Jekyll Island United Methodist Church

Service Times 

Sundays

• Sunday School - 10:00 AM
• Main Service - 11:00 AM

History In the middle of the 1950s, after Jekyll Island had been purchased by the State of Georgia and opened to the public, people began to move onto the island and held services at Faith Chapel. Rev. James Pennell, the first pastor assigned to the Jekyll Island Methodist Church, continued holding services at Faith Chapel at 9:00 am. There were 19 charter members. In September 1963, the Woman's Society of Christian Service was formed and led by Ouida Miller. Groundbreaking for the present church site took place on September 5, 1965. The building was completed in 1966. In June 1966, the church became a full-time appointment with the assignment of Rev. David Hudson. In 1973, the sanctuary was carpeted and pews were installed. Under Rev. Nat Hamlin's pastorate, he was approved to participate in the World Methodist Exchange Program and changed places with Rev. Wilfred Tooley from East Finchley in London. In 1980, this church received a certificate of appreciation for paying Six Lanes of Advance Mission and, in 1981, was named Charge of the Year. In 1986, Dr. and Mrs. Rasmussen were commissioned as missionaries from this church to Mexico. Groundbreaking for the new porte-cochere, fellowship hall and educational support complex occurred on September 20, 1987, with Dr. Marion Edward, District Superintendent of the Waycross District participating. In 1988, the new building was completed and dedicated. An active youth ministry was led by Vicki Jones in 1997, with Christian study, fundraising projects, retreats, and group excursions. Also, in 1997, renovations occurred at the parsonage, a pictorial directory was completed and two Bible studies were attended. After the 40th anniversary in 2002, Rev. Diane Holt was the first female pastor and first part-time pastor for Jekyll Island UMC.