Grand Strand Filled With Houses of Worship

Finding the right church for you and your family while on vacation can be difficult, but the Grand Strand is filled with houses of worship of all major religions and denominations. Whether you are staying as far north as Little River or as far south as Georgetown, there’s a church, synagogue or temple near you. Here’s a list of some of the top choices, arranged by location for your convenience:

• North Strand: The Barefoot Church is based in a theater-style building in North Myrtle Beach, but this non-denominational congregation often gathers on the beach for less formal gatherings. All services are informal, catering to the come-as-you-are crowd of vacationers that don’t pack traditional church clothes for vacation. Other options include First Baptist Church, Ocean Church Presbyterian Church, Trinity United Methodist Church, St. Stephens Episcopal Church, and Our Lady of the Sea Catholic Church.

• South Strand: Enjoy history and Lowcountry hospitality at Belin United Methodist Church, one of the first churches on the Grand Strand. Located on the banks of Murrells Inlet, Belin UMC was founded in 1925 and today has more than 2,000 members. The historic church is beautiful inside and out, with an outdoor worship area and a large cross on the seawall. Other Lowcountry locations include the Family Life Center, First Baptist Church, Christ Church, Lowcountry Community Church , and St. Michael’s Catholic Church.

• Central Strand: St. Andrew’s Catholic Church: The Grand Strand’s largest Catholic congregation gathers in downtown Myrtle Beach on a large campus that includes a new recreation center, a pre-high school academy and several community outreach projects. Chabad of Myrtle Beach: Jewish visitors can find this thriving synagogue in the heart of Myrtle Beach. Offering traditional services, Chabad caters to a vibrant Jewish community in Myrtle Beach and even hosts its own academy for pre-high school education. Other Myrtle Beach locations include First Baptist Church, St. Andrews Catholic Church, Christ United Methodist Church, and Temple Emanu-El.

• Inland: The Grand Strand Church meets in the historic Cooper House, a century-old home located in Socastee Swing Bridge. However, this small congregation is known for holding services on the beach, aboard boats and other unique locations along the Strand. Other denominations include Tilley Swamp Baptist Church, St. James Catholic Church, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, First United Methodist Church, Kingston Presbyterian Church, Temple Shalom, and The Rock.

(posted 7/22/14)
(Photo courtesy: BarefootChurch.com)