A BRIEF HISTORY OF TRINITY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

•  In 1945 a group of people met to discuss the possibility of establishing a Methodist church on the Upper Grand Strand.
•     In September 1946 the first service was held in a small building on Crescent Beach.
•     A petition was sent to the District Superintendent for a minister to Crescent Beach. Reverend Carl L. Parker was appointed the first pastor in late 1946.
•     The new church was called Ocean View Chapel Methodist Church.
•     Soon after the Jordan family gave five lots to the church, and the church purchased two additional lots.
•     Ground was broken in March 1947, and the church was first used in August 1947. No pews or pulpit were present, just a piano, a few  chairs and twelve hymnals. By late fall pews and a pulpit were installed.
•     In 1950 Sunday school rooms were planned, and an educational building was constructed (AG Greene). 
•     On June 17, 1951, a resolution was passed to change the name to Trinity Methodist Church.
•     In 1952 a parsonage was acquired and was located on the corner of 14th S and Edge.
•     Membership grew, and plans were started to replace the “little church” with a larger church. 
•     The “little church” was moved to Edge Drive and converted to a fellowship hall. Ground breaking occurred on February 11, 1959.
•     In 1962 furnishings were installed although the church was not fully in use until heat and air conditioning were completed in the   winter of 1965-66.
•     In April 23, 1968, the United Methodist Church was formed by the Methodist Church and Evangelical Brethren Church. Trinity  Methodist Church became Trinity United Methodist Church.
•     The steeple was added to TUMC in 1975, and in 1979 a new parsonage was purchased which is at the present site on Elizabeth   Street.
•     In 1981 plans were made to enlarge the facilities with classrooms and office space.
•     In 1983 a two-story addition was built connecting the present sanctuary and the fellowship hall. Two more lots were purchased for  future parking.
•     In May 1989 a new organ was installed. Christmas Eve of that same year 15 inches of snow fell, and Christmas Eve and Christmas Day services were cancelled!
•     In 1992 the Administrative Council voted to purchase another lot on Edge Drive.
•     In 1997 a celebration was held to mark Trinity’s 50th anniversary. Bishop Robert Spain was the guest speaker.
•     In 2006 a balcony was added to the church due to increased numbers.
•     In June 2012 Reverend Michael Ritter was welcomed with his family as the new pastor and served until 2022.
•     In 2013 the loan for the balcony was paid in full and was marked with a burning of the bank-note ceremony.
• In October 2016 TUMC had a dedication ceremony for the new Memorial Garden.
• In July 2022 Reverend Gene Aiken was welcomed with his family as the new and current pastor.
• In October 2022 Trinity celebrated 75 years in ministry.
• On March 5th, 2024: Harrington Construction demolished the old Fellowship Hall that began as the original Sanctuary in 1947 to make way for construction of a new fellowship hall and kitchen to better serve the church and the community.
• July 7th, 2024:  Groundbreaking Ceremony for Trinity Hall.