Explore Maiden'S CHAPEL METHODIST cHURCH'S HISTORY

CHURCH HISTORY

The history of Maiden’s Chapel Methodist Church goes back 140 years. The land was originally donated by Tom and Sally Roane and L.H. Enloe and Mary Elizabeth Roane. The original wooden building was built from trees harvested on the church property. Church records show the first members joining in 1878. However, the original deed for the land was dated September 1878, but, not recorded until October of 1909. A copy of this deed can be found in the church archives.

Maiden’s Chapel was named for the first minister of the old church: George Allen Maiden. Rev. Maiden was admitted on a trial basis to serve several churches in the Traveling Connection by the Macon Circuit in the Holston Conference. Maiden’s Chapel was one of these churches. Notes from the conference describe Rev. Maiden as punctual, using good judgment, with an impressive personality he used to challenge his parishioners to do their best. He served our church from 1877-1878. 

The current sanctuary stands on the site of the original church building. Under the supervision of Mrs. Isabella Hull, construction of the new building was started in the winter of 1950 and dedicated in February of 1952. This event was commemorated with a photo and short story in the Franklin Press. The Fellowship Hall was added in 1979 and the Sanctuary renovated in 1981. This renovation included adding a new steeple to the church and the donation of an electric organ. In 2015 HVAC was added to both the sanctuary and the fellowship. In 2017, the building received a new metal roof.

The Western North Carolina Conference honored Maiden’s Chapel United Methodist Church as a Church of Excellence in 1992, 1993, and 2001. 

History based on church and WNCC archives.

In 2023 Maiden’s Chapel disaffiliated from the United Methodist Conference and became a Global Methodist Congregation. This church serves as a witness to the enduring faith of our mountain community and unwavering commitment to our Lord, Jesus Christ.