Grace Methodist Church, Wilmington
Wilmington, New Hanover County, North Carolina
Marker Inscription
Grace Methodist Church. Organized December 24, 1979. Since that date four sanctuaries have burned, 1803-1843-1886-1947. Present imposing and lovely church was dedicated to the glory of God and service to mankind May 15, 1955. Body of Reverend Wm. Meredith, founder of Methodism in Wilmington, rests beneath the altar. Bishop Francis Asbury preached here January 1813.
The Story
Grace Methodist Church traces its roots to the late 1790s, its congregation rebuilding through four sanctuaries lost to fire between 1803 and 1947 before dedicating the present church in 1955. Beneath its altar rest the remains of the Rev. William Meredith, founder of Methodism in Wilmington, and the pioneering Bishop Francis Asbury preached here in 1813.
Why it matters
The church links Wilmington to the early spread of American Methodism and to Francis Asbury, the circuit-riding bishop who carried the faith across the young republic.
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Related people
- · Rev. William Meredith
- · Bishop Francis Asbury
Themes & tags
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