Our History
The Methodist Church has a long history in Ayden. Since its inception it has produced an impact in this area. Nine men have entered the ministry from Ayden UMC. Three women have entered full-time Christian Education. In these years, the Church has been served by 42 pastors.
1885 – Methodism began in Ayden with an appointment at Spring Branch School, one and a half miles from the railroad station.
1890 – A group of 15-20 members moved to a new meeting place at 410 East Third Street.
1907 – The old church building was sold to Mr. Elias Turnage and a new location was selected on the corner of Third and Lee Streets. The present Methodist Church sanctuary was built.
1918 – About 1918 the church purchased and furnished a parsonage on North Lee Street.
1926 – The Standard Oil Company bought the church building site for $10,000 to build a gas station (formerly Exxon, now a Pure station). A lot was purchased from Mr. Jesse Hart for $150 and the church was moved to its present location, 460 Third Street. Once moved, the church was completely remodeled in the Tudor Revival style, not commonly used for religious architecture in small, rural communities. Renovations included the addition of brick veneer over the original weather board siding and half-timbering in gable ends. Also, the building was elevated to provide Sunday school rooms in the basement.
1934 – A heating plant was added at the approximate cost of $2000.
1936 – New pews, new carpet, baptismal font and other furniture and fixtures were installed for $1200.
1945 – Memorial windows were added.
1948 – A parsonage was build at 707 West Third Street for $14,000.
1956 – To provide more Sunday school facilities for an increasing membership due to industrial expansion in the area, an educational building was completed.
1960 – A concert model Hammond Organ was given to the church.
1987 – An Allen Classic Organ was installed at a cost of $35,175.
1995 – A new parsonage, located on 501 Terrace Drive was purchased.
2003 – Major renovations and repairs of the sanctuary included the replacement of the ceiling, carpeting of the balcony, expansion of the choir loft, renovation of the choir room, replastering and painting of the sanctuary and the installation of a sound system.