Our History

The history of Trinity United Methodist Church includes many of the tangible evidences of growth of its buildings and membership. While it is impossible to enumerate all the steps taken in faith to bring Trinity forward through these forty-six years of ministry, it must be noted that behind each visible achievement is the time spent by members of the laity in individual prayer, prayer vigils, choir practice, Sunday School lessons and other Christian Education preparation, volunteers helping with church nurseries, feeding youth groups, attention to details in preparing the Sanctuary for services, greeting visitors, fellowship with one another, food and other expressions of concern for the sick and for bereaved families, contributions of monetary gifts to both the local church and outreach ministries, and countless other ways of witnessing the faith of the members as they strive to uphold their vows to support the church “...and to uphold it by our prayers, our presence, our gifts, and our service.”

In order to meet the growing needs of the church and community, ‘A New Trinity Dedicated to the Glory of God’ was organized on March 2, 1958, with 145 members of First Methodist Church of Conway, under the guidance of Reverend W.F. Hedgepath, minister of First Methodist Church. The ‘new’ congregation worshiped temporarily in the auditorium and classrooms of the Conway Elementary School on Main Street.

As the church began the journey of spiritual growth, steps were taken to find space for the physical needs. A cottage at 1310 Woody Lane was rented and furnished for the new pastor Murray Gibbons. The next property venture was the purchase of the VFW hut and three lots at 198 Long Avenue, at that time on the outskirts of town, in August 1958. This location has been Trinity’s home for the forty-plus years since its purchase although the spaces for worship and education have experienced many transformations through the years.

From the beginning Trinitarians have been actively involved in building and caring for the property. With the purchase of the VFW hut, a group of members referring to themselves as the ‘Termite Construction Crew’ pitched in to repair the ‘Hut’ for use. At the same time, money was pledged, plans were drawn and ground was broken for the Education Building, the first unit of the proposed church plant, in February 1959. Upon its completion in August 1960, we attended Sunday School and continued our quest for spiritual knowledge in ‘real rooms.’ The next month more work was done to the ‘hut’ moving it to its current location, renovating, and soon enjoying dual use as a Fellowship Hall during the week and a sanctuary on Sundays.

With the church facilities in place, we purchased and furnished our first parsonage at 164 Lakeland Drive in February 1962. In just a little under two years, the mortgage on the parsonage was paid off by the generosity of two wonderful members. George Duffie and his family were the first occupants of this parsonage; he served Trinity from 1961-1965.

Our third minister was Reginald (Reggie) Thackston, who served from 1965-1970. As membership grew and ministries continued to develop, attention was once again given to the ‘Hut’ as it was extensively remodeled into a chapel. Beautiful blue stained glass windows were provided with financial gifts and memorials, wooden pews replaced metal folding chairs and a covered breezeway connected the Chapel to the Education Building. The first worship service was held in the ‘new’ Chapel in September 1967. Since members did not want to leave the church grounds during this renovation, services were held in the hallway of the Education Building. We lined the hall with folding chairs, the choir sang from the parlor, and with ineffective air conditioning and heating, Reverend Thackston mercifully kept his sermons brief!

Along with the growth of facilities, the ministry and mission of Trinity were growing as well, and the years 1966-69 saw the church become Trinity United Methodist Church. The church staff grew with the hiring of a choir director. We began offering a weekday kindergarten program, and older youth served as acolytes in Sunday worship services. The Bar-B-Que fundraiser became an annual event that the entire community supported.

Harold Lewis was appointed to Trinity in 1970. Many opportunities for Christian growth continued to be offered. In 1970 the kindergarten was converted to a pre-school for underprivileged children, financed by sponsorships from church members; a part-time education director was hired; and to accommodate the increasing number of activities and participants the Fellowship Hall was built.

The publication of a periodic church newsletter, THE GOOD WORD, was begun in February 1971. The plans, programs and policies of the Council on Ministries, Administrative Board, and Work Area committees were made readily available to every member so that the active congregation could have a record and preview of activities at Trinity.

The 70s also saw the construction of our present parsonage on two lots on Busbee Street. Landscaping and furnishings provided a comfortable home for our parsonage family. More property acquisitions resulted in a bequest from the Cordie Page Estate of a recreational ‘playhouse’ and pond near Conway.

By 1975 a full-time education assistant and summer assistant joined the staff. A choir room was built adjoining the Chapel and four lots adjoining church property were purchased so that Trinity would ‘complete the block’ to Sherwood Drive.

Richard Blocker was appointed in 1974 as Trinity’s pastor. On November 28, 1976, there was a dedication service to present the first Chrismon Tree, a tradition that has continued at Trinity. Several members worked tirelessly and creatively on these beautiful symbols of our beliefs. The ongoing programs such as United Methodist Women, United Methodist Youth Fellowship, and the fellowship and Christian education in both the established and newly created church school classes provided the foundation for advancement along our spiritual journeys.

Doug Bowling served as Trinity’s pastor from 1977-1985. Our congregation was outgrowing space for worship and in 1978 twelve members were commissioned as the building committee for a new sanctuary with Bill Brown serving as chairman. This committee spent much time and effort researching buildings and envisioning the type of sanctuary that would serve as an inspiring worship place for Trinitarians. The chosen design, with seating capacity of over 400, featured the cross-centered chancel area symbolizing the uninterrupted path from the congregation to the cross. The open chancel area was also conducive to a variety of worship experiences such as children=s dramas and musical presentations. The sanctuary was built by Charles Jordan, one of Trinity=s members, and his Chancel Construction Company.

In 1981, from a school building to a VFW Hut that had become a chapel, members and friends of Trinity witnessed “a church built by the hand of God, through the gifts of the people” rise at the end of Lakeland Drive. What a day it was as we watched the magnificent steeple as it was raised to the top of our church! A tribute to the faith and vision of so many! The consecration of the permanent sanctuary was held in November 1981; the calibration of the fulfillment of long-held dreams. Bishop Roy C. Clark, District Superintendent Reverend William R. Kinnett and five of Trinity's first six ministers, George Duffie, Jr., Reginald Thackston, Harold Lewis, Richard Blocker, and Doug Bowling, were present for the consecration.

In addition to the new sanctuary and the sale of the river property, the Cordie Page Playhouse for scouting and recreational activities was also constructed on the premises.

Staffing included a director of creative ministries to develop and oversee details for programming and to aid the minister in involving the laity in ministries. The United Methodist Women began the annual yard ‘rummage’ and bake sale. Proceeds from this annual event have supported various local and foreign missions as well as refurbishing the church parlor and other areas within the church. The annual event has become a successful tradition and UMW members spend many hours in preparation for the fundraiser.

Trinitarians expressed their commitment to missions by sponsoring a Laotian refugee family of eight children and their parents in May 1980. Also in the 80s the Triple L Club (Live Long and Like It) was organized for members who were enjoying retirement. This continues to be one of our most active groups and has grown to include anyone 55 years of age and older.

With facilities in place and a congregation ever dedicated to our commitment to “A New Trinity Dedicated to the Glory of God,” the years 1985-1993 under the pastorates of Jim Gilliam and Ronald Pettit saw the continuation and implementation of innovative programs such as Churches Assisting People (CAP), foreign missionary support through apportionment giving and Trinity’s support of Reverend Dr. Norivald Trindade (missionary in Paraguay), intergenerational activities, the formation of new Sunday school classes, Mother’s Morning Out, Operation Woodchuck, Salkehatchie work camp for the youth, Waccamaw Work Camp, and the presentation of successful dinner theaters featuring the talents of choir members. In addition to the UMW yard sale, the men’s groups continued to have barbecue and chicken bog dinners to raise money for missions. Soon after the pastoral appointment of Leon Newton in 1993, Trinity received the appointment of an associate pastor, Robert Cox, who served from 1994 -1997, followed by John Evatt, first as a summer intern and then as associate pastor from 1997-1999. A full-time director of music was also employed. A contemporary worship service in the Fellowship Hall was begun as an alternative to the traditional worship service at 11:00.

As programs and ministries have undergone transformations, the facilities have changed as well to meet the needs of the programs. Adult church school classes were placed in the rear of the Chapel, and the first floor of the Education Building was remodeled to better utilize the space by moving the office and relocating the choir room closer to the Sanctuary. The ‘Termite Crew’ was involved in so many projects through the years, was called to action when the Cordie Page Playhouse was enlarged and renamed The Cordie Page Family Life Center. Project supervisor was one of our own young adults McKenzie Jordan. Church members worked hard and enjoyed great fellowship, always with the glorification of God through service uppermost in our minds.

An Endowment Fund was established to provide funding for specific ministries. Needlepoint communion kneelers featuring symbols of the Holy Trinity and the life of Christ as they appear in the stained glass windows of the sanctuary were stitched by members of Trinity then dedicated them. The kneelers, new pulpit chairs with needlepoint coverings, and other appointments were given with gifts and memorials.

In 1997, several Trinity members participated in Disciple Bible Study groups that continue to have an impact upon the spiritual life of the church. A re-structuring of the church organization formed the Church Council that replaced the Administrative Board and Council on Ministries. The new organizational structure provides, according to the Discipline, “… for the planning and implementing of a program of nurture, outreach, witness, and resources of the local church and for the administration of its organizational and temporal like.” Ministry Groups of Nurture, Outreach, and Witness, implement programs that affect the total ministry of the congregation for both the local and larger parish. The Church Council also acts upon recommendations from the committees on Finance, Trustees, and Staff-Parish Relations.

From March 1, 1998, until November 15 of that year, Trinity prepared for the celebration of Forty Years of Ministry. As we heard various members recall ‘anniversary moments,’ we were asked to focus on renewing that pioneer spirit, rededicating ourselves to a second building of Trinity and continuing to prevail in meeting the challenges God wishes us to undertake. Charter and current members, four former pastors, and former members now in full-time ministry shared in the celebration held on November 15, 1998. Bishop Lawrence McCleskey with District Superintendent Lemuel Carter participating in the service preached the sermon. The fellowship meal following the service gave an opportunity to reminisce with members, visitors, and former pastors and to view pictures of activities though the years.

Upon Leon Newton’s retirement from active ministry in 1999, Trinity’s next minister was Scott Robinson. In September, just a few months following his arrival, Hurricane Floyd struck bringing heavy winds and water to the area with severe flooding to many parts of Conway and the coastal area. As the river began to rise, water flooded the area around the church buildings causing water to enter the rear of the chapel. Water underneath the Sanctuary damaged the insulation and ductwork. Many members gave their time and energy to move furnishings from the sanctuary and first floor of the Education Building to storage in a safe area then the entrances were sandbagged. The church lawn became the site of an information station manned by the South Carolina National Guard and the Conway Police. The governor and other officials visited with the pastor and others on the grounds. Local news broadcasts originated from the circular driveway in front of the Sanctuary.

Worship services were held at the Horry County Courthouse for two Sundays. During the time when neighbors’ houses were destroyed or damaged, the congregation reached out in ministry with food, fellowship, prayers, and monetary gifts. When the waters subsided and the damage to buildings repaired, the energy and commitment to ministry returned. During a time when we could have easily lost ground, we made strides toward. A number of losses could have been setbacks to Trinity’s mission: loss of the associate pastor position and other staff changes, loss of property of neighbors, loss of at least three months of church ministry, loss of revenue. God led us through the difficult times to progress in financial stability, in focus on a vision for Trinity centered on God rather than on ourselves, and in development of an Outreach Mission budget outside our regular operating budget.

Our first minister to be appointed in the new millennium was Cark Hunsucker who arrived in June 2000 to a congregation that, in forty-six years, grew from 145 to over 600, and one that continues to seek God’s direction for our work together in ministry. The charter members on Trinity’s membership roll have been joined during the years by the several hundred others who have offered their gifts in witness and service.

The first four years of the first decade of the 21st Century have been filled with ministries which remain faithful to our original purpose: The New Trinity dedicated to the Glory of God and to the Vision Statement developed a decade ago: Led by God through the Holy Spirit, we are united in a common purpose: to reach out to all persons, ministering to their needs and providing opportunities to experience the joy of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, which is expressed in love, faith, worship, and service.

In 2000 the slogan “Come and See... Go and Tell” was chosen for our church and continues to be a reminder for carrying out our founding purposes. Our visions were supplemented in 2001 by a national media campaign of the United Methodist Church called “Igniting Ministry,” with as theme of “Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors” which is designed to encourage members to reach out to others that they may develop a real and personal relationship with the Lord in a community of believers.

Within the local church, many opportunities for spiritual growth abound. Two morning services offer a traditional and a contemporary order of worship. Vespers on Sunday evenings continue as another Trinity tradition. In addition to church school classes, small group studies including Disciple Series, Purpose Driven Life, and Spiritual Discipline have offered the opportunity for studying God’s word and to share beliefs. Advent and Lenten devotional booklets were prepared with devotions written by members and have been distributed among members of the congregation. The Drama Team was created and frequently enhances the worship services with appropriately themed presentations.

The Children’s Department has implemented a three-year curriculum, Faith Weavers Bible study, designed to weave faith into the lives of children and families. All classes, from toddlers to middle school, use the same text for the Sunday school lessons with age-appropriate activities and applications. Vacation Bible School, Children’s Church and choirs continue along with Junior and Senior MYF programs.

We reach out to members of the congregation through the Shepherding Team and We Care groups. The Shepherding Team makes a deliberate and organized effort to reach out to members and others in the community to give love and comfort during illness, bereavement, or other difficult times. The team and pastor meet twice monthly to share contacts made, identify new persons with concerns, and to coordinate additional contacts. Members of the congregation are part of a We Care Group with other members in the same neighborhood. The We Care groups are called upon to provide meals, visits, and other expressions of care to members when needs arise.

The United Methodist Women’s organization continues to hold it’s annual garage sale. Proceeds are given to local charities and foreign missions, to make improvements to and purchase supplies for the church parlor, fellowship hall, etc., and, in 2004, to award the first Louise Dorman Scholarship to a high school graduate who is an active member of Trinity.

We show our care for our beautiful sanctuary and other buildings through aesthetic and structural improvement. In 2003, the halls of the Education Building were enhanced by murals depicting the life of Christ and painted by our own members. Sunday school rooms and church office spaces were also refurbished. A prayer garden was created for meditation. Volunteers maintain the landscaping of the grounds and provide seasonal color in choices of plants. All of our buildings are now handicap accessible. The parlor kitchen and the stage in the fellowship hall are recent remodeling projects in 2004.

We reach out to others locally, statewide, and internationally through various mission projects in addition to our apportionment giving through the United Methodist Conference. A trip to Honduras was a first for our pastor and Jeff Davis as they participated in a work experience during the spring of 2004. The hope is for Trinity to sponsor a similar trip in the future.

After years of participating in Salkehatchie work camps in other parts of the state, Trinity hosted the first Salkehatchie work camp in Horry County, June 2001. The largest number of participants, over 90 youth and adults, convened at Trinity for the Rivertown Camp in June 2004 to engage in the weeklong service project to help those less fortunate.

We have established an archives room to store our records, pictures, and tapes of our ministries, and look forward to celebrating the half-century mark in the year 2008. Plans are underway to create and record a comprehensive history of Trinity’s 50 years as we celebrate all the blessings of the past and look forward to a continuation of being “The New Trinity dedicated to the Glory of God” with attention to God’s call to the people of this church to continue to allow His Spirit of loving guidance to prevail in everything that happens in the life and ministry our church.

The following is a list of pastors that have served Trinity over the years:

• Murray W. Gibbons 1958-1961
• George S. Duffie, Jr. 1961-1965
• T. Reginald Thackston 1965-1970
• Harold P. Lewis 1970-1975
• R. Richard Blocker 1975-1977
• Douglas A. Bowling 1977-1985
• James O. Gilliam, Jr. 1985-1989
• Ronald A. Pettit 1989-1993
• J. Leon Newton 1993-1999
• Robert L. Cox (Associate) 1994-1997
• John F. Evatt (Associate) 1997-1999
• Scott Robinson 1999-2000
• Carl W. Hunsucker 2000-present