Right here in the heart of historic Beaufort, NC, we are the oldest congregation in town, with roots that go back to 1778. Even with all that history, our church is full of life and growing every day. We are a true intergenerational family, with something for everyone. From our busy preschool and children’s programs to ministries that care for and connect with seniors, we love walking together through every season of life. Ann Street UMC is more than a church building. It is a community hub where people come for worship, friendship, and support, and where anyone in can find a caring hand and a place to belong.
Our History
The Ann Street UMC congregation was established in 1778. When Francis Asbury first visited Beaufort he said, “The people of Beaufort are kind, but have little religion.” When he visited 21 years later he remarked, “In Beaufort, the Lord hath put forth his power and the whole town seems to bow to the scepter of the Lord.” In 1820, Ann Street members built their first church on the corner of Craven and Broad Streets. In 1830 there were a total of 258 members of diverse races. In 1854 the present church was built and the old building eventually housed Purvis Chapel African Methodist Episcopal, Zion Church.
During the Civil War, Union soldiers took over Beaufort and because our preacher had fled with his family, soldiers moved into the empty parsonage. During the war our sanctuary was used first as a field hospital and then used as a general hospital when yellow fever broke out in the area. Over the years the church building has been restored, repainted and had the steeple replaced. However, the sanctuary remains much the same as it was in the late 1800’s. Ann Street Church’s commitment to God and ministry to others continues to call us ever forward: building on the past, becoming the church we are today, and planning for the church we will be tomorrow.
The original configuration of the present sanctuary showed it facing north with backless pews running east to west, parallel to Ann Street. In 1896 the back section of the church was added, the altar was turned to the west wall, and the stained glass windows were installed.
The present building represents personal involvement and love. Every nail, shingle, plank and brick of the original building was a labor of love given by the fishermen who sold their crafts, girls raising money and boys hauling oysters and doing odd jobs, donating their money to build and renovate the church. That attitude is still present here at Ann Street United Methodist, with members contributing and working together to help others.
Our Town
Ann Street United Methodist Church is located in downtown Beaufort, NC on the corner of Ann Street and Craven Street. Our church is surrounded by history as Beaufort is one of Carteret County’s oldest towns and was named as the “Coolest Small Town in America” in 2012!
The beautiful town of Beaufort is nestled along the Crystal Coast, creating a unique setting for our historical church. This area is equipped to raise a family, retire or even own a second home. No matter your current place in life, our church doors are always open. Many of our members enjoy riding their bikes down Front Street, visiting locally owned shops and restaurants that are specifically unique to Beaufort, North Carolina.
Beaufort is also home to some of the most beautiful islands on the Crystal Coast. Visit Bird Shoals, Carrot Island or the Rachel Carson Reserve for a family day out on the boat full of adventure and education! You may also want to enjoy some relaxing kayaking or paddle boarding during the summer months.
Not all small towns in North Carolina can say they have carved their living straight from the land and sea, all while fighting off hurricanes and pirates, but Beaufort can! Beaufort’s early history offers many perspectives on the average life during the revolutionary and civil wars. Beaufort is a staple of North Carolina, seen as a historical, coastal town that continues to thrive on its history.
Regardless of how long you have lived in Beaufort, the history continues to impress and discoveries continue to be made. Just visit our local Maritime Museum to learn about Beaufort’s history in the commercial fishing sector and maritime life!
"And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony."
— Colossians 3:14
Ann Street United Methodist Church is a community of believers seeking to follow Jesus Christ and share His love with the world around us. Grounded in the deep traditions of the United Methodist Church, we embrace a faith that is rooted in Scripture, guided by grace, and lived out through service.
We are not a perfect church — we are a church of people, each on their own unique journey with God. What unites us is not a flawless record, but a shared desire to know Christ more deeply and to reflect His love to those around us.
We believe that God's love is available to every single person — not just a select few — and that each life has a unique and irreplaceable place in God's greater story. Whether someone walks through our doors for the first time or has been part of this community for decades, they matter here.
As part of the United Methodist Church, we are connected to a global community of faith committed to spreading grace and serving the world for centuries. The United Methodist tradition values: