The first sermon ever preached in was delivered in 1855, by Rev. James Rand, a Methodist circuit rider from Adams county. It was another Methodist circuit rider, Reverend Samuel Farlow of Clarinda, who preached the first sermon in Red Oak, in the spring of 1857.

This meeting was in a log cabin, which was situated near a spring on what is now East Coolbaugh. In 1861, the first Methodist church building was commenced, and was located on the northeast corner of Sixth and Hammond, across the street north of the present location.

In 1869, Red Oak became a station with a regular assigned pastor, and the second church building was erected on the southeast corner of Sixth and Hammond during the years 1874 and 1875.

In 1903-1905, the third church was built on the same location, and in 1928, the church was remodeled to provide room for church school classes. At the present time the church is being redecorated, and the new Shepard Memorial organ has been installed.

Source: Red Oak Church Histories from "Cavalcade of a Century"; 1853-1953
Presented by Montgomery County Centennial Corporation,
Compiled by Business and Professional Women's Club Red Oak
Contributed by Dixie A. Laire