West Market Street United Methodist Church - History

History

The congregation dates back to the 1820s, 12 years after the founding of Greensboro. They met in a male academy, which continued until 1830, when they bought a lot, and by 1831, had a small, two story building. This building was the first church building built in the Greensboro area. The congregation was around 60 members at this time.

Shortly after this a female school was established across the street from the church. A new church was completed in 1851. This church was the first to be known as "West Market Church", and the congregation was now approaching 200. The congregation now, having built two different churches, decided to build a third, and in 1893, the current sanctuary was completed, being dedicated in 1901, when the debt was paid.

In 1930, it was reported that the congregation had reached almost 2000 members. Around this time, an Episcopal church, which had separated from West Market Street, re-joined the church. In 1951, construction began on the education building that currently adorns the property.

In 1953 the building was dedicated. The total cost of the project was $53,000, almost the same cost as the sanctuary itself had cost in 1893. In 1962, construction of the Leak Chapel began, as did work on the church office building. In 1968, the current name of West Market Street United Methodist Church was adopted. The church has since undergone a number of smaller renovations to it.