Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors

Written By: Wiley Sloan | Issue: 2015/03 - March

Religion is the underpinning of the Town of Highlands.

From the earliest days of Highlands, religion has played a major role in the character of the town.

According to historical accounts, the Methodists were the first folks to build a house of worship here. As you enter Highlands from the west you will see the First Baptist Church on the hillside at Second Street near Oak. The Northern Methodists had chosen this site for a sanctuary which they shared with the Southern Methodists, the Baptists and the Episcopalians in those early years. In 1888 the Southern Methodists built their own worship facility on Spruce Street between Cashiers Highway and Fifth Street. Other churches soon followed.

Once the Methodists reconciled their differences in 1904 (had split over the issue of slavery), the Northern Methodists sold their building to the Baptists and the consolidated congregation set out to build a new facility on the south side of Main Street next to the Masonic Hall near the center of town. The new sanctuary was dedicated on August 20, 1909. Over the years this building has been enlarged and upgraded numerous times.

In addition to providing spiritual support for their membership through Bible study and worship, church members have reached out into the community to share God’s love with their friends and neighbors. During the late 30’s and early 40’s a number of African Americans who were in Highlands serving families who seasoned here, worshiped on Sunday afternoons at the Methodist Church. A highlight of each summer season was the annual musicale that these folks produced. The proceeds from these musicales helped the Church expand while also providing funds for the fledgling Highlands hospital.

Acting as the hands and feet of Christ underpins the many programs at Highlands United Methodist Church. Walking along Main Street on Sunday about 9:00 A.M. you are likely to hear spirited singing accompanied by a Blue Grass band. Around 11:00 A.M. the Church hosts its more traditional worship — something that John Wesley would find comfortable. Throughout the week, The Gordon Center for Children provides day care for youngsters up to age 5 ½ while the After School Program enriches children and youth through a variety of programs conducted in conjunction with The Bascom and the Performing Arts Center.

Folks in need stop by The Food Pantry on Mondays to pick up groceries, while Wednesday Night Fellowship includes dinner and Bible Study. In conjunction with other benevolent groups, the church provides the Community Table on Tuesday nights — a chance for a hot meal and fellowship for one and all.

Like many of the other local churches, HUMC‘s Vacation Bible School is a time for youngsters to build a spiritual foundation. The Methodist Choir and its Mountain Top Ringers (Handbells) enjoys joining folks from other churches in performances throughout the year. When a house needs minor repairs, the Nail Benders strap on the tool belt and get to work.