HISTORICAL TIMELINE OF

COATS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

Fifty years ago, a Methodist Church in Coats, North Carolina was the vision of Mr. John David (J.D.) Norris.  By his determination and love of God, that dream became a reality.  Thirty-six of Mr. J.D. Norris’ family and friends gathered to worship, and Coats United Methodist Church was founded.

1952

·         First church service was held on February 3 at Coats Community Building.  Dwight Petty preached.  The Erwin Church Choir sang.

·         Sunday School began on February 10.

·         Revival and organizational meeting was held on June 8 at which time Stewards, Trustees, and a Secretary-Treasurer were elected.

·         First pastor to be employed was Bernard Petty (son of Dwight Petty).

·         Church Membership was 36.

·         Women’s Society of Christian Service (UMW) and a Finance Committee were organized on August 1.

·         J.D. Norris and Herbert Johnson donated a piece of property on Jackson Street in Coats to the church in December.

·         Coats Methodist Church, Pleasant Plains Church in Buies Creek, and Stewart’s Chapel in Dunn shared a common pastor.

·         Coats Methodist Church became part of the Raleigh District Churches.

1953

·         Methodist Youth Fellowship (MYF) was organized in April.

·         First Holy Communion Service.

·         First child was baptized (Billy Huff).

·         Blue prints for a new church building were discussed.

·         Coats Methodist Church and Pleasant Plains Church were retained as a charge.  Mary Stewart Church returned to the Dunn charge.

1955

·         The old Baptist Church on Pope Street in Coats was purchased as the new meeting site of the church.  Down payment was made possible through the sale of the Jackson Street property.

·         Church services begin in old Baptist Church.

·         Church membership grows to 55.

1957

·         First recorded marriage was held on December 7 when Wade Norris and Rebecca Weaver were wed.

1960

·         A Choir was formed.  Delbert Lockamy was the first choir director.

1964

·         Coats Methodist Church and Pleasant Plains Church transferred to the Fayetteville District.

1965

·         Coats Methodist Women’s Society of Christian Services, recognized as outstanding program by Fayetteville District.

1967

·         Ted Penny became choir director.

·         United Methodist Men formed.

1968

·         Church membership grows to 115.

·         Church purchases a piece of property on East South Street from Haywood Penny.  The church is currently located on this property.

·         Sketches were made for the current church building.  The brick building included a sanctuary to seat 138 persons, 6 church school rooms, a pastor’s study, kitchen, terrace, and a courtyard.

·         Groundbreaking for the new church was held in June.

1969

·         New church building was completed in July. 

·         Attendance at first service was 125.

·         Duke Endowment gives church $18,000.00 toward new building.

1970

·         Pleasant Plains Church merged with Coats United Methodist Church.

1975

·         The Church purchased the parsonage for $24,000.00.

1976

·         Coats Public Library displays the listing of Coats Methodist Church.

1977

·         Mobile unit added to church for the youth.

1978

·         Note of debt burning for sanctuary and education buildings.

·         First full-time minister was Tom Melvin.

1980

·         Coats Methodist Church became Coats United Methodist Church.

1984

·         Church bell was moved from old Baptist Church building to current location.  United Methodist Men moved and mounted the bell.

·         Mobile unit was sold. The money went toward parsonage refurbishment.

1986

·         First church directory was published.

1987

·         Church membership grows to 250.

·         Sunday School membership is 165.

1988

·         United Methodist Men sponsor tape ministry for shut-ins.

·         United Methodist Women raised money for an air conditioning system in the parsonage.

1989

·         New hymnals are purchased.

1991

·         First “Hanging of the Greens” was held to decorate sanctuary for Christmas.

1992

·         Risers for choir loft built by church members and relatives.

·         Youth attended 1^st Annual Session for Youth at Methodist College.

1993

·         Church library began.  Ruby Johnson was the first librarian.

1996

·         Hurricane Fran caused damage to the sanctuary.  While remodeling was in progress, church services were held at Rose and Graham Funeral Home for approximately 4 months.   The sanctuary ceiling beams were added at this time.

1999

·         Groundbreaking of new Fellowship Hall was held on November 28.

2000

·         Church receives first installment from Duke Endowment to be used on building of new Fellowship Hall.

·         Studio grand piano purchased through various church donations.

2001

·         Guidelines for the new fellowship hall were agreed upon on January 9.

·         New Clavinova (electric keyboard/organ) was donated in memory of Connie Penny.

2002

·         Cross and Flame symbol added to the front of church by the United in Christ Sunday School Class.

·         Church van purchased.

·         Expanded sanctuary by eliminating bi-fold doors and adding pews.

·         Church membership grows to 276.