The West Canaan Methodist Church began its existence as a dance hall, 500 feet down the road under the pines in front of the former Webster's Store (now the Eggleston property).

In 1893, Mrs. Emeline U. Bean of Northwood, New Hampshire, purchased the structure with the idea it would serve as a church. The building was moved to a parcel of land measuring 40 by 50 feet, given by Charles W. Dwinels, Mrs. Bean's brother-in-law. This is the lot across from the entrance to Mascoma Valley Regional High School.

From 1893 to 1896, the church served as a Union Church. On July 5, 1896, under the leadership of Reverend William Prosser, pastor of the Enfield Methodist Episcopal Church, it became the West Canaan Methodist Episcopal Church, and remains a Methodist Church to this day. It shared a pastor with Enfield until 1960.

In 1902, the church was remodeled, and the ceiling was raised. The vestibule and steeple were added about 1905. The

dimensions are 18 by 24 feet, with a vestibule that is 6-feet deep. The roof of the vestibule is 3 feet lower than the main building where the steeple sits.

As you enter the building, you pass through double swinging doors from the vestibule into the main building. The ceiling is oval and the pulpit and choir loft are raised slightly from the main floor. The interior is finished in natural wood, and the settees are movable. The heat was furnished by a large wood-burning stove. Oil-burning lights hung from the wall, and a chandelier hung from the ceiling (the hook that held it still remains). The church was wired for electricity in 1955, and a gas furnace was added to replace the wood-burning stove in 1960.

As early as 1905, the church was billed as the smallest church in New England, and given the title of "The Toy Church". Little remains of the history until the 1950's. Many travelers visit the church each year and the door is always open.

The chapel was closed in 1958 for two years. A number of parents were concerned that their children were getting no religious training. In February, 1960, Reverend Ray Cowen, district superintendent, came and officially opened the Sunday School naming Mrs. Virginia Smith as the Sunday School superintendent. There were five classes, with six teachers, and an average attendance of twenty children.

At the time the Sunday School was opened, it was decided to open the church also. With Reverend Cowen's help, we got Mr. Alton Mark of Lebanon as the pastor. The first service was held on Palm Sunday, 1960. A Sunday School project replaced the old worn hymnals. A gift of an electric organ was presented by the Christian Science Church of Lebanon.

June 5, 1960, Reverend Ray Cowen returned, and with the help of Reverend Mark, they baptized seventeen adults and children. He also welcomed twenty-two adults and youth as new members of the church. It was a wonderful experience to have so many people, in such a small community, come forward to join with God to make a better world.

By October of 1966, a fund was established to move the chapel. The road had been widened through the years, so one stepped off the stairs practically into the road. The new site was deeded to the church by the Mascoma Valley Regional School District at the annual meeting in 1967. In August the chapel was blocked up, put on wheels, and moved to its present site.

The Sunday School had always been active. They conducted the Easter Sunrise Service, provided scholarships to Camp Wanakee, worked on special Christmas projects, and more. The White Chapel Circle Ladies were always raising money for the church.

In 1988 the membership joined with the Enfield Methodist Church.