New Sharon United Methodist Church

History of the New Sharon United Methodist Church

A class organized by a Rev. Welch in the fall of 1862 was the beginning of the Methodist Church in New Sharon. This class was organized as a church in 1863. They met in a blacksmith shop, stores, private homes and a schoolhouse until the first church was built in 1871 at the corner of Elm and High Streets. This was the church’s home until a new brick structure was built in 1911 at its present location of Market and Pearl Streets. The same bell used in the first church still calls the members to worship on Sunday mornings. Numerous additions and renovations have been made throughout the years, including the addition of an elevator in 1993 connecting the sanctuary with the lower level.

In 1995, the church was blessed with the donation of the McVay building on the northwest corner in the center of town. The office was moved from the basement at the church to the new McVay Family Center, making the pastor and office personnel more easily accessible to everyone. The McVay has become the hub of many activities, both of the church and community. Sunday school classes and most of the churches youth organizations meet there. It is also the location of wedding receptions, family reunions, funeral luncheons, Spring Festival activities, etc. An ecumenical food pantry is located at the McVay and available to anyone in need. It is supported by the other churches in the community.

From the humble beginning of the Methodist church in 1862 with only a few families, it has grown to a membership of almost 600, with an average Sunday attendance of 225. Two services are held, a traditional one at 8:00 a.m. and a contemporary one at 10:30 a.m.. Sunday school at 9:15 a.m. finds 160 adults and youth attending classes.