What We Believe

​Pittsboro Methodist Episcopal Church was founded in October 1834. It was the first church building erected in Pittsboro in 1836 on Lot 2, Block 2. Simon T. Hadley, one of the founders of the town, offered this lot to any denomination that would build a house of worship. Archibald Alexander, one of the charter members sawed the lumber for the church in his water mill on his farm south of town. It was a tiny log room with greased paper windows and pews made of logs split in half with peg legs, warmed by a huge fireplace. Brother Pointer was the first preacher. He was a circuit rider and only preached about once every three months. Funerals, weddings and christenings were postponed until he came. Reverend Enoch Wood served as the first full-time minister.

In 1868, the church moved a short distance to the northeast corner of North Maple Street and Main Street and was remodeled at a cost of $2 000. In 1878, Rev. Isaac Patch held a great revival, which remained in the memories of the members for many years. In 1891, Rev. Horace Ogden a distinguished speaker, held another revival. In 1919, the building was remodeled again at a cost of $6,000 during the pastorate of Rev. S.A.P. Reakes.

In 1936 the church observed its centennial year. Throughout the year the church held services of remembrances. One service performed by the women of the church was the re-enactment of the dedication and sacrifices of the early members. The final service was a homecoming service.

In April 1968, the United Methodist Church was formed when the Evangelical United Brethren Church and the Methodist Church united. It was at this time that the church was given its present name, Pittsboro United Methodist Church.

In 1975, an event of importance took place when a new church was built on East Main Street and the body of the church was moved from the historic site of the first church. The church continued to grow and reach-out to the community and in 1979 John Crick, April Boyer, and Linda Scherer started the Pittsboro United Methodist Preschool with 12 children. Currently, the Preschool employs 5 teachers, 1 secretary and 135-140 children go through the program every year.

A new era started in 1983 when PUMC welcomed its first female minister, Reverend Kathy Kinser. She served with us until 1987. In 1992, the present building was remodeled. Due to tremendous church growth, an addition, including a new fellowship hall, Sunday school and Preschool classrooms, was added at this time. In 1994, PUMC hired its first full-time youth director.
PUMC has had the pleasure of worshipping with 36 different pastors during our 169-year history, with Pastor William Nickrand and his family serving with us presently.

We enjoy worshipping together, singing and praying together, being a part of each other’s lives and a part of the larger family of faith in Pittsboro. We share special worship services at Thanksgiving and Easter with the Christian church in town and work together during Vacation Bible School. Together we are the family of faith in Pittsboro: One part of the body of which our Lord is head.