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Severn United Methodist Church is the northern
most church on this four-point charge, with the town of Severn less than five miles from the Virginia border.
The church is located on North Carolina Highway 35 at the north end of town.
Severn UMC traces its history back to 1815
when Providence Methodist Church was organized, with the original building located just "four miles north
of Murfreesboro." In 1875, during the pastoral time of Rev. James L. Lumsden, land was given nearer
to Severn on which to construct a new building. Just thirty-four years later, in 1909, "the members
of Providence realized the need for a larger building" and decided the wisest thing to do would be to locate
in the town of Severn itself. The new building was completed in 1916, and this is the building in which the
congregation continues to worship. The name of the congregation appears to have changed from Providence Methodist
Church to Severn Methodist Episcopal Church South in 1931--and then later, through the years of re-unifying the
Methodist Church and joining with the Evangelical United Brethren Church, would become Severn United Methodist
Church. In 1944, and again in 1972, classrooms were added to the 1916 sanctuary--bringing us to its current
appearance. *
Currently finding itself without a musician, Severn UMC uses
electronic resources for its worship services, adding the beauty of many instruments to its times of joyful singing.
Severn UMC currently averages twelve persons in worship, but remains an active part of its community. Throughout
the year, the congregation joins together with other congregations in the small community for Thanksgiving and
Easter Sunrise worship, as well as Vacation Bible School.
* Historical
information comes from Severn United Methodist Church: 1815-1988, by Hazel Maddrey Long
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