According to Ran Shaffner’s book Heart of the Blue Ridge: Highlands, North Carolina, Highlands was home to two Methodist congregations beginning in 1882. One belonged to the Methodist Episcopal Church South and the other to the Northern Methodist Church.
In 1904, members of the two congregations chose to unite, forming a single Methodist church serving the Highlands community.
The church purchased a lot next to the Masonic Hall from Thomas and Harriet Parker for $250 and began construction under architect John Z. Gottwals.
The building was dedicated in August 1909, though construction came with challenges. According to historical accounts, strong mountain winds twice blew down the rafters during construction.
Early features of the church included:
Despite its simplicity, the building quickly became a gathering place for worship and community.
In the early 1950s, the original one-room building was expanded and improved. Church members were invited to support the project through generous contributions.
Highlights of the renovation included:
The renovated church building was dedicated in 1958.
In the late 1940s and throughout the 1950s, the church opened its doors to African-American domestic workers who served seasonal residents in Highlands. They gathered in the sanctuary for Sunday afternoon worship.
To show their appreciation, they hosted an annual musical performance, sharing the proceeds between the church building fund and the Highlands Community Hospital. A total of $625 was raised.
The sanctuary is graced with 16 stained glass windows, each donated by families in honor or memory of loved ones.
A book in the church office provides information about each window and the families who made these gifts possible.
The Smith–Tillett Chapel is named in honor of Kate Tillett Smith, a faithful member of the church who left funds to support the continued growth of the congregation and its ministry.
Her gift was given to support:
“the growing dream of a vibrant church for all local Highlanders and people who summer in Highlands.”
Mrs. Smith came from a strong Methodist heritage. Her father, Dr. Wilbur Fisk, served as a dean and teacher at the Vanderbilt School of Religion, and her grandfather was known as “The Iron Duke” of pioneer Methodism in North Carolina.
The church expanded again in the early 1990s with the addition of an Activities Building and Sunday School classrooms.
During this time:
Through the years, more than 62 ministers have served the Methodist congregations of Highlands, faithfully leading worship, guiding the church, and supporting the spiritual life of the community.