Celebrating 150 Years of Faith and Fellowship!
 
This year, Knightsville Methodist Church marks an incredible milestone: a century and a half of loving God and serving our neighbors. From our humble beginnings as Branch Methodist Church to our vibrant ministry today, generations of families have called this church home. We invite everyone to join us in honoring our rich history and looking forward to the bright future God has planned for our congregation.
Faithful Through the Generations
Past – Present – Future
For 150 years, Knightsville Methodist Church has faithfully served its congregation and community. Our journey began on August 22, 1876, when Daniel H. Knight deeded property to the trustees of the Cypress Circuit. Originally named Old John Wesley Methodist Church, the congregation was renamed Branch Methodist Church later that same year, serving 94 members.

Our roots connect deeply to early Methodist history. Bishop Francis Asbury visited the Cypress Circuit in the 1800s. By the early 1900s, Branch Church shared a single minister on a charge with New Hope, Ridgeville, Cypress, and Givhans. Historical Quarterly Conference records show that Branch Church contributed $30 toward the pastor’s salary. Marian Harvey—Steward of New Hope Methodist Church from the 1890s until his death in 1949—noted this was a commendable report. Mr. Harvey was the father of Gladys H. Knight, who went on to serve our church in many capacities over the years.

As the congregation grew, a larger building became necessary. Under the supervision of the late E.L. Knight, Sr., ground was broken in 1958 for the building we occupy today: Knightsville Methodist Church. The church opened 14 months later on September 6, 1959, featuring a 300-seat sanctuary and an education wing with six classrooms, a social hall, and a kitchen.
 
 
Growth continued across the property
 
  • 1964: A seven-room parsonage was built adjacent to the church, with Reverend Harry Stullenbarger serving as the first minister to live there. The parsonage was later expanded in 1986.
  • 1976: Knightsville United Methodist Church achieved a major milestone by officially becoming an Independent Charge.
  • 1978: To accommodate our expanding family, the educational wing was enlarged to include seven classrooms, two bathrooms, an expanded kitchen, a new choir room, a Pastor’s study, and an office.
  • 1993: The congregation began expanding and remodeling the sanctuary, enlarging both the choir loft and pulpit areas.
  • 1999: The sanctuary carpet was replaced, pew cushions were installed, and the altar rail was cut to allow steps to the pulpit.
  • December 31, 1999: The Carillon Bells, gifted by the Messervy and Cantley families, were installed in the steeple. They chimed at midnight, beautifully ushering in the new millennium.
 
In 2004, Knightsville Methodist Church stepped boldly into a new chapter with the construction of the Jewel Myers Family Life Worship Center, named in honor of Mrs. Jewel Myers for her years of dedicated service. More than just a building project, it was a declaration of faith in what God would do through His people.
 
Today, it stands as a vibrant symbol of hospitality, joy, and spiritual growth, serving as the home for:
 
  • Contemporary Worship – Gathering our church family in praise.KIDS Preschool Program – Established in 2008, currently flourishing with 118 students enrolled.
  • Youth & Sports Outreach – Connecting and engaging the next generation.
  • Fellowship Gatherings – Hosting countless moments of community and connection.
 
A Season of Growth and Renewal

Since 2018, Knightsville Methodist Church has experienced a remarkable season of renewal, deepening our discipleship, expanding our mission, and clarifying who we are. Today, we are affectionately known as “The Most Loving Place in Town.” We live by a simple yet powerful mandate: See a Need and Meet a Need. This spirit of compassion shapes every ministry, outreach initiative, and gathering.
 
 
God has truly blessed this journey of faith, and we celebrate these milestones:
 
  • Flourishing Worship: Weekly attendance has grown to 240 and beyond.
  • A Bold Step: In 2024, We made the decision to separate from the United Methodist denomination and join the Global Methodist movement.
  • Securing Our Home: Through this transition, we now own our church property at                          1505 Central Avenue, securing our space for ministry for years to come.
 
 
Ministries That Make a Difference
 
Our church’s ministry footprint continues to expand, touching lives locally and globally. Here are just a few of the ways we love and support our neighbors in Summerville and across the world:
 
  • Stephen Ministry – Providing confidential, Christ-centered care to individuals going through difficult times.
  • Deepening Discipleship – Engaging in Bible studies led by Pastor Bill Masciangelo and Global Methodist Lay Minister, Jim Vaughn.
  • Pa’s Food Pantry – Combating local hunger by serving over 6,000 food recipients annually.
  • Community Thanksgiving Fellowship – Spreading holiday joy by feeding more than 3,000 neighbors each year with deep-fried turkey dinners.
  • Homeless Outreach – Offering nourishing meals, genuine compassion, and a supportive presence to those experiencing homelessness.
  • Angel Society Prayer Team – Providing faithful, intercessory prayer support for our church family and the wider community.
  • Computer Ministry – Bridging the digital divide with technology support and training, placing over 650 computers into the homes of those in need.
  • Sea Trail Mission Trips – Extending our reach globally by sending dedicated teams to serve in Tanzania and Honduras.
 
Every ministry at Knightsville Methodist reflects our heartfelt commitment to Loving the Least, the Lost, and the Lonely.
 
 
Children & Youth: Squires and Eph6
 
Our Children’s and Youth Ministries continue to flourish under the vibrant leadership of Katie Carr! In addition to guiding our youth, Katie directs the KMC K.I.D.S. Preschool Program, shaping young hearts with Christ-centered education, nurturing care, and a foundation built firmly on faith. Through these vital ministries, we ensure that the next generation is discipled, loved, and fully equipped to follow Jesus.
 
 
Serving Together in Faith: Our 2026 Ministry Staff
 
To support our expanding ministry, God has blessed us with a dedicated staff team:
 
  • Doug Hammond– Director of Ministerial Support
  • Amber Cathey– Communications Director
  • Lynn Wimpee– Administrative Assistant
  • David Stepp– Church Sexton
  • Katie Carr– KMC K.I.D.S Director and Children & Youth Leader
  • Laurin Jordan– Praise Team Leader
 
 
Our Mission Statement:
We Will… Glorify God, Commit to Christ, Teach the Truth, Fellowship through Faith, and Love the Least,
the Lost, and the Lonely.
 
This mission continues to guide every ministry, every decision, and every act of love.
 
 
A Story Still Being Written
 
From our milestone expansion in 2004 to the remarkable growth we see today, our church’s history stands as a living testimony to God’s goodness and the unwavering faithfulness of His people. We step into the future with gratitude for all God has done, hope for all He will do, and a renewed commitment to serve Christ and our community with love.
Our Pastoral Heritage
Since our founding in 1876, we have been blessed with faithful spiritual leaders who have guided our congregation through generations of faith, fellowship, and service in the Summerville community. Each of these ministers left an enduring mark on our church family, helping shape the vibrant, mission-minded Global Methodist community we are today. We look back with deep gratitude on the following pastors who dedicated their time, leadership, and hearts to shepherding our flock:
  • J. P. Winningham 1927-1928
  • L.D. Hamer 1928-1929
  • H.W. Shealy 1930-1931
  • C.N Potts 1932-1933
  • H.J. Bennett 1933-1935
  • J.F. Way 1935-1937
  • W.S. Heath 1937-1939
  • L.W. Shealy 1939-1941
  • Harvey Montgomery 1941-1942
  • W.D. Davis 1942-1943
  • John Bell 1943-1944
  • Earnest Dugan 1944-1945
  • R.T. Farmer 1945-1950
  • R.B. Tyler 1950-1954
  • F.V. Robertson 1954-1956
  • Joseph E. Tsyinger 1956-1961
  • Charles H. Davis 1961-1965
  • Harry Stullenbarger 1965-1968
  • Thorton B. Smith 1968-1972
  • Quay W. Adams 1972-1973
  • Louis D. Jamison 1973-1976
  • Pierce E. Cook Jr. 1976-1979
  • Guy A. Mayer, Jr. 1979-1983
  • D. Mitchell Houston 1983-1985
  • Kenneth S. Land 1985-1992
  • James G. Mishoe 1992-1993
  • John M. Williams, Jr. 1993-1996
  • A. Robert Nix 1996-1999
  • Zach Farmer 1999-2001
  • Kim Strong 2001-2005
  • Ed Reynolds 2006 – 2012
  • Keith Stewart 2013 – 2014
  • Scott Adams 2014 – 2015
  • JoAnna Fallaw 2015 – 2016
  • Robert Harper 2017 – Present