First United Methodist Church (Mishawaka, Saint Joseph County, Ind.) records

Founded in 1836; first minister was Rev. Richard S. Robinson; located in St. Joseph County.

First Methodist Class was organized on July 19, 1835 under the leadership of Richmond Tutle. Meetings were held in homes and later in a building used as a school and store. In 1836, the growing congregation was applauded by a rousing sermon on the importance of building a sanctuary to the glory of God. Volunteers responded by cutting enough trees in a few days to build a church. They began to plan for a second church in 1844. It was dedicated on October 5, 1848, on Lincolnway East in Mishawaka. Even throughout the chaotic Civil War period, the town continued to grow and so did the church. A fire in 1872 destroyed most of the town. A third church was built. In 1912, a fourth building was dedicated as a memorial to Adolphus and Sarah Eberhart.