIRIT:  1920-1939

 

Between 1920 and 1939, the Rural Hall Methodist Episcopal Church, South continued to grow in number and organization as part of the Rural Hall Circuit. Although several churches - Antioch, Bethel, Rural Hall, Trinity and Germanton - remained part of the circuit throughout these years, several others were associated for a short time but were, at other times, connected to a different charge. The number of parishes for the charge varied from 5 to 11 and many of the Quarterly Conferences dealt with changing financial responsibilities as the number of congregations moved up or down.

 

The spiritual life of all the congregations was reported to be good throughout this time period. In May, 1924, Pastor E.E. Snow “assisted in the organization of a senior Epworth League at Rural Hall. Mr. Sam Merritt was elected temporary president, and Cameron Payne, Vice President.” By 1925, the League was functioning well during most of the year, but was hampered by bad weather during the winter months.

 

Throughout the 1920s, the Sunday School under the leadership of Brother Sam Merritt and Brother Tate functioned effectively. The Sunday School report for the first quarter of 1925 records a school of five classes, all “working together for a better school and to do more for the Master.” There were 73 members on roll and average attendance was 49, but the minister and church leaders anticipated much larger attendance with spring weather.

 

1940-1949

 

As the 1940's brought new challenges for the nation such as war sacrifices and rationing during WWII, Rural Hall started the decade as a member of a six point charge. The first quarterly conference of 1942 reports that Rural Hall had the largest Sunday school and the only Epworth League in the circuit.  Ruth Tuttle (Gentry) was president of the Epworth league, which was meeting regularly each week.  The Sunday School was thriving with 59 members and that next summer a Bible School at Rural Hall recorded 55 children.

 

The last quarterly conference of 1942 reports that Pastor Sharp, who was serving the circuit at the time, built a garage at the parsonage that summer and fall and donated it to the circuit.  Later that year, the journal records the death of Mr. Sharp‘s wife who had endured a long illness.

 

In 1944, the Rural Hall congregation bought a lot adjacent to the church for about $250.  Later that year, a building committee met and began organizing to build a new church building.  Mr. O.L. Kiger chaired the committee; members were Ancus Payne, C.E. Brady, Wilburn Shouse and Foster Kiger. Just before the end of the year, the congregation joined with Pastor Sharp in welcoming a “new mistress to the parsonage.”

 

Exciting things were happening at Rural Hall in 1945. Mrs. Ruby Wall was president of a 38 member Women’s Society of Christian Service group and Ola Mae Tate led the young Epworth League. In a Special Crusade for Christ project sponsored by the North Carolina Conferences of the Methodist church, Rural Hall’s apportionment was set at $400. The congregation of cheerful givers pulled together to raise $500 in response to the conference request.  In 1946, Mrs. Clarice Shouse took over as president of the Women’s Society of Christian Service and Mrs. Lessie Kiger led the Children’s Society.  Reverend C.E. Ridge began a three-year appointment to the Rural Hall circuit.

The Quarterly Conference Journal reports that by 1947, Rural Hall church had become a “center of Methodism in the community.” The same report shows 13 new members added to the church roster following revival services.

 

In early 1949, the Rural Hall congregation began constructing a new church building. There were now 185 members on the roll and the average attendance during that year was 122.

 

THE SECOND CHURCH BUILDING : 1950-1959

 

Rural Hall Methodist began the decade with the completion of their new church home. The construction of a new brick building began in 1949 on the same site as the wooden building on NC Highway 65. (The current St. James United Methodist Church.) Members numbered 185 and Rev. C. E. Ridge was minister at the time of construction. While the church was being built, the congregation met in the auditorium of the Rural Hall School at the invitation of the principal, S.A. Winslow, who was also a church member.

 

Construction was completed in August 1950. At the cornerstone laying ceremony on September 10, 1950, Rev. Ridge announced a number of memorial gifts, including a cross presented by the C.W. Smith family; a church bell given by the Wolff family; and a pulpit Bible given by Mrs. C.E. Tate and family.  This church was comfortably furnished and beautifully designed, including stained-glass windows which, in 1973, were placed in the current Kingswood United Methodist Church building.

 

Reverend E.H. Lowman moved into the parsonage later in 1950, and began a four-year tenure as minister.  It was a busy time for Methodists around the conference, and Rural Hall was well represented in responsibilities with a local church as well as for district and conference events.  Forty members of the congregation attended the District Leadership training school.  Barbara and Lyndall Payne represented Rural Hall at the Youth Assembly at Lake Junaluska.  Wilburn Shouse served as president of the Trustees and O.L. Kiger was the church treasurer.  Neil Smith, a Rural Hall church member, received his license to preach in 1950.  He was the first church member to enter the ordained ministry until Paula Northrop in the late 1990s.  

 

Only four years after the completion of the church building, all bills were paid and the church was dedicated on September 5, 1954.  Reverend CE Ridge, who was minister during the time that the church was being planned and constructed, assisted Reverend Loman in the service.

 

By 1958, the Rural Hall membership and ministry had grown enough to merit becoming a station church, no longer part of the “charge.” Rural Hall Methodist had its own minister. The Reverend Gene Little, a young and energetic leader, was appointed the first pastor.

 

The church has owned three parsonages during its existence. The first was across the street to the southwest of the original church building. This frame structure was replaced in 1941 by a comfortable brick home, and later a larger modern home.  The current parsonage was constructed on Foster Street on a lot donated by the Foster Kiger family in Rural Hall in 1966.

 

 

1960-1969

 

The decade of the 1960s saw continued growth and expansion for Rural Hall Methodist. For the first time, official greeters were recruited to greet congregation members and guests as they entered the sanctuary each Sunday morning. The administrative board purchased new national and Christian flags for the sanctuary. To encourage the best use of the Sunday School hour, the board also changed the time for beginning Sunday school from 10:00 AM to 9:45 AM.  In 1963, Grace Kiger, who had been organist for many years retired and was recognized in appreciation of her dedicated service.

 

In the 1960s, Rural Hall Methodist Church Women began having a Bazaar and Bake Sale to help with unexpected and unbudgeted needs.  The famous Kingswood Chicken Pie, (featured in the October 2014 Our State magazine) which was first sold in the 1960s, is still the best seller at the annual Bazaar.  That first bazaar was such a great success that it has become an annual tradition in the community and is still held each year on the Saturday before Thanksgiving. The bazaar is now sponsored by The People of Kingswood, and thankfully with the help of an army of volunteers, those delicious pies are now available all year and can be purchased in the church office during office hours.  

 

 

 

STANLEYVILLE METHODIST CHURCH : 1966

 

It was also in 1966 that a sister Methodist church was organized in Stanleyville. It reached a number of people who did not attend church. At first the members met in the Stanleyville Civic Club, but later rented a vacant house for services - those early meetings were held without the benefit of a piano. Later, a member donated a piano. Unfortunately, when it was being carried to the church, it rolled off the truck and was destroyed. Soon after another piano was purchased and services continued.  Land had been donated for the building of a new church at Stanleyville. This land is the current site of the McDonald’s on University Parkway; however, a formal building was never built for the Stanleyville congregation.

 

By 1969, the two congregations began discussing a merger. Rural Hall had a few years earlier discussed the need for more space, particularly in the education building, so the idea of expansion or building was not entirely new. Both congregations saw the value of merging and voted overwhelmingly to approve it. That may have been the most daring and difficult decision they had ever made. They chose a site located between the two communities,  purchased 5 acres of land from the Vernon Flynt family and agreed upon the design of a 17,566 square feet  facility.

 

The two congregations begin meeting together in the Rural Hall church and set about to raise money for the new church building. The existing church building was later sold to Needham Funeral Home; however, church services continued in the building, until the new facility was completed in 1973.

 

A committee comprised of representatives of the two churches was chosen to select a name for the new church.  Several names were suggested and through congregational voting, the choices were narrowed down to two - Montview and Kingswood. The name chosen was Kingswood. The background for the Kingswood name was explained in a church bulletin in November 1969.   

 

“In 1739, the first Methodist venture in formal education was begun in England under the leadership of George Whitefield. The school was named Kingswood. It accommodated 50 students and six teachers. The discipline was strict and the curriculum was carefully selected by John Wesley. He took his mission as an educator seriously. Wesley said: ‘Our design is, with God's help, to train children…in every branch of useful learning and to provide religious training.’

 

John Wesley engaged constantly in what has been called teaching-preaching.  It is hoped that the new Kingswood United Methodist Church, located on a beautiful wooded lot will be a strong source of Christian education and inspiration for the Rural Hall and Stanleyville communities.  Members of the two congregations agreed that the name Kingswood would provide Christ-centered focus, direction and vision for the new church.”

 

 

A NEW CHURCH HOME - KINGSWOOD: 1970-1979

 

Between 1969 and 1973, the congregation planned and executed the construction of the Kingswood United Methodist Church and the move into the new building.  Reverend Walter Cooper and Reverend June Greene served as ministers during the construction of the current facility. 

 

Reverend Cooper labored faithfully in the initial planning of the new church building working with others to create a facility customized to meet the needs of the congregation and community that would accommodate a wide range of activities for young and old alike. 

 

Under the leadership of Reverend Greene, the final stages of construction and the transition from the old church to the new church were both joyous and inspirational occasions.  The beloved stained glass windows from the old Rural Hall Methodist church were brought in and were transformed artistically to complement the new building.  The new church was consecrated in 1973. Once in the new facility, leaders of the congregation along with students from Duke Divinity School who served as Kingswood interns, worked with Reverend Greene to establish an effective church program. Kingswood ministry has always reflected the best of the Wesleyan tradition, and the church has provided Christian growth opportunities unparalleled by most comparably sized Methodist churches in the Western North Carolina Conference. 

 

In many cases, particularly in its children’s program, the congregation has carried its ministry beyond the walls of the church. One highlight for Kingswood‘s children during the ministry of Reverend Greene was the weekly children’s sermon which featured the escapades and the very “real life” experiences of the Tater family and Pastor Penguin and his congregation of feathered friends at the First Birderian church in Wingtown. 

 

In June 1977, Reverend Green was transferred to First United Methodist Church in Lenoir and Reverend John Hamilton moved into the Kingswood parsonage.  After just one year, Reverend Hamilton retired due to poor health and Reverend Jim Long began a four year tenure at Kingswood. Within these first few years in the new church, many Kingswood traditions began. Special services, such as Maundy Thursday Communion, the Chrismon service, and the Christmas Eve Communion, enriched the spiritual life of the community and our congregation.

 

1980-1989

 

Thorough planning and implementation of programs by an active Council on Ministries was key to the growth of Kingswood‘s membership and to the success of its ministry. Under the guidance of Reverend Long, the Council on Ministries organized planning retreats, evaluated the needs of the congregation and the community and carried out a full calendar of activities, always mindful of these activities as an exercise of our spiritual calling.  Reverend Long‘s zeal for learning and doing God’s work was an inspiration to the congregation and to its elected leaders.

 

In June, 1982 Reverend John Davis stepped into Kingswood‘s pulpit for the first time. He and his family eagerly joined in the work of the congregation and were instrumental in building an active youth program, sometimes involving 25 to 30 junior and senior high young people. Grace Davis, the pastor’s wife, became a playschool teacher and later served as director of the program. It was during Reverend Davis’ years that a new evangelism program, the Kingswood Missioners (emulating the group ideas from John Wesley) began. The program consisted of a number of small groups of people who volunteered to work for a year in a specified area of ministry. These included the GoGetters, the Wild Cards, the Cheerios, and Luke’s Group.

 

The GoGetters contacted first time visitors to Kingswood either by phone or with a personal visit within 24 hours of the worship service. 

 

The Wild Cards sent postcards, often decorated by the children or youth of the congregation, to church members to say thanks, celebrate birthdays, anniversaries or other happy occasions, and to express love and concern.

 

The Cheerios visited members who were sick and shut-ins. Members of Luke’s Group directed their care toward members who were hospitalized and their families. Because of the effectiveness of these programs, many continued throughout the 1980s and into the 1990s. 

 

During the last decade of the century, Kingswood again became a building congregation. Plans were made for adding an educational wing with eight classrooms, enlarging the kitchen and fellowship hall, expanding the office area, and renovating the building by replacing carpet, painting, and adding storage spaces.  In May 1990, the project was completed and a grand celebration was held with a Special Worship Service and Open House in the afternoon. The worship service was led by Dr. Louis Woodard who was Kingswood’s pastor from 1988 to 1991. A ribbon cutting ceremony during the open house featured Kingswood’s oldest member at the time, Mrs.  Mamie Harvey and Kingswood’s youngest member, Chad Kearny, son of Dale and Stephanie Kearny. 

 

A blend of modern design and natural materials, the church received the Randolph Dumont Award for architectural excellence. 

 

Kingswood celebrated its 100th anniversary while under the leadership of the Rev. Lee Strange (1991-1997).  The church became active in Building Teams which assist needy and disaster-stricken areas during Rev. Strange’s tenure.  To help support our teams and in honor of their work with building teams, we established the Harvey and Juanita Pardue Building Team Fund.  Support for Habitat for Humanity and the Disciple Bible Study Program also began during this period.  Fifteen acres of land adjoining church property were purchased from the Flynt family on August 23, 1995 for future expansion.  Rev. Diane Marsden joined our staff as Director of Christian Education and served from 1996-1999.  

 

Dr. Tim Brittain (1997-1999) stressed spiritual growth for Kingswood.  In 1999, we welcomed Sarah Butler as our new organist.  

 

Rev. Glenn S. Griffiths served at Kingswood from 1999-2003. He taught Bible study classes such as the Disciple and Christian Believers series.  In 2003, the transition from Administrative Board and Council on Ministries to a combined Church Council was successfully accomplished under his leadership.

 

The Rev. Tony Dowdy (2003-2007) continued the focus on spiritual growth with an emphasis on adult studies. He incorporated singing and guitar as part of his worship message.  

 

Rev. R. Sidney Lanier (2007-2016) brought to Kingswood a warm, informal style of preaching and ministry.  He enhanced our outreach through participation in Missional Network and Yadkin Valley District initiatives as well as the community Backpack Program to help provide food to children in need.

 

Reverend Jeffrey Sypole (2016-2019) oversaw the creation of five Kingswood “Care Teams” for Shut-Ins, Hospital/Rehab, Visitors, New Members, and Building/Repairs. He and his wife Laurie took great interest in our children and youth, leading them in numerous events and Pastor Jeff developed a wonderful rapport with the children during Kings Kidz, his time with them during worship.

 

Reverend Bruce Updyke (2019-2023) and his wife Dawn Futrell served Kingswood during times of great change.  He pastored through the global COVID-19 pandemic and our disaffiliation from the United Methodist Church.  To encourage his Kingswood “family,” Pastor Bruce provided a daily devotional by calling each day with a short reflection and a special prayer.  The Kingswood Youth Group built a Blessing Box and began stocking food items to help the homeless and community members in need of staple goods.  

 

Sarah Butler retired in 2019 as our full time organist after 20 years of loyal service.  She also served as our Preschool music teacher until the COVID-19 shutdown.  Upon her retirement, Grant Beard became our new organist/pianist.  He was very flexible during our COVID services, sharing his inspirational music using a keyboard while we worshiped in the parking lot and still serves as organist/pianist.

 

On March 3, 2020, the first coronavirus case was reported in North Carolina; and on March 14th, Governor Roy Cooper imposed a ban on gatherings. While church was put on hold for a few weeks, Pastor Bruce and our Worship Team planned a creative way to continue Sunday services. These services were initially provided online, but on July 5, 2020 we gathered for our first parking lot service. Beginning on September 20, 2020 an additional service was offered for those who chose to return to the Sanctuary.  We celebrated together and found that no matter where we were…as we sat in front of our computer screen, or sat in our car with our radio tuned to a special frequency, or sat on our favorite pew, we could worship the Lord and strengthen our spiritual lives.  Who could forget the beautiful music each week, the Three Wise Men during our outdoor Epiphany Service or the Zoom Bible Study?

 

Although challenging would be an understatement, prayers were lifted, sermons were delivered, music was played, songs were sung, ashes were placed on foreheads, and Communion was served.  Many thanks to those who sprang into action and found a way to serve the Lord.  As a church family, we grieved the loss of loved ones, nurtured the sick and prayed for those who found themselves isolated and alone.  With much love and admiration, on December 13, 2020, we honored our Music Director Madeline Griggs for her 50 years of service to Kingswood.  On June 6, 2021 services finally returned to the Sanctuary; initially under a mask mandate.  (It would be two years after the shutdown before the mask mandate was lifted.)

 

In February 2019, a Special Session of the General Conference of the United Methodist Church Conference was held in St. Louis Missouri to discuss a report that had been authorized to review several paragraphs concerning human sexuality in the Book of Discipline.  The Conference voted, 53% (for) to 47% (against) the Traditional Plan.  While the vote only needed a simple majority vote to pass, many delegates announced they would not support the Conference decision.  A disaffiliation plan was also passed to provide guidelines for congregations who may choose to leave the United Methodist Church.  Many were optimistic about the General Conference meeting scheduled for May 2020; however, due to the global COVID-19 Pandemic, the Conference was canceled.  

 

After many months of prayer, meetings, and discernment to determine if Kingswood should separate from the United Methodist Church (UMC) and connect ourselves with the conservative branch called the Global Methodist Church, the decision was made to vote on disaffiliation.  On Sunday October 23, 2022, following UMC protocol, during a special Charge Conference with our District Superintendent Dr. Sam Moore, the members of Kingwood voted to disaffiliate.  A few weeks later, we voted to join the Global Methodist Church and over the next six months, we completed payment of our obligations/ apportionment and the transfer of church property.  In May of 2023, the Conference recognized and voted to allow 192 local churches to disaffiliate, including Kingswood.

 

In July 2023, Kingswood Church joined the Global Methodist Church and welcomed our new Pastor Mark Muckler, his wife Jill and his children to our “church family”.

 

 

INSPIRING FAITH AND SERVICE FOR ALL AGES

 

MISSION STATEMENT:  Kingswood Methodist Church is a community of believers who worship God, our Creator; who seek to grow in faith through Jesus Christ, and who, empowered by the Holy Spirit, share God's Love with the world.

 

The Kingswood Playschool began in 1976.  In 2014, our Playschool Committee decided to change the name of the Playschool to Kingswood Christian Preschool to more accurately reflect its stated goal: to support preparation for future academic success as well as to provide a strong emphasis on spiritual growth. A loving and nurturing staff, led by our Playschool Director, LuAnn Winfrey ensures that our Preschool is a wonderful experience for children ages 2 - 5. The new name was supported by new signage, new marketing literature and enhanced curriculum to better prepare children before they enter kindergarten. 

 

In 2019, we moved our annual Fall Festival to the front lawn.  In addition to our Trunk or Treat, games and spooky trail, we included a bounce house, giant slide and a special visit from the Rural Fire Department.  This is always a very successful family-centered outreach ministry event.  In 2019 we served up over 700 hotdogs to the community!  

 

Our Children's Christian Education Department continues to provide a variety of programs designed to help our children grow in faith and knowledge, including: age-appropriate Sunday School classes, worship service opportunities (children's bulletins and Worship Kits, Children's Time in the Sanctuary, Children's Worship for age 3-2nd graders, Bible study for 3rd-5th graders, opportunities to serve as acolytes), Vacation Bible School, Fall Festival (with Preschool), Christmas program and Parade, Easter Event and Confirmation Classes. Monica Banks was hired to serve as the part-time Children and Youth Ministries Director in June 2015.  Jake Boyd served as the part-time Youth Ministries Counselor from 2018-2020.

 

Generations of Kingswood youth have grown spiritually as they gathered on Sunday evenings or during the week with strong adult leadership. Over the years, the Youth have created and continued to participate in a number of service traditions which their church family appreciates: the Mother's Day Service led by Youth, decorating the Chrismon tree, working with the children at Vacation Bible School, sponsoring the annual spaghetti supper and providing the luminaries for the Christmas Eve Communion Service.  

 

Over these years, these activities have included attending Camp Tekoa, Kaleidoscope and Spiritus, serving as worship service ushers, participating in a True Love Project program and supporting the CROP walk, Missional Network and Yadkin Valley District programs continue to offer service and spiritual growth opportunities to our youth.  In 2021, the Kingswood Youth Group built a Blessing Box and began stocking food items to help the homeless and community members in need of staple goods.   

 

Adults at Kingswood include those whose families were instrumental in establishing the church, who have been part of the congregation since childhood; as well as those new to the community.  Visitors are always greeted here with a warm welcome and a famous “Kingswood Chicken Pie”.  Multiple adult Sunday School classes are provided, and most incorporate a wide age range and a variety of topics. Evening and daytime Bible studies are scheduled throughout the year, providing additional opportunities to build ties and grow in faith.  In 2014, Kingswood began a program of fellowship and service for older adults in the congregation. The SKY (Seniors Keeping Young) group participates in a variety of activities to strengthen faith, use our talents to benefit the church, serve as resources to each other in times of need, and expand horizons.

 

Kingswood is a great place to worship with many opportunities to serve God.  We are blessed with passionate volunteers to carry out our ministries, including an inspirational music ministry with an acclaimed choir and handbells, greeters, ushers, nursery workers, youth leaders, lay leaders, worship leaders and dedicated chicken pie makers. 

 

Just as the song says, "I am the church, you are the church, we are the church together," it is the people of Kingswood Methodist Church who make the church so special.  From the oldest to the youngest, from 1869 through today, we are a church family united in love for each other and Christ Jesus.  From humble beginnings until today, Kingswood is a special place to worship.  Darle Shouse recollects:  “As youth, Elhert Krueger (great grandson of B.L. Bitting), Ivah Harris and I were members and have fond memories of those days in the little white church.”  

 

Handwritten notes (located in a notebook in the church library) entitled "A History of the Rural Hall Methodist Church 1893-1966" by an unidentified "saint" of the church read "from the beginning God has richly blessed this church with many fine ministers to guide us and active and willing church members to carry on the work of the church. We see the results of our labors in this beloved church, built to the glory of God and a church home for God's children. It is, I'm sure, our prayer that many generations will continue to reap the rewards this church has to offer. We and succeeding generations will have the opportunity and the privilege of making our present edifice more beautiful and useful in the service of our Lord."  May her words be true as we celebrate Heritage Sunday 2023.