Church History

The history of the Darrtown United Methodist Church as you will see has been a series of building and rebuilding. The church was established in 1810 when Samuel Beeler deeded one acre of land, west of the village near the creek for religious and educational purposes. The farmers of the community erected a building and the building served as dual purpose. It was used as a church on Sunday and a school through the week in the winter months. It is not known when this church folded but when it did part of the members came to Darrtown and worshipped in a house. A building which was located about 25 rods South of the present building was erected and this building was later used as a barn for a time. The Old Town Hall erected in 1826 was the scene of the services for the Methodist, Lutheran, and Baptist churches. In 1871, the present building was erected on a lot sold to the trustees of our church by Henry Crown. HFS Bender was awarded the contract to build the church. On May 21^st,1874, the building was sold to HFS Bender at a Sherriff sale. On March 30th, 1875, it was repurchased by the Methodist Church it is believed that since Mr. Bender held the mortgage, worship services were held regularly. In the year 1900, all debts were paid, and the church was in good standing. Unfortunately, on July 6th,1907, a tornado touched down in Darrtown and left half of the church standing. Thanks to the Lutherans who offered their building for our church services, we continued. In April 1908, the church was rededicated and thanks to the Ladies Aid Society, the debt was soon paid. In 1955 the social room was added to the church and in January of 1961, the Methodist Church endeavored to start on its own and break the custom of alternating Sundays with the Lutherans. In the fall of 1962, all modern conveniences were added to the church building including Sunday school rooms that were first used in November of 1960. For many years Darrtown UMC shared a pastor or was part of a circuit of three churches. In 1945, Seven Mile and Darrtown UMC became one charge noting the pastor lived in the Seven Mile parsonage. In 1996, McGonigle Millville was added to the charge and with the withdrawal of Seven Mile, Darrtown and McGonigle Millville remained in charge until 2022. Darrtown United Methodist Church stands strong by itself although sharing a pastor, the mission and vision remain clear and our future continues to be driven by the needs of community and God’s people as Darrtown UMC is still a vital agent of love and support not only inside our sanctuary walls but also out into the community where the church needs to be to make a difference in the lives of others.