The Story of the United Methodist Church of Hudson

From UB . . . to EUB . . . to UMC in 150 years!

A beautiful May Sunday morning in 1860 was the initial Sunday School class meeting at the country schoolhouse to form the first United Brethren Church in Black Hawk County.  From that gathering, 150 years later the United Methodist Church of Hudson has evolved.  Those early settlers gathered at Jockeytown, one mile northeast of Hudson (on old highway 63).

Finally, seventeen years later, the first church building was built for a sum total of $2,200!  In 1884 the church was moved to the current site, 301 Washington St., but facing west.  The church continued to grow, and by 1900 a second building was constructed for a cost of $3,275.24.  A parsonage was constructed ten years later for $1200.  A pump organ, donated back to the church in 1995, was purchased in 1899 for $50.00.

In 1951 the Hudson United Brethren and the Evangelical church merged, creating the EUB church in Hudson. In 1968 the Hudson EUB became the United Methodist Church of Hudson following the merger of the two churches nationally.

The United Methodist Church of Hudson was 150 years young in 2010!

On April 25, 2010, the second of three celebrations was held to honor the United Methodist Church of Hudson’s sesquicentennial year.  A special Readers Theatre production was performed by church members highlighting these earliest years, “Hudson UMC:  A People with Dreams”.   A circuit rider  (AKA Pastor Stevick) paid a visit to the congregation as well.

On September 26, 2010, the final celebration was held with the District Superintendent, Rev. Anne Lippincott, bringing the message. Five former pastors attended to bring greetings and a large choir of current and former members sang “Lift High the Cross” and “Shout, Amen!”  Over 130 were in attendance with over 100 for the catered meal.  A wonderful day!!

In addition, fifty-plus members at that time were honored:  Loren Middlekauff (77 years); Maxine Pearson (71); LaVonne Kerr, Richard Mumm, Wilbur Mumm (69); Mildred Witt (65); Ruby Rhoades (64); Ken Kristensen and Elvin Watters (61); Elsie Bixby (58), Marcy Kristensen (57); Bob Sergeant and Harlan Smith (54); Carolyn Mumm (53), Roxie Stevens (51); and Margaret Mumm (50).

Care to know more?  Click here for The Highlights of Our History