About Us
Winterille United Methodist Church
Winterville United Methodist Church, is a family-oriented congregation that has served the community since its founding in 1859. The church was established on land donated by Sara Pittard and has since become an integral part of the Winterville community. Its long-standing history is celebrated through traditional worship services, which take place every Sunday morning at 10:30 AM. The church is deeply committed to fostering a welcoming, Christ-centered environment where members can grow in faith and service. With a rich history and a focus on community, Winterville United Methodist Church continues to play an important role in the spiritual lives of its congregation and the surrounding area.
Pastor - JT Turlington
I was born on Saint Patrick’s Day in 1961, and naturally, my favorite color is green! A North Carolina native through and through, I proudly call myself a Tarheel (I earned my B.A. from the University of North Carolina). My wife, Anita, and I met while I was pursuing my M.A. in English at Clemson University, and we married in 1990. I also gained a son, John Haubenreich, my stepson, who has been a joy in my life. In the first year of our marriage, God called me into full-time ministry, which led me to Erskine Theological Seminary in South Carolina. I was ordained by Clemson First Baptist Church in 1994. During seminary, I served as the associate campus minister at the Baptist Student Union at Clemson and as a youth minister for two churches. My first full-time ministry role after seminary was as the associate pastor (Minister of Education and Youth) at First Baptist Church in Commerce, GA, where I served for nine years. I then moved to Watkinsville First United Methodist Church, serving as the associate pastor (Minister of Youth and Men) for another nine years. During my time at WFUMC, I began the process of transferring my ordination to the United Methodist Church. After my ordination was transferred in 2014, I served as Pastor-in-charge at Moreland UMC, where I stayed for three years. In 2018, I became Pastor-in-charge at Mossy Creek UMC, and in July 2022, I began serving Winterville UMC, which has been an absolute joy. We love both the church and the town. As for my family, Anita and I have one son, John, who now lives in Nashville. We’re also blessed with two grandchildren, Abby (13) and Thomas (11). Our household is rounded out by two dogs, Adeline (3 years old) and Theo (1 year old). I have two younger brothers, though my middle brother has passed. My mother, Mary Lou, still lives in Fayetteville, NC, my hometown. My guiding principle in ministry and life is found in Jesus's great love commandment: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength, and love your neighbor as yourself.” Grace and peace, Rev. JT
Music Director - Tom Bouknecht
Tom grew up in St. Petersburg, Florida. He graduated from St. Leo University with a double major in voice and piano in 1971. He then spent 4 years in the US Army as a member of the 80th AG and 94th Infantry Division bands. He retired a Postmaster in 2012 and has been director of music here for 28 years. Tom has 5 children and 8 grandchildren and was blessed to be married for 32 years to his late wife, Angela.