Our Vision
Our vision from the beginning has been to be a hub of action vital to improving the lives of persons in our congregation and community.
From Meeting House into the Future
While our forefathers were gathering in Philadelphia to frame the Constitution, a small band of Methodists were meeting in a home on the north side of 7th Street between Perry and Porter on the south bank of the James River. The year was 1786. It was a small group--maybe six or eight people.
Central United Methodist Church was born in the neighborhood it continues to serve. In 1797 the members of the first society of Methodists in the Richmond area constructed a frame chapel on a lot at 10th and Perry Streets. Because the outside boards were fastened vertically it became known as the "Old Plank Church." This served as a house of worship for the next 50 years. In 1847 a larger church was built on East 9th Street on a site that is now part of Courthouse Square. On Wednesday, January 24, 1900, the cornerstone was laid for the current building at the corner of 13th and Porter Streets.
Since its beginning Central has been looking toward the future. It has helped establish five soutside churches. Supporting mission and outreach in the community and actively participating in neighborhood groups continues to be the backbone of the congregation. Our neighborhood has gone through many transitions over these past two hundred years. Each change has brought its own set of challenges. And each challenge has caused a renewed commitment to our neighbors and our community.
No one knows what the future holds for Central, but everyone knows who holds the future. We continue to plan how we can best serve our Lord and our neighbors. We have a building that is an architectural gem whose use is only limited by our imagination. We have a congregation who is loving and caring and is willing to dream dreams of what the future holds for us and our community. This is an exciting time to be part of Manchester. You are invited to serve and dream with us.
