Myrtle Beach, October 15, 2025
First Methodist Church
First Methodist Church has been a cornerstone of faith and community service since its founding in the early 19th century. Established to serve the spiritual needs of its congregation, it has grown over the decades to become not only a place of worship but also a hub for community outreach, education, and charitable activities. The church’s history reflects a commitment to fostering faith, hope, and love among its members and the wider community. Over the years, First Methodist Church has adapted to the changing times while maintaining its core values, continuing to be a beacon of spiritual guidance and community support in its region.
News Summary
The Myrtle Beach City Council has approved a pact with First Methodist Church to share its newly constructed parking lot. The city will pay a one-time fee of $150,000 for access to 40 spaces over a decade, alleviating parking woes in the busy Arts & Innovations District. The agreement allows the church to control parking during special events while the city manages maintenance responsibilities.
Myrtle Beach City Council voted to approve the first reading of an agreement with First Methodist Church on Tuesday, October 14. Under the terms of the agreement, the city plans to pay a one-time fee of $150,000 to share the church’s parking lot for a duration of 10 years. The city will have access to 40 parking spaces in the church’s newly constructed lot, while 20 spaces will remain reserved for church use.
The ordinance passed unanimously, although Council Member Debbie Conner recused herself from the discussion due to being a member of the church. The church’s parking lot was completed in April 2025, following discussions between the city and the church prior to the start of construction.
Randy Wallace from First Methodist Church indicated that the initial projected cost for the lot was approximately $600,000, but they managed to cut costs significantly. Both the city and the church have agreed not to charge for the parking spaces, making it a cost-effective solution for managing increased parking demands.
Assistant City Manager Brian Tucker noted that the agreement will help address parking challenges due to heightened activity in the Arts & Innovations District of Myrtle Beach. The church has invested over $300,000 in the demolition and construction of the parking lot. Furthermore, the agreement outlines provisions allowing the church to control access to the parking spaces during Sunday services, holidays, and special events, which will require prior written notice to the city.
The city will also take responsibility for maintaining debris and handling damages during the permitted use of the lot. However, Mayor Pro Tem Mike Lowder raised concerns regarding potential overnight parking violations that may occur during church services. Additionally, a public comment was made by Mayoral candidate Mark McBride, who expressed dissatisfaction over the agreement, suggesting that “let the church be the church.”
In addition to the church agreement, the Myrtle Beach City Council also approved a first reading of an ordinance that may suspend paid parking in downtown Myrtle Beach during the winter months. This ordinance would give the City Manager the authority to modify parking policies for up to 120 days each year. Further discussions included a potential employee parking program that would offer city staff free parking decals.
The proposed all-user free parking initiative would be applicable from October 1 to February 28 each year within specified areas, aiming to enhance accessibility for residents and visitors during the winter season.
Key Features of the Agreement:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Agreement Duration | 10 years |
| City Payment | $150,000 one-time fee |
| Total Parking Spaces | 60 (40 city use, 20 church use) |
| Parking Lot Completion | April 2025 |
| Parking Space Charges | No charges for parking spaces |
| Maintenance Responsibility | City responsible for debris and damages |
| Access Control | Church controls access during services, events |
FAQs
What is the fee the city will pay for the shared parking agreement?
The city plans to pay a one-time fee of $150,000 to share the church’s parking lot for 10 years.
How many parking spaces will be available for the city?
The city will have access to 40 parking spaces in the church’s newly constructed lot.
When was the parking lot completed?
The church’s parking lot was completed in April 2025.
Are there any charges for using the parking spaces?
The city and church will not charge for the parking spaces.
Who is responsible for maintaining the parking lot during use?
The city will handle debris maintenance and damages during permitted use of the lot.
What other agreements were discussed during the council meeting?
The council also discussed a first reading of an ordinance to potentially suspend paid parking in downtown Myrtle Beach during the winter.
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Additional Resources
- WMBF News: Myrtle Beach Council Approves Off-Season Parking Amendment
- Wikipedia: Parking
- WPDE: Myrtle Beach Paid Parking Lawsuit
- Google Search: Myrtle Beach Parking Issues
- Myrtle Beach Online: Business News
- Google Scholar: Myrtle Beach Parking
- Post and Courier: Isle of Palms & Folly Beach Parking Lawsuit
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Parking Laws
- WECT: Ocean Isle Beach Paid Parking Program
- Google News: Paid Parking in Myrtle Beach
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
