Welcome to Mars Hill United Methodist Church
Here, we welcome, celebrate, and affirm every child of God without exception. We are intentionally inclusive as a faith community within the United Methodist Church. Here we welcome, celebrate, and affirm ALL people of every sexual orientation, gender identity, race, ethnicity, age, faith history, economic status, marital status, physical and mental ability, and education.
At Mars Hill UMC, we welcome you to Worship alongside a congregation that shares God’s love for ALL!
Sundays at Mars Hill UMC
Each Sunday provides a unique worship experience, one fully enriched by your presence. And, whether you are a life-long member or a first-time visitor, we celebrate and welcome the ways in which you enhance our worship together.
The first Sunday of each month includes a celebration of Holy Communion.
The third Sunday of the month includes a birthday/fellowship meal following the 9:45 am service.
The fourth Sunday of the month features music from our church handbell choir.
If you find yourself in or near Mars Hill, North Carolina, please join us at church this Sunday! Map & Directions to Mars Hill UMC.
Music at Mars Hill UMC
Sunday worship at Mars Hill United Methodist Church is enhanced by one of the best church music programs in our region. Our church musicians include some of the best voices of the Mars Hill University’s music program and the Southern Appalachian Chamber Singers, which is directed by Dr. Joel Reed. Patty Higgins serves as the church pianist while our song is often often accompanied at times with hammered dulcimers, guitars, trumpets, flutes or the church’s handbell choir.
These beautiful sounds and sights enrich our collective worship and your experience at Mars Hill United Methodist Church.
We welcome every child of God without exception. Learn more about Who We Are.
History of Mars Hill UMC
The Mars Hill United Methodist Church was organized on May 25, 1959 under the leadership of the Reverend James Thurman. The church began with 18 Charter Members joining together in a ministry to both the Mars Hill College campus and the surrounding community.
From this small beginning the congregation grew grown to an enrollment of 108 full members and 21 affiliates in the 1970s.
Initial meetings of the new congregation were held in the parsonage on Mountain View Road. But they soon moved to the chapel of Holcombe Funeral Home on Main Street where services were held until February of 1960. At that time the church purchased the Preston C. Stringfield property on Main Street, and remodeled the two-story frame house on the property for use as a sanctuary and Sunday School rooms. The cost of the 5.2 acres was $20,000.
By 1965 the time had come to build a more nearly adequate plant. So, in the fall of that year the old remodeled building was ceremonially burned, and on October 3, 1965 ground was broken for a $77,000 structure, designed by architect Henry C. McDonald of Brevard. This new undertaking created a fervor of interest and support, both within the congregation and in others who believed in the worth of such dreams. Substantial financial support was received from the Duke Endowment, the National and Western North Carolina Boards of Mission, The Methodist Builders Club, the Dunham Foundation, and especially the Asheville District Mission Society. On October 2, 1966 the first worship services were held in the completed building.
A long list of individuals could be named who have dreamed and sacrificed to make this church a reality. But its real history has been the story of many individuals working together with its pastors.
In 2023, Mars Hill United Methodist Church affirmed its intent to remain part of the United Methodist Church by becoming a Lighthouse Congregation, a vote passed unanimously by the Church Council.
Mars Hill United Methodist Church Leadership
2024 Church Council and Leadership
Council Chairperson: Margaret Cirtain
Recording Secretary: Ginger Reed
Lay Delegate to Annual Conference: Barbara Merrill (rotation with Bright Hope Laurel)
Lay Leader: Leigh Guth
Lay Leadership and Development: Rev. Kelly Dotson, Chair
Finance: Marilou Oyler, Chair
Treasurer: Barbara Pate
Financial Secretary: Ree Smith
Trustees: Dr. Joel Reed, Co-Chair & Anthony Ingle, Co-Chair
Mission & Ministry: Rev. Paula Dempsey, Chair
Mars Hill UMC & Bright Hope Laurel UMC Staff-Parish Relations: Heath Nettles, Chair
Worship: Patty Higgins, Chair
Church Fellowship: Judy Hulvey, Chair
Religious Education: JoAnn Croom, Chair
Pastor Emeritus: Wiley Cooper
Memorial Garden Subcommittee: Connie Kramer, Chair
Our Clergy
Rev. Kelly Dotson
Senior Pastor, Mars Hill United Methodist Church
Prior to being appointed to Mars Hill United Methodist Church in July 2024, Rev. Kelly Dotson served the Wellspring Congregation in Asheville for two years as associate pastor after being ordained an elder in full connection in the Western North Carolina Conference.
Kelly has been pastoring churches across our region or the past decade, serving churches in Canton, Otto, Franklin, Morganton and Nebo. The longing of Kelly's heart is to share the good news of God's love with those who have been exiled from the church and to work towards bringing God's Kingdom to "earth as it is in heaven."
Kelly is affectionately known as preacher woman, Pastor Kelly and PK. She is the niece of Stan Dotson, a longtime employee of Mars Hill University.
In addition to serving as senior pastor at Mars Hill United Methodist Church, Pastor Kelly will serve as Chaplain at Brooks-Howell Home in Asheville.
“Kelly excels as a preacher and creative planner for worship, but perhaps her greatest strength is in pastoral care. She is deeply engaged in the lives of her parishioners and demonstrates a rare combination intentionality, wisdom and grace to her pastoral visits.”
Rev. Wiley Cooper
Pastor Emeritus, Mars Hill United Methodist Church
Rev. Wiley Cooper was appointed Pastor Emeritus after the position was established and approved by the Church’s Pastor-Parish Relations Committee in May 2021. The volunteer position assists Pastor Lisa, who begins also serving Bright Hope Laurel United Methodist Church in July 2021, with visiting and other activities as needed.
In addition to serving the South Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church until his retirement, Wiley served as pastor of Mars Hill United Methodist Church between 2016 and 2018.
