The Emerson United Methodist Church organized and established in 1871 as the Methodist Episcopal Society was the outcome of a group of early settlers who gathered in the depot for religious meetings. Charter members were: Mr. and Mrs. John Little, Mr. and Mrs. William Applegate, Mr. and Mrs. Phillip Fancher, W. S. Douglas and Maggie Barr. The minister was Frances Plumb.

The first building, a brick structure was built in 1880 on the present site. On June 24, 1913 the church was struck by lightning and was destroyed by the ensuing fire. The present brick church was dedicated just 8 months later on Feb. 22, 1914.     In 1954, a new parsonage was built at 511 Wilson Street. A Hammond Organ was given to the church as a memorial in 1955 and in 1988, a memorial provided for the Sunday School Addition.

The Methodist Episcopal Ladies Aid was active until 1940, when it became the W.S.C.S. with 132 members. Sixty-nine members signed a new charter in 1973 when the W.S.C.S. became the U.M.W. In 1969 the Emerson Church became a part of the 4 charge Nishna Valley Parish. The Parish was changed to 3 churches in 1989 and again changed in July of 1994 to include just the churches at Emerson and Wesley Chapel. For 131 years the church has been a viable influence in our small town. Our mission is to continue to spread God’s loving message.

Source: adapted from History of Mills County, 1985~ transcribed by Cay Merryman