Historical Notes

Zoar is one of the oldest Methodist Churches in the area, beginning as a building of logs in 1800. Upon donated land a frame church was built in 1845. In 1901 a larger church was built which was destroyed by fire in 1906.

The congregation immediately began to rebuild at the cost of $3,033 and dedicated the new building in 1907.

A building program added eight classrooms in 1939. More remodeling and building took place in 1953-54. A time capsule of memorabilia was placed in the cornerstone.

The first parsonage on Gap Creek Road was completed in 1959 and two years later the Church Sanctuary was renovated and stained glass windows installed. The second and present parsonage was completed in 1971.

The 1980's saw the Sanctuary remodeled, the Scout Building and the Family Life Center erected. God blessed us with the means to pay our total indebtedness by the end of 1995.

Many amenities have been added over the years to increase the property value and our joy in this wonderful place of worship, which God has ordained and blessed for so many years. A new organ, hand bells, elevator, a new steeple, sound system, new heating and air conditioning, new ladies restroom, repaved parking lot... the list goes on.

The year 2000 was the bicentennial year for Zoar, celebrated with many visitors, former pastors and a special message by the bishop.

The 1954 time capsule was opened and appreciated for its historical significance. To it was added some special new items. It was then resealed in the cornerstone for those who will come after us and will one day have another celebration. They will view the memorabilia we've left behind.

In August of 2005 Zoar opened it’s doors to share our facilities with a growing Korean Methodist Church which was outgrowing it’s current facilities. Zoar’s 9:30 AM worship service afforded the Korean Congregation to worship during the 11 o’clock just after our church school. Under the leadership and guidance of Pastor Chang-hoon Joeng the Greenville Korean Methodist Church became the Greenville Korean United Methodist Church at Annual Conference in June, 2006.

 Our congregations have blended together at events such as music programs, fellowships, dinners and special holidays, both American and Korean.

Zoar United Methodist Church has a long and glorious history of serving the Lord with our gifts, our presence and our service. We have two hundred years of Christian history behind us, and time that only God can measure, ahead. We of this present Zoar generation can truly say as David said in the Psalms..."Lord I love your house, the place where your presence lives."