BY KARISSA MILLER
Chapel Hill United Methodist Church in Statesville is a small, rural church located off Highway 70 near Statesville. Through faith, love and acts of service, the church has quietly shaped the Wayside community for 150 years
Around 200 past and present members packed the sanctuary and gathered for worship on Sunday morning as the old church bell rang in the background.
“I need a minute just to look at y’all. Do I look like a kid at Christmas?” Pastor Rev. Garrett Brown asked, eliciting laughter from the congregation.
On a typical Sunday, about 40 to 50 members attend the worship service.
While serving as pastor for the past three years, Brown said he has had the honor being part of the historic church during a great time in its history.
“Chapel Hill warmly embraced my family from the very first moment we arrived — making us feel wanted, welcomed and loved,” Brown said.
That feeling, he said, has never faded.
“Church members have shown me a lot of respect and are easy to do ministry with, which is hugely appreciated. …I couldn’t have asked for a better church to serve,” he added.
During Sunday’s sermon, Brown described what Chapel Hill has meant to its members.
“Chapel Hill has meant faith development. It is where people have come to know the Lord. It has meant community. It is where people have gathered with like-minded people,” Brown explained.
“Most often, it meant Chapel Hill is family,” he added.
Brown said the church was organized in 1875. The first building was a log cabin, which opened in 1879. The small white frame church was constructed in 1920. The A-frame building on the property was built in 1975.
Brown asked former pastors and their families to stand and be recognized. From 1932 to present, the church has had 32 different pastors.
Youngest & Oldest Living Members
During the service, the church recognized 3-year-old Walker Price Bradey as the youngest member. His mom and dad are Josh and Ashley Bradey. The toddler was described as “bringing lots of energy and joy to the church every Sunday.”
The oldest living member is Evelyn Sherill, who turned 93 the day after the sesquicentennial service. The congregation sang “Happy Birthday” to her.
Sherrill, who has been a member of Chapel Hill UMC for 64 years, joined with her late husband Joe on June 4, 1961.
Sherrill has four children, Steve Sherrill, Jim Sherrill, Ellen Galina and Patti Ralston. She has nine grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren.
Sherill has held many positions in the church, including membership secretary, and she is a lifetime member of United Methodist Women. While she cannot attend church in-person as much as she wishes, she faithfully phones in to listen to the sermons each week.
“This has been my church for so long that I raised my children here. We worked with the building of the church by doing the chicken pie suppers,” she recalled.
Sharing Memories
Dennis Hilton shared many fond memories of the church. One memory that he will always remember is when his late dad, Rev. Dale Hilton, presided over his wedding.
His dad served at the church for seven years, which were among his favorite in his 40-year career in the ministry, Dennis said.
“Even after we were married and moved away, this was always home base. We came back here when we could to visit family. The highlight of our weekend was worshiping on Sunday morning and reconnecting with our church family,” he said.
Another member, Alex Moul, said he has fond memories of attending the church in his youth and playing his trumpet.
“I love this church. I thank God that I was raised with Him in my heart. Thank you, Jesus. I love all of y’all,” he said.
Brenda Freeland, who has been a member since 1964, said she believes that Chapel Hill UMC provides more than just a place for worship.
“The church has been good for our community, and they love what we do here,” she said.
Each month, Chapel Hill members serve supper and collect items for Fifth Street Ministries. They also provide a playground that is open to the community.
Another church member, Bonnie Estes, said that she and her husband Joe were married in the church 21 years ago.
“We have so many memories here. We’ve had graduation parties for college and high school. I’ve been one of the youth directors and had stick dramas events,” she recalled.
The special music guest for the anniversary service was Carolina Hills Band, featuring members Bethany Prevette, Chase Prevette, Joe Prevette and Dwayne Lunsford.
Past and present members concluded the Homecoming 2025 celebration by exchanging stories over a catered luncheon, which was paid for by the church. Church members decorated the tables using old family photos.
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