Brief History of Red Bank United Methodist Church
On Wednesday, September 30, 2006, a small group of church members gathered in the parking lot of
Red Bank United Methodist Church to watch as a large crane lifted a new steeple into place on top
of the sanctuary roof, thus beginning a new chapter in the life of our church.
The history of Red Bank United Methodist Church begins when it was established as an union church
about 1888. It remained a union church until 1922, with Baptists, Lutherans and Methodists all
worshipping together. As the congregations grew larger, it became necessary for each denomination
to establish their own places of worship.
In June of 1936, the Methodists launched a “pay as you go” building program.
In three years, the church was built and paid for at a cost of $20,000 – the equivalent
of 290,215.83 in today’s dollars. The Rev. J. R. T. Major, District Superintendent, assisted
by the pastor, Rev. J. L. Singleton, dedicated Red Bank Methodist Church on October 29, 1939.
Nearly 30 years later, in 1965, a fellowship hall was built at the rear of the church property. This
building still serves the needs of RBUMC today and is affectionately known as “The Hut”.
Growth in the church community dictated more changes; and in 1978, additional educational space was
completed along with a kitchen and fellowship hall.
In 1994, our new parsonage was completed and is located just minutes away from the church. Members and
friends did much of the labor. Our former parsonage, which was completed in 1963 and was located just
next to the church, was sold and moved to a new “home” here in the Red Bank community.
The church celebrated another addition in early 1998, dictated again by growth in the church community.
A new Fellowship Hall and Kitchen, additional Sunday School rooms, Nurseries, a Parlor, a Choir Rehearsal
room, and Administrative Offices were built after much careful planning, prayer, and teamwork. The overall
plan included a new Sanctuary at a future date.
Six years later, on Sunday, November 14, 2004, Red Bank United Methodist Church broke ground on our new
Sanctuary and on Sunday, January 15, 2006, we consecrated this building to the Glory of God for Worship,
Praise and Fellowship.
With the arrival of the new sanctuary steeple in September 2006, the congregation of RBUMC saw fit to
bless a fellow United Methodist Church with a wonderful gift. The steeple from the former sanctuary,
erected on what is now the chapel in 1972, is being refurbished to live again atop Bethel UMC.
As 2007 begins, RBUMC can take pride in her past and can look forward to many years of growth as we join
together to worship the Lord.
