Hamilton’s Oldest Continuous Use Church Turns 190 | Celebrating their December milestone, with a weekend of events, Groveville United Methodist Church is stepping “Back to the 1800’s” to pay tribute to their Locust Grove roots.
Once a quiet Mill Town, surrounded by trees and creeks, which powered businesses and aided transportation to Philadelphia, their village grew. Soon the name was changed to Groveville. This 10 home community met to discuss building a House of Worship, a place of their own, one they could walk to and gather together. Their dreams were realized.
Completed in just 3 months, The Groveville Meeting House was dedicated December 2, 1836. Fast forward through the Civil War. The town was growing. The small sanctuary was worn and needed updating and expanding.
Worshippers from neighboring towns were traveling by horse and carriage to join in fellowship. Their jubilee celebration brought in the much-needed funds for construction.
A new cornerstone was laid in July of 1887 preserving her history, proudly showing both dates 1836-1887. A dedication service one cold rainy night, January 26, 1888, celebrated the addition of a belltower.
Our Special Events: December 5-6 – Step back in time to the 1800’s.
SATURDAY DECEMBER 5
6:00 pm Join us for a Lantern Walk to the church just as villagers did almost 200 years ago. Look up into the night sky, see the stars and imagine the darkness of no street lamps. Hear some history along the way. Our church was illuminated with 36 incandescent lamps in 1904. In 1836, there were only oil lamps..
6:15 pm Warm up a bit inside. Enjoy the quiet of our sanctuary, with stained glass windows in every corner brightly glowing by candlelight. Feel the light take you back to a favorite memory. You’ll receive a keepsake anniversary bulletin and candle. We’ll sing some carols, pass the light, and watch its glow flood the darkness as we go on our way.
6:30 pm Enjoy our outdoor Nativity and the Lighting of the Christmas Tree.
7:00 pm Afterwards bring your children, or the child in you over to our Fellowship Hall for Cookies, Cocoa and Santa. Join us to celebrate and remember the old days, the simple joys of the season and community.
SUNDAY DECEMBER 6
11:30 am 190th Anniversary Celebration Service
Luncheon to Follow
Historical Artifacts on Display
Visit us online for event details grovevilleumc.org | Facebook: Groveville United Methodist Church
