Historic District in Wilmington in New Hanover County, North Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
Grace Methodist Church
Organized December 24, 1797
Photographed by J. J. Prats, February 23, 2010
1. Grace Methodist Church Marker
Since that date four sanctuaries have burned, 1803–1843–1886–1947. Present imposing and lovely church was dedicated to the glory of God and service to mankind May 15, 1955. Body of Reverend Wm. Meredith, founder of Methodism in Wilmington, rests beneath the altar.
Bishop Francis Asbury preached here January 1813.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Religion & Religious Structures. In addition, it is included in the Francis Asbury, Traveling Methodist Preacher series list. A significant historical month for this entry is January 1813.
Location. 34° 14.355′ N, 77° 56.688′ W. Marker is in Wilmington, North Carolina, in New Hanover County. It is in the Historic District. It is at the intersection of Grace Street and North 4th Street, on the left when traveling east on Grace Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 401 Grace Street, Wilmington NC 28401, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in North Carolina’s Coastal Plain and on the Cape Fear Coast. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Upper South, and in the Tidewater. 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: Stephen Jewett House (within shouting distance of this marker); Powell - Yopp House (within shouting distance of this marker); Wilder-Bulluck House (within shouting distance of this marker); William G. Craig House (within shouting distance of this marker); Lazarus-Hill-Divine House
this page online
Also see . . . Grace United Methodist Church. Church Website:
“Around 1795, William Meredith, formerly a missionary from Great Britain, came to Wilmington to preach to the slaves. He bought land and built a small meeting house. When it burned, he led his members in building another church at the corner of Second and Walnut Streets. In Merediths will, dated 1799, the church and parsonage were deeded to Bishop Francis Asbury for the continuance of a Methodist Episcopal Church in Wilmington.
While many of the early members were slaves, community leaders were also attracted by the Gospel preached here. Membership increased and additional property was purchased, extending church holdings to Front Street. In 1815 Bishop Asbury ordered the church rebuilt and the parsonage enlarged.” (Submitted on March 21, 2010.)
Photographed by J. J. Prats, February 23, 2010
2. Grace Methodist Church Marker
Photographed by J. J. Prats, February 23, 2010
3. Grace Methodist Church
Credits. This page was last revised on February 24, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 21, 2010, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 1,266 times since then and 35 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 21, 2010, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. Photos of the inside of the church • Can you help?
