A Brief History of
Broad Street United Methodist Church  

The roots of Broad Street United Methodist Church go back to Old Zion Church, established in 1826 three miles west of Clinton, SC.  After twenty years, the newly renamed Mt. Zion Church moved to Forest Road (S-30-116).  A third move, in 1854, brought the congregation into town on the corner of W. Main and Laurens Streets.  Methodism had come to Clinton and was one of the first denominations to be established in the city.  

In 1914 Mt. Zion built a new church in Clinton on the corner of Broad and Ferguson Streets and changed the name to Broad Street Methodist Church.  

Land behind the church was purchased in 1953 where a structure was erected for children's education and named for the Reverend E. K. Garrison; a congregational fellowship hall was named for the Reverend George Hodges.  

In December 1968 the congregation voted to demolish the original structure built in 1914 and to build a new sanctuary and adult education building on the existing site. The Reverend E. W. Rogers led this effort and on March 15, 1970 Sunday School was held for the first time in the new facility which was named to honor Reverend Rogers.  The first worship service was held in the sanctuary one week later on Palm Sunday, March 22, 1970.  Actual Service of Consecration was on April 12, 1970.  Membership was 588.  

A Spirit-led Building Fund Crusade, begun in 1968, allowed the final construction payment to be made nearly five months ahead of schedule.  The facility and furnishings, valued at $595,000, were declared debt-free.  A Service of Dedication, led by Bishop Edward L. Tullis and the Reverend J. Ben Cunningham, resident pastor, was held on Sunday, November 15, 1973.

Later in 1973 property was purchased on Ferguson Street across from the Garrison Building.  A Family Activities Building was erected there and named to honor the Reverend M. Eugene Mullikin, pastor from 1975-78.  This property was later sold to the City of Clinton.  

In November 1991 property next to the existing church facility became available and, in a leap of faith, was purchased for future development.  With the additional purchase of the corner lot on N. Broad and Florida Streets, Broad Street United Methodist Church now owned the entire city block.  The Reverend B. Mike Alexander was pastor.  

The Reverend John Stapleton led the groundbreaking ceremonies for a new Family Activities Building on Sunday, July 27. 1997.  Upon completion of the building, a Service of Consecration was held on Sunday, October 11, 1998.  Resident pastor, the Reverend Dan L. Batson, presided over this event.  Six months later, on April 18, 1999, a ceremony was held to officially name the building The J. Ben Cunningham Center to honor a beloved pastor who served from 1970 to 1975.  

Throughout its history, Broad Street United Methodist Church has accepted the responsibility of a people who are blessed to be a blessing.  Our commitment extends beyond the church family and the needs of the local community to include opportunities for real mission and ministry in the world today.  

History Updated November 2000