Religion

Do not be surprised if you are invited to attend a church service while in Cleveland County.  Faith and religion are important to our citizens and they want to share it with their friends and neighbors.

Cleveland Countians of all faiths have been known to come together to pray in hard times.  When they do come together, miraculous things seem to happen.  Religion and religious efforts can be found in most every facet of the county’s history.  Before Cleveland County was incorporated in 1841, churches were already formed and active. 

Religious organizations are a vital part of many of Cleveland County’s institutions.  For example, Boiling Springs High School, now Gardner-Webb University, was founded in 1905 in a joint effort of the Sandy Run Baptist Association and the Kings Mountain Baptist Association. 

Picturesque churches dot the landscape in every corner of the county.  Large, historic churches can be seen in the heart of uptown Shelby and downtown Kings Mountain.  Small country churches are hidden in the rolling hills of the upper part of the county.  The largest churches boast over 1,000 members and the smallest have less than 30 members.   

The Greater Cleveland County Baptist Association is the umbrella organization for over 80 Baptist churches.  The association provides a wealth of services to all citizens in the county.  While Baptist is the largest denomination of Christianity in the area, most denominations have homes here as well.  Non-Christian religions are also active.