It was in a sparsely settled rural community, located about 5 miles north of Henderson, North Carolina, that Flat Rock United Methodist Church was to originate. The beginning of Christian education for these neighborly people whose main mode of transportation was by foot, horseback, or buggy began in a small two-room frame building.

Ironic as it may seem, the building to serve as a religious meeting place for this group of people was once a bar and merchants store. The building had also been used as a school and was located across the road from Cooper's Grove.

In 1880, the people of this aspiring community felt the need for some instructive teaching of the Bible for their children and themselves. Silver Spring School was selected as a meeting site for Bible teaching and worship programs, because it was conveniently located and easily accessible. Ministers and Laymen of nearby communities were invited to conduct the services. Good attendance and growing interest soon produced the need for a larger meeting place. In 1890, 10 years after the first service, Flat Rock Methodist Protestant Church was organized. The name was chosen because of the large flat rock, believed to be a vein from the rock of Greystone Quarry, which runs beneath where the church is built.

In 1891, the N.C. Conference assigned the Rev. J. E. Swain as the first minister of Vance Charge that consisted of five churches. They were: Flat Rock, Spring Valley, New Hope, Harris Chapel and Gillburg. New Hope later burned and that congregation joined the members of Drewry United Methodist Church, leaving a four-point circuit.

In 1924, the need for Sunday school classrooms became apparent and one was built on each side of the sanctuary. At this point in its history, the church now took the shape of a Latin cross.

The Methodist Episcopal, Methodist Episcopal South, and Methodist Protestant denominations merged in 1939 to become the Methodist denomination. Another union took place in 1968 when the Methodist Church and the Evangelical United Brethren Church became the United Methodist Church.

The church grew and in 1950, five classrooms, a basement with two restrooms, an assembly room, and a fully equipped kitchen were added to the building. The congregation finally enjoyed the convenience of running water and central heat. Air-conditioning was added a later. The Gladys Satterwhite Building was constructed in 1981. The building provided nine additional rooms, including a fellowship hall, pastor’s study, and parlor.

The Vance Charge was divided in 1959. Spring Valley and Flat Rock became a two-point circuit keeping the name of Vance charge. In 1988, Flat Rock became a station church with a full-time minister. Additional programs and activities were started, which resulted in increased membership and attendance. We also purchased Spring Valley's share of the parsonage, which had been built on the Satterwhite Point Road in 1971.

Over the years, many gifts and memorials have been given to the church. The beauty of the sanctuary has been enhanced by the stained glass windows, pews and cushions, lighting fixtures, carpeting, and painting. Many other gifts have aided in the worship service and have contributed to the spiritual growth of our members.

Funds have been raised for many projects as well. Suppers, brunswick stews, ice cream suppers, and harvest sales have been held. Even though a lot of hard work was involved, the proceeds brought about many church improvements. Equally as important was the fellowship enjoyed by those participating.

After 115 years, Flat Rock is still a God-centered and Spirit-filled Church. We are thankful for our many blessings, proud of our heritage and have faith in our future.

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