History of Rockford Methodist Church

In the year 1853 the Rockford Methodist Church was organized under A. R. Bartlett as pastor. The organization struggled along without a house of worship until 1865. Under the pastorate of David Engle the church purchased a two story machine shop, moved it to the present church site, and reconstructed it with a satisfactory chapel of worship. This served the church until the year 1877 when Reverend Washington Gardner was appointed to the Rockford charge. The place of worship proved too small and the work of rebuilding and enlarging the church building was again in process. The church was rebuilt into the shape of a Greek cross, an arched ceiling ornamented the interior and the church was then equipped in a modern fashion. Some important changes in the church were made later in the pastorate of Rev. Chas. Nease. But with the growth of the town and the steady growth of the church the building again in the pastorate of H. A. Lyon was remodeled. The architectural design for the remodeling of the church was furnished by the pastor. This included the raising of the church five feet building on two additions and a tower entrance, a side entrance, the partitioning off of three class rooms above, the construction of three balconies, and the finishing off of the basement. Eight beautiful stained glass memorial windows were placed in the church at the time. Chas. G. and Eliza Hyde by W. W. Hyde; Oscar F. and Julia Hyde by Carl Hyde; James T. Judson and Sarah Judson Terry by Karl S. Judson and Mrs. Sadie Jean; Laban and Harrietta Allen by Mrs. Cloe Johnson; George and Maria Whitworth by Chas. Whitworth; James S. and S. Jane Skellenger by C. W. Skellenger; Mr. and Mrs. J. S. Spring by J. G. and D. W. Spring. Sunday school classes gave the following windows: Junior Girls, Rev. H. A. Lyon, teacher; Young People's Class, Mrs. I. W. Moe teacher; Young Ladies' Class, Mrs. Ida Butler, teacher; Young Men's Class, A. R. Jewell, teacher. This was all accomplished between 1907 and 1910, at the cost of $5,200. This building with minor changes and the usual repairs served the community and is still the place of worship. In 1927 during the pastorate of Rev. R. D. Wearner a beautiful new parsonage was built at the corner of S. Main and Maple St. This provides a beautiful home for every pastor and his family, and is partially funded by the Ladies' Aid Society. During the pastorate of Rev. John Everington, the church was redecorated at a cost of $2,200. Some few changes have been made in the basement, one of the class rooms being transformed into a nursery with bed, tables and chairs, sand table and toys of all kinds. The tiny tots are kept here during morning service. We find a great contrast in the church of today and for example the church during 1858-59. Then the pastor had nine appointments to be filled assisted by two local preachers. Today our pastor has one appointment, a vested choir under the supervision of Mrs. Wayne Blakeslee, and Chairmen of all departments to make his load lighter. Rev. and Mrs. Lockyer return to Rockford for their third year. The church is in splendid condition financially, has grown, and is growing spiritually.