How it all started...
Mauldin Methodist Church began as Poplar Springs Methodist Episcopal Church South in 1869. J.B. Hyde deeded 1-1/10th acres, the core of the present church property, for the use of a church and public school. This site had been commonly used for outdoor “brush arbor” services in good weather due to the presence of a cold, clear spring shaded by beautiful tulip poplars. The building was a pine log structure that served as both the church and as Mauldin’s first “free” (public) school. The small wooden church was built in 1905 and served as the sanctuary until 1943.
In 1943, the long outgrown wooden sanctuary was replaced by a brick sanctuary that now houses the Children’s Ministry Center. Many church members contributed their labor as carpenters, brick layers, and painters to help keep the cost down to $5,000.
The church’s name was changed to Mauldin Methodist Church in 1959, long after the springs for which it was originally named were covered over. In 1968 the church’s name changed to Mauldin United Methodist Church to reflect the merger of the Evangelical United Brethren Church and several Methodist denominations. On June 30, 2023, the church's name was changed to Mauldin Methodist Church as the disaffiliation process from the UMC was final. MMC is now a Global Methodist Church.
Steady growth over the decades resulted in the construction of an education wing in 1958 followed by a new sanctuary in 1970, which was updated in 2001. The gym was constructed in 1979 so that sports and leisure activities could attract our younger members. So many families with children joined our fellowship that another children’s education building was required. This building opened in 1989.
In 1943, the long outgrown wooden sanctuary was replaced by a brick sanctuary that now houses the Children’s Ministry Center. Many church members contributed their labor as carpenters, brick layers, and painters to help keep the cost down to $5,000.
The church’s name was changed to Mauldin Methodist Church in 1959, long after the springs for which it was originally named were covered over. In 1968 the church’s name changed to Mauldin United Methodist Church to reflect the merger of the Evangelical United Brethren Church and several Methodist denominations. On June 30, 2023, the church's name was changed to Mauldin Methodist Church as the disaffiliation process from the UMC was final. MMC is now a Global Methodist Church.
Steady growth over the decades resulted in the construction of an education wing in 1958 followed by a new sanctuary in 1970, which was updated in 2001. The gym was constructed in 1979 so that sports and leisure activities could attract our younger members. So many families with children joined our fellowship that another children’s education building was required. This building opened in 1989.
Expanding the vision...
In 2005, a contemporary worship service was created to address the worship preferences of many congregation members. This service was originally held in the Gym, but its popularity and the need for more classrooms, a dedicated youth center, and a much larger space for fellowship gatherings led to the construction of the Spirit Center, which opened in 2009. The contemporary worship services continue today as The Forge.
Faithful members and dedicated ministers not only kept the church alive through wars and the Great Depression, they also helped support local, state, and international missions. Christian service continues today with a prison ministry, nurturing the elderly and home-bound, grief and prayer ministries, the Mauldin Methodist Preschool & Kindergarten, and many other ministries. In 2019, Mauldin Methodist Church celebrated 150 years in ministry. With the power and guidance of the Holy Spirit, Mauldin Methodist Church looks forward to continuing to make a difference in this world for Christ.
Faithful members and dedicated ministers not only kept the church alive through wars and the Great Depression, they also helped support local, state, and international missions. Christian service continues today with a prison ministry, nurturing the elderly and home-bound, grief and prayer ministries, the Mauldin Methodist Preschool & Kindergarten, and many other ministries. In 2019, Mauldin Methodist Church celebrated 150 years in ministry. With the power and guidance of the Holy Spirit, Mauldin Methodist Church looks forward to continuing to make a difference in this world for Christ.