Methodist History
The Arenzville Methodist Church was organized as the Methodist Episcopal Church of Arenzville by the Rev. A.C. Hunter of Concord in the conference year of 1894-95 with a membership of twenty-four. He endeavored to build a church building, but because of poor health and other difficulties did not succeed. Prior to 1895, Methodist Protestant ministers from Concord served this community in what was the Presbyterian Church. At that time it was a union Church, and was used by any denomination. In 1905, under the leadership of Rev. T.A. Adams, a new building was planned. Rev. Adams, with a committee of lay members, consisting of John L. Weeks and Charles E Williamson, assisted by the community and other lay members build the present church at a cost of $3,789.00. The lot was donated by Mr. William Arenz. At the time of the building of the Church Rev. Adams reported a membership of forty-three. The large stained glass windows were given by the Ladies Aid, the Building Committee, the Junior League and Mrs. Ada Saylor in memory of her husband. The Church was dedicated October 29, 1905 In 1939 the Methodist Episcopal Church, the Methodist Episcopal South, and Methodist Protestant merged into one church and became known as the Methodist Church. In 1968 the United Brethren and the Methodist Church merged Nationally and the Arenzville Methodist Church became known as the Arenzville United Methodist Church. The Arenzville United Methodist Church currently shares its Pastor with the Concord United Methodist Church. Over the years the following updates, and additions have been added to the original building. In the early 1940's a full basement was excavated, concrete floor poured, with finished walls and the first restroom was installed. In 1968 the Sanctuary was redecorated, new pews were installed. The altar was changed from circular to rectanglar style. In 1978 an all purpose room was added to the south side of the sanctuary. This addition served as a Fellowship Hall, and Sunday School space. In 2000 an enlargement to the Fellowship Hall and 6 class rooms were added. Members of Arenzville United Methodist Church strive to reflect the love of God through Christ Jesus to everyone both near and far. We endeavor to draw our neighbors to the Saving Grace given to us by Jesus Christ when He died and rose again. Recognizing we are all sinners saved by Grace when we repent of our sins to Jesus.
Some activities offered to help folks grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ are: Worship Services every Sunday morning where God's word is read, preached, and sang. Sunday School classes are offered for all age groups where God's word is taught and learned, every Sunday morning. God's Kids is an after school program that has been in existence over 30 years. It is open to all kids in grades two through six in the Triopia school district. It meets 3:30 to 5:00 on school days October through April. Each session includes prayers, Bible lessons, exercise and snack time. Its a fun time to get to know new friends, and to get to know God, and His Son Jesus better. Each June Vacation Bible School is offered, which draws kids preschool through fifth grade from our community and beyond to learn learn about Jesus in a fun and exciting environment. Special Services are held each year for Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter Sunrise, as well as for Thanksgiving, and Christmas Eve. United Methodist Women have 2 Circles who meet monthly. There is a men's Wednesday Morning Share Group who meet year around. AUMC provides a well stocked Christian Library which has books, tapes, CD's, video's for all ages. Items may be checked out for home use. A good way to help all grow in Christ. Arenzville United Methodist Church present membership is 160 in the year of 2011. Pastors who have served Arenzville Methodist from 1894-2011: A.C. Hunter R.W. Ennis T.F. Pierson C.L. Flowers T. A. Adams F.M. Gibson Sheridan Phillips A.B. Fry-Cundy H.J. Floreth J.H. Howsman W.P. Bowman Thomas Symonds S.C. Hilburn P.J. Rinehard Henry Hibbard C.B. Stephens Paul Ragland C. W. Andrew David Long Charles H. Junk Nelson Chasteen Robert Pitsch C.W. Leonard Aubrey Dunning Robert Birdsel Stanley Rapp Wilson Davis J. Meshew W.J. Kenny Ernest Francis Delmar Redman William S. Bailey Ron Eaker John Kovalcik Brent Phillips Derryl Cook Marlin Miller Donn Stephens Robert Einhouse Dave Hutton Patsy Kelly Andy Maxwell Timothy Rhodes