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Our History & Heritage
In 1844 the population of Williamson County did not exceed 5000 persons. The village of Marion had been organized in October 1839, but in 1844 only a few scattered log cabins comprised the town. A two-story brick courthouse had been completed on the public square. There, the early people called Methodists met for public worship.
In 1852, the Southern Illinois Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church was organized and this church was included in the Mt. Vernon District. The church began to receive regular pastoral appointments from the Methodist Conference. By 1865, the membership increased and it was too crowded in the Sweet Gum Church. The congregation purchased lots on West Main Street where the present sanctuary stands for $300. By 1866, they completed a one-story brick church, 35’ x 70’, which seated 200 people very comfortably. The bricks were burned by hand. The entire cost of the church was $5000. In 1868, the lots where the Old Sweet Gum Church had been were sold for $600.
In the fall of 1892, the brick walls of the church collapsed and the building was beyond repair. By spring 1893, a new modern wood- frame church was begun and enclosed by the summer. The Panic of 1893 caused the congregation to move into the uncompleted church. It was completed, debt free, in June 1896. The frame church was adequate for the needs of the Methodists until 1911 when it was decided to build our present structure at a cost of $40,000. This was to be a large building with outstanding architecture and stained glass windows. Many members predicted this debt would saddle the membership for generations.
During 1939-40, the church underwent remodeling projects, was redecorated and a Wicks Pipe Organ was installed. The Ladies Aid Society presented the organ – paid in full – to the membership. By the 1950’s the membership had continued to grow and it became clear to the leaders of the church that an educational facility was necessary for an effective ministry to families. The east wing educational building was initiated in 1954 and completed in 1955 at a cost of $135,000. New offices, an assembly room, 20 classrooms and a beautiful chapel were included. A new parsonage was purchased in 1959 on Everett Street. The old parsonage was removed and the lot leased to the City for a parking lot.
In March 1979, the congregation authorized the repair and remodeling of the basement, stairwell and kitchen areas. In 1994, new carpeting and upholstery were installed in the sanctuary to continue providing a place of comfort and beauty for worship. But the church is much more than bricks and mortar and glass. Within these walls plans have been laid and prayers given to support those in need.
Our present pastor, Rev. Victor Long, served our church as a seminary intern 1986-87 and was welcomed “home” in 2002 when he returned to be our leader. Victor brings a message of God’s grace and love — God’s unconditional love for us, and God’s call for us to love God, neighbor, and self. Our congregation is growing, and a sense of joy fills our church and our hearts. It is that joy that we carry with us into our places of work, into our service in the greater community, and to all we meet in our daily life.
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The Methodists worshiped at the courthouse at irregular intervals until 1847. They were led by circuit riders who served the area. In 1847, the members of the congregation built a one-story church with their own sweet gum logs. The church was known as the Old Sweet Gum Church. It was built on lots purchased in 1846 for $37.50 on the corner of West Union and North Van Buren where the Verizon building now stands. A parsonage was built in 1853 north of the church, but until it was erected, the pastor was housed on West Main Street where the A. N. Baker building was located.
