History of the Casey United Methodist Church
Soon after Casey was established, businessman John Cole deeded to the newly formed Casey Episcopal Methodist Church the corner lot of East Main Street and Second Street (site of the present wind chimes). On it was built a frame structure seating 300 with a cost of $1,800. It was torn down in 1898 when a new brick structure was erected on that corner which was used by the congregation until the late 1970's. In 1915 a separate two story brick parsonage was built on the west side of the church. This parsonage was later used for classrooms and a parsonage was purchased at another location.
This original church served the needs of the congregation with several additions - one being the addition of the Rosa LeMay Chapel. After several years of careful planning at the national level, on April 23, 1968, the Methodist Church and the EUB.(Evangelical United Brethren) churches were united. Members of both congregations in Casey also voted to unite. The Casey United Methodist Church was chosen as the name for these newly united local churches. After holding worship services in both churches for a time, it was decided to move all church activities to the Methodist Church on Main Street which provided more room for the merged congregations. The EUB Church was then sold to the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
In 1971 the Methodist parsonage on East Main Street was sold and in 1972 a new parsonage was purchased on Hickory Lane. Later it was decided that that parsonage was too small for ministers with families so the tri-level house at the corner of East Washington and 8th Street was purchased.
Soon after Casey was established, businessman John Cole deeded to the newly formed Casey Episcopal Methodist Church the corner lot of East Main Street and Second Street (site of the present wind chimes). On it was built a frame structure seating 300 with a cost of $1,800. It was torn down in 1898 when a new brick structure was erected on that corner which was used by the congregation until the late 1970's. In 1915 a separate two story brick parsonage was built on the west side of the church. This parsonage was later used for classrooms and a parsonage was purchased at another location.
This original church served the needs of the congregation with several additions - one being the addition of the Rosa LeMay Chapel. After several years of careful planning at the national level, on April 23, 1968, the Methodist Church and the EUB.(Evangelical United Brethren) churches were united. Members of both congregations in Casey also voted to unite. The Casey United Methodist Church was chosen as the name for these newly united local churches. After holding worship services in both churches for a time, it was decided to move all church activities to the Methodist Church on Main Street which provided more room for the merged congregations. The EUB Church was then sold to the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
In 1971 the Methodist parsonage on East Main Street was sold and in 1972 a new parsonage was purchased on Hickory Lane. Later it was decided that that parsonage was too small for ministers with families so the tri-level house at the corner of East Washington and 8th Street was purchased.
In 1974 the congregation voted to build a new church at 700 North Central. This was overseen by Rev. Harold Bodeen. On September 5, 1976 ground was broken for the new church and the cornerstone was laid on December 29, 1976. On April 2, 1977 the congregation moved to the new building. The new church was called the Casey United Methodist Church. The old Methodist church was sold to the Ettlebrick Shoe Company and was demolished. As of 2017 the Wind Chimes now stand on that site.
In 1988 an addition was added to the Casey United Methodist Church on the west side consisting of a large Fellowship Hall, six classrooms and a garage. Another addition-The Chapel -was also added at that time. In 1998 a drive-through portico was added giving a more finished welcoming look to the entrance of the church.
Ministers who have served the Casey United Methodist Church are: Harvey Dibrell, Harold Bodeen, David Gaffron, Kim Soon, Philip Icenogle, George Baldridge, Dr. Mark Kaley, Dr. Penelope Barber and the present minister
Gary Fairchild.
Compiled by Joyce Skinner and Martha Reed- 2017
For history on the Casey Evangelical United Brethren church....Click Here
In 1988 an addition was added to the Casey United Methodist Church on the west side consisting of a large Fellowship Hall, six classrooms and a garage. Another addition-The Chapel -was also added at that time. In 1998 a drive-through portico was added giving a more finished welcoming look to the entrance of the church.
Ministers who have served the Casey United Methodist Church are: Harvey Dibrell, Harold Bodeen, David Gaffron, Kim Soon, Philip Icenogle, George Baldridge, Dr. Mark Kaley, Dr. Penelope Barber and the present minister
Gary Fairchild.
Compiled by Joyce Skinner and Martha Reed- 2017
For history on the Casey Evangelical United Brethren church....Click Here