The Methodist Episcopal Church of Harwood was established in 1892, on Lots 1 and 2 in Block 14 of Browns Addition. The lots were sold by Charles Brown and his wife, Anna, through their attorney, John G. Birdseye, to the church for the sum of $5.00. Harwood agreed to pay by donation of cash or work for the building of a church. None of the said subscriptions would be due until $500.00 in cash or $200.00 in work had been subscribed. (When donations were paid or promised, then work on the building would start) Some members signed to pay $50.00 each. Most paid $2 to $5. Later, lots 3 and 4 were added to the church property for the sum of $30.00.

   Chairs were $4.00 per dozen paid for in the same manner.  They bought 19 dozen, unassembled. Most donations were $2 or $3.

   The first minister (1892-93) was J. L. Boyd. Members of the M.E. church and other supporters of the gospel at Harwood agreed to pay the amount set opposite their names toward the salary of Rev. J. L. Boyd for the conference year. Money was paid in quarterly or monthly installments in advance as far as possible. The largest amount paid was $25.00 quarterly. Most donations were $5 or $10 quarterly. Salary believed to be $800.00 per year.

   The first Trustees of the Church were: E. A. Shaver, James W. Robison, Wm. L. Rutherford, J. R. Cowell, and O. McConnell.

   In 1968, the Mt. Vernon and Harwood Churches combined their Sunday worship services which were held on the first and third Sundays of the month. In the 1990's, the Mt. Vernon church was closed and the building belongs to the Mt. Vernon Cemetery Association.

   In 1992, our centennial celebration was held. It was a wonderful gathering of past members. Many letters were written of memories of Sunday school classes with little red chairs and patient and wonderful teachers. Also, letters from former ministers, many of them expressing the thanks for the support and learning they received at this small church. This poem really expressed what everyone was trying to say:

Yes, just a humble small-town church

With altar simply dressed

But this I know, at vesper’s glow

God stops in there to rest.

   Many improvements have been made to the church since the beginning. After 100 years, we got a restroom. We have a lighted church sign, a handicap ramp, a repaired belfry with a bell that rings, and a beautiful steeple. We enjoy a faithful few, but need so much young people and children.