Who We Are:
Cashiers UMC is a caring Christian community, motivated by love of God and others to grow in faith and be generous in service.
What We Believe
Cashiers UMC is a United Methodist Congregation. We believe that each and every person is a beloved child of God, created in the image of God. We believe that God is manifest in the person of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior and that we continue to be guided by the witness of Christ in the world and by the power of the Holy Spirit. The presence of God is manifest in our current circumstances in the way the followers ( imitators) of Christ live out the mission of Christ in our daily lives. While we are imperfect in our efforts, we seek to be generous in our hospitality, open and welcoming to all, act as agents of Christ's mercy and love in this world, specifically in Cashiers and the connected communities in which we live. The Bible is the living word of God, while written to a specific people in a specific time, the message of scripture can be interpreted and applied to the lives of believers in a way that is real and life affirming for all generations that follow.
Cashiers UMC is a vibrant worshiping community including folks who were born and raised here in the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina as well as those who have moved here from other places and those simply here to visit and enjoy God's creation.
We hope, whomever you are, that you will experience the love of Christ in this place and find a place to call home, where you can put down roots, pull up a seat at the abundant banquet of God's kingdom and live into who God called and created you to be.
History
In the late 1800’s, twenty five pastors were assigned as circuit riders in Western North Carolina which covered the Cashiers area. The Reverend Eugene Blake, who served from 1879-1880, was the first recorded pastor for this area. By the early 1900’s, a pastor was assigned to serve only Highlands and Cashiers with the parsonage located in Highlands. It was not until Paul W. Matthias came to Cashiers in 1965 that the church was served by a full time pastor.
Prior to the building of the first Methodist Church in Cashiers, the worship services were held in the Hampton Schoolhouse on General Wade Hampton’s property. This building was located in the area of the present Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd. When the Hampton Schoolhouse burned, the Methodists decided to build their own church rather than repair the existing structure.
The Trustees of the Methodist Church were granted a lot on July 28, 1884 where the first church was built and the present church now stands. In 1944, two small rooms were added for use as Sunday School rooms. On July 22, 1956, ground was broken and the Education Building was added. Worship services were held in the new building and plans for a new church were underway. Later, additional property was received from Alma C. Orr for the sum of $5. The old church was razed and on Sunday, October 16, 1960, the cornerstone was laid for the new church. The pastor was the Reverend John C. Vernon who held the first service on May 14, 1961.
The present worship areas and educational wing have served Cashiers United Methodist Church since 1961; and continue to be a community base for worship, local non-profit organizations, fellowship, service and care for the community.
Who are United Methodists?
The United Methodist Church is a global denomination that opens hearts, opens minds and opens doors through active engagement with our world. The mission of The United Methodist Church is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.
A United Methodist is someone who joins in that mission by putting faith and love into action. We believe that God loves all people, and that we share in expressing that love. So the United Methodist tradition emphasizes God's grace and in serving others. We believe that Jesus Christ is the fullest expression of God's love--showing us the fullness of God's care through Jesus' teachings, death and resurrection.
John Wesley started the Methodist movement in 18th century England. His teachings on practical divinity (living out our faith) and appeals to reason and experience form important aspects of United Methodist practice today.
Find out more at www.umc.org