Once, there were two churches ...

In the early 1920s, Tryon Street Methodist and Trinity Methodist began discussing a possible consolidation to form one large church in Charlotte. At the same time, Mr. James B. Duke of Duke Power Company had just built a home in Charlotte and wanted to do something to help Methodism in the city. He put up 100,000 dollars for the combined churches to build a stone structure in uptown Charlotte. Trinity and Tryon held their inaugural service as First Methodist on Sunday, October 30, 1927, though the sanctuary wasn't completed until March the next year. For a thorough account of the origin and early days of the church, read Mildred McEwen's 1983 book, First United Methodist Church, Charlotte, North Carolina.

Members of Trinity Methodist, who, together with the congregation of Tryon Street Methodist, formed the new First Methodist in 1927.

Building First Methodist.

Note the names of the two uniting churches at the top of the bulletin, with the name for the new combined congregation below.

First Methodist charter member Bertie Sterling on the church's 89th anniversary Sunday, November 6, 2016.

A 1952 postcard featuring First Methodist.

A 1953 postcard featuring First Methodist.

For a thorough recounting of the history of First Methodist Charlotte, pick up a copy of Mildred McEwen's book from the 1980s. You can still find used copies on Amazon.

History

Once, there were two churches ...