A Brief History of Glen Alpine United Methodist Church

(Forward in the original church record book)

"The Lone Star Church having burned down, have moved the few scattered members to the Glen Alpine Church on Horse Creek.  This same Church Register is thus preserved.  After a successful revival at Glen Alpine (35 professions), the class was formally organized on September 30, 1929."

Although the Glen Alpine United Methodist Church came into existence about two years after the Lone Star Methodist Church burned, the history of the church goes back more than thirty years before its formal beginning in 1929.  Glen Alpine's history began with the formation of a Sunday School by a Presbyterian group on October 25, 1896.  A lush green glen surrounded by beautiful tall pine trees was owned by George W. Bachman and given to this Presbyterian group who built a little white frame church.  That was the formation of the Glen Alpine Presbyterian Church, which constructed the white frame building into which Glen Alpine Methodist moved.  Miss Osceola Pendleton is credited in giving the name "Glen Alpine."  The church later dissolved.

During this same period, a Methodist Church, "Fairview" or "Lone Star," known by both names, was meeting in it's church on Lone Star Road.  The church cemetery is across the road.  Church records for 1915 and 1916 indicate Lone Star was about the same size as the Presbyterian Church.  Attendance ran from about 16 to 49 for Sunday School.  

Hubert L. Riggs, Sr., purchased the church building from the Presbyterians in May 1924 for $400.  Besides church services, the building was used as additional classroom space for Horse Creek Academy, which was across the road from the church.  

After the Lone Star Church burned in 1927, the members began holding union services at Glen Alpine with other denominations.  The church record shows:  "Glen Alpine Sunday School met August 5, 1928 and was organized by Superintendent H. L. Riggs.  Teachers were elected as follows:  George Fields, Bible teacher, and T. J. Duncan, assistant teacher; Rev. J. N. Rhea, Class No. 2 teacher, and Mrs. Bachman assistant teacher; Mrs. Charlie Hamblen, teacher, Class No. 3; and Miss Nova Sumner, teacher of Class No. 4, and Mrs. Hubert Riggs, assistant teacher."  The next Sunday there was an attendance of 63 and an offering of $1.50.  On August 19, 25 persons attended.

As noted in the forward of the original Church Record Book, "a revival was held, with 35 professions, and the Glen Alpine Methodist Church was formed on September 30, 1929."  Rev. Harold J. Davis was the first pastor.  Glen Alpine replaced the Lone Star Church in the circuit and became a full-time station in 1950.  After more than 30 years of service to its members and the community, Glen Alpine United Methodist Church stands on the threshold of a new age, with many opportunities to expand her ministry and to extend the Kingdom of God.

No major work was done on the original church building until 1944, when a two-story wing with basement was added.  Construction of a modern brick church, replacing the white frame building, began in 1949 (our main building with basement level).  By the time the congregation moved into the lovely brick sanctuary, membership had grown to 528.  An addition was added in 1954 at the rear of this building which served as a fellowship hall and classrooms.  A second story was added to this wing in 1964, which also included enlarging the sanctuary and the kitchen (our current building).

Mr. and Mrs. Riggs were a guiding force in securing the charter for Glen Alpine Methodist Church on September 30, 1929.  Their inspired leadership and the dedication of 17 charter members laid a strong foundation for a church whose ministry has grown today to encompass the earth; a church that triumphantly proclaims the Living Lord.  After more than 70 years of service to its members and the community, Glen Alpine United Methodist Church stands on the threshold of a new age, with many opportunities to expand her ministry and to extend the Kingdom of God.

The vision for expansion began again in 1998 when a document was presented by the Vision Committee.  The paper identified the need for more space for Sunday School expansion, activity area for a host of group functions, fellowship hall, space to develop a "seven day" church program.  A Building Study Committee was formed that examined many approaches to the problem.  The guidance for the situation came in 1996 with a survey that pin-pointed the congregation's wishes in a five to one ratio to build.  The people stated that equal priority was to provide space for Education, Activity and Sanctuary.  The Administrative Board formed a Building Committee and their findings brought Glen Alpine Church to a day of decision to further the kingdom.  Ground was broken and eight classrooms, two bathrooms with shower facilities, and several storage areas were built on a lower level.  The upper level included a fellowship hall, commercial kitchen with storage/pantry, and bathroom facilities.  The sanctuary was enlarged and a sound booth was built in a balcony area.  The front entrance of the church was extended to a large narthex with extended side entrances.  The building was made fully accessible with handicapped ramps and elevator.  The Glen Alpine Family took occupancy of this new addition in March 200.

Glen Alpine wants to be known as a committed church with an obvious deep personal faith in God.  We believe our purpose lies in spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ in our community and throughout the world.  We believe that God has a unique ministry in mind for the Glen Alpine United Methodist Church, and that we will be led in this ministry by the Holy Spirit.  We believe that it is our responsibility and duty as Christians to strive to work together and be sensitive to the Spirit's guidance as we look ahead to our future and the 21st century.

Glen Alpine United Methodist Church is a very exciting congregation which offers a great opportunity to work, study, fellowship, and give service to others.  The warmth and care of our members and the presence of God's Spirit combine to make this one of the most inviting congregations.  It is our purpose to help everyone who shares in this fellowship relate their life more meaningfully to God and to find joy through serving others and putting Christ at the center of their lives.  May God bless you richly.

Glen Alpine United Methodist Church
3200 Glen Alpine Road
Kingsport, TN  37660
423-349-7831

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