Ever wonder how a home bar turned into a Methodist Church altar? That’s just one unique story at Springfield United Methodist Church. We are standing before a place with a vibrant history. Springfield United Methodist Church began in 1954. It started as Springfield Methodist in a growing Virginia suburb of Washington D.C..
The first service occurred in January 1954 at Garfield School. Thirty-three locals attended. Representatives from Trinity Methodist in Alexandria also joined. In December 1953 thirteen residents met to start a Methodist Church. Rev George W Harrison became the pastor in January 1954. Charter Sunday was held on March 14 1954. 137 people joined Springfield Methodist Church. It was the largest charter service in Virginia.
Initially, they gathered at Garfield School for over a year and a half. There was no altar. Rev Harrison found a used home bar at Hechingers. He and another member converted it into an altar. The first unit of the church was planned while meeting at Garfield. The Vernon M Lynch family donated three acres of land. They were members of Annandale Methodist Church and local business owners. The groundbreaking ceremony took place on Feb 6 1955. Soil in a flower box was used because it was so cold. On Oct 15 1955 the building was consecrated. It had a sanctuary, social hall, fourteen classrooms, and church offices. The 1954-55 budget was $15,600. $12,900 was for the building fund.
Springfield grew quickly. Garfield School used 11 of the church’s classrooms during the week. The church used Garfield’s classrooms on Sundays again. The second building phase was consecrated on April 24 1960. It included a nave seating 700, a chapel, social hall, kitchen, classrooms, and storage. The first unit’s sanctuary became eight classrooms.
Around the same time a 40-foot steeple was installed. The steeple had heavy steel and concrete. A copper-base metal covered the exterior. An 18-foot steel rod held a large cross. The Kight family donated the cross. He was the head of the building committee. Children from the church and Garfield School watched the steeple’s raising. The steeple became an inspiring landmark.
By then, the church had about 1,500 members. Church school enrollment was over 1,100. A third unit was planned but never built. In 1969 church membership peaked at 2,780. Rev George W Harrison served as pastor from January 1954 to June 1965.
In 1957, a committee considered a pipe organ. They visited MP Moller Pipe Organ Co. The purchased organ was remanufactured. Newcomer Organ Co modernized it. The basic parts were from 1925. Henry Pilcher and Sons made them. They were first installed in a Huntington, WVA church. The remodeled organ was dedicated on May 15 1960. Ruth McCubbin, the pianist and organist, played at the consecration. She served for over 25 years. The organ was expanded in 1978. It has 27 ranks and 1595 pipes. 25 Schulmerich chimes were added in 1975.
Springfield United Methodist Church has adapted over the years. Despite membership decline it continues to serve. It offers ministries for all ages and groups. The church actively engages with the community. Its location is a great asset. An electronic sign shares messages of inspiration. The church supports various community initiatives. These include ECHO, Rising Hope UM Mission Church and Garfield ES. The church also hosts events like Springfield Days Craft & Fun Fair.
The church faced challenges during the 2020 pandemic. The building closed. Services moved online. Technology helped connect people. Services were streamed on the website and Facebook. Meetings were held on Zoom. The church reopened for services on Easter 2021.
Springfield United Methodist Church has touched many lives. It continues to serve new generations. While it evolves it remains committed to its mission.