Written by our former and dearly missed historian, Kay Kittrell in 2013
History tells us that Rehoboth Methodist Protestant Church was organized in 1828 after leaving Harris Meeting House Congregation because they desired “Mutual Rights”. They did not feel the need of a Bishop.
History given by Lina Harris and taken from the Hicks History given in 1972 at Rehoboth’s Homecoming and 144th Anniversary states:
“The Harris Meeting House had a large membership and prospered until the year 1828, but a strong sentiment had been growing in the Church for a change which would deprive the Bishops of their autocratic power, would dispense with the office of presiding elder, and would grant the church members the right to be heard in counsels of the Church, which was called then lay representation. Word went forth that all church members who read “The Mutual Rights” should be exclude from the church. One Sunday morning when the Stones, the Hicks and other readers went to the Harris Meeting House they found the door locked by the Presiding Elder, and the key refused them, so they raised the windows and took the seats out under the tree and preached in the shade of the spreading oaks and hickories.” The presiding elder and his followers moved a mile and a half northwest and built a church which they called Salem, meaning Peace and The Mutual Rights followers moved to and built a church at Harrisburg cross roads which they called Rehoboth which means “room”.
This location is the site where Tabbs Creek Baptist Church now stands. Rehoboth stayed at this location for fifty-three years. After the Civil War ended there was dissenting opinions about slavery so it was decided to relocate to what is now Vance County.
Rehoboth has a deed deeded to the trustees of Rehoboth Methodist Protestant Church in the Kittrell township on March 8, 1882 for two acres of land for the sum of $25.00 by Sarah Peace.
History tells us “On the first Sunday in October 1883 this sanctuary we worship in today was dedicated”. One hundred and thirty years ago today.
Rehoboth was put on a circuit with Union Chapel, Antioch and Mount Carmel and later Gillburg with one preacher serving the circuit.
The building was one room with glass pane windows and black shutters. Two wood heaters heated the room and gas burning lights hung from the ceiling. The building was not underpinned.
Mrs. Isabelle Harris played a foot-pedaled organ. She also gave a pulpit Bible the day of the dedication. The Sunday School Class of Lina Harris had the Bible rebound in 1976. The Bible is gracing our Communion table today along with the original Communion Set.
Rehoboth members and pastor still use the original pews and pulpit chairs each Sunday. The wooden collection plates are used on special occasions.
Junius Rogers’ writes in his church writings that “The church was repaired in 1911 and present ceiling installed at a cost of $564.14. This included a carpet that cost $16.30.”
A piano was purchased by the congregation in 1923. An electric organ was given by the Greenway family in memory of Laura and Henry Greenway.
Sunday School Classes were added in 1952.
The Vestibule added in 1959. Stain glass windows in 1960. Aluminum siding added to the church in 1981.The kitchen was added in 1983. The Steeple has graced our church since 1999 and a new tin roof replaced the original roof in 2007.
Many improvements have taken place over the years, heating and air, new piano and organ, new inside and outside doors and the remodeling of the vestibule.
The first wedding at Rehoboth that I have a record of was September 7, 1915 when Hallie Greenway wed Leo Byrum.
The first preacher we have a record of for Rehoboth Church was W. C. Kennett 1887- 1888.
Most of us have grown up in Rehoboth Church. Some of us even remember when it was just one room and our Sunday Schools Classes met in different sections of the room. We are all proud of the history of Rehoboth and it’s beauty, what it was and what it has become. Rehoboth means “There is Room” and the members of Rehoboth have tried to live up to its name.
We are thankful to our forefather for the vision they had. We are thankful to the many Rehoboth members who have passed through these doors and have had a hand in making Rehoboth what it is today.
Mrs. Harris writes in 1972,” In these sacred walls the sainted members have sat and listened to the preaching of the gospel by those called of God, and have striven to walk in the foot-steps and practiced the teaching of Jesus Christ. Long may it live to spread the influence, the love of the Father and the independent spirit of those who lived and believed in the teachings of the early Methodist.”
This is not just a building, it’s GOD’S HOUSE. It’s where we come to strength our faith, to study, to pray, to be with other Christine’s, to bring our worries and troubles, it’s where we laugh and cry. It’s where we find hope, peace and joy.
This building built one hundred thirty years ago is a Sanctuary of Love.
Amen