Lake Park United Methodist Church
Methodist Church Established in Lake Park 84 years Ago
From Lake Park Diamond Jubilee History Book 1967
The Methodist Church was the first church building in Lake Park. In 1883, Rev. G.J. Cheney came here and established the Lake Park circuit, organizing classes at Lake Park, Ocheyedan and Fairview (now Harris). They took twisted hay to burn in the stove to keep the church warm.
During the year, Rev. Cheney was here, the Methodist parsonage was purchased, which later was the home of ELmer Larsen. That was where Mr.and Mrs. A. Arnold lived when they came to town and the next minister, Rev. Held, boarded with them and stayed two years.
In 1892, the new church was built and dedicated on February 26, 1893, while C.W. Clifton was Pastor. It was located at 26 Avenue B West.
Other pastors that followed were:
G.W. Barnes 1894-1895
J.E. Clearwater 1895-1899
H.L. Shoemaker 1899-1900
W.J. Prugh 1900-1903
D.W. Simpson (student)1903
A.L. Tainter 1903-1904
C.E. Boyden 1904-1907
C.A. Richards 1907-1910
F.P. Quick 1910-1913
R.W. Willis 1913-1915
Thomas Batho 1915-1918
Thomas Griffith 1918-1920
A.R. Cuthbert 1920-1923
J.L. Shroyer 1923-1930
J.C. Buthaan 1927-1930
D.M. Simpson 1930-1934
J.A. Kettle 1934-1936
M.L. Carver 1936-1938
Willard Bell 1938-1942
Paul R. Brown 1961-1964
Harley E. Carbaugh 1964-
W.S.C.S.
The first woman's organization dates back to November 22, 1888, when eight ladies met at the home of Mrs. E.P. Ring to draw up a constitution and by-laws. It was first known as the Mite Society and later was called the Ladies Aid. In 1939, the Ladies Aid became the Women's Society of Christian Services. The the young people organization, the Epworth League, changed its name to the Methodist Youth Fellowship. In 1902, the women organized the Foreign Missionary Society.
New Church Building
A new church was built in 2003. The first service was held August 3rd and a special service was held on Sept 28.
NOTE: The old wooden church was sold and turned into apartments. In November, 2022, the apartment building was unoccupied and a fire broke out. There was enough damage to the former church that it was deemed a hazard and had to be torn down.
