The Steele Street Church was organized on January 29, 1887 with thirteen charter members.  The present property on Steele Street was deeded to the Trustees on March 28, 1888.  The original structure was begun immediately and dedicated in August 1888.  The first church was a large one-room white frame building with a vestibule, bell tower and steeple.  It served the needs of the congregation for more than a quarter of a century.

The Steele Street Sanctuary was begun in 1914.   On August 28, 1915 the first worship service was held in the new church.  By December 1, 1917 all indebtedness of the church was paid.  It was a high moment in the history of the church.

In 1940 the church bought the land adjacent to its sanctuary from Mrs. T.A. Riddle and began construction of the educational building.  This building was completed in 1941.  This venture completed the Steele Street facilities.

In November of 1949, the Steele Street Methodist Church was the host church for The North Carolina Annual Conference.  This was a great honor for Sanford and the church.

In 1955, Steele Street Methodist Church was instrumental in the organization of Trinity Methodist Church on Bragg Street.  Twenty-two members of the Steele Street Church transferred to the new congregation.

In 1957, plans were set in motion for a new church home for the Steele Street Church with the purchase of a site on Carbonton Road.  In 1961 a Financial Crusade was conducted to raise funds for the new church building which netted more than $325,000.

In 1968 the Building Committee was elected by the Charge Conference.  A site on Wicker Street extension was chosen for the new structure instead of the one on Carbonton Road.  Two years later the congregation approved the plans for a $1,250,000 building to be erected on this site.  Another financial drive raised $450,000 in cash and pledges for the building.  In January of 1971 the groundbreaking ceremony was held.  Construction was begun in July of the same year. 

The Steele Street Church moved to its new location May 12, 1974 and became Saint Luke United Methodist Church.  In August of 1976 the Harriss Youth House was dedicated, given in memory of Mr. M.W. Harriss, Sr. by the family.

Groundbreaking for the Casey Chapel was held May 30, 1982, a gift of Mrs. Mary Casey.  All debts on the building were retired as of March 31, 1983 and the service of Dedication and Celebration for the entire complex was held May 1, 1983.

The 100^th anniversary of Steele Street Saint Luke United Methodist Church was held on the night of January 31, 1987.

On May 16, 2004 St. Luke Church dedicated our Christian Life Center, ten new classrooms, new office facilities and upgraded children's classrooms.

This rich heritage has provided a solid foundation for the congregation and leadership to continue to grow in Christian love, fellowship and service to the larger community.