A Historical Journey of Faith and Community
1832 – The Founding
- As early as 1827, Reverend Charles Cooley preached at the site known as Chestnut Oak Ridge or Chestnut Ridge. A structure was built for worship and community events.
- In 1832 the Chestnut Ridge Church became part of the Guilford Circuit of the North Caroline Conference of the Methodist Protestant Church. It later became part of the Orange Circuit. In 1833, Joseph Thompson transferred two acres of land to the church for the price of five pounds.
- Membership grew after the Civil War, leading to a new church in 1870.
1900 – Early 20th Century Expansion
- In 1906 a new church was built. It has been suggested that the 1870 building had deteriorated and subsequently burned. The 1906 building remained until 1959.
- 1939 the Methodist Protestant, the Methodist Episcopal Church and the Methodist Episcopal Church South united to form the Methodist Church.
- In 1941, a Memorial Association was established to maintain the Cemetery.
1950s – 1960s
- The 1950s and 1960s were a time of development and modernization for Chestnut Ridge Methodist Church. The existing church was constructed in 1959, followed by the building of the parsonage in 1964. An addition was added including Fellowship Hall, kitchen, classrooms, bathrooms, and additional storage.
- 1960s Embracing Change: In 1968 the Methodist Church joined with the Evangelical United Brethren Church to become the United Methodist Church. Chestnut Ridge Church followed and became known as Chestnut Ridge UMC.
1970s-1990s
- Over the years, pulpit supply consisted of part-time pastors and Duke Divinity Students. In 1999 we welcomed the first female and full-time pastor, Rev. Pat Sykes.
- 1996 Chuck Collins, a church member, became a Certified Lay Servant through the NCCUMC.
2000s – New Millennium
- By 2007 it became apparent the church was no longer able to support a full-time pastor, and the Burlington District Superintendent proposed that we join with another church. It was decided we would become a Two Point Charge with Clover Garden UMC.
- 2008 We welcomed our first English as second language pastor. Rev. Sang Park
- 2008 We began hosting Duke Divinity Students. They contributed a variety of skills and talents to advance the objectives of God’s Kingdom.
- 2010 We hired a part-time Children’s Director, Tracy Smith
- 2010 Dorothy Walker, a church member became a Certified Lay Servant through the NCCUMC.
- 2012 Church roof replaced, and steeple removed.
- In 2012, the church’s sound system was upgraded, and additional seating was acquired for the sanctuary.
- 2014 Parsonage renovated.
- Church was brought up to safety codes in order to accommodate Camp Chestnut Ridge’s Day Care program. Other safety features included new door locks and additional bathroom.
- 2015 Chuck Collins progressed to Certified Lay Minister by the NCCUMC
- This decade introduced many mission and outreach programs, including:
- Tape Ministry with weekly visitations to shut-ins.
- Monthly food contributions to OCIM.
- Prison Ministry.
- Food For All collaborates with local churches to feed the hungry in Hillsborough.
- Mitten Tree donations to OCIM
- Preparing Flood Buckets and other disaster relief kits
- The Methodist Men have constructed several handicap ramps for members of the community.
- Joined with Efland Area Churches to rotate worship services and joint Bible School.
- Communion to shut-ins.
2020s
- The COVID-19 pandemic in 2E20 necessitated adaptability and resilience. Chestnut Ridge UMC transitioned to virtual services with the Orange Parish Group and continued its mission through innovative means.
- The Sunday School classes were not started again following the lifting of restrictions.
- 2024 Due to disagreements over LGBTQ issues, many churches left the United Methodist. CRUMC chose to remain within the United Methodist church, but members did depart.
2/5/25 Dorothy Walker