About Bloomfield United Methodist Church
Our Mission Statement
“We believe that God’s primary purpose for our church is the sharing and living of the gospel according to God’s holy word. We will do so by establishing effective ministries for people of all ages, reaching the unchurched, and strengthening one another. Our church will provide a center for worship, where people may seek spiritual renewal, minister to those in need, and express Christ’s compassion to the world.”
Our History
Methodism had its beginning in Bloomfield in 1844. The first place used for worship was a log cabin owned and occupied by the Rev. J.F. New. In 1845, the congregation worshipped wherever they could find a suitable place, first in a log house, then in the courthouse, next in the schoolhouse. In 1851, a lot was purchased and a new church, complete with a basement, was built for $3,800. The basement was used as a public school room for some time. In 1886, this building was renovated with the basement removed and an addition added. The church stood without further change until it was sold to the Y.M.C.A. in 1901.
In 1898, lots were purchased for the construction of the church that many people will remember. On August 7, 1899, Mr. J.J. Tipton of Cameron, Missouri was given a contract for the building of a brick church at a price of $13,000. Excavating, furnishings, stained glass windows and other items were above the contract price. Pastor Rev. T.B. Hughes laid the corner stone on September 23, 1899. The new building was dedicated May 27, 1901. The building was brick above a stone foundation, trimmed with Louisiana white limestone. The roof was slate with windows of art glass. The main auditorium had an inclined floor and circular pews. In 1918, the church was enlarged, with a ladies’ parlor and upstairs room added to the east.
In 1967, four and one-half acres were purchased as the building site for today’s present church at the cost of $20,000. In 1974, the congregation authorized the construction of a new church on this new site. The groundbreaking ceremony was held on this site on Sunday, August 12, 1979. On the last Sunday in November 1980, the morning service convened as usual in the old church with 302 people in attendance. The order of worship preceded as usual though the opening, then the church recessed and as a group the congregation walked to the new church to resume the morning service. It was an emotional experience, not to be forgotten by members who participated in the event. Completion cost of the new building was approximately $500,000. A paved parking lot was added to the grounds in 1990. On December 2, 1990 a dedication service was held for the building and the parking lot conducted by Rev. Ellis Andrews, the pastor of the church. In July of 1993 the Bloomfield United Methodist Church united with the Drakesville United Methodist Church and the West Grove United Methodist Church to form a parish.
Our Staff
Administrative Board:
Pictured here, left to right, are: John Schroeder, Helen Schroeder, Lisa Wagler, Alan Janssen, Elaine Von Bon, Rick Lynch, Kay Engle, Vicki Osenbaugh, Jane Bigsby, Linda Rowe, Elaine Perry, Rev. Kevin Gingerich, and Carol McKee.
Financial Committee:
Pictured here, left to right, are: Debbie Whitacre, Rev. Kevin Gingerich, Faith Newton and John Schroeder.
SPPR Committee:
Pictured here, left to right, are: Ron Moore, Gayle Walton, Rhonda Eakins, Rev. Kevin Gingerich, Alan Janssen, Jennifer Birchmier and Julie Swaim.
Endowment Committee:
Find out about the Endowment Committee here.
Photo Gallery
View past and present photos of our church and congregation!
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