First United Methodist Church of Hickory
Hickory
NC

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Rooted in Christ. We believe that rooted in Christ begins with a desire to want to grow in our faith, and h/she may not even realize their desire tone rooted in Christ! Each person is at a different point in his/her spiritual walk, so if you are a person who has just found Jesus Christ or a person who has known Christ your whole lifetime, we believe here at First UMC there is a place for you plant firm roots in Jesus Christ. We do this through one on one interaction, classes, and mission projects. Everything that we are about as a Church is rooted in Jesus Christ.

Growing in Grace.We affirm that we all stand in need of God’s amazing grace, and for us Grace is not earned or bought but is a gift, a free gift given to us by God. We hope to help each other grow in grace as we learn each others stories. We believe we grow in grace when we are in relationships, with each other and with God.

Reaching out to all. As a Church and as the Body of Christ, here in Hickory, we affirm that we are open to all people. We believe that God’s love and grace are for each person and that every person is a child of God and of sacred worth. We are not a Social Club, but the Body of Christ, reaching out to all persons. When we say ALL we mean ALL persons. We firmly and strongly believe that all persons are part of the Family of God.

There’s always a seat at the table for you. Come join us!

Download First United Methodist Church of Hickory vCard with Service Times

Download Senior Pastor Paul Christy vCard with Bio

United Methodist Church

United Methodist Churches in Hickory, North Carolina, United States

United Methodist Churches in North Carolina, United States

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https://www.firstumchickory.org/

Paul Christy

Senior Pastor

(828) 322-6058

Paul was born in Avery County and is the son of a United Methodist preacher. He grew up in a parsonage family and has one sister who is a UM preacher and 2 brothers who likewise are UM preachers. Paul holds degrees from Brevard College, Pfeiffer University and Duke University. Paul has been in the active United Methodist ministry since 1988 and has served appointments throughout North Carolina and now has been at First UMC in Hickory for 8 years.

He is married to Jamye Cartner Christy and they have two children Zack and Caroline. Paul enjoys spending time with his family and Fly fishing and playing golf. Paul is an avid runner who has run several half marathons and he will admit that he is not fast but enjoys running with others in the church. Paul has served the United Methodist Church in different capacities over the years, not only as a local church Pastor but in the Conference as well, as the Director of Lay Speaking ministries for the Smoky Mountain District, on the District Board of Superintendents, and on the Conference Board for Equitable Salaries.

One of Paul’s greatest joys is being a part of Foreign missions. He has been to Bolivia, Haiti, Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, and Bosnia on several occasions teaching and building either churches or barns in these countries.

Debbie Parker

Administrative Assistant

(828) 322-6058

(828) 322-1515

Located across Third Street NE from the SALT Block

If you’re coming from a distance, here are directions from I-40:

Off of I-40 take Lenoir Rhyne Blvd. Exit #125 North

Follow L/R Blvd. approx. 2 miles to 7th Avenue NE, turn left (just under railroad track bridge)

Keep in left lane & turn left at next light – 8th Street NE

Keep in far right lane & turn right on 3rd Avenue NE

Keep right – Go to 3rd Street NE, turn right

Park on street or go to 4th Avenue NE, turn right & park in parking lot on left.

Parking is available in 3 main locations. Our main parking lot is located off 4th Avenue NE behind the Christian Life Center. Other parking is available on the street and in the Art Museum & Library parking lots.

Sunday Services

8:00 am – Casual, traditional worship service in the Sanctuary with Communion

9:00 am – Relaxed, contemporary worship service “The Vine” in the parable garden or in the Christian Life Center if inclement weather; The second Sunday of the month features Bluegrass Music

11:00 am – Formal, traditional worship service in the Sanctuary

Most Sunday school classes meet at 10:00 on Sunday morning.

Service Times last updated on the 10th of November, 2023

The Methodists erected the first church in Hickory (Hickory Tavern) in 1866, with a congregation meeting before 1859. Land was given to Andrews Chapel of the Methodist Episcopal Church South in 1871 by Mr. and Mrs. Henry Robinson and the building is thought to have been completed in the same year. No photograph exists. It is described as being “of wood construction, approximately 30 by 60 feet in size, with a steeple, and painted white. It faced west, and there was an uncovered porch in front, with steps all around the porch.”

Even before the first building was built, Dr. J. T. Johnson, a very strong supporter of the Methodist Church in Hickory, purchased this bell and placed it on a water tank at the railroad track just west of S. Center Street. It was the only town bell and was rung as a fire alarm and on special occasions.

The bell was moved to the steeple of the first church building when it was built. Then it was moved to the 1896 building bell tower, where it was rung for all services and on special occasions, including the conclusion of the Spanish-American War, World War I, and World War II.

It now hangs in the steeple of the present church building where it is rung on special occasions. The first building was soon outgrown and was considered by some to be a “chicken coop”.

Construction of a new (second) building was started in 1896 and completed in 1899. The interior was said to be noteworthy with “fine woodwork and graceful ceiling arches… The art windows” were “considered outstanding in their simple beauty.” By 1944 it became evident that the second building was in need of major remodeling. New property was acquired, and plans developed, but many of the members objected to the low-lying marshy spot that had been purchased for a new building (NE corner of Third Avenue and Third Street Northwest).

Albert S.Lutz began a campaign to raise additional money and acquired land at the present site (Third Avenue and Third Street, Northeast).

The old plans were discarded, and a colonial design was adapted for the new ridgetop location.

The Youth Building, built behind the 1952 building was completed in 1970. It served as the hub for youth activities including scouting, and also was a meeting place for other groups. It was replaced by the Christian Life Center in 2003.

During the early 90’s, it became apparent that more room was needed for the church to grow. In February, 1995, a new Long Range Planning Committee was organized, and the architectural firm of Atkinson, Dyson and Watson was retained to develop a 10-year master plan.

A plan was developed and approved to add a major addition in the form of a Christian Life Center. A building committee was elected in November of 1998, and construction of a $4,000,000 + addition was approved by a Church Conference on 12/10/2000.