United Methodist Church History
On April 23, 1968, The United Methodist Church was created when Bishop Reuben H. Mueller, representing The Evangelical United Brethren Church, and Bishop Lloyd C. Wicke of The Methodist Church joined hands at the constituting General Conference in Dallas, Texas. With the words, "Lord of the Church, we are united in Thee, in Thy Church and now in The United Methodist Church," the new denomination was given birth by two churches that had distinguished histories and influential ministries in various parts of the world. Theological traditions steeped in the Protestant Reformation and Wesleyanism, similar ecclesiastical structures, and relationships that dated back almost two hundred years facilitated the union. In the Evangelical United Brethren heritage, for example, Philip William Otterbein, the principal founder of the United Brethren in Christ, assisted in the ordination of Francis Asbury to the superintendency of American Methodist work. Jacob Albright, through whose religious experience and leadership the Evangelical Association was begun, was nurtured in a Methodist class meeting following his conversion *Taken from umc.org* |
Lemoore Church History
Methodist history in this area is thought to have begun with the formation of the Methodist Society in 1866 when a group of people met in a mud and stick hut near Clark’s Fork of the Kings River. A church building was constructed in 1878 in Lemoore at the corner of Hill and D Streets. Methodists met there until 1922. From 1937 until 1960, Methodists affiliated with the Lemoore Presbyterian Church. In 1960, the growth of Lemoore supported separate congregations. Our property at 500 E. Bush was purchased in October 1960. Our church has been here ever since. We have had some design changes over the years. One of our most unique features are the stained glass windows at the front of the church and the stained glass of Christ centered over our altar in the sanctuary. We have a long history in the area and look forward to continuing Christ’s work. COME IN AND FEEL HIS PRESENCE. We are a church organization affiliated to The United Methodist Conference. We are here to help raise leaders, to show the world that we can change the world with our communities hand in hand. |