About Us
We are a Methodist church, rooted in the principles and teachings that define the Christian faith. Our Wesleyan theological heritage points to an emphasis on practical divinity; that is, the implementation of genuine Christianity in the lives of believers.
We believe, with John Wesley, that the living core of the Christian faith is revealed in Scripture, illumined by tradition, quickened in personal experience, and confirmed by reason. There is also an emphasis on grace – God’s unmerited favor toward us.
We hold in common with all Christians a faith in the mystery of salvation through Jesus Christ and share the belief that God’s redemptive love is realized through the Holy Spirit.
What We Believe
A Bit of Our History
Sandy Ridge Methodist Church has a long and rich history. The church was originally called Harmony Hill, a Methodist Protestant Church located about a mile from the present location. The first church building now sits on the property which was the residence of the late Ira (Buck) Idol.
At its beginning in 1820, church services were first held in members’ homes in the Sandy Ridge Community. In 1830, Alson Gray, a newly ordained pastor, organized the church with only three women as charter members. By 1844 the membership increased to 170 members, and services were held in little more than a tent.
In the 1870s, Sandy Ridge community residents John and Nancy Poe began plans for a new and better church. John Poe was not only one of the best farmers in the area, but he was an excellent carpenter and financed the whole project. He built a new frame church, considerably larger than the original log structure, and presented it to the Sandy Ridge Community.
The first minister to go out from Sandy Ridge was Rev. Jesse Gray who was ordained on October 30, 1885, and later became pastor of Colfax Wesleyan Methodist Church. Rev. Jabez Pegg was another pastor who began his ministry at Sandy Ridge.
As the years progressed, Sandy Ridge joined three other Methodist churches and formed a circuit: Sandy Ridge, Bunker Hill, Piney Grove, and Cherry Street. In 1952 the charge was divided, and Sandy Ridge and Bunker Hill became separate charges. The parsonage was built in 1952 on land donated by Mr. and Mrs. Joe W. Frazier, Sr.
The second church building was built in 1880 and remodeled in 1944 under Rev. W.T. Albright at a cost of $6000.00 and was paid for when completed. About the end of World War II, a decision was made to refurbish the inside and outside of the church and add four Sunday school rooms. Most of the work was done by the local men.
The building was dedicated in September 1949, had a seating capacity of 240, and contained four Sunday School rooms. The congregation worshiped in this building until 1963, when land was secured from Mr. and Mrs. Joe Frazier, Sr. for the present and third church building.
In 1997 the sanctuary was renovated, and the narthex was added. In 2009 a generous donation was given to the church to pave the parking lot. Then a matching grant of $55,000 was given by Duke Endowment to enhance the Children’s Ministry.
In July 2023 Sandy Ridge United Methodist left the United Methodist Church, joined the Global Methodist Church, and continues as Sandy Ridge Methodist Church of High Point.