Thorpe United Methodist Church recently celebrated one hundred years of serving its community with a Centennial Celebration. Southern District Superintendent Rev. Chip Bennett preached at a special worship service and presided over Holy Communion, assisted by Rev. Brad Davis, Thorpe UMC’s pastor. Former pastors and pastoral families were honored during the service, and a history of the church, founded in November of 1923, was read. Afterward a covered dish dinner was enjoyed by all guests at Gary City Hall. Thorpe UMC is part of the Welch Charge in McDowell County (photos taken by Claudia Banner and Connie Allen).