It cannot be ascertained when the first sermon by a Methodist minister
was preached in Monticello. It was occasionally visited by itinerants,
but no regular appointment was made until 1861. In that year, Rev. J.
Williams preached on the circuit which embraced Monticello. The
membership was small and very much scattered. In 1862, Rev. G. Stanley
was the preacher in charge, and the society increased its numbers. In
1863, Rev. J. S. Eberhart was the Pastor. During the year, the present
church edifice was erected. Previous to this time, the society worshiped
in the schoolhouse. At the time, the membership was about fifty. In
1864, Rev. H. C. Brown was Pastor, and, in 1865, he was re-appointed.
The society now became a station, with about ninety members, and paid
$500 salary. In 1866, Rev. F. W. Vinson was appointed to the charge, and
during his administration the membership increased to ninety-five. His
salary was $800. In 1867, Rev. H. H. Fairall was Pastor, with a salary
of $950. During the year, a large two-story parsonage was built, costing
$1,300. In 1868, Mr. Fairall was re-appointed, with a salary of $1,000.
During his administration, the membership increased eighty-fifty by
conversions and thirty by letter-making a total of 175. During the two
years, the Church paid out for improvements, benevolent purposes,
ministerial support and contingent expenses, $3,500. In 1869, C. C.
Symons was appointed Pastor, and served one year. He was succeeded by
Thomas Thomson, who also served one year. In 1871, F. X. Miller was
appointed Pastor, and served three years. J. S. Eberhart was also Pastor
for three years. The present Pastor is Rev. J. L. Paine, who is on his
second year. There are at present 130 members, and thirteen
probationers. The following are the Trustees of the Church for 1879: Dr.
I. H. Phillips, A. E. Chesterfield, C. E. Marvin, M. W. Herrick, Robert
Young, Elijah Austin, G. H. White and Mrs. A. P. Moore. Class Leaders—J.
G. Wood and N. W. Austin. Stewards—J. B. Smith, John Moody, N. W.
Austin, William Joslin, George W. Condon, Samuel G. Harris and Henry F.
Taylor.
