Our History
In 1979, eight acres of land were purchased on Skidaway Island with a vision for a potential church. Active members from nearby Methodist congregations stepped forward to help launch this endeavor. After a time of planning and preparation, the first worship service took place on September 11, 1983, in condo #44 at The Settlement on Dame Kathryn.
In 1984, a trailer was acquired for the property and 38 people gathered for the inaugural service there. Dr. Ralph Bailey served as founding pastor in a part-time role for five years, guiding the growing congregation and community through an exciting season of expansion. In the fall of 1987, groundbreaking occurred for the first building- The Chapel. Rev. Jim Giddens was appointed pastor in 1988, and the following month, 128 people celebrated the consecration service in the new space.
Growth continued rapidly. In 1992, construction began on Bailey Hall (named in honor of Dr. Bailey), as well as the church office and Sunday school rooms. The Memorial Garden was consecrated in September 1993. The congregation of almost 300 had outgrown the Chapel and worshiped in Bailey Hall for several years until the Sanctuary was completed in April 2000. After 30 years, Rev. Giddens retired, and Rev. Hale Bishop became our senior pastor in 2018. Over the decades, our community has flourished with a strong focus on missions and growing ministries for children and youth.
In 2023, we joined the Global Methodist Church, entering a fresh season of growth with renewed commitment to discipleship and family ministry. What a joy it is to consider the journey of our congregation in just over 40 years! We are excited to see where God leads us in our next season of ministry and outreach as we continue to share the love of Christ.
Timeline of Events
Groundbreaking of the Sanctuary
Construction of Bailey Hall
1984
1988
Rev. Jim Giddens was appointed to be the first full time pastor.
1987
Ground was broken for the construction of a new 140 seat chapel.
1993
Construction was completed on the current Fellowship Hall
and the Memorial Garden.
1983
An organizational meeting with those interested in forming a
new church was held with Dr. Ralph Bailey, who was to be the first pastor of the church.
1979
Our current 7.9 acres of land was purchased on Skidaway Island.
In February, 35 charter members joined the newly established congregation and in November, the first worship service was held in a modular chapel.
1995
1999
2007
Sunday attendance outgrew the Chapel so Bailey Hall was renovated to allow for worship.
Membership reached 750 and ground was broken for the current Sanctuary and Education building.
Membership continued to increase, a prayer labyrinth was constructed and a church in India, “Skidaway East,” was developed.