About Us
Welcome!
We are Trinity United Methodist Church located in beautiful North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Like other congregations, we are not only challenged but are constantly learning what it means to be followers of Jesus Christ in a forever changing world. While we seek on a daily basis to remain faithful to Christ we also try and find time to stop - listen - and hear what God is calling us to do. Together, we are discovering how to give God our very best as a congregation and as individuals. Fortunately, Pastor Gene and his team consistently offer three wonderful worship services along with various Bible studies, ministries and events for all ages. Our church is a place to worship, learn and continually grow in Christ. We invite you to attend a service, speak to our members and realize how important it is for us to help each other as well as our neighbors. We are a diverse group of individuals with various backgrounds who moved here to be a little warmer, maybe play some golf/pickleball and overall enjoy what this beach town has to offer.
Please look through our website to find a service, Bible study, or event that fits your needs and join us in this wonderful journey we call life!
A Church that inspires to live by our Mission Statement:
"Life in the Son"
Loving, Inviting, Faithful, Examples, Serving, Our, Neighbors
Faith
Faith is the cornerstone of our church. It is part of every activity that we do, every meeting that we hold. We believe in our Lord, and that our actions are a reflection of his goodness.
Scripture
We look to the Lord for guidance in our lives. In Scripture, we find all that we need to guide us in the right path. Reading and understand Scripture helps us all live meaningful lives.
Community
Join us. We welcome each and every one of you to encounter the Lord's unconditional love with us. Inside each of us is a purpose and meaning to be fulfilled by God.
Our Team
Gene Aiken
Senior Pastor
Edmond Daniel
Associate Pastor
Stephanie Schellinger
Director of Christian Education
Matthew Daniel
Youth Minister
A BRIEF HISTORY OF TRINITY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
- In 1945 a group of people met to discuss the possibility of establishing a Methodist church on the Upper Grand Strand.
- In September 1946 the first service was held in a small building on Crescent Beach.
- A petition was sent to the District Superintendent for a minister to Crescent Beach. Reverend Carl L. Parker was appointed the first pastor in late 1946.
- The new church was called Ocean View Chapel Methodist Church.
- Soon after the Jordan family gave five lots to the church, and the church purchased two additional lots.
- Ground was broken in March 1947, and the church was first used in August 1947. No pews or pulpit were present, just a piano, a few chairs and twelve hymnals. By late fall pews and a pulpit were installed.
- In 1950 Sunday school rooms were planned, and an educational building was constructed (AG Greene).
- On June 17, 1951, a resolution was passed to change the name to Trinity Methodist Church.
- In 1952 a parsonage was acquired and was located on the corner of 14th S and Edge.
- Membership grew, and plans were started to replace the “little church” with a larger church.
- The “little church” was moved to Edge Drive and converted to a fellowship hall. Ground breaking occurred on February 11, 1959.
- In 1962 furnishings were installed although the church was not fully in use until heat and air conditioning were completed in the winter of 1965-66.
- In April 23, 1968, the United Methodist Church was formed by the Methodist Church and Evangelical Brethren Church. Trinity Methodist Church became Trinity United Methodist Church.
- The steeple was added to TUMC in 1975, and in 1979 a new parsonage was purchased which is at the present site on Elizabeth Street.
- In 1981 plans were made to enlarge the facilities with classrooms and office space.
- In 1983 a two-story addition was built connecting the present sanctuary and the fellowship hall. Two more lots were purchased for future parking.
- In May 1989 a new organ was installed. Christmas Eve of that same year 15 inches of snow fell, and Christmas Eve and Christmas Day services were cancelled!
- In 1992 the Administrative Council voted to purchase another lot on Edge Drive.
- In 1997 a celebration was held to mark Trinity’s 50th anniversary. Bishop Robert Spain was the guest speaker.
- In 2006 a balcony was added to the church due to increased numbers.
- In June 2012 Reverend Michael Ritter was welcomed with his family as the new pastor and served until 2022.
- In 2013 the loan for the balcony was paid in full and was marked with a burning of the bank-note ceremony.
- In October 2016 TUMC had a dedication ceremony for the new Memorial Garden.
- In July 2022 Reverend Gene Aiken was welcomed with his family as the new and current pastor.
- In October 2022 Trinity celebrated 75 years in ministry.
- On March 5th, 2024 Harrington Construction demolished what was our Fellowship Hall and began as our original Sanctuary in 1947.