History of Grace United Methodist Church

As early as the year 1849 a group of people of the Methodist faith worshipped together in a log cabin near the Keg Creek Bridge in Glenwood. In 1853, the first Methodist Church Society was organized. The first actual church was built in 1856 at Third and Walnut Street. A brick church, which later became the Dean Hotel and was located where the church's south parking lot now is, was constructed in the summer of 1873. The building was dedicated in early 1874 and served as a house of worship for the Methodists until 1906.

The present church sanctuary and fellowship hall was built in 1905. In 1961 the official board of the church approved the building of a new educational wing to the west of the original building. (Because Christian education is of high importance to us, the position of Director of Christian Education was created in 1989.

Improvements to the interior of the church were made with a new heating and air conditioning system (1984), elevator and new phone system (1993), and new computers (1997). During 2002 - 2003, we put in a new computer system with a server, added a new roof, remodeled the sanctuary with new pews, organ, sound system, electrical wiring, cry room and carpet. We also purchased the Dean Hotel, demolished it, and made room for much needed parking.

All of these improvements and additions over the years are testimony to the faith and character of the members and friends of Grace United Methodist Church. May God grant our church the Christian endeavor and stability to continue in spiritual growth.