United Methodist Church Open Hearts. Open Minds. Open Doors. – 150Th Year Celebration 1866 – 2016

The United Methodist Church of Linden is the oldest Church in the City of Linden, having been incorporated on September 25, 1866. People began midweek prayer meetings in local homes and few years later Sunday services began in private houses. By 1873, Methodists of Linden purchased an old school house located in North Stiles Street, near the corner of what is now Knopf Street. In 1881, the old school house was moved to the present location. In 1889 a full time ordained pastor was appointed. The official board minutes of October 8, 1913 make the first mention of both Boy Scouts and Camp Fire Girls.
July 6, 1925, the new and present church building started. The church attendance was about 240. New Church building’s cornerstone was laid on September 20, 1925, and the first service was on Sunday, March 28, 1926.
The church has faithfully worked in the community with a deep interest in the youth, helping needy people in Linden through the Bountiful Basket program and Care Boxes.
Coming into Millennia, church has paid attention to changes in surrounding communities. With easy access of public transportation, urbanizing surrounding towns, closing of large corporations, and thousands losing jobs, the church has responded to various ethnic families, welcoming multi-cultural, multi-ethnic groups. Church has missional vision of working hand in hand with other local churches by sharing of place of worship to grow Christian faith and ministries. In 2015, a new daycare center was opened as a part of church mission and ministry in the community.
As we remember the past, in celebrating our 150th year anniversary, we also look forward to the future, when others will continue the history of the United Methodist Church here in the City of Linden. We will always continue to serve God, our Church family and the community.