Mission

History

Lee Road United Methodist Church had its beginning in the home of the Reverend and Mrs. D. W. Smith on February 9, 1958.  Nine interested people joined them to explore interest in organizing a church in the growing suburb of Greenville.  They quickly outgrew the Smith’s home and rented a storefront on Elberta Street in Taylors.

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Official organization as a Methodist church was held May 21, 1958 with 33 charter members.  The extraordinary dedication and sacrifice to see Lee Road established as a worshiping and serving community of faith was evident.  Outgrowing the storefront, they broke ground for an educational building on December 5, 1958 in a former peach orchard.

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The small but enthusiastic group wasted no time becoming involved in mission and ministry activities.  The Women’s Society of Christian Service was organized in February, the Sunday School in April, the Men’s Club in November, and Boy Scout troop #245 in December.  The Methodist Youth Fellowship was also organized in 1958.  Verner Springs, a forerunner of the Greenville Urban Ministry, was the first mission project.

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God has richly blessed the faithful witnessing of his people at Lee Road. Reverend Smith’s ministry saw the addition of more classrooms in 1960 and the sanctuary in 1963.  The parsonage was built in 1967 for the first full-time minister.  Continuing expansion, the Family Life Building was built in 1971, later named the Howard Family Life Center.  This building gave rise to the Methodist District Basketball League. Renovations in the building were completed in March of 2019 after a Capital Campaign Fundraiser and it has birthed the church plant, Connect Church. 

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Recognizing the needs of young children, the church began a Kindergarten program in September of 1966, also adding a Mother’s Day Out program. The weekday program grew into a five-day Child Enrichment Program.  Currently the program is Lee Road UMC Preschool for infants to 5 years old. 

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Sixty two years since that first meeting, Lee Road UMC has grown to a membership of 432, all united with the common goal of expanding God’s Kingdom within their community. Small groups are available for all ages at 9:00 a.m.  U.M. Youth Fellowship welcomes interested youth to the Wednesday evening program.  Wednesday evening's are also our soup ministry, where free meals and fellowship are had with all welcome.