Woodburn United Methodist Church will celebrate its 125th anniversary on Sunday September 18 with a special service at 10:30 AM. Coffee and breakfast snacks will be provided beginning at 9:30 for a time of fellowship prior to the worship service. Former pastors, along with the District Superintendent and Assistant Superintendent will be present for the celebration.
The church was founded in the spring of 1897 when the Reverend W. L. Singer was appointed to the charge. Records show that there were only ten Methodists in the area at that time. The tiny congregation met in several locations over the next twelve years, including a room above the Rosener’s Store on the north side of Main Street and at a Milan Township schoolhouse west of Woodburn. After much work and sacrifice, the congregation was finally able to complete a church building on Carl Street in the fall of 1909. Dedication of the new building took place on January 16, 1910. Woodburn Methodist Church was originally part of a four point charge consisting of Devaux Chapel, Dawkins, Edgerton and Woodburn.
Over the years, electric lights replaced gasoline lamps, carpet and hardwood floors were installed and a new Hammond organ was added in 1950. In 1953, the church was threatened by fire but the quick response of the volunteer firefighters of Woodburn brought the situation under control with little damage. Around 1958, it was determined that the congregation should consider building a new church. Seven acres on the west side of Becker Road were purchased and ground was broken for the new building on August 4, 1968. The congregation struggled through ten years of monthly payments and in July of 1978, the mortgage was paid off.
The church has had its ups and downs, but Woodburn United Methodist Church remains a loving and welcoming part of the body of Christ.
