Methodist Congregation of Mt. Horeb
The United Methodist Church can trace its history back to 1854 and the corners (as the early Mt. Horeb settlement was called). As early as 1848 a small group of Presbyterians had erected a church near the southwest entrance of the Union Cemetery. When the struggling group of worshippers united with the Methodists in 1866 the building was sold to be converted into a store. It was moved to a corner site on the Mt. Vernon and Old badger roads, now 525 Springdale Street.
The Methodist Episcopal Church was organized November 7, 1854 by Rev. J.T. Pryor as part of the Black Earth circuit. Their prayer meetings were held in homes and possibly part of the time in the Presbyterian Church. On June 4, 1866, Nathan H. Dryden and his wife Emma deeded two and a half acres of land at the Northwest corner of the Union Cemetery. The deed specified the erection of a house of worship and the inclusion of burial grounds. The cost of the land was $50 and the building was to cost $3000. The settlers responded generously, some donating as much as $500., which was a large sum for those early days. When construction began, stone was donated by Carl Boeck and sand was hauled in from farms. The lumber and other materials were hauled from Black Earth. The building was completed in late 1866, and was in the Greek Revival style of architecture with a beautiful bell tower, a vestibule, and a very high stone foundation. The basement was large and pleasant, easy to heat, and served as a heavily used community center for the growing Mt. Horeb. Classes met there during the building of the new school house, and the Lutherans held their services and Sunday School there until their church was erected in 1886. It was also used for the weekly singing school led by B.F. Rogers and for socials, debates, lectures, spell-downs, school entertainments, home talent plays and Christmas programs. At the close of the Civil War night classes for returned soldiers were offered. Many organizations also used the church hall, including the Blue Mounds Fire Insurance Company, Mt. Horeb Sons of Temperance Lodge No. 40, and the Mt. Horeb Grange.
After the coming of the Railroad in 1881 and the relocation of homes and businesses to present Mt. Horeb, church members continued to use the church in "Old Town" until they moved up town in 1904, where the Ladies' Aid had purchased a lot at N. Third and Oak Streets in 1903. (See photo Below) This church was remodeled and redecorated a number of times over the years. Today this building is residential.
Organizations within the church have included the Friendship Circle, United Methodist Women (WMW), youth fellowship groups, the Real Life Singers, and the women's group, first known as the Ladies Aid, giving constant support through financial and social aid to the church, and later called the Women's Society of Christian Service (WSCS).
In 1979, a building fund was began to relocate the church. After considering several possible building sites, the Building Committee recommended purchasing 3.7 acres on the N.E. corner of County Trunk S and Highway 78. The land was a portion of the Elmer Conley farm. The new church provided more room for the congregation, and an expanded kitchen provides ample room for the annual creation of their now famous pasties made with meat, potatoes and onions in a pastry pocket, which are sold to raise money.
The church has seen many changes and locations in the 150 years since Rev. J.T. Pryor first established a Methodist Episcopal class in the territory. Today changes are still occurring as the church works to finish renovations to the congregations latest building.