The weathered bricks whisper tales. Saint Andrews United Methodist Church stands before you. Its story begins not here but in 1886. Then it was known as St Andrew Methodist Episcopal Church. A small congregation formed. They built their first church in 1887. This was a time of great upheaval. The Civil War had recently ended. Many Methodist churches split over slavery. Remarkably St Andrew’s remained unified. It stood as a Methodist Episcopal Church not a Methodist Episcopal Church South. That fact is important. It reflects a commitment to inclusivity. This is a legacy Saint Andrews United Methodist Church still honors today. They even proudly tell visiting snowbirds “We have a northern church full of southern hospitality.”
The original church building remains. It’s the oldest still in use in Bay County. However that’s not where we are standing. The congregation outgrew their first home. They built a new sanctuary in 1955. This is the building we see now. The Heritage Bell from 1895 still tolls in the bell tower. It’s a tangible link to the past. The first service in this sanctuary was March 20 1955. An educational building followed in 1958. The church’s name officially changed in 1968. It became St Andrew United Methodist Church. It celebrated its centennial in 1986.
Hurricane Michael struck in 2018. The storm caused significant damage. The church was devastated. But the spirit of Saint Andrews United Methodist Church was not broken. The following Sunday services were held outside. A tent served as a temporary sanctuary for eight months. Later they moved into a renovated youth building. As of Easter 2021 significant repairs were completed. The sanctuary is still being rebuilt. Services are held in the renovated Worship Center.
The new sanctuary design is both traditional and modern. It reflects 135 years of history. It looks to the future. It aims to meet all missional worship and fellowship needs. Saint Andrews United Methodist Church is more than bricks and mortar. It’s a living testament to faith. It’s a place where the community gathers. It is a place to experience Jesus. This church is a powerful example of resilience. It’s a beacon of hope in the community it serves. Come join us. Let us share in this story. Let’s keep it alive.