Our History

Lebanon Methodist Church has a 130+ year history in the Lower Richland community located just east of Columbia, SC. The story started at Logue's Chapel, which was located on Tom's Creek Road about 5 miles from the present site of our church. That building, after being abandoned by a Presbyterian congregation, was claimed by a group of John Wesley-inspired Methodists in 1884. 

In 1892, the Logue congregation moved to our present site on Garner's Ferry Road on one and a half acres of land donated by William Sanders Hogan to the Methodist Episcopal Church-South. The founding congregation had an annual budget of $48.60 and 15 members. The first sanctuary was a very plain one story wood-frame building heated by a black iron wood stove and lighted by oil lamps. The church was named Lebanon in reference to the Cedars of Lebanon, which are known for their strength and endurance.

Services were held in that building until April 30th, 1924 when an F4 tornado totally destroyed the structure. One year later, a new beautiful brick building in the shape of a cross was completed (with the debt paid off 19 years later in 1943). This sanctuary was used for over 86 years! During that time, a parlor was built (1953), a parsonage across the street (1953), an educational wing (year?), steeple and chimes (1986), and the main sanctuary underwent a complete renovation in the year 2000. Lebanon joined the United Methodist Church in the year 1968 and went from a three station charge to a one station charge in 1978.

In 2011 extensive damage (caused by water and termites) was discovered, along with several other major structural problems. The decision was made to build a new sanctuary (the third), saving many historical items such as the lights, stained glass windows, pews, chimes, and the steeple. After three years of planning and construction, the new sanctuary was completed in July 2014. During that time, the congregation worshipped in the fellowship hall. The first worship service in the new sanctuary was celebrated on August 3, 2014 and the building dedication was held on October 5, 2014. 

Over time, additional land has been donated by the Gwinn family which has allowed Lebanon the space for a prayer garden, children’s playground, and additional parking. After much prayer, study, and counsel, the Lebanon congregation separated from the United Methodist Church in 2023 through the leading of the Holy Spirit, godly leadership, and the faithful tithing of its membership. We remain incredibly grateful for God’s provision over these many years as we recognize that “Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain that build it” (Psalm 127:1) and that “the grass withers, the flower fades, but the Word of our God will stand forever” (Isaiah 40:8).