who we are / our history

Hawthorne Lane United Methodist Church is honored to have served Charlotte for over 100 years.

On December 5, 1915, Hawthorne Lane officially began as a congregation of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. The first service was held in Elizabeth College (now Presbyterian Hospital) with a charter membership of 189.

A lot on the corner of Hawthorne Lane and E. Eighth Street was deeded to the church by the Oakhurst Land Company. This site remains our current location. Our first service on this site was held in the “new building” on December 3, 1916.

In April 1993, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Historic Landmarks Commission and the Charlotte City Council designated Hawthorne Lane United Methodist Church as a Historic Landmark. This designation was awarded because of architecturally significant features and appointments such as the bell tower, slate roof, nave ceiling of American, now extinct, wormy chestnut and stained glass windows with cast stone tracery. The interior woodwork moldings, wooded screen, balustrades, wainscot and panels emphasize the volume and shape of the interior spaces provided by the Akron architectural plan.

Since its founding, Hawthorne Lane has raised many Methodist men and women who have gone on to spread the good news of Jesus Christ throughout the world. Hawthorne Lane is proud of its history and looks forward to serving the Charlotte community and beyond for another 100 years.