Pictures of the various changes our church building has undergone over the years.

171 Years and still going strong!

In October 1853, we were officially organized as  “The Laphamville Class of the Methodist Episcopal Church.”  Actually, we can trace our roots back to the town’s founders, Smith and Katherine Lapham, who met for Sunday services in their home with other early settlers beginning in 1842.  Later, Dr. Russell Blakely moved to town in 1846 and built a large home.  It was in this home where Sunday School was held and the first public school was started.  Thus, the Lapham residence was no longer used for worship services.  Two years later, Laphamville citizens built a school which was used for church services as well.

During the 1860’s the name of our town was changed to Rockford and the Methodists outgrew the school.  In 1862 the church property was purchased from Oscar Hyde for about $70.  Later, in 1864, a two story machine shop immediately west of the property was purchased and moved.  After some remodeling, the addition of the bell and an organ, we had our own church!  Through the years we have seen the purchase of additional property along with several changes and additions which has brought us to our present day building.  You can see some of these changes in the pictures above, painted by Merry Gamm.