West Market Street United Methodist Church

West Market Street United Methodist Church is one of the oldest churches in Greensboro North Carolina, over 175 years old; West Market is located in downtown Greensboro across from the courthouse. West Market is a relatively large church with approximately 2000 members, though not all are active.The current sanctuary was completed in 1893, the third sanctuary built by the congregation. Today the church has grown, with a larger wing adjacent to the sanctuary, and other properties held at other locations. The current Pastor is David Melton, with associate pastors Pam Strader, Scott Nowlan, Rob Hutchinson, Jeff Peck, Jane Brannock, and Bill Ellison.

History

The congregation dates back to the 1820s, 12 years after the founding of Greensboro, they met in a male academy, which continued for until 1830, when they bought a lot, and by 1831, had a small, 2 story building. This building was the first church building built in the Greensboro area, the congregation was around 60 members at this time. Shortly after this a female school was established across the street from the church. A new church, was completed in 1851 was completed, this church was the first to be known as "West Market Church", the congregation was now approaching 200. The congregation now, having built 2 different churches, decided to build a third, and in 1893, the current sanctuary was completed, being dedicated in 1901, when the debt was paid.In 1930, it was reported that the congregation had reached almost 2000 members, around this time, an Episcopal church, which has separated from West Market Street, re-joined the church. In 1951, construction began on the education building that currently adorns the property. In 1953 the building was dedicated, the total cost of the project was $53,000, almost the same cost as the sanctuary has cost in 1893. In 1962, construction of the Leak Chapel began, as did work on the church office building. In 1968, the current name of West Market Street United Methodist Church was adopted. The church has since undergone a number of smaller renovations to it.

Services

The church currently has 3 services, all on Sunday. They consist of: 1 traditional, "early service" at 8:30 am every Sunday; 1 contemporary service at 9:40 am; and 1 traditional, "late service". The latter is the most visited. The church host a wide variety of services that is unique to a specific holiday or time in the church year. This includes a Christmas service, an Easter service, and services during the week preceding Easter. The church also hosts a variety of events that, while not necessarily services in that they lack a sermon, are well attended and feature a wide variety of music celebrating Christian customs or values. The church hosts a "Tuesday Music" that is jazz music played in the sanctuary. While both of the traditional services are hosted in the sanctuary, the contemporary service is held in the Fellowship Hall. A contemporary service used to be held on Saturday nights; however this was ended, shortly before the establishment of the current contemporary service.

Music

Music for both of the traditional services is performed by both a choir and an organ. Occasionally, other instruments are added into songs, mainly for special occasions such as Easter. The choir is a sizeable one, with around 20 regular participants. Music for the contemporary service is provided by a band, made up of youth from the church, and members. The instruments used are those that are associated with modern rock music i.e., drums, guitar, bass, piano. The music played is mainly Christian rock, with some more classical tones occasionally being added. The church also hosts regular concert events ranging from jazz, to classical music. One example, the Jazz Nativity is a very well attended event, drawing both members and non-members alike. A children’s choir is also a large part of the music program, with performances being held mainly during the later traditional service.

Outreach

Outreach for West Market Street ranges from local, to international work. Mission work locally is done in a variety of ways and places. Supporting Greensboro Urban Ministries, participating in Agents of Grace, building houses for Habitat for Humanity, and providing services to Washington Elementary School. Outreach at the church has grown considerably in the past few years, and has expanded too many new places both in the local community and out. Global outreach as West Market has grown also in the past few years. Teams from the church have been to several countries including, Bulgaria, Costa Rica, Mexico, and Guatemala. This has lead to strong international ties between West Market Street, and many other churches through out the world. An exploratory trip to Africa is being planned. The mission work is done by a wide range of members, including youth at the church.

Youth

Youth Ministry at West Market encompasses young adults between the grades of 6-12. The youth ministry has grown in recent years, currently encompassing around 40 active members. Youth ministry at West Market is done in a variety of ways: Sunday school, youth group, and mission work. Youth Ministry is typically separated into two groups, the senior highs, and the middle schoolers. The two groups participate in separate mission work, and Sunday school, however, both groups participate in youth group. Recent trips that have been undertaken include a trip to Juarez, Mexico; a trip to San Conception, Costa Rica; and various "retreats". The youth ministry is one of the groups that will occupy a space in the new facility that is being developed by the church.

Future

West Market has undergone several projects to expand its facilities as well as its mission work. Currently plans are underway to begin renovating a property to serve as a space for a coffee shop, a space for the youth, and other undecided uses. If all goes as planned, this space could open up over a span of the next few years. Further mission work is underway, including trips to Africa to explore possibilities of sending more teams at a later time.One goal that the church has established for its outreach program is to have a presence in every populated continent. The contemporary service has greatly expanded recently and growing it is a continued focus of the church.

Sources

[http://wmsumc.org]