Our History In the mid 1800’s, Methodists in Spiceland went to the McDaniel Methodist Church, which was located south of New Castle, a short distance west of what is now Highway 3. By 1870, the local families began meeting in a schoolhouse on the northwest side of Main Street and East Street. Later this house was converted into a dwelling and was known as the Cameron house. When the Farm Bureau acquired the elevator, however, the house was torn down.
William Parrish was the class leader and Rev. McMahin, Presiding Elder. The pastor of the circuit, who preached at Greensboro, Sugar Grove, McDaniel and Grant City, took up the work in the new Class. In the early days, circuits were changed often, but they usually had five or six preaching places. Lewisville and Ogden were also on this circuit later.
In 1875, under the leadership of Rev. Powell, a movement was started to build a church. Muddy roads and bad weather were a hardship in the six-mile ride to McDaniel Church. Hard work and much sacrifice were necessary, but friends helped generously and a frame structure was erected and was dedicated early in 1877.
Early in the century when Rev. Spechien was the pastor (1902~1903), a movement was made to build a parsonage and a new church in adjoining lots. A site was chosen at the corner of Maple and Church Street (current N. 2nd Street).
Rev. Spechien not only helped with the planning but also helped with the manual labor. Mrs. Spechien organized the Ladies Aid. Mrs. Dora Stubbs Symons was the first president. These good women began to raise money for the new church.
The present modest and beautiful building was built in 1905 costing $4500, and was dedicated on February 25, 1906.
| Spiceland United Methodist Church was made a station (known today as a charge) in 1936. As the needs of the congregation grew, the church was modernized and extra classrooms were made available by excavation under the entire church building. The parsonage was also remodeled and modernized.
By the early 1960’s the basement classrooms were very crowded, and further expansion was deemed necessary. It was decided to build an educational unit on the lot to the west of the church. The groundbreaking was held on June 5, 1966, and the corner stone was laid on December 18, 1966. Consecration services were held on January 29, 1967. They were highlights of our church history.
We all have memories of special events that went on down through the years. Some to mention were: Revivals, Fund-raiser Suppers, Ice Cream Socials, the “Little Black Penny Cans,” 50+ Plus Club, and Sunbeam Pre-School. Events that were started many years ago, we still do every year: Holiday Bazaar and Pitch-In Dinners after church. One that is associated with the Spiceland United Methodist Women is the making of their famous Mincemeat. This has been going on for decades.
Today we have so many members who are the second, third, fourth, generations of the initial members. Throughout the years, many new comers also joined to the congregation. There are presently about 70 members. The congregation has been very active, faithful and dedicated. Without their dedication and involvement, our church would not be where it is today. On November 27, 2005, we celebrated our 100th Anniversary marking a new highlight of our church history!
~ Online edition partially extracted from the SUMC 100th Anniversary Booklet ~
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