SHERBOURNE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

The land on which what is now Sherbourne United Methodist Church was constructed was donated by Mr. Albert W. Bensley after the Bensley family migrated to Chesterfield County from Hamilton, Ontario, Canada in 1888. A ground breaking was held on August 27, 1926 for what was to become Sherbourne Avenue Methodist Episcopal Church, South. Construction of the church was begun by Mr. Walker even before a congregation had formed. The church’s first two charter members were Mr. David M. Walker and Mrs. Lucy R. McCarty. The third charter member, Mr. George E. W. Trent, came from Beulah Methodist Church to help Mr. Walker get Sherbourne organized and served as its first Sunday School Superintendent. The church was formally organized on September 4, 1927. The Reverend Fred Chenault, D. D. addressed those in attendance, and the sermon was delivered by Bishop Collins Denny, D. D., L .L. D. The church’s first minister was Dr. H. Conrad Blackwell.

Sherbourne United Methodist Church defines its mission as “ Practicing the commission of Jesus Christ through evangelism and service in our community and around the world by a caring ministry of teaching, healing, and making disciples.” Sherbourne’s regular services include Sunday School and a traditional adult service, with a congregation of thirty-five to forty-five normally present. The church sponsors a health clinic on Tuesday’s from 8:30 am until 3:00 pm, and a food pantry is available on Wednesday’s from 9:00 am until 11:00 am.

Profile prepared by Norma Montgomery
October, 2006