ABOUT US
OUR HISTORY
Carlinville United Methodist Church is one of the oldest congregations in central Illinois and is rooted in the strong Methodist traditions, espoused by founder John Wesley.
As part of the early Illinois frontier, the Carlinville area was served by Methodist circuit riders; pastors who traveled by horseback to serve small Methodist “societies” throughout a large area of Illinois. The first sermon was delivered by the Carlinville church’s first resident pastor, Stith Otwell in 1831, to a group of 4 women and four children in the doorway of a Carlinville tavern. Since those early beginnings, the church has grown to be one of the prominent local churches in the community.
Early services were held in local cabins and the courthouse until 1834 when the first Methodist church building was erected. Fast forward to today and you’ll find our congregation in the fifth local building that includes a large sanctuary, a fellowship hall, an education building, and the church offices. With the United Methodist tradition of pastoral itineracy, a total of 64 pastors have served the Carlinville United Methodist Church through the years.
WHO ARE THE UNITED METHODISTS
The United Methodist Church is a global denomination that opens hearts, opens minds and opens doors through active engagement with our world. The mission of The United Methodist Church is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.
A United Methodist is someone who joins in that mission by putting faith and love into action. We believe that God loves all people and that we share in expressing that love. So, the United Methodist tradition emphasizes God’s grace in serving others. We believe that Jesus Christ is the fullest expression of God’s love–showing us the fullness of God’s care through Jesus’ teachings, death, and resurrection.
John Wesley started the Methodist movement in 18th-century England. His teachings on practical divinity (living out our faith) and appeals to reason and experience form important aspects of United Methodist practice today.
HOW TO BECOME A MEMBER
Membership is open to all. Becoming a new member or transferring your membership from another church is an easy and personally rewarding experience. Please contact the pastor for more information.
HOW CAN I LEARN MORE
Have other questions? Please contact us at info@carlinvilleumc.com