EAST ASHEVILLE UNITED METHODIST CHURCHES 

 

Embracing Change:  Our Church History

 

On January 1, 2006, an historic merger took place joining two longtime Methodist communities of faith.  Oteen United Methodist and Azalea United Methodist joined to become East Asheville United Methodist Church.  Both congregations represent a long and varied legacy of service as well as mission to God.

 

Beginning its journey in 1919, Azalea church became a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church South in 1939.  Its Pastoral leadership during that time included so many individuals that limited space does not permit their acknowledgement.  The church was a gift from God for the growing community.  Some described it as a “symbol of the living God dwelling among his people.”  The stories of the work and mission of this congregation are as interesting and varied as the generations of families who made Azalea their church home. Its history is a mixture of growth and change, an evolving progression of service to God and to the community.

 

Years later, just a few miles down the road, a new development called Parkway Forest was introduced in Oteen.  The year was 1961 and the need for a new spiritual house of worship emerged.  The Methodist District Mission Society purchased a white framed farm house from the Brown family.  The parcel included five acres of land on which to build a church and begin a new congregation.  A sanctuary was built in 1963, followed by a fellowship hall and Sunday school building in 1974.  The many families who joined this new congregation went on to create a legacy of good works and mission to God equal to that of their brethren at Azalea.  Their work continues to benefit the local community as well as those in need internationally.

 

The Methodist Church and Evangelical Brethren Church merged in 1968 becoming the United Methodist Church, thus beginning a new dawn of fellowship and cooperation between God’s children.  Along the way, Oteen and Azalea became a charge, or two churches joined to support one another in mission and ministry.  By 2005 the dynamics of the Azalea and Oteen communities changed radically.  Azalea families who had lived and thrived in that area for many generations were now being forced out due to rapid commercial development.  Due to their need and desire to continue God’s work, the members of Azalea merged with Oteen church.  In a show of unity under God, the members’ actions revealed that a church is not a building but rather a living serving body of God’s children.  The Oteen congregation responded with a display of love and acceptance by opening their doors and hearts to the new members.  A new community of faith is the result of this merger for God.  East Asheville United Methodist Church is the rebirth of two great institutions of faith who refused to die but instead grew in love by embracing change.  The history of these small yet faithful communities stands tall as a challenge for the future.

 

As the charter Pastor of this new and thriving family of faith, I am inspired by the past and excited for the future as we continue the work of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

 

With God’s Blessings,

 

Doug Benton, Pastor

 

Pastors Tentative Preaching Schedule

 

JANUARY – AUGUST 2006

Sunday            Scripture                    

                                                                   

 

SPECIAL SERVICES: