A History of University United Methodist Churches
University United Methodist Churches (UUMC) across the United States share a common thread: a commitment to faith, community, and service, often intertwined with the academic environment of nearby universities. Each UUMC possesses a unique history, reflecting the specific needs and opportunities of its location. These churches have adapted and evolved, remaining steadfast in their dedication to spreading the Gospel and fostering spiritual growth.
Early Beginnings and Growth
Many University United Methodist Churches trace their origins back to the 19th or early 20th centuries, a period of significant expansion for both universities and Methodism.
Wichita Falls, Texas: A Church on the Move
One example is the story of a UUMC in Wichita Falls, Texas. It began one Sunday night in 1907, when seven families gathered to worship according to the doctrines of the Northern branch of the Methodist Episcopal Church, North, under the leadership of Reverend R. E. Farley. Initially, they met in the courthouse. Within two years, they embarked on constructing a $30,000 building at Seventh and Lamar streets, intended to house the congregation and serve the YMCA. The construction faced a setback when a severe storm damaged one of the walls, highlighting the challenges and resilience of the early congregation. Fortunately, storm and hail insurance enabled them to continue the project. A distinctive feature of the original building was its large central dome.
In 1924, the congregation changed its name to Grace Methodist Episcopal Church, North, to avoid confusion with First Methodist Episcopal Church, South. The Methodist groups reunited in 1939, eliminating "Northern," "Southern," and "Episcopal" from their names. A two-story brick parsonage was built north of the church. In the late 1940s, the adjacent two-story brick building was purchased, and a walkway connected it to the church at the second-story level. The upper story served as Sunday School classrooms, while the lower story was rented to businesses.
By 1950, leaders felt that two downtown Methodist churches were unwise for a town the size of Wichita Falls. Parking was becoming a problem, and new housing construction was occurring primarily in the southern and western areas of the city. Discussions about relocating Grace Methodist Church began. In June 1952, the Reverend Carl E. Kneightley was assigned as pastor, and momentum for relocation began. Plans were made for a new church building and parsonage, including a budget campaign and solicitation of outside gifts from the Methodist community. Bishop W. D. Martin appealed to this group to support Grace Methodist Church, emphasizing the debt owed to them for providing the city with a new and vigorous Methodist Church. The budget campaign exceeded expectations, and six acres of land were purchased from W. B. Hampton’s T-Bone Cattle Ranch, across from Midwestern University, in what is now the Country Club estate.
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Groundbreaking for the new church building occurred on December 5, 1954, led by the Reverend Dan Barron. In the spring of 1955, services began in McGaha School, led by Reverend Kneightley, with over three hundred members moving from the old location. The congregation moved to its current location in late 1955. In the late 1980s, the congregation decided to build a larger Sanctuary due to membership growth. A new Sanctuary was built in 1992, as part of the original master plan. In 2011, a flood in the Fellowship hall led to a restored education wing. The campus now features open green space. The church values kinship as a means by which God heals and transforms. It strives to offer gifts and opportunities to connect through fellowship, services, and community events, and is a multi-campus congregation. University UMC is a Lighthouse Congregation, welcoming anyone whose church has closed or disaffiliated.
Syracuse, New York: From Mission to University Landmark
Another UUMC story begins in 1868 with the Dempster Mission in Syracuse, New York, located at the corner of South Crouse Avenue and East Fayette Street. As the mission grew, land was acquired on East Genesee Street. The cornerstone of the new church was laid in 1871, coinciding with the laying of the cornerstone for the Hall of Languages on the Syracuse University campus. A fire in February 1914 destroyed the older part of the church, leaving only the walls standing. Professor Frederick W. Reveals, head of the Syracuse University Department of Architecture, and Professor Fred Lear designed the new church. The stained-glass windows were crafted by the William J. Pike Stained Glass Company of Rochester, N.Y. One set of organ pipes came from a New York City theater.
Shortly after the Civil War, First Methodist Episcopal Church began satellite missions to meet the worship needs of people in outlying regions of Syracuse. The Dempster Mission began conducting services in 1868 on the city’s near east side and was named after the Rev. On June 8, 1869, it became Dempster Methodist Episcopal Church. Major funding for the new building was provided by Eliaphet and Philo Remington, who also supported Syracuse University. The cornerstone was laid on August 31, 1871, and the first service was held in the basement on April 28, 1872. The church was dedicated on December 12 of the same year. By 1909, a $30,000 chapel was authorized at the rear of the church to house the Sunday School. After the 1914 fire, the congregation worshipped in the Jewish synagogue at the corner of University Avenue and Madison Street for nine months. Reconstruction was delayed by World War I but completed in May 1921, and the new building was dedicated on June 8, 1921.
Baton Rouge, Louisiana: A Church Born from Campus Ministry
The University Methodist Church in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, emerged from a different context: the need for a dedicated ministry to students at Louisiana State University (LSU). On September 8, 1941, an organizational meeting was held in the Methodist Student Center at LSU. Permission was granted to use the University Theater for church services. The first worship service was held on Sunday, September 14, 1941, with seventy-seven people present. On October 22, 1942, a request was made for approval of a statewide campaign for funds to erect a church and student center. A lot adjoining the University was purchased on May 27, 1943. The cornerstone for the new church was laid on May 24, 1950, and the first service in the new sanctuary was held on May 20, 1951. The church's mission was to LSU, the community, and the world. Over the years, buildings have been constructed, children nurtured, youth guided, marriages celebrated, and mourners comforted. Classes, committees, and organizations have multiplied and flourished.
Austin, Texas: From Honey Chapel to University Avenue
The University United Methodist Church in Austin, Texas, began its life in 1887 as Austin City Mission. The congregation met in Honey Chapel, located on the northeast corner of 24th Street and Whitis Avenue. The first pastor was Rev. John E. In 1891, a new brick building was built at the corner of 24th Street and Nueces and was called Twenty-Fourth Street Church until 1895, when it was renamed Hotchkiss Memorial Church. In 1905, the congregation decided to sell the existing church building and property and invest in new property and a new building. The new property, on the Northeast corner of 24th Street and Guadalupe, was owned by a University of Texas math professor. The cornerstone for the new church was laid on October 8, 1907. Architect Frederick M. Mann designed the building. A second building, the Wesley Bible Chair building, was constructed just north of the church in 1924. Also in 1924, the three-story rear section of the church was demolished and rebuilt, expanding the sanctuary and balcony space. The congregation purchased the property adjacent to the Wesley Bible Chair at some point before the 1940s. In 1949, the Wesley Bible Chair building was demolished, and a new education building was constructed. A major renovation of the entire property was undertaken beginning in 1956, including demolishing buildings on the corner of 25th Street for a parking lot and air-conditioning Heinsohn Hall and the sanctuary building. The name of the church changed again in 1968, when the Evangelical United Brethren Church joined with the Methodist Church (USA) to form The United Methodist Church. The sanctuary was again renovated in 1978, and Heinsohn Hall underwent a renovation in 1985. In 2007, a campaign was announced to raise money for a complete renovation of the sanctuary building. The congregation voted to affiliate with the Reconciling Ministries Network (RMN) in 2011.
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United Methodist Church and Higher Education
The United Methodist Church's involvement in higher education dates back to December 24, 1784, when the newly formed Methodist Church authorized the establishment of Cokesbury College in Abingdon, Maryland. Since then, more than 1,500 academies, colleges, and universities have been established by the (United) Methodist Church. The church has stressed five major concepts that have been the basis for the church to continue its support and involvement in higher education. The Wesleyan heritage has supported the ideal of uniting knowledge and vital piety within a diverse community from the beginning.
Core Values and Beliefs
University United Methodist Churches are grounded in the core values and beliefs of the United Methodist Church. The United Methodist Church understands itself to be part of the holy catholic (or universal) church as it recognizes the historic ecumenical creeds, the Apostle’s Creed and the Nicene Creed. The cross and flame represent the work of the Holy Spirit in the church and the world, which is seen in believers through spiritual gifts. The two parts of the flame represent the predecessor denominations, the Methodist Church and the Evangelical United Brethren, and are united at the base symbolizing the 1968 merger. By the union of The Methodist Church and the Evangelical United Brethren Church, the UMC traces its roots back to the revival movement of John and Charles Wesley within the Church of England.
For University United Methodist Church, it starts with open hearts - inclusive, curious, and vulnerable - a deeply connected community that leads with love above all. Living an outward faith means “walking the talk” and doing our best to live in a way that reflects the values and teachings of Jesus. It’s a thinking, practicing Christianity yearning to create goodness and light wherever needed.
Music Ministry
Many University United Methodist Churches have a strong commitment to classical sacred music. The earliest references to a choir in church publications date to the 1890s. In 1985, the UUMC Choir toured England, singing in such places as Westminster Abbey, Coventry Cathedral, Norwich Cathedral, and the Washington National Cathedral. The UUMC Choir is known for performing large works of sacred choral literature.
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