Share the dream..........  Cahaba Heights United Methodist Church

Founded in 1879
In the summer of 1879, the first organized congregation of Methodist Protestant met in the village of Merkel for worship.  The name chosen for this church was New Hope and it was the beginning of our church family.  As the community grew, the need for a larger building was met with a two story structure that was used for the church, a community public school and a lodge hall.

Fire of 1904
Unfortunately.  this building was destroyed by fire in 1904.  Four years later, in 1908, a new structure was built on our present location with a parsonage added in 1909.  Several annual conferences were held at New Merkel during the years of 1910 - 1934.

Fire of 1928
Another disastrous fire occurred in 1928 which destroyed the parsonage and most of the church records.  Immediately the parsonage was rebuilt and the congregation continued to grow.  In 1939, the Methodist Church, a unified body, was formed from three branches of Methodism.

1955 Name Change
The name was changed from New Merkel to Cahaba Heights in 1955.  In May, 1959, the first worship service was held in the newly constructed sanctuary, much of which was built by members of our congregation. Our Centennial Celebration was held in September,  1979.  In 1990, the sanctuary was totally remodeled into the present sanctuary.

End of the 1900's Land Acquisitions
In 1987, and at the end of 1998 and at the beginning of January of 1999, Cahaba Heights United Methodist Church acquired a total of three additional lots situated on Oakview Lane in order to meet the church's growing needs for parking and future expansion. The church family has continued to grow in number, faith and many outreach ministries that offer opportunities for all.