History of Massena United Methodist Church

The first organized Methodist circuit in the Massena area was established in September, 1877, with Whitneyville, Iowa, as head of the charge. With the coming of the railroad to Massena in 1885, the parsonage was moved to Massena, which then became the head of the charge with outlying points of Grandview, Reno, Cumberland and the Denham school.

The first M.E. church of Massena, built in the years 1885 and 1886, was of the common country school house type construction with a small vestibule in front. Center pews with two side aisles and side pews, two large round heating stoves, platform for the preacher and choir, and “Amen-corner” at the upper side front, served the congregation until 1903, when the needs of the society outgrew the building and plans for a new house of worship were made.

Under the leadership of Rev. Thomas E. Farley, the new building was constructed for a total cost of about $4500.00. A new parsonage was also constructed at this time. (insert photo of church)

In 1939 the Methodist Episcopal Church, the Methodist Church South and the Methodist Church reorganized and became the United Methodist Church. Bridgewater and Avondale joined Massena to make a three point circuit in 1946.

In September of 2003 we celebrated  100 years in our "new" church building. Althought the physical structure has undergone many repairs and renovations over the years, the underlying spirit of the church has remained unchanged--strong and vital, uniting and strengthening its people through wars, depression and drought.

We continue to welcome each and all within our doors and seek to spread God’s kingdom throughout the world.