AUMC 70th Stories

From a Cinder Block Dance Hall to a Church

The Methodist Conference, in 1955, noting the need for a new Methodist Church in northern Durham purchased Smith Dance Hall after the dance hall had lost its liquor license. However, much work was needed to transform the minimalist cinder block building into space that could be used for worship, Christian education and fellowship. The members worked together sanding floors, painting, installing partitions, moving doors and windows, erecting a steeple, putting in heating and rest rooms, and digging a well and septic tank at night by the light of kerosene lanterns. Money for these improvements and to pay the mortgage came from Barbeque and Brunswick Stew Suppers, donations from members, and some donations from other Methodists as solicited by Dr. Henry Glass, the first pastor. It is truly amazing what the original membership did to transform the modest building, which was outside of the city limits of Durham at the time. The original mortgage was paid off in January of 1959.

The 1960’s were turbulent and transformative years. Some, if not all, will remember the Civil Rights movements and legislation, the Vietnam war, first man on the moon, political assassinations (e.g., JFK, MLK, RFK), birth control pill, muscle cars, and The Beatles.

The church grew steadily from 41 members (34 charter members) in 1956 to 111 in 1961, and by 1965 a larger sanctuary and classrooms became necessary (nearly 250 members). The original dance hall section was brick-veneered, renovated and made into classrooms and a fellowship hall. In 1965 a new 120-seat sanctuary and a few classrooms were added in front of the original block building. The first service in the new sanctuary was held on March13, 1966.

Although church membership still continued to grow in the 1970’s, the neighborhood was becoming more commercial, and Aldersgate did not have land

to expand its facilities. Therefore, careful consideration began regarding the possibility of relocating. The next article will detail the discussions, events and planning that resulted in relocating to a new site and new building.

The Third Decade

The 3rd decade (1976-1986) of the little “dance hall church” ushered in many changes. Rev. Potter’s tenure ended and Rev. Bob Wallace became our shepherd for the next 13 years and challenged us in many ways.

This was also a time of change in the world. The USA celebrated its bicentennial (1976)

and the first American women participated in the US space program (1983). Sadly, Elvis died (1977) and the Challenger exploded on its 10th launch (1986), setting the space program back for years.

In 1974 Durham held its first CROP Walk which at the time was a grueling 10 miles. Soon, Aldersgate enthusiastically embraced the CROP Walk, participating every year since as a church wide mission. Bob Wallace and Susan McLean were co-chairs of the city-wide walk for several years and started challenging other churches and businesses to form teams and compete for the most money raised (Golden Sneaker award). They also suggested that the 10 miles be reduced to 10K which made it easier for seniors and families to participate. Today the Durham Crop Walk is the largest walk for hunger

in the United States.

During this time period, Aldersgate planned and held the first Moravian Lovefeast led by Randy Gordon. Georgene Breuckner and Joan Coble introduced the Chrismon Tree and made the first ornaments. Elizabeth King led a group to make our first banner (a communion banner). These are traditions that are still celebrated.

With the exploding growth happening in Durham, the UM Conference saw the need for a church in the NW sector of Durham County. Bethany UMC was approached first and voted against relocating. Aldersgate embraced the relocation idea for several reasons – one being the inability to accommodate growth at their current location, another being surrounded by commercial properties. Cluster meetings were scheduled, discussions held, votes taken, tears shed, and prayers (lots of prayer – change is difficult) offered. In 1980 the wheels were set in motion. A 4-acre property was located at Bivens and Umstead and purchased for $50,000 from Mr. Terry (1982). The Duke St. & Horton Rd. property had to be rezoned from residential to commercial (a long and arduous process). Finally, the old church property was sold for about $350,000 for commercial use. The building committee submitted dreams, wants, and needs to the architect who came up with the design for the beautiful building that we now occupy.

On May 26, 1985, our last service and a deconsecrating of property and buildings was held for the old church. The ground breaking service for the new property was held July 14, 1985. We then moved to Christ Chapel Wesleyan Church on Massey Rd. for 16 months during the construction process. At this time Christ Chapel sold their church to the North Carolina Korean Church with whom we shared the space for several months. We lovingly refer to this period of our history as our “time in the wilderness.” On September 7, 1986, we had our first service in our new building. The next week we had our dedication/consecration service and celebrated our 30th anniversary as “The Church at the Crossroads.”