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In the Summer of 1924, two neighbors in the new Ardmore community longed to have their church closer to their new homes. By September, discussions were underway with officials of the local Methodist district, and a vacant lot was being eyed by the organizers as a possible site for the new church.
The site they had selected was the highest elevation in what was then the entire city of Winston-Salem and was owned by Dr. J. E. Kerr. He steadfastly refused to sell his lot until, after a meeting on October 1, 1924, a colleague of his delivered the exciting news that Dr. Kerr would give the land (then valued at $10,000) to the new church project. "It was the finest investment I have ever made," Dr. Kerr later stated. "It has paid back rich dividends many times over."
There was no money to pay the first minister, Reverend Joseph Hiatt, a salary, no house for his family to live in, and no church for him to preach in. Yet, they owned a vacant lot at the crest of the community and had great faith in God's plan for their new congregation.
On Sunday, October 26, 1924, 61 people met in the living room of a neighbor's home to organize the new church. Fifty-four of those present became the charter members. By November 16, 1924, the new congregation had moved into its first building - a crude wooden hut put up in 1 ½ days (located where the parking lot is today).
A few months later, on February 23, 1925, construction began on the present sanctuary. The first service was held in the new building on October 4, 1925. Later projects have added the following: the 1926 parsonage (today, the church office); the 1949 west educational wing; the 1960 east wing with chapel, fellowship hall, and additional educational space; the 1978 Fritz Noack organ; and recent improvements including the addition of an elevator tower.
From 54 members in 1924 to over 1,300 today, from the dream of a couple friends to the fellowship of an active congregation, our church has been built on a solid foundation and looks toward a vibrant future, celebrating God's love and nurturing our community.
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