History of Asbury UMC

Washington, NC

A Celebration of Hope

Asbury United Methodist Church, named for Bishop Francis Asbury, is rich in history.

In January 1856, Mr. Thomas Small, Sr. gave one acre of land for the construction of a Methodist Episcopal Church building.  The "Meeting House" was build in 1857 from hand hewn lumber.  It was designed with two front doors - one door for the men, and one door for the women.  A side door provided access to the balcony which was reserved for the slaves.

Many changes and additions have taken place since 1857.  The original tall colonial-style pulpit was replace in 1897 with a lower pulpit.  The choir room was built behind the alter and the alter rail was converted from a rectangle to a semi-circle in the early 1900's.

The year 1997 marked the 140th anniversary of the church's ministry to the community.  1997 was designed as the church's "Celebration of Hope."

Throughout the many physical changes in the church the faith, dedication, and determination of the members of Asbury have remained steadfast through the years.

Asbury United Methodist Church of Washington, NC welcomes you!   Our Mission statement reflect our priorities and vision for our church:

Christ in our Hearts;

Christ in our homes;

Christ in the Community;

Christ in the World.

We pray that with Christ dwelling in the hearts of each of us, our homes may be places of peace, our worship services may be times of renewal and grace, and that our community and, indeed, the whole world, may experience the healing and forgiving grace of Jesus Christ.