Our Mission
Family of believers dedicated to sharing the love of God and the new life in Jesus Christ through our teaching, preaching, gifts and service
We are practicing love as we seek to be open to all, sharing our stories regardless of past or present situations, through spirit-filled worship. Christ-centered mission and with a desire to meet the needs of those whom we live with and around.
In the year 2016, Love’s UMC was privileged to celebrate and honor the 225th anniversary of the founding of the church in the year 1791. Love’s Church historical records do not provide and exact date for the founding, but research confirms the existence of the church by the year 1791. The church history parallels that of our nation’s early history. The Moravian settlement of Salem is only 25 years older than “Love’s Chapel” that was holding worship services by 1791. This house of worship is one of the oldest in this area of North Carolina. Love’s Church has been the cornerstone of daily life in this small community for over two centuries for the Christians who chose Love’s as their church home.
Located in the heart of Walkertown, North Carolina on Main Street, the church has been meaningfully integrated into the town and community through the years. Love’s United Methodist Church has witnessed much history over the decades. Love’s has been there for the journey as the United States of America took form, as the nation was torn apart by the Civil War, the progression of the years through World War I, the Great Depression, World War II, the turbulence of the 1960’s, Vietnam, the Fall of the Soviet Union, the attacks of 9/11/2001 and the many daily events in the community, nation and world that often fade from memory.
Each generation of this church has navigated the many challenges that occurred on their watch. There is much gratitude and respect for the forebearers who steadfastly weathered many storms and continued to seek God’s guidance and assurances.
In 2016, a historic year, we honored the 225th anniversary through many special events. We were blessed to welcome Dr. Larry Tise (author of our church history “A House Not Made with Hands”) for a 2 day visit. In September we enjoyed a Hymn Sing, Homecoming, a 9/11 Prayer Service on the 15th anniversary of the attacks, Storytellers, Rev. Daniel Martin home for a visit, a tour of our Historic Cemetery, documentation of photographs/keepsakes and a visit to the Walkertown Area Historical Association to learn about “Archiving History.” Rev. Chip Webb returned for a visit in November and Old Salem Historians Michael and Martha Hartley spoke to us on “The Wachovia Tract.”
In December 2016 we brought our 225th anniversary to a close at the annual Community Tree Lighting Service. The Annual Community Tree Lighting Service intertwines the long history of Love’s Church, the fellowship with the area churches and the Walkertown community, the recognition of all who serve/have served and sacrificed in the Armed Forces of the United States of America and most importantly, we gather to share in the joyful preparation and anticipation of the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Debra Warner Witcofski
Church Historian
