U.S., Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014
The Cassville, Missouri United Methodist Church is quite proud of its distinctive history and tradition. The West Part of the Sanctuary was the first church in Cassville. At the time, it was known as the Union Church, dating back as far as 1844. The first Methodist Circuit Rider in Barry County came through in 1836. Circuit Riders covered 6-12 counties and would stop by each town every one to three months to meet with the Methodists, to preach, baptize, and perform or solemnize marriages. The Sanctuary portion of the facility was the first church in Cassville. It was built in 1844 and the church was known as the Union Church, and was used by a number of denominations such as the Disciples of Christ, Presbyterians, Baptists, and Methodists. The congregation was formally organized in 1852. The Christian Church established their own congregation in 1887. Next was the Baptist Church, then the Presbyterian.
Those that worshiped in the Church were Christians, Presbyterians, Baptists, and Methodists. The first Methodist Minister to preach in the church was Reverend B. Stundz in 1852. Charter members of the church were as follows: the Townsends, Burtons, Hubbards, LeComptes, Adelaide Farwell, Sarah Farwell, Morse Farwell, Charles Ray Jennie Ray, the Hobbs, Bell Ray Morgan, Columbia Pharis, D.P. Pharis, Arabella Messer, Tina Messer, Dr. John Ray, the Martins, et al.
In the 1800's the Methodist denomination split several times reflecting the language, political and social divisions in our nation. In the 1900's the denomination healed many of those wounds and has merged several times bringing together the Methodist Episcopal, the Methodist Episcopal-South, the Methodist Protestant, the Evangelical and the United Brethren together into the United Methodist Church.
The Christian Church established their own church in 1887. Next was the Baptist Church, then the Presbyterian. The first Methodist Circuit Rider in Barry County came through in 1836. In later years the Methodist Church split up into two divisions known as the North and South Methodist. Later, another division became the Methodist Protestant. Then another branch became known as the Fundamental Methodist.
In 1939, two branches of the Methodist Church, the North and South, merged into one church, known as Methodist Episcopal Church. The Methodist Protestant and Fundamental Methodist kept their own churches. In 1968, the Methodist Church and United Brethren, merged to become the United Methodist Church.
In 1952, the Methodist Church took on a remodeling project, adding additional educational facilities, a nursery, a basement, remodeled the Sanctuary and Pastor's Study. Bishop Holt gave the Dedicatory Address and former pastors came to see the progression of the Church.
In 1967, the seating capacity was increased as well as the East Room being divided, the basement was also remodeled.
In 1971, the Sanctuary was enlarged, allowing additional seating capacity, also installed new air-conditioning and heating, new pews, choir loft, carpeting, wall covering, lights, padded seats, and a remodeled altar.
In 1988, they added an Educational wing. This doubled the size of the church. Encompassed in this addition was a Fellowship hall, a new kitchen, and more classrooms.
In 1993, The Sanctuary was refurbished and renovated. They changed the direction of the Sanctuary 180 degrees. This gave them additional seating capacity. They added new pews, a new altar, sound system.
PASTORS:
Rev. Campbell Early 1920's
Rev. C.C. Cason 1927
Rev. Dillman Early 1930's
Rev. Jack Burris 1935-1940
Rev. Perry Rowland 1940-1942
Rev. Herbert Hilme 1943-1949
Rev. Lee F. Soxman 1949-1953
Rev. N.M. Taylor 1954-1959
Rev. Floyd M. Holt 1959-1961
Rev. Roger Davis 1961-1966
Rev. Harold Hunter 1966-1972
Rev. Earl Knowles 1972-1976
Rev. Larry Kennard 1976-1980
Rev. Loren Wolfe 1980-1983
Rev. Roger Metscher 1983-1989
Rev. John C. Harp Jr. 1989-1992
Rev. Charles Reed 1992-1996
Rev. Michael Davidson 1996-2000
Rev. John Gregory 2000-2007
Rev. Lee A. Porch 2007-2011
