Drawing of Jackson Street in 1868.	Early 1900s

 The history of Jackson Street United Methodist Church is a story of a great church. It is the story of a church founded on the principles of the love of God and brotherhood of man. Throughout its one hundred and thirty years the importance of a personal religious experience of conversion, simple trust in Jesus Christ as the only source of man's salvation and high moral standards has been nurtured.

One hundred and thirty years ago Ulysses S Grant was nominated for President of the United States, the country was trying to reconstruct itself after the bloody Civil War, and a group of Methodist, newly emancipated, petitioned the annual conference for a leader. In answer to this appeal, the Rev. George Lewis was sent to Lynchburg. The courageous and visionary man of God assembled the inspired group in the first meeting place known as Thomas' Chapel. From there this ban of Christians moved to the section of the city known as Camp Davis. The Holy Spirit came upon them in their evangelistic services and many persons were added to the church.

Larger quarters were soon needed and on October 2, 1866, the cornerstone was laid by John McDaniel at Jackson and Ninth Streets, our present site. After two years of struggle this edifice was completed, and on October 17, 1868 dedicatory services were held. Rev. Benjamin Brown of Baltimore, Maryland delivered the sermon.

Jackson Street Methodist Church has always been interested in education and improvement of young people. The membership purchased a tract of land and deeded it to the Methodist conference. On October 20, 1892, the cornerstone of the Virginia Collegiate and Industrial Institute, Morgan College Annex was laid. Later the church mortgaged its own property here and assumed a debt of $14,000 in order to help rid the school of debt. The school was an important religious and educational branch of the church until it was destroyed by fire during fire during the administration of Professor L.M. McCoy.

The history of the church would be incomplete without paying tribute to the many clubs, societies, guilds and leagues. They have made an unparalleled and glorious contribution in the areas of religion, education and culture.

In the later part of the nineteenth century both Booker T. Washington and Frederick Douglas spoke from the pulpit of this historic church.

From her altars have gone forth many distinguished men and women carrying with them the lessons of love and devotion learned here at the feet of those who gave their to service.

First known as Jackson Street Mehtodist Episcopal Church, then Jackson Street Methodist Church and now as the Jackson Street United Methodist Church, we have come a long way.

We look forward to the future.