Lyman Methodist Church was established on July 27, 1924, by a committed group of about fifty Methodists who became the church’s charter members. The original church building was located on Community Street, on land generously provided by Lyman Printing and Finishing, which later became Springs Industries.
For many years, the church prospered, but like many other “textile mill churches,” its membership eventually declined as the textile industry moved overseas. On May 22, 2004, a tragic accident caused a fire that destroyed the church building. Remarkably, in the aftermath, no Bibles or crosses were burned.
That same evening, the congregation gathered at Lyman Baptist Church for prayer and communion, finding comfort in the reminder that “the children will lead them.” The first contributions toward rebuilding came from three young children, who gave a total of five dollars and fifty cents. A building committee was quickly formed, and the work of rebuilding began immediately.
The Town of Lyman generously offered the municipal building for the congregation to continue meeting. Each week, a dedicated committee transformed the courtroom into a worship space. During this period, the church began to grow again, embodying the spirit of “out of the ashes comes renewed life.”
Lyman Methodist Church, now located on Groce Road, was dedicated on March 19, 2006, with South Carolina Conference Bishop Mary Virginia Taylor officiating the service.
As we approach the church’s 100th anniversary, it is our prayer that Lyman Methodist Church will continue to be a vibrant and faithful community.