History Of Oleander UMC
In early 1900, a small group of dedicated Christians met for
worship services in a one room, frame house located in a wooded
section between Oleander Drive and Park Avenue, near Giles Avenue.
After a small parcel of land, less than half an acre on Vann
Avenue, was donated by Mr. and Mrs. M. C. Huggins in 1921, the
congregation had the opportunity to purchase a small wooden chapel,
known as the Greenville Chapel, from the St. Andrews Episcopal
Church. This small chapel was located on Wrightsville Sound and was
moved in sections to the Seagate area and rebuilt in its original
design on the donated land and became known as the Seagate Methodist
Church.
In late 1956, Rev. Ernest Smotherman saw the need for a larger,
more centrally located church, with room for expansion in the years
to come as well as more parking facilities. He was instrumental in
having a lot donated by Mrs. Lizzie Rogers, as well as securing a
second one from her at a reasonable price. Application was made and
approved for financial assistance from the Conference's Board of
Missions and plans were approved to start construction of a new
building. The church was completed in 1957 and with Oleander
becoming an outgrowth of the Seagate Methodist Church, the Seagate
congregation was disbanded.
The opening service in the Oleander United Methodist Church was
held on September 8th, 1957 with Rev. Jack Newsome, our first
minister, and Bishop Paul L. Garber officiating. Dr. J. E.
Garlington, the District Superintendent, delivered the sermon.
Furnishings for the new church - the curved altar rail, pulpit and
the two pulpit chairs - were transferred from the Seagate Methodist
Church to the Oleander Church. The brass altar pieces and hymnals
were donated by various members. Contributions were made to purchase
pews to be given in memory or honor of loved ones. These pews have
an inscribed bronze plate showing the donors. The baptismal font was
given in memory of Mrs. Ruth Sisk by relatives and friends. The
first organ was purchased with steady pledges from faithful members.
In December 1964 the final payment was made on the building loan.
It became debt free and was dedicated. Rev. Belton Joyner was the
minister at the time and Bishop Garber gave the address. Rev. Clyde
C. Boggs, the District Superintendent and Rev. LeFon Vereen,
Executive Secretary of the Board of Missions, also attended the
ceremony.
Oleander has had four sister churches since its inception. First it
was on a charge with Harbor Island Methodist Church and Epworth
Methodist. In 1961 Oleander was united with the newly formed Pine
Valley Methodist Church. In 1971 Oleander was in a position to go on
its own, but in 1981 it again went into partnership with another
church, Devon Park Methodist Church. Now Oleander is a "station"
church, which means that the church is once again self-supporting
thanks to the dedication of a wonderful congregation and pastor.
Originally, Oleander shared a parsonage with Harbor Island
and Epworth but when that one was sold, Oleander built its first
parsonage at 5711 Wisteria Lane, on a lot donated by John R. Hines
and family.
And as we reflect on our past, let us also look forward to a
blessed and prosperous future by following God's example in
the community.
