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After a great deal of prayer and discussion, we at Hartford UMC have decided to
close our church. Our final worship service and Sunday School will be September
12. It was not an easy decision. However, after several years of declining
attendance and no new faces to carry Christ's banner into the future, our small
congregation felt that now was the time to accept what seems to be the
inevitable conclusion to our situation. God has blessed us over the years
financially and we have been able to stay current with all obligations but we
were not able to attract new folks to our midst. We have had a long and
interesting heritage. According to the newsletter 'The Hartford Methodist',
published monthly by the Reverend W. J. Stewart (pastor from 1894 to 1897)
"the Hartford Methodist Church can trace its origins to a great revival
that extended from May 1839 into 1840. A series of protracted meetings were
held in a schoolhouse. During the revival about 200 persons became converted
and a church society was organized." From the beginning the church's
pastors and members carried out the work of the Lord faithfully and diligently.
Although the size of the congregation was never large, the spirit was strong
and that contributed to the long life of our church. Chapters of the Epworth
League and the Ladies Aid Society were active. Church attendance decreased,
however, in the late 1930's and early 1940's and it was decided to close the
doors around the year 1944. After being closed for about five years, it was
decided to attempt to reopen the church by approaching local Methodist pastors
(first from Aurora and then from Rising Sun) to conduct services at Hartford.
This proved successful and eventually resulted in full reinstatement to the
Conference. Hartford became part of a charge with Rising Sun UMC and that
alliance has continued for about 50 years. We want to extend special thanks for
the help and support over the years from the folks of the Rising Sun UMC. You
have encouraged us in so many ways and we have held in high regard the
relationship between our two churches. And so, 164 years after it began, our
'church by the side of the road' will be no more. We just thank God for the way
He has blessed us during that time and pray that as each of us finds a new
church home we will continue to look to Him for our strength and guidance.
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