Clarks Bethel United Methodist Church was built in 1886 and given the name Salvo Methodist Episcopal South. It was a beautiful little white building with mixed colored windows of beautiful glass.

Brief history of Clarkes Bethel United Methodist Church in Salvo NC

In year 1886, a parcel of land was given be Mr. Edward L. Midgett and wife Mrs. Patsy J. Midgett to build a church in Salvo. It was trusted to the following trustees. Mr. L.B. Midgett, Mr. William G. Midgett and Mr. Frank P. Midgett.

The church was built in 1886 and given the name Salvo Methodist Episcopal South. It was a beautiful little white building with mixed colored windows of beautiful glass. There were three windows on each side of the building and two doors in the front.

To the north of the fence, a long pole was staked to tie the horses to as everyone that didn’t walk to church, rode in horse and cart or horse back.

Inside the church there was an Amen Corner on the northeast side and a choir on the southeast side, with the pulpit in the center. The church was heated by a wood and coal stove with the stove pipe going through the ceiling to the attic to reach the chimney.

When entering the church, there were two isles and four rows of benches. Music was furnished by a piano.

The first church service was held February 25, 1886, by Mr. Rowan Hooper, class leader with seventeen members present. The same year on December 7, 1886, came the first pastor, Reverend Charles A. Brothers.

In 1892, the name of the church was changed to Clarkes Bethel Methodist.

On September 14, 1944, the church was almost destroyed by a storm; this church had been served by twenty nine pastors. The church was rebuilt on the same foundation in 1945 with two Sunday school rooms added and again was ready for service. While in the meantime, service was held in the home of Mrs. Josephine Gray.

Several years later, improvements have been made in the church, wall to wall carpets, a gas heater was installed, furniture redone, pulpit chair refinished, a new piano was purchased, two new flags, a communion table, sixty new hymnals, new parament and kraft stick were purchased, altar ware, a cross, flower vases and candle holders, a baptism bowl, a candle lighter, two new collection plates, new light fixtures, a challir, and a PA system was installed. Two church signs have been placed in the parking lot.

The church tries to reach out in the community by placing the N.C. Christian advocate in the home of members. The Upper Room is given to people of the community. Fruit bags are given at Christmas and Easter. This is a strong spiritual church, small in number.

The first home coming was May 5, 1985. We now have a Home Coming every spring. People use the church for weddings. We have services every Sunday, three times and we enjoy tourist which we have every Sunday.

History of the church submitted by Zenovah Hooper