The Dansville United Methodist Church will be celebrating its 200th year of Methodism in the valley on Saturday, Nov. 3, at 7:30 p.m. The Rev. Jamie Stevens will be leading the service, which will include special music and fellowship. Special music will include songs by the Dansville UMC choir, the handbell choir and soloist Allison Stevens.
History records show that members of the Methodist faith first settled in Dansville in 1812. The first preaching minister was Robert Parker, who moved to Sparta in 1805. Parker recognized the need to build a church building and began to raise the necessary funds. Less than $1,000 was secured and the church was commenced. The church was erected on the Public Square, a short distance south of the present location ofthe Presbyterian Church. The church's congregation continued to grow and remained there for nearly 50 years.
In the year 1876, the old church became too small and dilapidated and it was decided to build a new brick church on Chestnut Avenue. The cornerstone was laid on Aug. 29, 1876, and after a year and a half, it was completed at a cost of $18,000.
The public is invited to join members of the Dansville church on Saturday, Nov. 3, for this important celebration. A coffee hour will follow the service in the social hall.
The Dansville United Methodist Church will be celebrating its 200th year of Methodism in the valley on Saturday, Nov. 3, at 7:30 p.m. The Rev. Jamie Stevens will be leading the service, which will include special music and fellowship. Special music will include songs by the Dansville UMC choir, the handbell choir and soloist Allison Stevens.
History records show that members of the Methodist faith first settled in Dansville in 1812. The first preaching minister was Robert Parker, who moved to Sparta in 1805. Parker recognized the need to build a church building and began to raise the necessary funds. Less than $1,000 was secured and the church was commenced. The church was erected on the Public Square, a short distance south of the present location ofthe Presbyterian Church. The church's congregation continued to grow and remained there for nearly 50 years.
In the year 1876, the old church became too small and dilapidated and it was decided to build a new brick church on Chestnut Avenue. The cornerstone was laid on Aug. 29, 1876, and after a year and a half, it was completed at a cost of $18,000.
The public is invited to join members of the Dansville church on Saturday, Nov. 3, for this important celebration. A coffee hour will follow the service in the social hall.
