How it all started...
The first Methodist Church in this area, the Page Meetinghouse located on what is now Hickman Cemetery Road, was opened in 1781.
In February 1894, Bourne Memorial Methodist Episcopal Church South (named for John Bourne, an early Radford resident), was established at the corner of Third and Wirt Streets in the West Ward of the city of Radford.
In 1913 Bishop Denny and others visited and suggested that it be relocated in a more suitable place in the city. Trustees purchased lots on the corner of Second and Wadsworth and the building was erected and dedicated as the Radford Methodist Church.
One of the disasters of the 1929 Depression was the closing of Radford Methodist Church and the transfer of its members to Grove Avenue Methodist Church.
One account says that in 1936 the church on second street was reopened as the Radford Mission by a few loyal Methodists. Yet another account states that some loyal Methodists broke the padlock, swept the church, and started a Sunday School. During this time, students from Emory & Henry College served the congregation, named the Radford Mission, as supply preachers.
In 1942 the official name of the church was changed from Radford Mission to Central Methodist Church.
In 1953, the official board voted to relocate the church because the facilities on the corner of Wadsworth and Second Street could not be expanded. In 1955, the present site, on the corner of Eighth and Wadsworth Streets was optioned, purchased and donated by a loyal member. The first of three phases of the building of the new church facility was completed in 1955.
On October 22, 1967 the second phase, the sanctuary. Bishop H. Ellis Finger stood in the pulpit and consecrated the new sanctuary to the glory of God. This date also marked the 75th anniversary of Central United Methodist Church.
The third phase of the building program was the Fellowship Hall/Educational wing and was consecrated on May 9, 1976.
On November 6, 2016, ground was broken for the Family Life Center and on December 3, 2017, the new Family Life Center was consecrated along with the rededication of the 50 year old sanctuary.
Possible disaffiliation from the United Methodist Church became an issue during 2022. On March 2, 2023 District Superintendent Kim Goddard held a Church Conference for the purpose of voting and the vote was 106 to 33 in favor of disaffiliation. On May 27th the Holston Conference held a special session in Knoxville, TN to approve churches wishing to disaffiliate. Central was now officially disaffiliated from the HolstonConference.
Non-profit articles of incorporation, mission statement, core beliefs, bylaws and temporary board of directors were voted on by membership and put into place.
On May 5th, 2024 Doug Levy was voted to become the inaugural pastor of Central Church Radford after having served as consultant/interim pastor since May of 2023.
Come see our church's parlor! There is a section devoted to reminders of our history along with a much more in-depth printed copy of our story written by our church historian.
In February 1894, Bourne Memorial Methodist Episcopal Church South (named for John Bourne, an early Radford resident), was established at the corner of Third and Wirt Streets in the West Ward of the city of Radford.
In 1913 Bishop Denny and others visited and suggested that it be relocated in a more suitable place in the city. Trustees purchased lots on the corner of Second and Wadsworth and the building was erected and dedicated as the Radford Methodist Church.
One of the disasters of the 1929 Depression was the closing of Radford Methodist Church and the transfer of its members to Grove Avenue Methodist Church.
One account says that in 1936 the church on second street was reopened as the Radford Mission by a few loyal Methodists. Yet another account states that some loyal Methodists broke the padlock, swept the church, and started a Sunday School. During this time, students from Emory & Henry College served the congregation, named the Radford Mission, as supply preachers.
In 1942 the official name of the church was changed from Radford Mission to Central Methodist Church.
In 1953, the official board voted to relocate the church because the facilities on the corner of Wadsworth and Second Street could not be expanded. In 1955, the present site, on the corner of Eighth and Wadsworth Streets was optioned, purchased and donated by a loyal member. The first of three phases of the building of the new church facility was completed in 1955.
On October 22, 1967 the second phase, the sanctuary. Bishop H. Ellis Finger stood in the pulpit and consecrated the new sanctuary to the glory of God. This date also marked the 75th anniversary of Central United Methodist Church.
The third phase of the building program was the Fellowship Hall/Educational wing and was consecrated on May 9, 1976.
On November 6, 2016, ground was broken for the Family Life Center and on December 3, 2017, the new Family Life Center was consecrated along with the rededication of the 50 year old sanctuary.
Possible disaffiliation from the United Methodist Church became an issue during 2022. On March 2, 2023 District Superintendent Kim Goddard held a Church Conference for the purpose of voting and the vote was 106 to 33 in favor of disaffiliation. On May 27th the Holston Conference held a special session in Knoxville, TN to approve churches wishing to disaffiliate. Central was now officially disaffiliated from the HolstonConference.
Non-profit articles of incorporation, mission statement, core beliefs, bylaws and temporary board of directors were voted on by membership and put into place.
On May 5th, 2024 Doug Levy was voted to become the inaugural pastor of Central Church Radford after having served as consultant/interim pastor since May of 2023.
Come see our church's parlor! There is a section devoted to reminders of our history along with a much more in-depth printed copy of our story written by our church historian.
Expanding the vision...
We hope to reach the New River Valley for Jesus and help all to know how much they are loved by their heavenly father. We would love for you to join our family and reach our neighbors and visitors with the love of God. If you don't have a church family, please consider visiting this one and let us help you to feel welcome here!
Where we are headed...
We are first a family of believers in Jesus Christ and we hope to spread His love to our neighbors. We have many missions locally and hope to reach the New River Valley with the hope of the gospel. We have several events throughout the year enjoying fellowship with each other and invite the community to join in the fun! Please consider coming for a visit if you don't have a church home and let us make you feel welcome here in ours. All are welcome.
