Carthage United Methodist is one of a few of the oldest churches in Moore County. CUMC began just outside of town in 1820 in a log house more than a mile west of Carthage near the home of the late John Dowd. In 1852, a site in Carthage, near what was then the Summit Hotel, was chosen to build a new sanctuary. It was here that Presbyterians, Baptists, and Methodists worshiped, providing a place for all denominations. In 1900, the present structure was built, its style of Victorian Gothic Revival; and in 1922, the home for the clergy and family was built. You can currently see the home, which was sold in 2019, just across the street from the church. The town of Carthage itself was a thriving community from the 1850s to 1929 due to the successful buggy manufacturing industry. However, with the invention of the automobile, it proved to be the downfall of the horse-drawn buggy business and Carthage began to be overshadowed by its neighboring towns of Pinehurst, Southern Pines, and Aberdeen. However, today, with the influx of the military community and growing resources, Carthage has begun its revival, with many businesses leaning into the historical buggy aspect. And CUMC is so excited to be located right in the heart of Carthage and to be on the doorstep of watching our community grow.