How Our Church Was Named
Churches named for women are rare. Virginia Wingard Memorial United Methodist Church is a memorial to a noble, loving and caring woman. Her life was an inspiration to those who knew of her deep faith and love for God.
In the Columbia community, Mrs. Virginia Wingard was a servant to humanity. She became known as an Ambassador of Good Will, visiting the sick of all faiths in the hospitals and homes.
A member of Main Street Methodist Church, Mrs. Virginia Wingard was admired by the entire congregation for her dedicated service to her church and her love for people. She shared the needs of others with unbounded generosity. In keeping with her beautiful spirit, she was visiting the sick in hospitals when she herself became ill. She slipped quietly into a hospital bed, where she died on January 26, 1953.
So great was the impact of her life, that shortly after her death, the congregation of Main Street Methodist Church endeavored to establish a living memorial in her name. Many ideas were discussed. However, when it was determined there was a need for a new church in the fast-growing St. Andrews area. It seemed to be the perfect tribute to this gracious lady. With the sponsorship of Main Street Methodist Church and the dedication and prayers of the twenty-two original organizers, Virginia Wingard Memorial Methodist Church was created to honor this godly woman and to glorify the God she loved so deeply.
Reverend James M. Varner, 1954-58
Reverend D. Layton Gregory, 1958-63
Reverend W. Paul Smith, 1963-69
Reverend Robert James, 1968-74
Reverend William C. Stackhouse, 1974-77
Reverend Eugene C. Holmes, 1977-79
Reverend Frank J. Griffith, Jr, 1980-90
Reverend James S. Gadsden, Sr., 1990-93
Reverend Richard E. Allen, Jr., 1993-2000
Reverend W. Robert Borom, 2000-2005
Reverend John Wesley Culp, 2005-2014
Reverend Scott W. Smoak, 2014-2020
Reverend Beth Faulk, 2020-present
Virginia Wingard Memorial UMC is proud of a past filled with faith and looks forward to a future filled with hope as we continue to do God’s work in God’s place.
About Our Church Family
Our Mission: to proclaim Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, and to make disciples through loving outreach, lively worship, quality care and exciting education.
Formed in 1954, Virginia Wingard Memorial UMC is proud of a past filled with faith and looks forward to a future filled with hope as we continue to do God’s work in God’s place. Through its programs and services, we endeavor to glorify God and serve others in God’s name.
Churches named for women are rare. Virginia Wingard Memorial United Methodist Church is a memorial to a noble, loving and caring woman. Her life was an inspiration to those who knew of her deep faith and love for God.
The VWMUMC logo was created to show loving outreach and openness of arms by the “v” and the lively “w” for worship, glory to God and love for mankind. It symbolizes the love and the humility of the wonderful lady for whom our Church is named.
Virginia Wingard Memorial UMC has a number of small groups that provide nurture, support, and spiritual growth through Bible studies, social events, outreach and service, as well as basic ministry to those around us who may need help.
The Food Pantry is a huge mission program of Virginia Wingard Memorial UMC. With today’s economic situation, the food distribution for persons in need and/or passing by have increased from 30 grocery bags a week to 80+ grocery bags a week. Dedicated to the mission of providing this type assistance and support, God continues to bless our church to meet these needs.
If you are searching for a church family, we invite you to visit with us. We believe you will find Virginia Wingard Memorial UMC a church with “open minds, open hearts, and open doors.”