History of the Elmwood Methodist Church
In the 1870’s, the Elmwood and Rock Elm area was covered with vasts forests, which brought many settlers to the area. Abe Gosset was the first man to live in what was “Old Elmwood”. In 1873, Rev. Ross conducted the first services in the Gosset schoolhouse, which was located in what is now the West end of the village. He also served at the Rock Elm Church.
After the sawmill on Cady Creek had begun to draw more people, the settlement grew into the village of Elmwood. The town boasted a blacksmith’s shop, a store, and a post office. Circuit rider, Rev O’Connor was invited to hold services in the home of Mr. Curtis in the new village.
Between 1901-1903, the village was moved across the Eau Galle River to its present location. The previous settlement became known as “Old Elmwood”. Church services were held in a hotel until 1903 when the church building was put on the present site with Rev. William Marsh as pastor. It was one of the first churches built in Elmwood. The bell for the steeple was delivered in 1905. A few years later, in 1911, the parsonage was built next to the church.
After a fire in the early 1900s, the church was remodeled and enlarged. Hugh Bell gave a large sum of money toward the new church. The present church structure was dedicated on July 8, 1921.
The Bell Estate was endowed to the church in 1931 and the existing mortgage was burned. In 1932, Sunday School was started and church services were offered every Sunday as compared to every other Sunday till that time.
In 1969, the Conference united the Methodist Church and E.U.B Church forming the United Methodist Church.
In 1971, the church determined remodeling the parsonage was going to be almost impossible. The parsonage was sold for lumber. The church purchased the former Bates house on the other side of Elmwood for $20,000 and it became the current parsonage.
During the 1990s, the church added a back addition, which included replacing and enclosing the stairs. New pews and carpet for the sanctuary were added. The Narthax, a frontal addition, was completed in 1996. The handicap-accessible elevator was dedicated in 2000.
The Bell Endowment
Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Bell, pioneer settlers were loyal supporters of the Elmwood and Rock Elm Churches. They attended services at one church or another, being about equal distance from each. Even before the churches were established, they conducted Sunday School in their home. They gave support to neighboring churches whether they were Methodist or not. They were very active community leaders, opening their home for gathering, both spiritual and social In later years, they gave much of their wealth to different missionary, welfare, and educational programs of the church.
Mr. Bell’s will stipulated that his wife should have full use of all property as long as she lived; after which, it was to become the property of the Rock Elm and Elmwood Churches. This property outside of Elmwood is still owned by, and provides income and support to the Elmwood and Rock Elm Churches.