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History

History of Blessing of the Inlet
What a blessing Murrells Inlet has been in the lives of many. Families and fishermen alike have been experiencing the salty nostalgia that permeates this friendly historical community. Strolling among moss draped oaks shadowing the warm summer days… feeling the crisp crunch of oyster shells beneath sandaled feet… inhaling the swirling aromas of salt marsh and seafood while high tides gently lap against the boardwalk… hearing the far off cry of gulls blowing in from the sea, blending harmoniously with the season’s first chords of beach music… Nothing could be finer than to be in this part of Carolina! What a blessing! A blessing to be shared and to be celebrated. Hence, the birth of the first Blessing of the Inlet. The concept was conceived by a Sunday school class and fully realized by Belin Memorial United Methodist Church in April of 1997. The focus was all about giving a little back of what God had given us, so we could give to others and have FUN, FOOD, and CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP. The emphasis of the day is the actual Blessing Service on the creek side of Belin Church. The Reverend Dr. Mike Alexander, Jr. will be performing the ceremony; asking the Lord to bless our beautiful inlet community. The first year, however, fell short of our goals due to devastating cold wind driven rains that sent the festival into the sanctuary. Our plan was derailed but not God’s. We were humbled, but He was glorified! Little did we realize at the time, that He was laying a spiritual foundation that would far surpass our original goals. God has revealed to us that the weather does not dictate the success of the Blessing of the Inlet. He does. This year marks our 14-year anniversary, and we anticipate another day filled with God’s glory. We hope that your time spent with us will be one filled with memories that you will be able to reflect on for years to come. And as we taste and see God’s goodness all around, let us reach out to one another with compassion and love praising our heavenly Father from whom all blessings do flow!

May all of the glory go to God!
- Blessing of the Inlet Committee

History of Belin Belin Memorial United Methodist Church In Historic Murrells Inlet, South Carolina
Belin Memorial United Methodist Church, named for The Reverend James L. Belin, Methodist Minister and benefactor of the area, was built in 1925 from materials obtained by tearing down Oatland Methodist Church near Pawleys Island. The church sanctuary was first renovated in 1955. In 1967, the Education Building was completed on land deeded to the local congregation by the Mission Board of the South Carolina Conference. In the fall of 1977 the church building was moved about 75 feet to the center of the lot and more than doubled in size. This tremendous project was completed in the Spring of 1978, most of the work being done by the members and the pastor in charge. In 1991 the membership approved plans and awarded a contract for the construction of a new sanctuary, designed like the former structure. The first worship service was held in the new sanctuary on September 6, 1992. On May 2, 1993, the congregation donated the original sanctuary to any church that would continue to use it as a house of worship. On April 19, 1994, it was moved to a lot off of Hwy. 501, west of Myrtle Beach, to become the Joseph B. Bethea United Methodist Church, continuing to serve the spiritual needs of the people of our area. Our Family Life Center opened in December 1999 and it has been a wonderful addition to our church campus. We have many churched sponsored events throughout the month, such as Family Night Supper, Men’s Basketball, Belin Senior Fellowship Luncheons, Line Dancing, Shag Lessons, and much more. We invite all of our members and guests also, to become involved in our Family Life Center. The Life Center is also available to rent for special occasions. Please contact Jo Bendick at 651- 9711 for additional information. On April 26, 2007, Belin Memorial United Methodist Church purchased land adjacent to the office and educational building. On September 7, 2007, the entire congregation was asked to Embrace the Vision. The vision for this land will have a positive impact on our church and Murrells Inlet for generations to come. We extend an open invitation for you to join us for worship here at Belin. We enjoy having visitors from other churches as well as accepting new members into our household of faith.

We have services on Sunday at 8:45 a.m., 11:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Sunday School begins at 10:00 a.m.
A nursery is provided.