Dials Methodist Church is located in Gray Court, a small town just north of Laurens. It is home to one of the oldest Methodist congregations in Laurens County.
The church is named for Martin Dials, a Laurens native and veteran of the Revolutionary War. Its first congregation, known as the Dials Methodist Society, was organized at Dials’ home in 1808 and was influenced by Bishop Francis Asbury, then an itinerant preacher who delivered sermons by traveling to communities on horseback.
The congregation grew rapidly and soon began meeting in Dials’ log cabin near Rabun Creek. In 1835 a new meeting house was constructed on land donated by Dial and the name of the congregation was changed to Dials Church. The present sanctuary, which is located on the same spot as the meeting house, was constructed in 1860.
Martin dial is my 4th great-grandfather through Sarah Elizabeth (Ibba) Dial. I just recently found out about ancestors here. Hope to be visiting in near future.
Came by your church about two years ago. Martin Dial’s parents, Capt. Henry Dial and Isabella, were my 5-generation grandparents. Are any Dials still members of the church? Is the pastor interested in the history of the Dial family? Thanks so much!
Sarah Dial of Gray Court is my great great great grandmother. She lived from Aug 1825 until 1902. She married Reuben Bramlett, who lived from 1812 until 1884. I have done extensive research on my family tree on Ancestry.com, but hit a roadblock with Sarah Dial and can’t identify her parents. Her middle name could be Elizabeth since she is listed as Elizabeth on some census records. Can anyone help me?
Martin Dial is my 4th great grandfather. I come from the line of Isabell (Dial) Brown. I believe her father was Marin’s first son. I share a birthday with Martin Dial. His was Dec.30, 1744 & mine is Dec. 30, 1944. My question is there a painting or photo of Martin Dial or any of his sons? I would so much like to see what the family looked like. I’m assuming the family doesn’t want them on the internet…because I’ve never seen any. You have my word it will not be on the internet. Only my private book. With Respect Janie Brown Dalrymple
I am very curious to know if I am linked to the Dials in Laurens County. My father’s family is from Spartanburg. My uncle did some research on our family and hit a roadblock and could not find a connection. There are only do many Dials out there…there is bound to be a connection.
Martin Dial is my late husband, James Franklin Spivey’s 3x great grandfather on his mother, Gay Belle Harrison’s side. Her brother Hastings Harrison wrote a book titled Martin Dial and Related Families which I am using as a reference for a book I am writing. If any of his ancestors are interested in contacting me, my email is ruthyspivey@gmail.com. I am missing info on Chrystie Abercrombie, his first wife. Can anyone help?
I am a descendant of the Kingstree and Darlington Dials. John and Mary Elizabeth Dials being my grandparents. I would love receive information on my family’s heritage.
It is not historically correct that Bishop Asbury organized the church. A close examination of his Journal will reveal that he never visited Martin Dial nor did he mention the Dial congregation. It is no doubt that Asbury’s influence was apparent in Laurens County which probably helped to inspire Martin to Methodism as it did most all Methodist Churches in South Carolina. I edited and produced the book together “Dials United Methodist Church 200 Years of History” with information compiled from church historian Sarah Jane Armstrong. The above assertion appears in this work.
Thank you, Richard. We will look into the comprehensive history and make the necessary changes. I agree that it is unlikely that Bishop Asbury formed local churches as opposed to influence its beginnings.
Martin Dial is my 5x great-grandfather, and my family and I are planning on swinging through Gray Court on our way to Maine. Does anyone know if there is a way to see Martin Dial’s grave? I had read somewhere else that it was now behind a padlocked gate, and I’m assuming – based on Debbie Graham’s comment – that Mr. Gentry owns that gate. Does anyone know how to contact him to get permission to see the grave?
Martin Dial is my 4x great-grandfather. I am interested in any information regarding the church and also the cemetery. I am trying to write an overview of the Dial family based on a number of years of research. I would WELCOME any input! Thanks very much.
Joe Hodge
Dallas, Texas
Hi, Nancy. Has anyone contacted you with any information? We live off Dot Simmons Road behind the church. The old cemetery is located on Mr. Gentry’s farm on Dials Church. Feel free to email me at dgrahamm5625@yahoo.com.
Debbie Graham
I think my great-great grandmother, Nancy Simpson Wright might be buried in an unmarked grave in your cemetery. Do you have any records of her death? Her husband General Thomas Wright is buried in the Wright Young Cemetery in Gray Court and she’s not with him. We are trying to find out where her grave is. Thanks so much for your help.