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ELKINS – The Otterbein United Methodist Church is currently celebrating its 75th anniversary at its current location on the corner of South Davis Avenue and 11th Street.
The church, whose members credit its longevity to generations of faith, generosity and dedication, was dedicated in 1952. It originated in Elkins, however, in 1899, when a growing community showed interest in organizing a Church of the United Brethren in Christ, led by the Rev. B.J. Taylor.
The Rev. J.H. Robinson followed in 1900, and by 1902 the congregation was worshiping with a Methodist Protestant church. In 1905, the Rev. S.A. Shanabarger was sent to Elkins, and within a year the church recorded 53 new members. The first church was built in 1907.
The church’s membership continued to grow and the congregation started raising funds for a larger church in 1946. Three lots were purchased at the church’s current location in 1948, and ground was broken for the new church on Sept, 24, 1950. The congregation moved into the partially built church in 1951 and the church was officially dedicated one year later.
The church has been a place for worship, fellowship, education, celebration and comfort for generations of families. The facility, which was designed to serve not only its congregation, but the community as well, features a sanctuary, chapel, children’s facilities, nursery, prayer room, offices, choir room, kitchen and classrooms.
During its special anniversary, the church’s congregation continues to give thanks and honor those who built the foundation of the Otterbein United Methodist Church. The church recently collected recipes from its congregation for a 75th Anniversary Church Cookbook that will be published.
As part of giving back to the community, the church’s JOY Circle recently donated supplies and money to each of the 11 schools in Randolph County. The JOY Circle ladies meet once a month to fellowship and continue their outreach efforts.
The mission of Otterbein United Methodist Church is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world, members said.
Sunday services at the Otterbein United Methodist Church begin at 10 a.m. For more information, visit www.otterbeinelkins.org or call 304-636-0559.