Janet McInerney
The Sweet Home United Methodist Church celebrated its 75th anniversary during the 11 a.m. service on Sunday, Oct. 23.
Pastor Alyssa Baker and Lay Leader Linda Rowton officiated the service, honoring the beginnings of the church. Attendees came from First United Methodist Church of Lebanon and First United Methodist Church of Albany. Combined with SHUMC, the three churches form the South Santiam Circuit and share Baker as their pastor.
Also attending were members of Fir Lawn Lutheran Church, who share the SHUMC building and its congregation. Guests hosted a potluck luncheon after the service and viewed memorabilia, including the architect’s original blueprint of the church, along with a painting and pictures from the past.
The church’s first service was held Oct. 28, 1948, with a sermon by its first pastor, Rev. William Hobbs, who preached to 35 worshipers. It was held at Long Street Grade School. As the number of worshipers increased, it was determined the time had come to build its own church building. The cornerstone was laid on Oct. 23, 1949, and the event was attended by Bishop Gerald Kennedy. The first complete ceremony was held in the new building on Easter Sunday, 1950.
The 37-foot, eight-ton steeple was raised on July 4, 1950. The Brownsville Methodist Church donated a bell to SHUMC, which to this day can be heard on Sundays as it rings loud and true. The pews were made by Rev. Knight, a retired minister, and the sanctuary was designed and built from locally-grown trees.