How about we journey back to May 26, 1955? Ridge United Methodist Church began with just 19 families. They were eager to establish a Methodist Church in Munster, Indiana.
Early meetings took place in the Independence Park Community Hall. Imagine those first gatherings. On September 11, 1955, Dr. Allen B. Rice, a District Superintendent, led a conference. Twenty-nine people became members. Board officers were also elected.
The first official Board Meeting convened on September 14, 1955. Sunday School organization was a key topic. September 25th was set as Sunday School Registration Day.
Nearby Methodist Churches helped until October 16, 1955. Then, Rev. William Brown, a student at Garrett Seminary, became the supply Pastor. In January 1956, Bishop Richard Raines appointed Rev. Charles M. Blackmon. His first service was on February 5, 1956.
Ridge United Methodist Church moved to the Munster Town Hall in May 1956. In September, they bought 4.7 acres from the Bieker family. This land was at the corner of 35th Street and Columbia Avenue. The Northwest Indiana Conference gave a $10,000 grant and a $5,000 loan.
A parsonage was purchased in October 1956. It stood at 7706 Forest Avenue in Munster.
A capital campaign started in October 1957. Its goal was to raise $30,000 for a building. Sixty-six families contributed. In November 1958, Kenneth W. Williams became the architect. He created a master plan for Ridge Methodist Church.
Lansing Methodist Church aided Ridge United Methodist Church. They shared their facilities for meetings, choir practices, and dinners. This continued until Ridge’s facilities were ready.
By December 1959, Ridge Methodist Church needed more space. The new Burns Funeral Home offered its facility for free. Sunday School remained at the Town Hall.
Groundbreaking occurred on June 26, 1960. The cornerstone was laid on November 20, 1960. The Fellowship Hall, offices, education wing, and kitchen were built. F.G. Crary and Son, Inc. was the builder.
Ridge Methodist Church’s new location was 8607 Columbia Avenue. It was designed to be beautiful and useful. There were plans for outdoor worship and recreation.
The first service in the new building was a Communion service. This took place on April 21, 1961. The first Sunday service followed on April 23, 1961. Membership had grown from 29 to 310 by August 1, 1961. Dedication and consecration happened on September 24, 1961. Bishop Richard Raines preached.
The United Methodist Church was created in 1968.
In July 1970, the Forest Avenue parsonage was sold. A new parsonage was bought in August 1970. It was located at 9230 Foliage Lane, Munster.
A Charge Conference was held in May 1971. The church property was re-mortgaged. Renovations followed. The fellowship hall became more church-like. Heating was improved in the education wing. The parking lot was enlarged. Entrance markers and landscaping were added. The renovated hall was consecrated on June 11, 1972.
In July 1981, a building committee was formed. Their task was to build a sanctuary for Ridge United Methodist Church. A finance drive aimed to raise mortgage funds over three years. Construction began in May 1983.
The Consecration service for the new facility was on February 26, 1984. The cost was just under $398,000.
A new organ was bought in 1993. The old pipe organ was given to St. John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church.
In July 1998, Rev. Steven M. Conger joined Ridge United Methodist Church.
In December 2000, a statement of need for future development was adopted. A Building Committee formed in 2001. A ground-breaking ceremony was held on March 16, 2003.
The first phase included a new fellowship hall, kitchen, and youth suites. The Solid Ground contemporary service met in the new hall on September 28, 2003. A Dedication Service was held on December 7, 2003.
Ridge Church has offered many ministries since 2004. These include a lunch program for the homeless, mission trips, and vacation bible school.
Rev. Michelle L. Knight became Senior Pastor in 2015. Ridge celebrated 60 years of ministry in September 2015.
In 2018, Ridge United Methodist Church renovated their youth room and replaced the 58-year-old flat roof.
Rev. Jared Kendall became Senior Pastor on July 7, 2019.
In February 2021, Ridge United Methodist Church formed the Compass Team.
September 2023 welcomed Rev. Becky Sundquist as Ridge UMC’s Youth and Family Pastor.
In June 2024, Ridge UMC bid farewell to the Kendall family.
July 2024 saw Rev. Denise Robinson join Ridge UMC.
Today, Ridge United Methodist Church continues to be a beacon of hope. It stands as a testament to community, faith, and unwavering dedication.