United Methodist Church of Huntsville celebrates 175 years

The first Methodist services in Randolph County of which there is any record were held in the home of Joseph Baker in Chariton Township in 1828. Also, in 1828 Methodist services were conducted at a camp meeting near Clifton Hill.

The first Methodist Church at Huntsville was organized in 1835 at a meeting in the home of Joseph C. Dameron. Rev. William Goff Caples is believed to have been the first pastor, and he was assisted by Rev. R.P. Holt. The date 1835 makes the Methodist Church the oldest church in Huntsville.

Services were often conducted by circuit riders. They went from place to place holding religious meetings where there was no regular pastor. Although the church was organized in 1835 it did not have a church building until ten years later in 1845. At that time they were able to raise enough money to erect a building on the lot directly behind the present church. Rev. S.P. Dunlap was the preacher. The church was dedicated in 1846 by Rev. Wm. Goff Caples. It was used for 27 years until 1872 when it was sold. During that period of time this frame building was served by 18 pastors.

Rev. A.P. Linn was pastor from 1872-1875. His son, Paul Linn, was president of Central College in Fayette. Rev. Linn held many revival meetings in this part of the country. He liked a good horse and he loved to sing. The first brick church was built during this pastorate.

The first brick building was built in 1871 at the present site at main and Mulberry streets. The land was purchased from John and Sarah Taylor. It cost $6,000 and was dedicated the same year by Bishop Daggett. The church membership at that time was 198 and had a Sunday school attendance of 140 members. The building was used for a period of 26 years and was served by twelve pastors. In 1897 the church was struck by lightning and rendered unsafe and therefore unfit for use.

The design for the present building was the work of W.A. Cann, a st. Louis architect who was challenged by the lost dimensions of 42 by 144 feet. The new building, when completed cost about $10,000. The benches were curved, with high backs and hand-carved ends. The stained glass windows were furnished by Jacob Spiess and Company of St. Louis. Most of the windows were donated by relatives in memory of a loved one.

In August 1951, a “baby” twister destroyed the window on the southeast wall. The entire window, its casing, and a border of the brick retaining wall almost three feet wide was completely torn loose. A round window with three oblong windows beneath it was installed.

A building was purchased in 1962 and was moved to the lot directly behind the church. The building was remodeled in 1963 and presently serves as the education building. It contains three classrooms, a kitchen and dining area.

In 1968 the Methodist Church joined with the Evangelical United Brethren, and became the United Methodist Church. In 2000 the sanctuary was updated with a new altar and pulpit area, and new carpeting throughout including the Progressive Sunday school room.

Sunday services include church school at 9:30am with worship at 10:45. Bible study is conducted each Wednesday at 6:30. There is an active youth group.

There is no definite record of the organization of the Women’s Missionary Society in Huntsville, except in the minutes of the Missouri Annual Conference in 1880. At that time there was a list of twenty members in the foreign Missionary Advocate. There have been many name changes through the years and in 1972 the Women’s Society of Christian Service became United Methodist Women. The local group is involved with missions locally, on the district and conference levels and usually has an attendee at national events.

The present minister is Rev. Jim Robinson, who came in June 2010. His wife, Linda, is very interested in the children’s department Sunday school rooms, and is a part of the committee that is working to refurbish them.

Everyone is always welcome to attend and participate in any and all activities of the church.