North Carolina Court of Appeals makes ruling of Fifth Avenue United Methodist Church lawsuit

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The North Carolina Court of Appeals has made a ruling on a dispute between a church in Wilmington and its denomination over the ownership of certain real estate originally deeded to the church.

The congregation of Fifth Avenue United Methodist Church has held services on the property since 1889.

The North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church announced it would close the church in March of last year, citing declining membership.

The congregation sued to keep the church open that June, but a civil court dismissed the lawsuit that September. Now the appeals court says the trial court was wrong to dismiss some of the congregation’s claims. So they are reversing the trial court’s order ruling and remanding for further proceedings.

To see our other coverage of the story, please visit our articles below.

Fifth Avenue UMC in Wilmington closing after 170 year ministry.

5th Ave United Methodist Church files lawsuit against NC Methodist Conference.

Court dismisses Fifth Avenue United Methodist Church lawsuit against NC Methodist Conference.