Our Roots

History of our church

Lake Oswego United Methodist Church ("Church") traces its beginnings to a Sunday School founded in 1852 that met under a fir tree on Furnace Street in Lake Oswego (then known as Oswego). In 1854 Oswego Methodist Church was formed, with Rev. S. M. Berry as pastor. 

The Church first met in the homes of members. In 1890 the Church began meeting in a three-room building (which also served as a school) located at the corner of State and Middlecrest Streets, the present-day location of the Lakewood Center for the Arts. In 1894 a lot was purchased next to that building and a Church building was constructed. In 1929 the Church building was moved to 156 Greenwood, where it was remodeled. 

The Church was incorporated as a nonprofit corporation in accordance with the laws of the state of Oregon on July 25, 1929. The Church's present location on South Shore Boulevard was purchased in 1959, with a new building completed at the site shortly thereafter. An education building was added in 1964. On October 14, 1968, soon after the United Brethren and Methodist Churches united, the Church changed its name to Lake Oswego United Methodist Church. 

A parcel of land adjacent to the Church site was purchased in 1989 to provide additional space for parking. The most recent construction is the Christian Activities Center adjacent to the Sanctuary. The Church is affiliated with The United Methodist Church.