A century’s worth of prayers echo within these walls. Welcome to the Bayside United Methodist Church a place steeped in history and faith. This isn’t just any church. Bayside United Methodist Church boasts a rich past. Its story begins not in grandeur but in a simple gathering in 1889. Several residents dreamed of a union church in Bayside. They elected trustees and drafted a constitution. The Union Church of Bayside was born. Early years saw a succession of visiting pastors. Then in 1890 Reverend William Manchee joined. He was a New York Observer editor. A generous Bayside resident Richard M Bell donated land. Construction started in 1890 but only excavation occurred. The society officially became Methodist Episcopal in 1891 under Reverend F C Gillette. The church building was finally completed and opened in 1893.
The church’s journey wasn’t without challenges. A boiler explosion in 1912 caused a fire. The entire building was destroyed. The organ silverware and even communion sets were lost. The damage was substantial. But the congregation’s spirit remained unbroken. Services were held temporarily at the WCTU headquarters. They then met at the Bayside Episcopal Church. Determined to rebuild they chose brick for their new structure. This design included a larger Sunday school area on the first floor.
The current Georgian style building began construction in 1957. This wasn’t the church’s first organ. An Estey organ Opus 318 was installed in 1906 thanks in part to Andrew Carnegie’s generosity. He funded many church organs. A later M P Müller organ Opus 6564 was installed in 1937. This organ had two manuals twenty-five stops and eleven ranks.
Today Bayside United Methodist Church continues to serve its community. It offers a range of ministries from preschool to senior citizens. The church is a testament to faith resilience and the enduring spirit of a community bound together by shared belief. Step inside. Feel the history. Experience the warmth of faith alive in the heart of Bayside.