Laurens in Laurens County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)

First United Methodist Church

Photographed by J. J. Prats, May 19, 2025

1. First United Methodist Church Marker, Side One

Inscription. First Methodist Church began as the "Methodist Society of Friends," a group of 15 men and women who organized in 1819. Early services were held in homes and in the Old Rock Church. In 1825 the members moved to a permanent structure 0.2 mile west of this site. In 1852 a second church, which still stands next to the Main St. bridge, was constructed. In 1894 the S.C. Annual Conference of Methodism was hosted in Laurens for the first time.

It was this Conference that approved establishment of the Epworth Orphanage in Columbia. By 1898 membership growth led to construction of the present sanctuary. Built in Romanesque Revival style, it features a four-story bell tower. In 1936 an Education Building was added and in 1961 the Fellowship Hall was built. The Annual Conference was hosted three times in the present sanctuary in 1908, 1924, and 1938.

Erected 2019 by Department of Archives and History. Sponsored by First United Methodist Church. (Marker Number 30-21.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Religion & Religious Structures. A significant historical year for this entry is 1819.

Location. 34° 29.916′ N, 82° 1.068′ W. Marker is in Laurens, South Carolina, in Laurens County. It is on West Main

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Street (Business U.S. 76) west of North Caroline Street, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 244 W Main St, Laurens SC 29360, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Upstate.

It is also in the American South

and specifically in the Deep South.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the original Thirteen Colonies,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: American Legion Post 25 Veterans Monument (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Laurens County Veterans Monument (about 400 feet away); A.I. (Gus) Mason Bridge (about 500 feet away); Laurens County World Wars I & II Veterans Monument (approx. 0.2 miles away); Vietnam War (approx. 0.2 miles away); Laurens County Confederate Monument (approx. 0.2 miles away); Korean Conflict (approx. 0.2 miles away); Laurens County / Laurens Historic District (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Laurens.

First United Methodist Church Marker, Side Two image. Click for full size.

Photographed by J. J. Prats, May 19, 2025

2. First United Methodist Church Marker, Side Two

First United Methodist Church and Marker, Laurens SC image. Click for full size.

Photographed by J. J. Prats, May 19, 2025

3. First United Methodist Church and Marker, Laurens SC

Credits. This page was last revised on June 26, 2025. It was originally submitted on June 26, 2025, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 125 times since then and 22 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 26, 2025, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio.