Our Story
Who are we?
For over a century, Merritt’s Chapel has been a place where faith, community, and tradition come together. Rooted in a rich history yet always looking forward, we strive to be a church where people of all backgrounds and experiences can grow in their relationship with Christ. Every part of our church reflects a commitment to worship, service, and fellowship. Whether you are new to our community or your family has been here for generations, we invite you to learn more about church and the story that continues to shape us.
Our Mission Statement
Our purpose is to build a community of Christian believers who will be a source of learning, missionary partnership, and compassion. Our hope is to reach all people in the name of Jesus Christ.
Our Congregation
Our congregation is a vibrant and welcoming community, made up of people from all walks of life. If you're looking for a flock of perfect people, Merritt's Chapel is not where you'll find it. But, if you're hoping to find yourself among folks who are friendly and caring works-in-progress, you are sure to feel at home with us.
Some families have lived in this area for generations, while others have come from different parts of the country or the world and now call this church home. We span a wide range of ages, from those who have been here their entire lives to those who have joined us more recently. Some came to faith as children, growing up in the church, while others have come to know (or rediscover) the love of our Savior in adulthood. Within our church family, you’ll find people in various professions and stages of life—parents, educators, farmers, scientists, business professionals, public servants, and many others.
But beyond our backgrounds and experiences, we are all sinners in need of grace, growing together in faith as we support and encourage one another in our journey with Christ.
Live Nativity Event, 2017
Our Facilities
Although we feel as a church family that the true heart of the church lies not within our Sanctuary and building, but in our members themselves, our facilities enable us to gather and serve the wider community.
Our sanctuary beautifully combines the old and the new. The central part of our building, the Sanctuary, was constructed in the early 1920’s and has been lovingly maintained and updated throughout the intervening years. Timeless stained glass windows surround our pews with filtered sunlight and up-to-date AV systems allow us to incorporate the modern aspects of worship which keep our services varied and engaging.
The building itself has also grown as renovations have been made and additions completed over the years. On the north end of the Sanctuary, you’ll find classrooms, meeting spaces, and offices including a nursery and choir room. In 2005, Merritt's Chapel was blessed to be able to add a Christian Life Center, known to our congregation as the “CLC.”
This addition functions primarily as a fellowship hall and serves many purposes for our church. It is used for suppers, Vacation Bible School activities, as a gymnasium for our youth and adults, outreach programs and much, much more.
Our History
The congregation at Merritt’s Chapel has been living, loving, and serving in our community for well over 100 years.
Merritt's Chapel has a unique and long history in Chatham County, North Carolina. Our roots go all the way back to the time of the American Revolution when Rev. Francis Asbury, the first Bishop of American Methodism, arrived in Chatham County at the home of Brother William Merritt. The nation’s first public university, UNC - Chapel Hill (which is located north of us, in Orange County) was not established until almost a decade after Rev. Asbury’s first visit to Merritt’s. Over the many intervening years Merritt's Chapel has evolved from a few strong families into a vibrant, growing group of Believers.
On July 20, 1780, Rev. Francis Asbury recorded in his journal one of among countless harrowing journeys he experienced throughout his ministry.
“After dinner, I set out on my journey ; we came to a desperate creek called North-East, in Chatham county, where the bridge was carried away by the freshet ; we had to go through among rocks, holes, and logs ; I was affrighted ; yea, it was wonderful that the carriage did not overset : brother Poythress said the horse was down twice, and covered all but his head ; however, the water kept up the carnage, and we came safe through all our difficulties, to brother Merritt's. Hitherto the Lord hath helped — body, soul, horse, and carriage ; there is a providence attending animate and inanimate creation.”*
Rev. Asbury visited the congregation of “Merritt’s Chapel” again in January of 1790, and found them to be “not a united people.”** His description at that time speaks to the continuing struggle of all churches, ours included, to work towards unity in faith and purpose, as well as to the importance of receiving grace through Christ.
*Reference: The Journal and Letters of Francis Asbury, 1745-1816, Vol I pg. 367, ** pg. 621
Merritt’s Chapel has called its current location home for at least a century. Before that, the congregation met in a more primitive structure near New Hope Creek, a significant local waterway which flowed into the Haw River. New Hope Creek was later dammed up to become Jordan Lake Reservoir. As development and population growth in the Triangle Region of North Carolina continues at a steady pace, Merritt’s Chapel finds itself in a wonderful and ever-changing community on the shores of Jordan Lake between Chapel Hill and Apex, NC.
Merritt’s Chapel Cemetery
Behind our chapel building you will find the small cemetery associated with our church, a peaceful place of rest for many who have gone before us. The oldest known burial marker dates to the year 1899.
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