Before 1855 Methodist services were held as early as 1840 in homes, schoolhouses and sometimes in majestic groves along the Mackinaw. Jacob Spawr had migrated to Money Creek in 1826, then moved to Lexington in 1836 and became one of the founders of this church. Patrick Hopkins was also an early supporter of Methodism; he had moved to Illinois in 1830 and had a cabin built in Lexington by 1833.
Now, in 1855 the first Methodist minister was sent to Lexington, Reverend Nimrod H. Gregg. Through his influence the first frame building, 45 by 65 feet was built of native timber costing $2,700 and was located on the same corner where the Methodist church remains today.
Incorporation took place 1 March 1856, the trustees are notable names from the past: Joseph B. Ambrose, Lewis C. Blake, Jacob M. Hyre, Henry Hefner, Francis A. Goddard, Thomas Fell, William Smith, William Probst, and George McNaught. In 1864 the name officially became the Methodist Episcopal Church in Lexington.
In 1881 the brick present church was erected at a cost of $5,360; classrooms and a parsonage were later added to this building.
Emily Smith Van Dolah, a granddaughter of founder Patrick Hopkins, was a lifelong member of this church and gifted the beautiful pipe organ in memory of her parents William and Nancy Smith. Joseph Ambrose led the congregational singing from the early days and throughout many years.
In 1955 the Lexington Methodist Church celebrated 100 years of worship in this community. The membership at that time totaled 400. In 1956, a new addition was added at the cost of $40,000.
It is noteworthy that this was the second church to be founded in the town of Lexington and it continues to serve the community in 2020, located on the same property as throughout the years at 108 South Cedar Street.
Now, in 1855 the first Methodist minister was sent to Lexington, Reverend Nimrod H. Gregg. Through his influence the first frame building, 45 by 65 feet was built of native timber costing $2,700 and was located on the same corner where the Methodist church remains today.
Incorporation took place 1 March 1856, the trustees are notable names from the past: Joseph B. Ambrose, Lewis C. Blake, Jacob M. Hyre, Henry Hefner, Francis A. Goddard, Thomas Fell, William Smith, William Probst, and George McNaught. In 1864 the name officially became the Methodist Episcopal Church in Lexington.
In 1881 the brick present church was erected at a cost of $5,360; classrooms and a parsonage were later added to this building.
Emily Smith Van Dolah, a granddaughter of founder Patrick Hopkins, was a lifelong member of this church and gifted the beautiful pipe organ in memory of her parents William and Nancy Smith. Joseph Ambrose led the congregational singing from the early days and throughout many years.
In 1955 the Lexington Methodist Church celebrated 100 years of worship in this community. The membership at that time totaled 400. In 1956, a new addition was added at the cost of $40,000.
It is noteworthy that this was the second church to be founded in the town of Lexington and it continues to serve the community in 2020, located on the same property as throughout the years at 108 South Cedar Street.