This weathered brick
building dates back to ca 1818 when it was
built as St. Marks Episcopal Church. Its interior is
typical of that early period - white plaster walls,
quaint box pews, center kneeling alter, clear glass
windows pains and an elevated balcony.
The most notable exterior
features of the building are the flat top belfry and
the two carved double front doors. Inside the belfry
is a bell which is said to be older than the building
itself. Legend says that during the Civil War the
bell was taken down to be melted and made into cannon
balls. The war ended before the bell was destroyed
but in the process returning it to the church it
sustained a crack. The bell still hangs in the belfry
but is not used. The clanking sound it makes is not
pleasant to the ear.
On February 11, 1880 this
church building was sold at public auction from the
front steps of the Halifax County Courthouse for the
sum of $395.00. It became the Houston Methodist
Church and the name was changed to Halifax Methodist
Church in 1920 when the town of Houston was renamed
Halifax. For thirty-eight years, the Methodists
shared this building with the Halifax Presbyterian
Church until the Presbyterians built a church of
their own.
In 1950, five classrooms, a
furnace and 2 restrooms were added to the rear part
of the building. Then, in 1972 another larger
addition provided additional classrooms and a
fellowship hall.
Our church is steeped in
history. It has been kept with loving hands by many
who have gone before us. We appreciate the historical
significance of this beautiful old structure and
strive to maintain its aesthetic appearance while
making it relevant to our present time.
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Brief History of Our Church