Melbourne United Methodist Church
 

Written by Mrs. Georgia Dicken June 15, 1976

The United Methodist Church of Melbourne, Kentucky record  book dates back to the year of 1899. At this time Rev. T W Barker was the pastor. The first member taken into the church was Mary E Power and the second wan Blanche Powers (nee Spangler) both members being taken in by Rev T Barker.

The" first wedding performed in the church wan that of William Appel and Lulla Baker  which was performed October 29, 1902 by Rev J  M Johnson. Since this time there have been 34 pastors serve in this church. Of the 34 pastors 21 have passed on to eternity. Of these 34 pastors serving, Rev Fred Schillfarch took in the most members being a total of 29 and Rev. George McMullen being second highest; his total being 17.

The^- record book shoved at one time a record of 106 members. We now have a record of 69. Many of those members have moved away taking their membership with them and many have passed on to eternity. Frieda Tarvin is the oldest living member,; many great things have happened to Melbourne Church which is located on the corner of Garfield Avenue and Ky. 8 or better known as Mary Inglis (sic) Highway.

Since I moved to Melbourne in 1945 I have seem great and mighty things done to the church to make it more beautiful such as the addition out on the back of the church consisting of 5 Sunday School rooms, large hall, nursery room with all the furniture such as 3 beds, rocker, play pen, toy box, curtains, 2 tables and chairs; a large basement which we converted into a kitchen with all the facilities such as sink, stove, furnace, running water, hot water heater, refrigerator,  cabinets for pots, pans, silver ware, dishes; tables, chairs, 2 coffee urns, coat rack, water cooler, new basement curtains, new toilet, aluminum siding, 2 steel doors in front of church. Sanctuary has new windows; carpeting, pulpit furniture, loud speakers,  choir loft, collection plates, communion server and tray, American Flag, and Christian Flag.

 New cross with lights was made by Glenn Krogitan. Piano; organ large Bible cross and candle sticks were donated in memory of Mrs. Walter Newman.  Some new song books were donated in memory of Allie Alford.  Pews were donated by Butler Methodist Church.  Head of Christ picture donated by Youth For Christ in memory of Patty Alford Picture of Christ Praying in Gethsemenae (sic) made and given by Mrs. Gerald Losey in memory of Mary Alford.  Picture, Christ Knocking at the Door made and given by Darlene Johnson in memory of David Beal.  Two vases flowers donated by Dorothy Laycock in memory of Mary Alford and Patty Alford. Baptismal bowl given by Georgia Dicken.

John Neihof and John Ellison helped build the church; both are now deceased. thank God for the wonderful progress I have seen in this church in 30 years.