MORE THAN A CHURCH
A Welcoming Church at the Heart of Orangeburg
New Light United Methodist Church is a congregation in Orangeburg, that offers members - and visitors - a chance to become part of something great. A chance to grow in their love of God and for one another within a beautiful community.
We are rooted in the stories of the Bible and believe worship is something that can be expressed in everything we do. Our philosophy is founded on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. No matter who you are, there’s a special place for you at our church. Get in touch today or come and visit us in person.
OUR STORY
Authentic Faith
In 1965 Bethel, Cherry Hill, Macedonia, and Shady Grove formed New Light United Methodist Church.
The merger took place long before 1965 through the exchange of ideas among a few of the leaders of the four churches who had the vision and foresight to see the advantages of a merger. As years passed, the congregations continued to worship in their respective churches and at the same time, they were spreading their optimism that one day the union of the four churches would become a reality.
After years of thinking, talking, and praying about a merger by a small group of insightful members, the Reverend Evander N. Jamison, a son of the church, was appointed to serve as the pastor. He listened to those who spoke of a merger and agreed that combining the four churches was a great idea. He convened meetings at the individual churches so that all members would be aware of the merger discussions and express their ideas as to how this merger might proceed smoothly.
On the fourth Sunday in June (June 23, 1968) under the leadership of Reverend Jamison, the four congregations met at Cherry Hill and voted to merge. On the fifth Sunday in June (June 30) 1968, the first service of the merged churches was held in Macedonia. After careful consideration of all suggested names, the congregation voted to adopt the name New Light United Methodist Church. On June 10, 1967, the trustees from the four churches purchased 14.1 acres of land in the name of New Light United Methodist Church from Flora M. and Alton L. Phelps for $1,000.00. On July 17, 1967, the property was officially recorded in the Book of Deeds in the Orangeburg County Courthouse.
After the death of Reverend Jamison in 1970, Reverend Matthew McCollum became the interim pastor. He enthusiastically took up the mission and worked diligently to advance the goals of this new congregation. It was during Reverend McCollum's tenure that the treasuries of the four churches were combined, and the ground was broken for the new building. The physical building was completed in 1973, and the first service was held on Sunday, April 15, 1973, under the leadership of Reverend John Elliott, members, who were able to walk, walked to the new sanctuary from the Macedonia site to the new site at 3100 Neeses Highway, Orangeburg. New Light continues to grow and prosper under many pastors from 1968 to the present.
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