CHESTER – The congregation of the First United Methodist Church in Chester is observing the105th anniversary of the opening of the church building.
This is the Church Sign at the First United Methodist Church in Chester. The sign tells the story at FUMC, “OPEN HEARTS OPEN MINDS and OPEN DOORS!” Jim Beers Photo
Located at 871 State Street in Chester, the cornerstone was laid in July 1920.
This photo shows the FUMC in Chester from the front view from the Southeast corner. The church is celebrating its 105th Birthday in July of 2025. Jim Beers Photo
The current church planned to celebrate the 100th anniversary in 2020 but COVID interrupted the plans.
“We’re excited to now celebrate 105 in ’25,” said the local Lay Leader.
This view of the First United Methodist Church in Chester is from the East side onlooking from Servant Street. Jeanne Wagner, Jeanne Kleinschmidt, Bob Koenegstein, Vicky Beers and Kathy\y Belcher maintain the beautiful flower beds that align the entire side of the church. Jim Beers Photo
All observances will be held during July.
The church’s adult choir will reorganize to present Sunday morning anthems.
Each Sunday members will provide various historic presentations from the pulpit, regarding origins of the church’s beautiful and well-known stained glass windows.
This is a close-up view of the First United Methodist Church in Chester from State Street. Notice the corner stone to the right base of the church that notes that it was laid 105 years ago in 1920. Thus the 105th year celebration during the month of July deemed, “105 in 25” to help celebrate the continuous existence of the church for the past 105 years. Jim Beers Photo
On Sunday evening, July 13 the church will host the Rivers Of Life clergy band. A ‘sweet & savory’ buffet reception will be held in the church fellowship hall from 5 to 6 p.m., followed immediately by the concert at 6 p.m. in the church’s historic sanctuary.
On Sunday, July 20, the church will hold an old fashioned picnic potluck in the fellowship hall. Former members and pastors have been invited to attend. An historic pictoral display will be included, and attendees may participate in a hymn sing of ‘old and favorite hymns’.
Shown here is a view of the First United Methodist Church in Chester from State Street and the Eastern view of the church from the Servant Street side. The original portion of the Church was built in 1920 and houses the Sanctuary, Choir Room, Prayer Room, and basement storage areas, classrooms and a meeting area. The Education Wing of the Church was added in 1961 and houses the Church Office, Pastors Office, numerous classrooms, the Church Library, and the Kitchen and Fellowship Hall in the basement. Jim Beers Photo
Anyone familiar with the ‘Flat Stanley’ project that many elementary schools have sponsored through the years, will enjoy the Chester FUMC Flat Wesley project, a take- off on John Wesley, founder of the Methodist Church. Members are being given small plastic images of Wesley and are encouraged to do ‘selfie’ photography with John Wesley during the summer. Photos will be included in a church booklet in the Fall.
Here is a view of the East side of the First United Methodist Church 1920 building from the State Street angle. This side of the Church is bordered by Servant Street in Chester. Jim Beers Photo
The official close of the 105th anniversary celebration will be Tuesday evening, August 5 when the church will host the Chester Municipal Band concert in the air-conditioned fellowship hall. The concert will begin at 7 p.m. and will feature an ice cream social.
Though the church building at 871 State Street is 100 years old, the congregation dates to 1840, founded by Pastor D.H. Hatton, a Methodist circuit rider. Six communicants began that congregation.
“The history of this congregation of the Methodist Church in Chester is fascinating and will be shared with members and guests during the series of events in July,” said Lay Leader Gwendy Garner, who is sharing planning committee responsibilities with Vicky Beers, Worship and Music Chairman at the church .