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Weaverville United Methodist Church c. 1920 and today
Photos courtesy of City
Development, City of Asheville, North Carolina and of North Carolina
Collection, Pack Memorial Public Library, Asheville, North Carolina |
Methodism in the Reems Creek Valley of north central Buncombe County
has a rich history dating to 1805. It was in that year that pioneer
John Weaver, after hearing Bishop Francis Asbury preach nearby, built
a log Methodist meeting house on a ridge overlooking his cabin and farm.
Through succeeding generations this small band of believers flourished
and new buildings were constructed in various locations throughout Weaverville
to accommodate the growing congregation. From 1919 to 1920, the present
Weaverville United Methodist Church was constructed on Main Street, becoming
the fifth successive meeting facility of the congregation in Weaverville.
Weaverville United Methodist Church
Photo courtesy of City
Development, City of Asheville, North Carolina
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Plans to construct the present building began in 1917 shortly after
the fourth Methodist Church, then located on Church Street, was struck
by lightening and burned. Discussions concerning where to build a new
church ensued--some favored rebuilding at the old site on Church Street
while others wanted to relocate to a more prominent location on Main
Street. On April 12, 1919, Charles R. Moore and his wife Louise conveyed
a lot on Main Street to the trustees of the Weaverville Methodist Episcopal
Church, for the purpose of constructing a new church building. Contractors
Zebulon Vance Robinson and Douglas Conklin Roberts erected the building.
The first services were held on Easter Sunday, 1920.
Weaverville United Methodist Church is a well preserved brick building
reflecting influences of both the Gothic Revival and the Classical Revival
styles. A belfry and steeple were added to the building in the mid-1950s,
although a crack in the bell has caused it to hang silently for nearly
half a century.
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Detail of stained glass windows
Photo courtesy of City
Development, City of Asheville, North Carolina |
The most striking features of the church are the beautiful stained
glass windows in the sanctuary. The first, and most significant, is
the window on the south wall depicting the "Good Shepherd." Given to
the church in 1920 by Louise Moore as a memorial to her deceased husband,
the window was later discovered to be made of Tiffany glass. The other
window, located on the north wall, was given by the Weaver family and
depicts three biblical scenes: Jesus Knocking at the Door, The Sower
of Seed, and The Good Samaritan.
Weaverville United Methodist Church is located at 85 North Main
St. just opposite the intersection of Church St. in Weaverville. The
congregation still worships in the building. Call
828-645-6721
for further information.
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