621 Court Street, Lynchburg VA

Tonight, on this sacred and special Christmas Eve, I had the profound blessing of attending the Christmas Eve Candlelight service at Court Street United Methodist Church, the 87th church on my journey to visit every church in my city.

Celebrating the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ, in such a breathtaking and holy place was nothing short of extraordinary.

Court Street United Methodist Church is, without question, one of the most visually stunning churches I have ever visited.

The intricate design of the architecture, paired with the glow of flickering candlelight, created an atmosphere of reverence, wonder, and peace.

Every corner of the sanctuary seemed to echo the glory of God, making it the perfect place to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas.

Beyond its beauty, this church has an incredible history that adds to its deep sense of spiritual significance:

• Founded in 1851, the church was initially known as Fourth Street Station. Its story began when fifty-six members of Third Street Church decided to form a new Methodist society, purchasing land at Fourth Street and Third Alley for $1,000. They raised funds to build a brick structure with a basement and an upper auditorium, completed at a cost of $19,000. To cover the debt, pews were sold, with prices ranging from $100 to $355.
• In 1860, the church’s name was changed to Court Street Methodist Episcopal Church, aligning with the renaming of Fourth Street to Court Street.
• During the Civil War in 1863, the church’s ornamental iron railing was given to the Confederate government, presumably to be melted down for bullets.
• A pipe organ was installed in 1866, making it only the second of its kind in the city.
• In 1902, the current sanctuary was completed at a total cost of $80,000. It was presented to God “with thanksgiving and praise,” free of debt. This magnificent structure, which has stood the test of time.
• Over the years, significant additions have been made, including a set of ten bells, installed in 1909, and the Schantz organ in 1981.
• In 1995, a $1.3 million renovation was undertaken to update and preserve the church’s infrastructure, reflecting the congregation’s dedication to maintaining this holy space downtown for future generations.

This church, rich in both beauty and history, is truly something special. If you have not yet visited, I urge you to do so. It is an experience you will not soon forget.

Tonight’s service, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, was a deeply moving celebration of our Savior’s birth.

Attending with my beautiful daughter and dear friend Jill made the experience even more special, as we joined the congregation in worship, singing beloved carols, and reflecting on the miraculous story of Jesus’ arrival into the world.

The service was a blend of scripture, music, and heartfelt worship.

Each lesson was delivered with grace and reverence by Anne Langley, Susan Leazer, Dennis Pruitt, and Thom Morris, whose words illuminated the timeless story of God’s love.

Julia Morris, with a voice that seemed to come straight from heaven, offered one of the most breathtaking renditions of “O Holy Night” I have ever heard. Her performance was so powerful and soul-stirring that it brought tears to my eyes and filled my heart with awe.

Pastor Matt shared a thought-provoking poem that moved my heart on this special night. This profound reflection served as a reminder to examine the state of our faith and relationship with Christ. It was a moment that spoke deeply with everyone in attendance.

What made this visit even more unforgettable was the warmth and kindness of the congregation.

The love of Jesus was evident in every hug, smile, and word of welcome we received.

The sense of community and genuine care shown by everyone at Court Street United Methodist Church was a reflection of God’s light and love in action.

I will always cherish the way they opened their hearts to us and made us feel like part of their family.

As I reflect on this evening, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to worship in such a magnificent church and to celebrate the birth of Jesus alongside such a loving community.

This visit will remain etched in my heart as one of the most meaningful moments of my journey.

As this year comes to a close, I look forward with anticipation to where the Holy Spirit will lead me next. I know that God’s plans are always greater than anything I could imagine, and I am excited to continue this journey into the New Year.

May the peace, joy, and hope of Christ fill your hearts this Christmas season and always. Merry Christmas to all!