From Gay’s Chapel Methodist to The Arbor Church (1839-2024) – 185 years
On January 17, 1839, a gentleman by the name of William Gay deeded 3 acres of land to the Methodist Episcopal Church and our church body, with the request that our trustees and future ministers would ensure that the Word of God would be a priority for out church, Gay’s Chapel Methodist, in Mr. Gay’s honor.
This transition would be recorded in the Rowan County Register of Deeds office in February 1839 as requested by Mr. Gay, who was a very dedicated community citizen who, by record, contributed to this community in many ways, such as paying for the boundary border around the Old English Cemetery in downtown Salisbury. Putting things into perspective, Mr. Gay was born on October 21, 1789, the same year George Washington became our nation’s first President.
After the land transfer, the congregation of Gay’s Chapel erected the first church building, which would serve the members until 1883, at which time the original church facility was torn down and the new (second) church was erected at the same location. “Brush Arbor” meetings and services, along with outside “dinners,” were commonplace until the completion of the sanctuary.
The prospect of growth and services for the new venue seemed to be going well until a bizarre sequence of circumstances led to an event that is still questioned and fully unexplained to this day, which would bring a tragic end to the second church.
In 1892, some of the parishioners of the church decided they wanted to “move” the church to Woodleaf. Many other members protested, and t great debate ensued to the extent that a “watchman” had to be hired to stand guard over the existing facility at that time. The debate created a division, and several members left our congregation. Needless to say, the watchman could not be on site every minute during the duty, and during one of those moments, when he was on break (across the road on the existing Dunn property to get water), the church suddenly was engulfed in flames and burned to the ground.
This tragic event would end the great debate; our congregation would remain steadfast. Together, they rebuilt a third church on the same property.
in 1897, the third church building was erected, and our membership grew rapidly, requiring the significant enlargement of the facilities.
The year 1935 would bring a new church experience with the addition of Sunday School rooms as well as the completion of some other cosmetic repairs to the infrastructure.
Shortly after the 1935 expansion, plans were put into place to celebrate the upcoming 100th anniversary of the families of the church. The Salisbury Post ran an impressive story on Sunday August 27, 1939, about the upcoming celebration of the 100-year existence of our church, which was held on Sunday September 3, 1939. (Ironically, on that very day, France, Great Britain, and Australia all declared war on Germany, heating up the early beginnings of WWII). The article emphasized the beauty of the Rowan countryside, both north and northwest of the church facility.
An all-day centennial and homecoming service would be held to honor the 100th anniversary with North Carolina Methodist Conference Bishop Clare Purcell, Dr. C.N. Clark, Superintendent of the Salisbury District, and our own minister, Dr. O.D. Croy, all participated in the event. A church revival ensued the same night for a week’s span.
Following the eventful 100-year celebration, conversations began about how we were witnessing the extensive growth of our church congregation, and discussion began on erecting a new church building. The discussions would continue for a decade; and finally, with the leadership of our minister, Rev. J.C. Swaim, a southern gentleman and visionary, our plans would begin. Various meetings would ensue with the church Trustees and Stewards, and plans were laid out for a “pay as you go” plan of action. Although history tells us that there were many “doubters” for a project of that magnitude and too much of a challenge, the leadership remained focused, and the project moved forward. Excavation and grading began in the spring of 1951.
Twenty-five (25) individuals in our community (20 of which were members of our church) would donate timber needed for the church construction from their own properties. The overall project at that time was estimated to cost approximately $120,000.
Many members of the church dedicated their time to the project. They would work hours on the church project, go home for a brief rest, and then would often work the third shift all night. The proposed project was completed for only $40,000with two-thirds (2/3) of the cost donated with either time or materials.
Upon completing the new church (number 4 and out current building), a dedication service was set for May 3, 1953. The service was conducted by Bishop Harrell, District Superintendent J.C. Cornette, and Pastor J.C. Swaim. A large luncheon would follow in the current basement area, and an afternoon of song and praise service would ensue. All the church leadership and those who had helped in any capacity were honored.
At the opening service led by Pastor J.C. Swaim, the first song sung in our church was “All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name.” Other songs in the first service were “The Church’s One Foundation” “O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing,” and “I Love Thy Kingdom, Lord.”
Another memorable event held at out church was to recognize the 200th anniversary of our nation. Ironically, the July 4th date was on a Sunday and our congregation planned a momentous two-day event on July 3 and 4. Saturday events had many participants, and competition events from our history ensued. Many today (2024) were winners in those events. There was competition in so many areas; also the following day, congregants dressed in the attire of our founding fathers, and many would ride their horses and some their horses and wagons to the service. All the winners in their events and those photos from our service are thing that have been shared in our history.
The 1980s would see the projects continue with us adding a covered front entrance as part of a major addition, as well as replacing the lead panes in the stained glass windows.
Again, as a church family, we planned, erected and completed on June 25, 1988, a new fellowship building with a service led by District Superintendent William Brantly. The articles featuring this dedication were printed in the Salisbury Post. Committee members and leaders in that endeavor were honored in the fellowship building, along with former pastors, including Rev. Jack Luther, who served us then with outstanding acclaim.
Projected on our campus continued with the addition of the beautiful erection of our extended cemetery, as well as the picnic shelter, which we continue to have and enjoy.
Over the years, our church has been very well known for preparing on a couple of occasions each year some of the best barbecue pork and chicken events, which this area recognizes as some of the best. These special events have now been going on for almost 80 years with only a brief delay for a couple of years due to shortages in help and other issues during the World War II era. It has been remarkable over the years as so many contribute their time and efforts to these renowned events.
Thankfully, our church has stood tall in the observance of our Lord, and on numerous occasions, our membership has risen to our calling; and example was in 2013 when the National Day of Prayer was under attack by atheist organizations and others. We held a special National Day of Prayer service with participants from government, our churches, the military, our families, education, media and business.
On January 19, 2014, our church membership, many of our community brothers and sisters, and many elected officials came together for an unforgettable service to recognize our 175th anniversary. Many members participated in that special ceremony, especially our strong millenial population within our church, who shared the history compiled for us. We had many elected officials present, and special recognition was given on behalf of three (3) congressional members. District Superintendent Sam Moore delivered the message.
The 175th day of recognition brought an honor to us on behalf of our Lord that has been extended very few times for a religious unity. Thanks to the wonderful years we shared the joy of the Lord providing us with this house of worship and adding requests in His name, we were honored in the United States Congress in the Congressional Record, and our history was stated on the House floor in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Recent years have presented several challenges to our church congregation membership. Unfortunately, with so many not knowing the background of our name in honor of the donor of our original property, miscellaneous statements and actions were made against our church in a derogatory manner, even in a threatening manner against our youth with one incident. these events would lead to much deliberation and debate, and it was finally decided on March 20, 2016, to change our long-standing church name to the new title of The Arbor United Methodist Church.
Beginning in the 2020s, other challenges were brought regarding theology within the United Methodist Denomination that many challenge. Our church was one of the hundreds universally, as well as within our Western Conference, with movements geared towards disaffiliation. The year 2023 brought debate, discussions, legal advice, and many prayerful meetings when it was finally decided that The Arbor would move towards disaffiliation and an independent church body.
Many positive outcomes have come in our direction since this united decision was made, and there is a new sense of pride and joyous thankfulness and fulfillment with our body, thanks to our Creator, who has led us to this point. Our membership is grateful in so many ways, which have led a special pastor our way, and our future is bright.
Sunday, January 21, 2024 led us to another level of existence as a church body with a special service to honor our 185th year.
Our goals and initiatives are to take our endeavors to the community beyond our church walls. We intend to move forward to extend our wonderful history of worship
Submitted by: Terry Osborne
Church Historian
