The church women’s organization, the Ladies’ Aid Society, formed in 1910. This group became the United Methodist Women in 1968. The organization has four circles with 100+ members.
The Methodist Men’s group, organized in 1965, is a great help with church projects and mission work locally and worldwide.
In 1968 church school classrooms, a fellowship hall, and a kitchen were built.
In 1973, thirteen-year-old Gary Miller was hired as pianist here, being recommended by Mrs. Pearl Mills Winecoff, who served as pianist at Rocky Mount for many years. Gary till serves as organist and Minister of Music, which includes adult and children’s choirs and handbells. his wife Kim also assists in the music ministry.
A new sanctuary, choir room, parlor, nursery and offices were completed in 1978. Church membership increased as more families moved into this area.
The Methodist Church launched a membership growth emphasis in the late 1980’s called “Vision 2000.” Under the leadership of Rev. T. Dale Holcombe and church leaders in training, Rocky Mt’s membership growth reached the goal to become a “go station.”
To become a separate church entity, the Methodist Conference requires a membership of 300, a budget of $90,000. Prior to this milestone, Rocky Mt. had shared a pastor with one to three other churches. Our first pastor as a station church was Rev. Holcombe.
Taking a big step in faith in the early 1990’s under Rev. Chris Fitzgerald’s leadership, the Church Council set a 5% of budget line item for missions—above the Western North Carolina apportionment figure. This figure was later increased to 7%, and in a few more years, to 10%, which was the church's ultimate goal. That step in faith continues today.
With the continued growth of the church, Sunday School attendance increased, our children’s and youth became more involved, and a senior adult group, The Keenagers, was organized in 1990.
In 1995, with 398 church members, the community outreach and local and foreign mission work continued with many members take part.
With continued growth, a second worship service was added in September 1997 at 8:30.
In 2001 the church was given a new piano and purchased a new organ. Renovations were made to the chancel area and new furniture added.
With Rev. Cecil Donahue as pastor, the church began a year-long celebration in August 2001 to commemorate the church’s 150th birthday, which was in August 2002. Special activities were held each month preceding this special anniversary.
In April 2002 a children’s playground was completed and dedicated.
Rev. Donahue also inspired church members to begin the 32-week Disciples Bible Studies during this time, and to date more than 100 members have participated, resulting in a much greater dedication to church commitment and service, as well as a noticeable increase in stewardship.
The turn-of-the-century brought overwhelming growth to the area. Rev. Donahue and the Church Council led in hiring a Christian consulting firm, ARKS, Inc., to guide us into the future. The following mission statement was approved:
The vision of Rocky Mt. Church is to be a loving family of God’s children that reaches out in service, grows spiritually, make disciples, and worships Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
Mandy Neill Parker was hired as part-time program director in 2001. She answered God’s call to the ministry and started to school again, becoming our associate pastor in 2005.
In spring of 2003 a capital campaign was launched. Ground was broken to build a new fellowship hall, kitchen, bathrooms, storage, a lower level with classrooms and bathrooms; plus the renovation of the old fellowship hall into a music room and Sunday school rooms and to turn the old kitchen into a new library. Open house was held September 2006.
A church-sponsored pre-school was started early in 2006 with a start up of approximately 30 children, and continues to grow. Children’s Minister Donna Jones was hired in June 2006; Youth Minister Matt Goodnight was hired in October 2007.
Trevor Batchelor, a member of our church, answered God’s call to ministry two years ago. He went back to school and served as a youth pastor in Catawba County. In June of this year he was appointed pastor of two small churches in North Iredell.
Mandy Neill Parker was appointed pastor of Chapel Hill UMC, Statesville in June 2008. Rev. Mark Muckler was then appointed as associate pastor.
