Join in United Methodist Church of Geneva’s 185th anniversary celebration
United Methodist Church of Geneva is celebrating 185 years since the church began in Geneva with a three-day weekend celebration, and the community is invited!
Since 1839, the church has been a vibrant force in shaping the Geneva community, impacting lives locally and globally.
Its commitment to serving others has given rise to cherished traditions, including the annual Memorial Day Pancake Breakfast, which began in 1953. All proceeds from this event go directly to charitable causes.
The congregation also expanded their outreach in the 1950s with rummage sales, benefiting even more local charities. For over 40 years, youth have traveled to Appalachia, rebuilding homes and restoring hope. Their mission work extends worldwide, sending teams of volunteers to places like Haiti, Lithuania, and even New Orleans in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, demonstrating that faith knows no boundaries.
This special weekend, Sept. 27-29, will not only serve as a celebration of 185 years in Geneva and 150 years in the church building, but as a reunion for our church family and friends.
“It’s time for our church family’s reunion and a chance to appreciate everything that has come before us,” said Chuck Howlett of the 185th Planning Committee.
Friday evening will kick off the celebration with a focus on the church’s history and will serve as a homecoming of former staff and congregants in a brief program in the church’s sanctuary, with former pastors and families attending, as well as Mayor Kevin Burns. The real treat will be the multimedia history exhibits.
“We have collected memories and stories through recorded interviews with former staff and congregants that we have edited into short videos we will share on monitors throughout the church,” Howlett said. “We hope this will paint a great picture of the growth of the church over the years and its connection to the community.”
On Saturday, the church is hosting a Community Block Party and open house from noon to 4 p.m., rain or shine, at the church, 211 Hamilton St. in downtown Geneva.
They have arranged for various food trucks, including Golden Eagle hot dogs, Wild Fries and Cream King Ice Cream Truck to provide the food and, in addition to a bounce house, there will be lots of activity/game stations throughout the parking lot for the kids. Don’t miss the open houses and catch the history exhibits inside and out!
On Sunday morning, the church will have Northern Illinois Conference’s Bishop Dan Schwerin lead them in worship for the 185th anniversary. The church will feature a special musical arrangement of “What Gift Can We Bring?,” created by Director of Music Scott Stevenson to commemorate this exciting time in the church’s history. This service will be livestreamed for those who cannot attend in-person.
“In the spirit of our founders, we continue to build not just walls, but lives, investing in the eternal legacies of people, purpose, and planet as we seek to illuminate our communities with God’s grace,” Pastor Rob Hamilton said.