In the early 1900's, there were no church structures of any denomination in West

End. Consequently, the citizens (at that time largely Methodist-Episcopal and

Presbyterian) attended joint services each Sunday afternoon in the local school

building (on the grounds currently housing the Old West End Gym and Pinetree

Enterprises), with whatever preacher was able to be present: a Presbyterian minister

or a Methodist minister of the Aberdeen-Biscoe circuit. It was under the leadership

of one of these Methodist circuit preachers, Reverend W. H. Brown, that in 1914 our

church was organized with 13 charter members.

The following year, in 1915, J. B. Von Canon proposed a church building and gave

the land for it. Thus, the sanctuary, still in use, was completed in late 1915. All of the

wooden materials, except the window sashes, were manufactured by Von Canon

Millwork Co. (Sandhill Furniture/Stanley Furniture site). The chancel pews and

other very fine woodwork generally displayed throughout the church building are the

handiwork of Farley H. Lewis and J. B. Von Canon.

In the late 1940's, the original Youth Building was completed and given by Sandhill

Furniture Corp. in memory of J. B. Von Canon and his wife, Amanda. Their portraits

are displayed in the current Fellowship Hall. Later, in 1956, the Education Building

was added to the church to house the Sunday School classrooms and an office for the

minister. During the next decade our church continued to provide for the spiritual

needs of the West End community.

Then, in the late 1970's, the development of the community of Seven Lakes began to

be felt in our church. At first gradually, with a few new members, then in the 1980's

while Rev. Robert Ray was with us, more and more members came, resulting in

stronger participation in the workings of the church. Thus, in 1984, this newness and

activity brought new life to West End United Methodist Church, culminating in the

renovation of the sanctuary. Almost immediately the need for a larger Youth facility

and multi-functional area was realized. In 1985, the free-standing Youth Building

was remodeled and a larger structure was added which created a larger meeting area,

enlarged the kitchen, changed the bathrooms and added storage areas. To complete

the building project the Education Building was connected to the new building by a

pass-through hallway/pantry. This new structure became known as the Youth-

Fellowship Building or the Fellowship Hall.

Through the 1990's, we purchased the current parsonage in Seven Lakes North, the

third one in our history. The Food Bank, now known as the Food Pantry, was begun.

The Allen organ, which was the third organ for our church, and the grand piano were

purchased. The grand piano was donated in honor of Lois Johnson's 37 years as

church pianist. All of this was accomplished through the generous donations,

pledges, and the memorial funds given by our church family.

Now as we enter the 21st century in our history, we look forward to the positive

changes and growth of our church family. West End United Methodist Church is a

church whose people, over time, have used and will continue to use their time,