HISTORY OF GRACE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

Edited by Florence Eddins and Julian Shull

In 1833 a Methodist class was organized in Southington as a missionary enterprise of the Trinity M.E. Church of New Britain. This class became known as the Flanders District, but no actual church was organized at that time.

In 1857, Reverend D. G. Brown of Bristol led a successful revival of faith at the invitation of Mr. H. R. Crowles in Southington. A year later, in 1858, the Methodist Episcopal Church of Southington was founded, and Reverend Brown became the first pastor.

During the first nine years, services were held in different locations until a church was constructed in 1866. This church was dedicated on April 11, 1867 under the pastorate of Reverend A. M. Allen. The site where the original church was built is in the center of town where the Southington Savings Bank is currently located.

At that time there were thirty five members, but that number increased rapidly over the next few years. By 1881 the church was able o build a parsonage at Vermont Terrace, land which was donated by Mr. William Wilcox.

In 1897 the old church was extensively renovated. On January 1, 1901, a beautiful 1-ton bell was donated by Mr. W. R. Walkley and Mr. L. V. Walkley in time to ring in the New Year.

The name "Grace Methodist Episcopal Church" was adopted in 1911, and was shortened to "Grace Methodist Church" in 1939 with the general union of all Methodism. It was changed again in 1968 to "Grace United Methodist Church" when the Methodist Church united with the Evangelical United Brethren Church.

The church was renovated again in 1924. At this time memorial windows, a gift of Miss Edna Woodruff in memory of her brother and parents, were installed. The period from 1932 to 1953 was one of little growth. Most pastors during this time were Yale Divinity School students serving as part time pastors. The congregation, however, was dedicated and was able to meet all church and pastoral obligations. At the end of this period a third major renovation was done on the church under Reverends George Czar and Harold Miller, after a vigorous fund raising drive.

The next five years saw the church prosper in a period of rapid growth in the town, and in 1958 Grace Methodist Church again became a "full-time pastoral charge". This growth continued over the next three years until the old church could not accommodate the needs of the congregation.

In 1961 a fund raising drive was initiated and planning began that would ultimately result in our present building. On February 21, 1965, under the pastorate of Reverend Robert S. Hamilton, the new church was consecrated.

The new parsonage was built on the property adjoining the church the year after the completion of the new church building. Since that time, The electronic bell carillon and public address system were added in the sanctuary, and the reed organ was re-coned to allow more accurate tuning. In 1978 the storage building was added and lawn equipment was purchased.

From February 1970 through June 1981 Rev. Fred Clark served as pastor. During this time the youth ministry was greatly expanded and became very active in the church and community. Community outreach programs were developed or expanded and a program to create banners was undertaken to enhance our worship.

In 1981 Rev. Rolland French began his pastorate at Grace United Methodist Church. During his pastorate the lighted church sign was added, new modern office equipment was purchased, new direction signs were placed in the town, and new trust fund policies for music and memorial funds were established. In addition to this current growth, with a renewed commitment from members and friends, Grace United Methodist Church is becoming involved in mission projects, evangelism, and other Christian social projects.

In 1994 Rev. Jeffrey Fillian became pastor at Grace United Methodist Church, serving through June of 1996. During his pastorate the church undertook the Disciples Bible study and instituted an 8:30 a.m. communion service on Sunday mornings in addition to the regular 10:00 a.m. service.

In 1996, Rev. Florence T. Eddins became pastor at Grace UMC. She was well received as the first female pastor of the congregation.

On July 1, 2008, Rev. Christine Kim became pastor at Grace UMC arriving from the Clinton (CT) United Methodist Church.

Grace UMC hopes to continue its growth as a congregation of people who seek to follow Jesus Christ. We are blessed to have many talented, enthusiastic folks, and are eager to welcome new members. Most of all, we are committed to deepening our discipleship and learning how to reach others with the love of God. By the grace of God, we live and grow.