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MISSION & BELIEFS
Zoar Chapel is called to provide a worshipful environment in which to proclaim the Gospel of Christ and to encourage people to accept salvation in Jesus Christ. Our desire is to demonstrate God’s Spirit through worship, witness, and ministry to the needs of the people of this church and our community.
OUR STAFF
Michael Cheatham - Lead Pastor
Michael Cheatham serves as our senior pastor. He has been active in lay ministry for over 35 years. Michael is a graduate of Furman University and is married to his wife Jennifer. They have two sons, and four grandchildren.
ALTON FREE
Music Director / Musician
Alton has served Zoar as music director, choir director, organist, and pianist since 1976. Alton also manages church office functions and record keeping.
DENISE LEE
Musician
Denise has served Zoar as pianist since 2014. Denise also shares her talents by providing beautiful flower arrangements for our worship services, holidays, special church days and social functions.
SHARON WARREN
Custodian
Sharon has served as our Custodian since 2014. Sharon ensures our facilities are clean, neat and orderly and also operates our sound system during services.
HISTORY
Zoar Chapel is one of the oldest Methodist Churches in the Greer area. Around 1800. it began in a little log schoolhouse near its present location. In 1830 two acres of land were given upon which to build a church. The first structure was of logs. In 1845 a frame church was built. In 1901 it was decided that more space was needed and a bigger church was built. On May 4, 1906 this building was destroyed by fire. On May 13th steps were taken to rebuild at a cost of $3,033. It was dedicated to the service of God in November 1907.
In 1939, when the facilities for Sunday School proved inadequate, plans were made to build additional rooms. The eight classrooms and a heating plant were added at a cost of about $3,000.
In the fall of 1953 it was decided to remodel and add more Sunday School rooms, choir and choir room, and other facilities. This was completed in 1954. A box containing a Bible, Discipline, History of the church, hymnal, a copy of the S. C. Methodist Advocate and a copy of the Christian Advocate, and other records were sealed in the cornerstone.
In 1961 the interior of the church was renovated. Stained glass windows replaced the colored glass that had been used in the old church.
In 1980 the sanctuary was again remodeled and May 1984 brought the dedication of a Scout Building.
Family Life Center. A service of Consecration was held on Sunday, July 29, 1990. With the help of our anonymous friend, and through increasing personal contributions, several successful fund raising events, special contributions from different organizations and Sunday School classes, the mortgage was paid in full at the end of December 1995.
In 1992, a Schimmel grand piano was purchased and installed in the sanctuary at a cost of $23,000.
In 1993, a handicap ramp was constructed to allow access to the interior of the church and an elevator was installed to give handicapped persons access to the sanctuary and upper level of the church.
The year 2000 marked the 200th birthday of Zoar Methodist Church. This is a very special year was celebrated with a day of looking back and reflecting on the past and look forward to the future ministry of Zoar Methodist Church in this community. Rev. J. Lawrence McCleskey, Bishop of the SC Conference was the speaker for the Morning Worship Service. Former pastors were also recognized during this time.
At the conclusion, the cornerstone, which was placed on the front of the church building in 1954, was opened. Later the box was sealed and placed back in the cornerstone with several up-to-date items in it: a Hymnal, Discipline, a copy of SC United Methodist Advocate, history of the church, a Bible, other records, and photographs.
Zoar Methodist Church has served this community faithfully since 1800. In 1968, Zoar became part of the United Methodist Church and was a faithful member of the South Carolina Annual Conference.
In July 2023, Zoar separated from the United Methodist Conference and organized as Zoar Chapel, an independent Christian fellowship with traditional Christian values.
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