State Center United Methodist Church

Mission Statement
The State Center United Methodist Church shall be a welcoming church, preaching the Word of God, reaching out to youth and the unchurched of the community, showing compassion to all in the name of Jesus.

Worship Service 11:00 am Sunday
Monday Funday 3:30-5:00 pm  After School program for children grades Kindergarten-Sixth, Games Snacks Songs Bible Stories Crafts  For more information contact Martha Porter 483-2069
For Special Small Groups and Services contact church office 483-2531

Church History
Before 1871 when the first Methodist Church was built in State Center, the congregation met at a town hall.  That first church was built in the Northeast part of town until it was damaged by a tornado in 1879 and had to be rebuilt.  On February 3, 1887, the rebuilt church burned and the records were lost.  Services were then held in what was called the Adventist Building which stood where the present Gutekunst LIbrary is located.  Following the fire, the site of the present church was purchased.  On October 30, 1887, the new church was dedicated.  Due to financial problems, the Methodist Church was closed from 1929 to 1936 and shared worship with the Presbyterians in their building.  It was called "The Associated Church" and for the next six years it was served by two Methodist pastors.  This was to be a 'trial period' and at the end of the term the Presbyterians chose not to renew the agreement so it was decided to reopen Methodist Church.  The Methodist Church was also used by the Catholic parish from 1930-31 after the Catholic Church burned and was being rebuilt.  On November 26, 1935, one of the devoted members began renovating the existing building and on March 15, 1936, a reopening service was held.  During these years the church was served by young and dedicated student pastors.  On May 10, 1939, the three branches of Methodism merged and became the present Methodist church.  From 1938 to 1954, the State Center and Melbourne churches shared one pastor.  The pastor lived in each town for three years.  A new basement was build under the church in 1954.  In March of 1966, construction began on a new church built over the restored basement.  Members of the congregation worshipped at the Catholic Church during this time.  In February of 1967, the first services were held in the new building.

"Open hearts, Open minds, and Open doors"
The Little Church with a Big Heart