Trinity demolishes old fellowship hall to expand reach in community

By Patricia Schott

At Trinity United Methodist Church in North Myrtle Beach, they are a living example of their mission statement, “Life in the Son.” Together with Pastor Gene Aiken and a growing congregation, Trinity finally decided it was time to demolish the “old,” a very worn fellowship hall.

With plans approved, they will break ground this June for their bigger, better and much needed Trinity Hall.

Building plans reveal that Trinity Hall will have a kitchen, several classrooms, storage areas, two handicap accessible bathrooms and a large gathering space that will easily seat 250 people. Although this sounds like a lot of space, with the ever-increasing global problem of diminishing church attendance and Trinity itself being located in a vacation destination, it cannot come too soon or too big!

The classrooms will host numerous day/evening Bible studies, various Trinity groups like the bridge club or the Trinity Crafters, and its Wellness Ministry, which provides local support through organized AA meetings, Weight Watchers meetings, blood pressure screenings and Gamblers Anonymous.

The event space that seats up to 250 people will become home to Trinity’s ever-growing contemporary worship service as well as providing better support to various missions like Master’s Meal and the Armed Services Assistance Program (ASAP).

The hall will provide a better opportunity for the church to gather and grow together through the many programs it already has in place to serve their neighbors.

The two year-round missions mentioned above will benefit, as Master’s Meal and ASAP both require more space as the community continually looks to them for more assistance.

Last year, the surgeon general announced there is a growing epidemic of loneliness and isolation in our nation that needs to be addressed. Trinity UMC has been and continues to do just that. Their Master’s Meal hosts a free community meal every Wednesday at noon for anyone needing a hot meal or just some companionship. Trinity believes that taking the time to sit down weekly with members of their community is a good foundation upon which to build a relationship and continue to foster a sense of togetherness.

ASAP is another community-wide mission providing aid to veterans and their families. On the last Saturday of each month, more than 50 pre-registered veterans are provided with a large box of food, can shop through tables of free clothing and household items and are provided with devotional information.

What is most important, like Master’s Meal, ASAP volunteers build a relationship with those in need and help fill a void of loneliness and isolation.

One can sense the excitement of what is to come and what Trinity Hall will provide for others. It is Trinity’s goal to live their mission statement—to watch people walk through the front door, see them not only grow in faith and help others grow in faith, but to stay for the long run and be connected within the church. Nothing would make them happier than to see Trinity Hall, with bigger and better accommodations, bustling with numerous mission activities, various church groups, community organizations and the much-needed community wellness programs.

The positivity and growth of “Living Life in the Son” has become infectious since the demolition of the old fellowship hall. Congregational members and community members alike are on board in anticipation of what the new Trinity Hall will bring. As in Acts 2:42 (NIV), “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of the bread and to prayer.”

Thanks be to God that Trinity Hall will be a gathering place for those looking for faith and those looking to continually grow their faith through food, fun and fellowship.

Schott is Trinity UMC historian.