In 1956, a tent meeting was held in the Royal Oaks community of Kannapolis, NC. Those present decided that the community needed a Methodist Church. On October 21 of that very year, Royal Oaks United Methodist Church was born, with the Reverend Frank Starnes as the first pastor. Groundbreaking on a building to house the church began in January of 1957. After 8 months, the first worship service was held in the new building. In 1962, the church built a parsonage to serve the minister and their family.
Membership at Royal Oaks began to grow, and on May 7, 1967, construction began on a new sanctuary and an education wing for Sunday school classes. On February 18, 1968, the beautiful sanctuary we are blessed to worship in today was consecrated in the Sunday morning worship service.
Former Pastors of Royal Oaks United Methodist Church
1956 – 1960 Rev. Frank Starnes 1960 – 1962 Rev. Wade Benson 1962 – 1964 Rev. John Pennick 1964 – 1968 Rev. Terry Hammill 1968 – 1970 Rev. Louis Murray
1970 – 1972 Rev. Paul Ridenhour 1972 – 1976 Rev. Larry Clifton 1976 – 1978 Rev. Ed Sides 1978 – 1980 Rev. Andy Langford 1980 – 1985 Rev. Gary Royals
1985 – 1988 Rev. Jimmie Holland 1988 – 1989 Rev. Ted Craddock 1989 – 1994 Rev. Greg Gordon 1994 – 1997 Rev. Paula Judy 1997 – 2000 Rev. Ronnie Parker
The wooden cross that hangs above the alter in the sanctuary and was hand crafted by one of the members of the church, W.R. Blalock. It has been part of the sanctuary since the inaugural worship service in February 1968. His daughter still attends Royal Oaks UMC and recalls when it was being crafted. “We were not allowed to roller-skate in the basement when the cross was being made because our father was concerned about the dust we would kick up,” recalls Judy Cline. The baptismal font was hand crafted by Mr. Blalock. Royal Oaks has been blessed through its history with individuals who are willing to donate their time and talents.
United Methodist Church
1020 Kansas Street Kannapolis, North Carolina 28083