 |
About UsIn 1858, in the month of March, a few persons decided to worship God in the Methodist tradition. Around old Silveyville J. W. Leach organized a Methodist church with himself as pastor and the original members being John A. Leach, Maria Leach, Ellen Troxil, Emily West, Charles West, Charles Seeley, Solomon Seeley, John Reed, Joseph Reed, E.B. Reed, William Reed. The first meeting was held in
Membership increased to 30 persons the first year.
Between 1858 and 1863 Falker White served for a short time in a hall over a saloon. There were lots of trials and tribulations in trying to keep the church going, including having no minister for a time. In 1863 they were pastored by Rev. G. W. Murphy, a robust man, radical in view, but a man for his time and membership increased.
In 1865 Rev. A.P. Hendon was appointed and Methodism became an established fact.
In 1866 they erected the Methodist church building at Silveyville, at a cost of $4,300, under the ministry of Father William Morrow, an indefatigable, well loved person. Membership increased to 98 people. Both Binghampton and Silveyville charges were on a circuit until 1870.
In 1868 the town of
In 1871 the Silveyville charge became separate, but for a time was still run by the same people.
When an individual desired to join the
One of the major components of the church was the Epworth League and their library.
In 1872 the parsonage was started and made tenantable for the pastorate. While going through the history of the many trials and successes of the church, we have learned that the church has struggled and prayed a lot. In each era there have always been a certain few members who have had to work particularly hard to keep her afloat. The moment it seemed that no hope for her continuance could be seen, a miracle would come about and save the situation. The people were very faithful. The church has always struggled and WON.
Over the years the church has supported many fine causes: The Fred Finch Home sufferers Southern Education and Freedmans Aid. Deacons Home Missions and Tracts Temperance Armenian Orphanage Relief work Foreign Missions
Some trivia that is of interest and came to light in reading the records: 1907- The sidewalk was paid for. 1908- The wooden water tower fell during an earthquake. 1931- An Optimist Club was formed. 1932- Church organ was purchased.
Current Church Programs With a current membership of 220, the average attendance is 100 during worship service. There are 30 children who participate in the life of the church. All ages of Sunday School classes begin at
The Youth Group meets every Thursday for discussion, games and fellowship. Some of their special outings have been a ski trip, hiking, miniature golf, a trip to Younger children have enjoyed a swim party, balloon party and Vacation Bible School, as well as activities planned for them each Sunday during the worship time. Our choir, under the direction of Daniel Paulson with Jana Gabby as pianist, enriches our worship service each Sunday and we are additionally blessed to have the children’s choir as well. Other musical groups include Scrap Metal (an all male vocal ensemble), Notions (an all female vocal ensemble), as well as DUMIE (Dixon United Methodist Instrument Ensemble) and Driftwood (recorder ensemble) frequently adding to our music and worship program. There are several special fellowship groups that meet on a regular basis. For women there is The Grace Circle that meets every second Monday of each month at Our pastor is a part of the Our governing bodies are The Administrative Board, Board of Trustees, Council on Ministries, Pastor-Parish Relations Committee, Finance Committee and Building Committee.
|
