History :

The Raymond United Methodist Church had its beginnings in the 1830s in a building consisting of two very large rooms. The upper story was used as a lodge by different clubs of the town, and the lower room was a place of worship for the people of Raymond. It was called “Raymond Church”. When the Baptists built their church in 1844, the Methodists purchased the lower part of the building they were using, and our first Methodist Sunday School and Church were organized.

By the year 1884 the Methodist people realized the great need for a new church building, and plans were made. The ladies of the church began arranging programs and bazaars from which money could be made. By the year 1885 the new church was completed at the same location and was considered a very modern, up-to-date building. With the same fervent spirit that had prompted the early church members, the current sanctuary was completed by 1942. The church continued to grow and in 1955 a parsonage and Educational Annex were added.

Members of Raymond United Methodist Church rejoiced over the addition of the new Family Life Center that was completed in 1998. This addition provided much needed space for additional classrooms, fellowship hall, kitchen, pastor’s study and parlor, and secretary’s office. It was built to specifications in order to offer excellent day care facilities to the community.

For over 150 years, at the same location, our church has offered the community a place to worship God and find warm fellowship, spiritual growth and renewal.