High Street United Methodist Church

Was it a church, a school, or both? The High Street United Methodist Church has been many things to many people over its long history. High Street United Methodist Church first took root in Springfield in 1803, meeting in Griffith Foos’ Tavern. Methodists, led by Mrs. Walter Smallwood, soon established a more permanent presence. They initially gathered in Nathaniel Pinkerd’s log schoolhouse. By 1811, a dedicated log church was built on the west bank of Mill Run. Inspired by Bishop Asbury’s visits, the congregation constructed their first proper church in 1814 at North and Fountain streets. This was followed by the Columbia Street Methodist Church in 1833. As the city grew, so did the congregation. By 1849, Columbia Street was overflowing. Rev. Charles Elliott, sensing the need for expansion, called for volunteers to establish a new church. Eighty-five individuals answered his call, giving birth to High Street Methodist Church. Initially, services were held in the High School building. By January 1850, the church had secured its current location. A brick structure was completed and dedicated on July 27, 1851. Just ten days before the dedication, a near-crisis arose over “family seating.” Judge Dial proposed allowing families to sit together, challenging the tradition of separating men and women during worship. The debate nearly split the young church. High Street United Methodist Church is recognized as the first Methodist church west of the Alleghenies to adopt family seating. The following years saw a great revival. The church expanded in 1868, led by Rev. Thomas Collette. The $18,000 cost was miraculously raised by dedication day in 1870. A parsonage was acquired in 1873, later replaced by a new one in 1891, which eventually became a parish house. Renovations and upgrades continued throughout the late 19th century. A new organ, furnaces, and even an iron fence were added. The turn of the century brought a grand vision. In 1902, the decision was made to build the current stone church, modeled after an English country church. Robert Johnson donated a tenth of the total $48,000 cost. The church features stunning stained-glass windows, including a rose window dedicated to Christopher Thompson and five art windows in the foyer depicting Christ and the Gospel writers. Another rose window honors Mrs. J. W. Gunn. The dedication, a week-long event in 1904, featured two bishops. High Street United Methodist Church has continued to evolve. Steam heat replaced coal furnaces in 1939, and a new organ, altar, and lighting fixtures were installed in 1941. The church celebrated its centennial in 1949 with further renovations and the purchase of a new parsonage in Audubon Park. The old parsonage was converted into a parish house. Throughout the 20th century, High Street United Methodist Church adapted to its growing community. A new education wing was added in 1967. In 1968, the church officially became High Street United Methodist Church after the Methodist Episcopal Church merged with the Evangelical United Brethren Church. The church purchased neighboring properties for parking. It renovated its parlor and sanctuary. The High Street United Methodist Church, from tavern to grand stone edifice, reflects a spirit of resilience, faith, and community.