The roots of Methodism in the
Homer area probably began with Rev. William Stephenson, who preached in
the area in the 1820s and 1830s. The first camp meeting was held
in 1825 near Isaac Miller’s cabin. In 1849, a meeting was held in
a log cabin to form a church. The church was incorporated in August 1854,
and the church began with sixty-one charter members. They continued
to meet at the log cabin until a new church was built. Services began
at the new church, built on land bought from Tillinghast Vaughn, on January
20, 1857 (the south half of the current church property). After that
church collapsed under the weight of a snowfall in 1876, a new church was
built on a lot bought from Robert Vaughn (the north half of the current
church property). At that time, women sat on the west side of the
church and men sat on the east side. The church had a steeple, an
arched wooden ceiling, a reed organ, and picket fences in the front and
rear.
A new red brick church was built
on the site of the old church under the leadership of Rev. H.W. Bowman
in 1906. The previous church building was sold to M.F. Robinson,
who moved it to South Main Street and used it as a hotel.
The current church was built
in 1922-24 under the leadership of Rev. R.W. Tucker. Annual Conference
was held for the fourth time in Homer in 1926. The $75,000 church
was dedicated by Bishop Hoyt M. Dobbs in 1934. Two round stained
glass windows from the previous building were incorporated into the new
church.
The education building was built
in the early 1950s. Classes began there in 1956 while Rev. Donald
Risinger served as pastor. The sanctuary was renovated in 1977.
An elevator was added in 1980. Additional remodeling took place in
1985. A new roof, new air conditioning, and a 15-passenger bus were
acquired under the leadership of Rev. David Dietzel.
Members who have entered the
ministry include Byrl J. Moreland and Fred B. Wideman |
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