This history of Trinity United Methodist Church is a blend of historical fact, human recollection, and graphic illustration. Although painstaking care has been exercised in its preparation, some degree of error is inevitable in a work of this kind.

Trinity United Methodist Church is the second oldest Methodist Church in Mecklenburg County. In the year 1815 a small group of neighbors, feeling the need for a place of worship, met in the home of a widow who lived near the site of the present location of our church. Services were held in the widow's home until this group, under the leadership of the Rev. William Barnett (a Circuit Rider), erected a small log meeting house, which ore the name of Buckhill Church. As the Trinity community grew, so did Buckhill Church. This called for more and larger buildings down through the years.

Drawing of the first church building - a log cabin

In 1833, the second building was constructed on the present location. This was a much larger building, in an L-shape with a slave gallery. The name was changed to Trinity.

Drawing of the second church building constructed in 1833

The third building was constructed in 1890 on the same site. This building was more ornate with two front doors and a bell tower. The timbers from this building were reused in the present sanctuary. In 1920 the first parsonage at 6519 Beatties Ford Road, now the home of Mrs. Flynn Elliott, was purchased with money received from the estate of Mrs. Harriet Martin Neisler. Our present sanctuary was erected in 1928 under the ministry of the Rev. J. B. Fitzgerald. This beautiful sanctuary was paid for with money from the Neisler estate, a grant from the Duke endowment and the dedicated, sacrificial giving of the members of the congregation. In 1941-42, the first educational unit was build. The Rev. J. E. Yountz was pastor at this time. The total cost of this unit was $8,000. The indebtedness was cleared while the Rev. E. H. Brendall was pastor. The dedication of the building was on Sunday, September 10, 1944.

Drawing of the third church building constructed in 1890

In 1950, under the leadership of the Rev. G. W. Bumgarner, the congregation voted to build a fellowship hall with plans to add two stories for addition to the education building. The fellowship hall was completed at a cost of $10,000. Dedication of this building was held on Sunday, September 5, 1954. Soon after the completion of the fellowship hall, the decision was made to complete the two stories for the education building because of the great need for additional classrooms. This unit was completed in July 1956 during the ministry of the Rev. Edwin Bailey. The debt of the final unit of the education building was paid in full during the ministry of the Rev. C. F. Womble and a dedication service was held in April-May 1961.

Drawing of the church around 1968

A New parsonage, located at 7120 Beatties Ford Road, was built during the ministry of the Rev. Byron S. Nifong. The Rev. A. C. Lackey, Superintendent of the Charlotte District, dedicated the parsonage on May 30, 1965.

Under the leadership of the Rev. Raymond Wilkinson, the Hucks Parlor was added. This addition and furnishings were paid for with money received from the estate of Mr. and Mrs. Will O. Hucks, and the parlor was rightfully named "The Hucks Parlor."

In July 1987 a steeple was added to the main building and was paid for with memorials and special contributions by members and friends.

Over the years, the church grounds have been landscaped and beautified with memorial gardens and trees.

In early 1990, the Long Creek community began to experience growth with the many housing developments. Once again, the Trinity congregation recognized the need for our vision of a Family Life Center Building to become a reality if we are to serve the needs of our members and the community. We pray for God's guidance as we work together to fulfill our vision.

Drawing of the new Family Life Center