HALIFAX
UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
ABOUT HALIFAX UMC
Halifax United Methodist Church in Historic Halifax, North Carolina
Halifax United Methodist Church is located in Historic Halifax, North Carolina. As we remember the historical role that Halifax played in the pursuit of freedom from the British Colonies, Halifax UMC celebrates our history and embraces the freedom we have in Christ. Halifax UMC has a vibrant congregation who has strong love for Christ, one another, and our community. This is a church that takes great joy in praying for and with one another. Our worship services are traditional in nature while being open to the movement of the Holy Spirit. Some of the special aspects of our church are: our potluck style lunches following worship on the first Sunday of the month, Holy Communion on the second Sunday of the month, our mission focused giving on the fourth Sunday of the month, our passionate choir, our children, congregants always willing to love, and our calling from God to be the light of the world.
​
Rev. Scott Wilkinson and his wife Vickie originally joined the Halifax UMC family in April of 2024. As a retired couple, they moved to the old family farm in Northampton County and started a horse farm. After only a few months, Scott was asked to take over the music program. He began leading the hymns with his guitar and started an informal praise band. In July of 2025, Scott was invited to come out of retirement and became the new pastor. After Divinity School at Duke University, Scott pastored churches in both the North Carolina and Detroit Conferences. He retired after 15 years as campus minister at East Carolina University and Vickie retired after 12 years of teaching elementary school. Pastor Scott says, “It was important to us to join a church that stayed United Methodist, but it was the warm and friendly welcome we received from the folks here at Halifax UMC, that made us say, ’This is the place for us!’"
​
Halifax UMC is committed to serving God, loving our neighbor, and preserving our Methodist heritage.
Please consider joining us!
Our Mission
Our Mission at Halifax UMC is to serve and love the Triune God with all of our heart, soul, strength and mind; and, love our neighbor as our self. Alongside this, we seek to proclaim the Good News of the Gospel of Christ
Our History
Halifax UMC was established in 1753 as an extension of the Church of England, which made a presence in this region around 1669. It may have also been associated with the "Free Church" in Halifax where numerous denominations met at their convenience. It was not until around 1774 when the first Methodist Society by Robert Williams was organized for parts of Virginia and North Carolina. After that, this area became a "hot spot" for Methodism. Soon after Methodism made its mark in this area, country churches began to be built, which included Halifax and Ebenezer, two of the oldest United Methodist Churches in the state and possibly our country. The first Methodist Bishop in America, Francis Asbury spent time in Halifax during his time traveling, preaching, and teaching. As Methodism grew more solidified, the church eventually moved to Granville Street in Halifax and was named, "Granville Street Methodist Episcopal Church South." The deed to this land was acquired on November 20, 1866 and construction began shortly after. The church met here for quite a while, until the church burned down on February 9, 1947. A few items were salvaged from the fire, but the building was destroyed. For the next two and a half years, the Methodist church gathered in the Halifax Elementary School for worship and other classes. During this time, a committee was started to help build a new church. Some wanted to rebuild on the same lot, while others pushed for a different placement to make the church building larger. The new location was where the current church stands today, on King Street. The first bricks were laid on October 12. 1948 with the building being officially dedicated on October 15, 1950. Over the next 70 years, Halifax UMC has continued to grow and serve, while struggling as a rural church. Our current worship attendance averages around 50 people, with many families having deep roots in the church. What a long, strange trip it has been for Halifax UMC! We look forward to what is next for us as we continue to be the body of Christ.
© 2016 by Halifax United Methodist Church
