MIDDLEBURY METHODIST CHURCH CELEBRATING 170 YEARS OF CHRISTIAN SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY

The First United Methodist Church of Middlebury will celebrate 170 years of service on  SUNDAY, JULY 9,2023 at 10:00 a.m.

Many of the previous pastors have been invited as special guests. Current and former members have received invitations to attend the service and enjoy the cookout and picnic luncheon that will follow. All that are planning to attend are encouraged to RSVP at

admin@fumcmiddlebury.org or 574-825-2585.

Since 1853 the Methodists have been providing religious services to the people of Middlebury. Early settlers of the town were former residents of Middlebury, Vermont. The settlers chose this area because it reminded them of the geographical area of their homeland.

The early settler church services were held in the homes of the worshipers. Many times, the religious services were led by the members of the community, as the Circuit Rider Ministers could not physically be at each church service every Sunday. Other stopping points on the circuit included Shipshewana and Topeka. The Methodists have gone from Circuit Riders to Live

Streaming over the past 170 years. Before and after the July 9th service all visitors are encouraged to tour the new church facility.

Please pay particular attention to the stained-glass windows that were removed from the former church sanctuary and placed in their current location(s). The family names on the stained-glass windows represent a memorial to those Methodists who worshiped in Middlebury for those many years. Also, view the 170 years of historical displays and the 170 years quilt. The First United Methodist Church is located at 720 South Main Street in Middlebury, Indiana. The dedication of the new church was in the fall of 2018.

Although the location of the Methodist Church has changed, the overall goal has remained the same -- “Go into all the world and teach the gospel to every creature.” 

From left to right, Pastor Bob Vale, Rosie Long (our oldest member) and

Mitch Miller 170th celebration Chairperson