A History of St. Paul UMC
The first development of Highland Village began on the north side of Whitehall Pike in 1955, expanding to the south side in 1962. With this growth on the west side of Bloomington there became a need for a second Methodist Church.
May 19, 1963, was the chosen date for the organization of the new church. Rev. Noel Spencer was the presiding minister, combining his pastoral duties with Cross Roads Methodist Church. A groundbreaking service was held on Sunday, December 8, 1963, and the first service was held in the new building on June 7, 1964. Saint Paul Methodist Church was the name given to the new church and ninety people became Charter Members. Forty-five years later, 23 remain as Charter Members, and the church has a membership of 347, with an average attendance of 252.
A groundbreaking was held on March 23, 1980, for a new sanctuary, with services being held on September 7, 1980. With the continued growth, two services became necessary and worship services at 8:45 and 11:00 began in September 1983. A need for classrooms soon became crucial and plans formed for an addition to Brashaber Fellowship Hall. Groundbreaking for the addition of six classrooms was held on August 20, 1995. Classes began meeting in their new rooms on March 24, 1996.
In 2000, St. Paul became incorporated and an additional three acres to the west of the existing property were purchased for future expansion. The church parsonage and adjoining lot was sold in 2001, and nineteen feet of road frontage of St. Paul property was purchased by the State of Indiana for the widening of State Road 48. A praise band was formed and an 8:45 AM contemporary worship service was started in 2002. The traditional worship service continued for the 11:00 service. The parking lot was expanded in 2003, and new lighting and landscaping were added. Faith Link, a contemporary Sunday evening service, began in 2004, meeting at MCL-Mayfields Ballroom on Liberty Drive. The goal was to reach people in a comfortable atmosphere and at a convenient time.
Upward Soccer, a nationwide Christian sports program, began in August, 2006. Using our newly purchased three acres, over 100 boys and girls enjoyed a time of fellowship and sportsmanship.
St. Paul is a mission-oriented congregation. In 1999, Rev. Brian and Michelle White traveled to Zimbabwe, Africa, where they were involved in building a dormitory at Africa University. Adults have participated in mission trips to Mountain Top, Tennessee; Calnali, Mexico; and the Gulf Coast. Faith Promise Mission has become a yearly project supporting 8-10 agencies, and Habitat for Humanity and local food banks are hands-on programs supported by St. Paul. Monthly mission projects support local, national, and international agencies. Our youth continue to take yearly mission trips and this will mark their first year outside of the states as they travel to Mexico in July. Pastor Frank, Nancy, Chris, Elizabeth and Jessica VanAllen participated in a pastoral exchange program the summer of 2008 in Penrith, England.
May 19, 1963, was the chosen date for the organization of the new church. Rev. Noel Spencer was the presiding minister, combining his pastoral duties with Cross Roads Methodist Church. A groundbreaking service was held on Sunday, December 8, 1963, and the first service was held in the new building on June 7, 1964. Saint Paul Methodist Church was the name given to the new church and ninety people became Charter Members. Forty-five years later, 23 remain as Charter Members, and the church has a membership of 347, with an average attendance of 252.
A groundbreaking was held on March 23, 1980, for a new sanctuary, with services being held on September 7, 1980. With the continued growth, two services became necessary and worship services at 8:45 and 11:00 began in September 1983. A need for classrooms soon became crucial and plans formed for an addition to Brashaber Fellowship Hall. Groundbreaking for the addition of six classrooms was held on August 20, 1995. Classes began meeting in their new rooms on March 24, 1996.
In 2000, St. Paul became incorporated and an additional three acres to the west of the existing property were purchased for future expansion. The church parsonage and adjoining lot was sold in 2001, and nineteen feet of road frontage of St. Paul property was purchased by the State of Indiana for the widening of State Road 48. A praise band was formed and an 8:45 AM contemporary worship service was started in 2002. The traditional worship service continued for the 11:00 service. The parking lot was expanded in 2003, and new lighting and landscaping were added. Faith Link, a contemporary Sunday evening service, began in 2004, meeting at MCL-Mayfields Ballroom on Liberty Drive. The goal was to reach people in a comfortable atmosphere and at a convenient time.
Upward Soccer, a nationwide Christian sports program, began in August, 2006. Using our newly purchased three acres, over 100 boys and girls enjoyed a time of fellowship and sportsmanship.
St. Paul is a mission-oriented congregation. In 1999, Rev. Brian and Michelle White traveled to Zimbabwe, Africa, where they were involved in building a dormitory at Africa University. Adults have participated in mission trips to Mountain Top, Tennessee; Calnali, Mexico; and the Gulf Coast. Faith Promise Mission has become a yearly project supporting 8-10 agencies, and Habitat for Humanity and local food banks are hands-on programs supported by St. Paul. Monthly mission projects support local, national, and international agencies. Our youth continue to take yearly mission trips and this will mark their first year outside of the states as they travel to Mexico in July. Pastor Frank, Nancy, Chris, Elizabeth and Jessica VanAllen participated in a pastoral exchange program the summer of 2008 in Penrith, England.
National UMC News
- 5 Congo siblings capture hearts May 18, 2012
- GC2012: 40 more sent to mission service May 16, 2012
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