Duke University has historic ties to the Methodist Church. Interestingly, it has the same motto, Eruditio et Religio, as Asbury College in Wilmore, Kentucky which also has a Methodist history.
The UMC churches in small southern towns are very conservative compared to those in university cities. My church has always had mildly liberal pastors until recently. The present one is a bible literalist and endorses speaking in tongues. The conservative congretation is wild about him. They have been hoping for years for someone like him. It is a perfect match for the congregation. Their glee is matched by my gloom.