Our present church roots go back as far as 1855, when a “staunch Methodist” by the name of Judge Elisha Randall came to Mason City, then called Masonville, joined with ten of his companions, and eventually formed what was then referred to as the first Methodist Class in March, 1857. They met in the loft of the John McMillen store, then, on August 25, 1872, the first church building was completed with a seating capacity of 400. The first pastor of record was Reverend Freeman.
As the congregation grew the need for a new church was identified and plans were made. On Mother’s Day, May 13, 1951, a groundbreaking ceremony was held at our current location. The cornerstone was laid on Sunday, October 14, 1951, and the building was completed and consecrated by Bishop Gerald Ensley on Sunday, April 26, 1953.
Since that time, many additions and renovations have occurred. The WAYside chapel was dedicated on April 19, 1959, with Dr. Truman Carl serving as minister. The pipe organ was purchased and installed in 1979. Our beloved Bell Tower was restored in 2016, and the Youth Room, formerly known as the East Lounge, was remodeled in 2017.
In late 2017, into the spring of 2018, members of our church participated in a series of meetings to identify and resolve issues from the past, develop plans to invigorate the membership of our church, and identify ways that we, as a congregation, want to move forward in the years to come. This effort become known as New Beginnings.
