“Of the many church organizations in Jackson, the oldest is that of the Methodist Episcopal. So early as 1860 or 186 Rev. Peter Baker, that pioneer preacher of the gospel, organized a Methodist class from the scattered settlers residing in the vicinity of the present day village of Jackson and ever since the organization has been maintained…In the spring of 1870m the church had a membership of over 100. Not until 1880 was the Methodist church building erected. In the spring of that year the church members solicited money from the people of Jackson, the building was erected during the summer and the dedication exercises were held on October 3. The cost of the building was $2000.” The above is a quote from Rose’s History of Jackson, well known for its historical accuracy. In 1860, there were only 181 residents in the whole county, in 1862 all residents fled from the Indians, and in 1865 the county listed only 234 people. By 1871, Jackson was a sizeable village with a total of about 50 buildings. So we begin our chronology…
Classes organized by Rev. Peter Baker
First quarterly conference held in Jackson. Trustees elected
Methodists met in the newly constructed Presbyterian Church.
First parsonage built. Cost was $700. It was on North Highway less than a block
west of the bridge at the north end of Main Street. It was still used in the 1970s.
Methodist Church built at the corner of Grant and 3rd Street. Cost was $2000.
Dedication was October 3.
July 21 - 12 adults and 5 infants were baptized. Pastor also served Loon Lake
Methodist Church.
June 7 - baptized at Pearl Lake.
Loon Lake Methodists joined the Jackson congregation after many years of joint
worship with the Baptists who remained there.
April 28 - 60th anniversary of the church celebrated with joy.
Jackson church was without a resident pastor. Served by Lakefield minister.
July - Vicious wind storm severely damaged the church. The bell and steeple fell to
be just inside the front door.
Church moved to Park and North Highway. Bell was replaced in a new belfry.
Rededication services held in October.
25 women signed the charter for the newly named Women's Society of Christian
Service.
June - Rev. S. A. Norlemann came from Perth Amboy, New Jersey to be our pastor.
October 29 - 75th year anniversary celebration included a ceremony to honor
servicemen from our church.
June - Rev. J.Wm. Rossiter began a nine-year ministry here.
October 5 - Open house held at the new parsonage on Bailey Street. Original
"Friendly Fellowship" group of young adults organized. The first of eight cookbooks was
published by the WSCS.
May - Quarterly conference voted 26 to 2 to start a $75,000 New Church Fund.
March 28 - Burned the mortgage on the parsonage. Bishop T. Otto Nall was the
speaker to kick off the new church fund drive.
May - Pledges of over $60,000 secured for the construction of the new church and
committees put in place to seek a location.
A Methodist Men's organization was chartered.
July - James Walsh of Spencer was secured as the church architect. The 1955
report (for
1954) included the following pastor's report: "For the past nine years, 316 members
received, lost 63 by death and removal. Baptized 212 and performed 504 weddings.
Average MYF attendance was 25. Pastor's salary was $3,700 and "Conference Claims"
were $1,166. Light and water were budgeted at $110 and natural gas at $235. Sunday
School attendance averaged 112 with 214 enrolled. 13 members of the Sunday School
joined church.
November 13 - Ground-breaking held for the new church at Frost and North
Highway.
July - Church-sponsored float was part of Jackson's Centennial parade. Seven
members in old-fashioned attire sang old gospel songs all along the parade route. Old
church sold to Baptists and the Methodists moved to the State Theater for worship (in
exchange for cleaning each Sunday morning) with business and youth meetings held at
the present Livewire location.
July 8 - Cornerstone was laid at the new church site
February 16 - A Saturday night communion preceded first services at the new
church.
March 3 - A public open house was held at the church with hundreds in
attendance.
New church library cart started under direction of the Wesleyan Service Guild.
December - The United Methodist Church formed. The new United Methodist
Women's organization had 87 charter members.
April - Jackson Methodists observed their 100th anniversary. There was a
Saturday evening of reminiscing and three services Sunday. 353 members were on the
roll.
July 11 - Bishop Wayne Clymer was present to preach at the celebration to
dedicate the church. All indebtedness had been paid.
July 11 - Bishop Wayne Clymer was present to preach at the celebration to
dedicate the church. All indebtedness had been paid.
18 youth and 3 adults attended the UMYF State Rally in April.
Sanctuary re-decorated with the addition of painted arches to enhance
the altar and cross.
New roof put in place and the Friendship Room added between the kitchen
and office. A new ceiling and lighting, along with new carpet, improved the Fellowship
Hall. Air conditioning was installed through the church.
September 24-25 - 125th anniversary of church noted with appropriate
ceremonies. Saturday night members walked from 3rd Street to Park Street following
the route the old church used in 1935. A hymn sing was held that evening in the old
church.