In February 1866 the first church in what was then Wentzville was founded (due to annexation it is not believed to still be the first). At that time the church was called the Methodist Episcopal Church South. The church building built between 1866-1867 was located on what is today East Pitman Ave (formerly 2nd Street) between Elm and Whitehead Streets. During this time Methodist Churches in the area relied circuit riders to preach at the various churches, and their services often took the form of extended camp meetings and revivals. The church was used as an multi-purpose building with the public school using the first floor and the Masonic Lodge using the third floor. This church building was destroyed by fire in November of 1882.
With a generous land donation from Mary D. Linn a new building was built on Linn Ave. between 5th and 6th streets and ready for worship in 1885.
By the 1950s the church membership had grown significantly and for the first time had a dedicated pastor rather than a circuit relationship with other Methodist churches. It was determined the 1883 building was in need of extensive repairs. A new building was erected on the same location and opened on July 15, 1951 with Robert Mann as pastor.
By 1957 membership grew to 335 under the leadership of Rev. Robert Mordt. It was obvious the one-acre campus would not be adequate for growth. Rev. Robert Hemmerla became pastor in 1964 and 5.6 acres of land were purchased in 1967 at 725 Wall Street. The first worship service was held in the new building on Wall Street in February, 1969.
To learn more about the Wentzville Methodist Church read our post on the Wentzville Historical Society Facebook page.