History of Cornelius United Methodist Church
The Cornelius United Methodist Church was started in the Fall in 1880, and completed in early 1881. At the time there were few buildings in town, the railroad had just been built, the streets were mud or dirt, there were no side-walks, members carried lanterns to light their way to church, and the sanctuary was heated by a huge wood stove. The church was built on land owned by Col. T. R. Cornelius. The church's exterior was somewhat ornate with crosses and ornamental Gothic trim decorating, spire-topped, bell-tower, and windows of transparent glass. In 1921 the building was changed to how it looks today. The spire was removed, and restrooms and electricity was installed. In 1963 an educational building was was built next to the sanctuary. This still-standing church is a living witness of the hard work of our founders 117 years ago.
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