Elkton United Methodist Church celebrates 225 years this week

ELKTON — One of the earliest United Methodist congregations in the region, Elkton United Methodist Church is celebrating 225 years of faith and service in the community this Saturday at 219 East Main Street.

On Saturday evening, a sold-out banquet will kick off the festivities at 5:30 p.m., followed by a special program in the sanctuary at 7 p.m. celebrating the history of the church, which is open to the public. The methodist movement began in Elkton in the late 1700s with visits from Bishop Francis Asbury and Reverend George Whitefield. Through their preaching in the local community, they inspired folks to come together, and the church was founded in 1799.

The original building was on High Street where Providence United Methodist Church is now, and for nearly 20 years it was the only house of worship in Elkton. In 1859, the church moved to East Main Street where it still stands today.

On Sunday at their usual 10 a.m. worship service, guest Reverend Glenn Catley and live music will welcome community members to celebrate their 225 years reflecting on past accomplishments and looking forward to future service.

To hear more about the celebration this weekend visit their website: https://www.elktonumc.org/anniversary

Since starting with the church in 2020, Pastor Eric Warner has expanded ministry to the local retirement community. As people age, they naturally lose people close to them as they pass on, and having people there in those times is so important.

“We feel like it’s really helpful and life changing for people to have a place where they can build friendships and fellowships and build community and make connections,” Warner said.

One ministry team of nearly 100 participants is called JOY which stands for Just Older Youth. They take trips together and even swing dance on occasion.

Warner plans to continue expanding mission work in the community. Each year they do construction projects at Deep Roots in Earlville — an organization dedicated to helping people experiencing homelessness. The church also partners with the local Immaculate Conception church to support their food pantry, along with helping the Community Kitchen, the Paris Foundation and other local non profits.

“We understand that we have a responsibility to care for those folks who are kind of on the margins of society,” said Warner. “We’re trying to make sure we’re connected to people from all walks of life in our community who are struggling with addiction or homelessness or any of those issues.”