Epworth Memorial United Methodist Church (South Bend, Saint Joseph County, Ind.) records

Epworth Church started April 17, 1910 when a Sunday School began meeting in Kaley School. Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Kaley heard of this meeting and offered to furnish a site and erect a church building. On September 10, 1910 ground was broken. The completed church was dedicated January 7, 1912 under the name Epworth Memorial Methodist Episcopal Church.. Endowments from the Kaley and other families enabled the members to maintain the church in excellent repair. In 1926 a new Estey Pipe Organ was purchased and dedicated. Twenty one pastors have served Epworth since the first appointment in 1911. Epworth is the Institutional Sponsor for Boy Scout Troop 429, which was organized in 1922. It is the oldest continuously active troop in the City of South Bend. The educational building which included offices, nine classrooms and a parlor was dedicated on March 28, 1965. The church became debt free in 1984. Epworth was known as a friendly church where people cared for one another. Its strength was tested in May, 1982 when fire seriously damaged the sanctuary. Through valiant work by the trustees and the support of many members and friends, the sanctuary was fully restored. The church was located at 2404 Lincolnway West, South Bend, Indiana.