Our History

Union United Methodist Church – Quincy, Illinois

Union United Methodist Church traces its roots to the German Methodist movement in Quincy in the mid-1800s.

Beginnings: A German Methodist Society

(1845)

In 1844, a movement began to establish a Methodist society for Quincy residents of German ancestry. On March 8, 1845, the First German Methodist Episcopal Church was officially organized with 28 members. Reverend Phillip Barth was sent from St. Louis to serve as the congregation’s first pastor.

The church’s first building was erected in 1846 at 514 Jersey Street. As the congregation grew, a stronger structure was built and dedicated on December 31, 1854.

Growth and Relocation

Under the leadership of Reverend Franz Piehler, the congregation relocated from Jersey Street to the corner of 8th and Kentucky Streets. There, an impressive brick church was constructed, designed by architect George P. Behrensmeyer.

On March 23, 1902, the church was renamed Kentucky Street Methodist Episcopal Church. In 1921, the 43rd St. Louis Annual Conference was held in that building, marking an important milestone in the church’s regional influence.

The Bethel Church and Union

(1873–1925)

In 1873, 39 members of the First German Methodist Episcopal Church formed a mission congregation at 12th and Jefferson Streets. This church became known as German Bethel Methodist Episcopal Church, with Reverend J. H. Thomas serving as its first pastor.

In 1925, the Bethel and Kentucky Street congregations reunited, forming Union Methodist Episcopal Church. The unified congregation remained at the 8th and Kentucky location until 1958. The former Bethel building was later sold to Bethel Assembly of God and was ultimately demolished in 2022 after a new structure was built on the property.

A New Location: 11th & State

In 1954, land was purchased at 11th and State Streets for a new church home. The site had previously been the location of John Wood’s residence (the city's founder and later Governor of Illinois) and later housed Chaddock School and St. Peter’s School.

The cornerstone was placed in 1958. The building was consecrated on March 15, 1959, and the first worship service was held on Easter Sunday, March 30, 1959.

Becoming Union United Methodist Church

In 1968, the Methodist Church and the Evangelical United Brethren Church united nationally, forming The United Methodist Church. With this merger, the congregation became Union United Methodist Church, the name it proudly carries today.

Now, more than 180 years after its founding, Union United Methodist Church continues its mission of worship, service, and community outreach in Quincy. The church is currently led by Pastor Marty Pressey.