Our Story
Seaside United Methodist Church has been growing and changing since 1989 when a community survey was conducted by a group of individuals interested in establishing a new United Methodist Church in South Brunswick County. Results of the survey were favorable and the organizing members began the task of officially chartering Seaside United Methodist Church.
On June 18, 1989, Bishop C.P. Minnick appointed the Reverend Camille Yorkey Edwards as the first pastor of Seaside United Methodist Church. With seventy-five persons present, the first services were held in a former furniture store on July 2, 1989.
Three years later, on July 5, 1992, Seaside United Methodist Church moved into its new facility located on Route 904 near Seaside Station. The inaugural service was attended by more than three hundred fifty persons. The church had grown almost ten-fold in just three years.
In 1993, Rev. Jerry Lowry was appointed to serve this dynamic, growing church. During his tenure, membership increased and many new outreach ministries were established the meet the needs of the surrounding community and a world in need.
Rev. Robert (Bob) Redmond succeeded Rev. Lowry in 2000 and remained at Seaside until 2007. During these years, the church grew to 564 active members and Seaside continued to serve as a leader for outreach ministries in a rapidly growing community. In 2005, the church began construction of a new worship center, and dedication services for this beautiful new facility were held in November of 2006.
Since that time Seaside has been served by Rev. Scott and Rev. Mary Jane Wilson-Parsons as a Co-Pastor Team (2009-2019); Interim Pastor Rev. Francis Daniel (2019-2020); Rev. Dr. Gene Cobb (2020-2022); Rev. Stefanie Riley, Executive Pastor (2014-Present) and Rev. Dr. Matt Farabow (2022-Present).
