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.