In the Year of our Lord, 1826 on February 15th in Portsmouth, Virginia, the Plymouth Methodist Episcopal Church received its first appointment. William J. Waller was assigned to Washington and Plymouth. To date, 86 saintly souls have labored in God’s vineyard inside these hallowed walls.

The first building was erected in 1832. At that time Plymouth was listed as the eighth largest town in the state with a population of 660. Methodism was the second largest denomination in North Carolina having 32 preachers and a membership of 12,641.

The church property was acquired in four separate lots on four different dates: August 3, 1832; February 2, 1845: January 2, 1852; and December 1, 1853.

The earliest grave marker is dated 1808, 24 years prior to our acquiring the property.

According to an article in the ROANOKE BEACON dated June 13, 1890, entitled “History of the M.E. Church” it states: “but during the war (Civil War) this town being destroyed, the churches received their share of the ill fate. The Methodist Church was torn down and its timbers used for firewood or to make coffins for the dead soldiers who fought and died under its shadows.”

The structure, as it appears in photographs from the late 1890’s, shows a white building with a 105 steeple. Inside the sanctuary was a narrow balcony across the back of the room and extending partly down the sides.

Major renovations were undertaken in1931. The building was bricked, windows were shortened, marbleized green and white panes put in. Wainscoting was added and an addition constructed forming the present pulpit and choir space. “The Good Shepherd” stained glass window was installed along with the two stained glass windows on the front.

The first pipe organ was purchased around 1934-1935. By 1939-1940 the present stained glass windows depicting events in the life of Christ were installed, along with the matching doors dividing the narthex from the sanctuary.

The women of the church have been organized since the late 1800’s and still provide numerous and diverse services and activities. We also have a very active United Methodist Men’s organization.

Sunday School has always been an important part of this church. In 1933 the log cabin was built which was used for Sunday school Classes and recreational purposes.

Today we have Bible Study groups, Scout Troops meeting here, hand bells, choir, preschool, along with Sunday School and regular Sunday morning worship services.

Today, Plymouth United Methodist Church still stands in the same peaceful setting, back from the traffic of the street, surrounded by age-old cedars (some of which were destroyed by Hurricane Isabel in 2003) and the graves of many of its faithful members. This church has served the people of this area in many ways, and has played an important part in Methodism in this section of the state. May it continue to be a cherished heritage for many more generations.

We, who today stand and serve here, are repositories of this rich heritage. With the same faith, dedication, and measure of devotion, which was characteristic of our forebears, may we accept the challenge of the future. Remembering our past, we pray that we may do what is God’s will to make this church His instrument now and in the years to come.