1914 Rockford Methodist Church
A lot was obtained from Dr. Daniel Holcomb and men from the community donated logs, lumber and labor for the building’s construction. The Women’s Society purchased the pews from the old Centenary Methodist Church on Liberty Street in Winston- Salem. In 1967, the Rockford Methodist Church was closed by the Methodist Conference. The property was donated to the Rockford Preservation Society, Inc. in 1984. Since 1984, the church has been restored and maintained through grants and donations.
In 1989, the Society commissioned artist Tony Griffin to paint the fresco “Come Unto Me” which was dedicated in a special ceremony as part of Rockford’s Bicentennial celebration. Tony Griffin was born in Monroe, North Carolina and at the age of twelve, he moved to Florence, Italy. There he attended the American School of Florence and was apprenticed under his brother-in-law, the internationally renowned portrait and fresco painter Ben Long.
Recent Improvements
1998: Rockford Methodist Church – tin roof painted and bell tower repaired and repairs were painted
2004: Interior of Rockford Methodist Church painted
2005: DVD/Video of the creation of the Fresco in the Methodist Church to show to guests
2006: Began painting exterior of Rockford Methodist Church
2007: Continued exterior painting project and foundation repairs
2011: Bell tower repaired, scraped, primed and painted
2018: Foundation Repairs to front and left side of building
The Rockford Methodist Church serves as our community center. The RPS sponsors two annual programs, the Candlelight Christmas in Rockford, and the Remember Rockford Reunion. The church is also used for RPS meetings and fundraising events. School and church groups come to Rockford for history and art appreciation, and tours begin at the church. We also have had several weddings at the church. The fresco is a beautiful backdrop for weddings!
The Cost
Gutter repair or replacement are needed. Needed funds for these improvements will be approximately $2,500. We will begin these projects as funds become available.
