During the spring of 1914 one of our charter members, William E. Balkey wrote “the time had arrived when it was very much necessary to have a place of worship in our midst,” At the time, the nearest churches were Antioch and Randolph. Brother W.J. Parvin, Pastor at Richmond and Presiding Elder Robinson acquired enough money from the church extension board to make a payment on the ground and to purchase enough lumber to build a small frame building that was 24 x 28 feet.

The land consisted of three lots on the east side of the bluff at the corner of Jaudon and Walnut Streets. The church would be visible to everyone in the valley.

Labor to build the church was donated and that is a tradition that remains strong today. Members of Avondale United Methodist Church still donate their time and labor to help make this a better community.

The church was officially named Avondale Methodist Episcopal Church South. The building was arranged so it could be used as a parsonage when that time arrived.

On July 1, 1914, twenty (20) members were taken into the church. Fifteen came by certificate and five joined by baptism.

Later that year two-year old Florence Prather was the first child baptized in the church.

Our first pastor was Rev. Milton Davis. His salary was $300 per year and we were placed on a circuit with Randolph in the Plattsburg District.

A fire on October 28, 1915, destroyed the white frame building and its contents. The disaster struck when the church was less than a year old. The foresight, perseverance and enthusiasm brought a quick resurrection. Our membership numbered in the 70s and with contributions from members along with a small insurance payment we were able to build the basement for a new and larger church. During building, services were held in the Moscow schoolhouse about a mile east.

The second year brought Rev. John Wade as our minister. Two years later Rev. E.W. Reynolds took charge of our church. Services were held in the basement for four years with furniture from an old church in Ridgely, Missouri.

Membership continued to grow and by 1919 we had 149 members. At the cost of $16,000 the white stucco building was built and dedicated on November 28, 1920. By the end of 1924 we had 224 members.

Our church has deep and strong traditions. Among the traditions were the bazaars, chili suppers and ice cream socials held to raise funds for the church.

During the 20s and 30s the church was the social and religious center of the community. Rock Creek was used for many baptismal services.

Avondale Methodist Church was served by several ministers during this time. Rev. W.P. Hunt came 1928 and was replaced by Rev. Jesse E. Baker that same year.

In 1932 Rev. T.P. Middleton came and in 1933 Rev. O.S. Blackburn. Then in 1934 we welcomed Rev. G.L. Grabhorn and in 1936 Rev. William Hessler began his service. Rev. C.J. Dohn began his service in 1937 and in 1940 Rev. Eugene Trice came to Avondale.

Following the unification of the North and South Methodist churches in 1939 we became Avondale Methodist Church.

Mrs. H.M. Cooley donated land for a parsonage in 1938. That land was located in Cooley Heights.

As was our entire country, WWII affected our church. Membership growth slowed considerably and gasoline rationing caused the three SWCS circles to reorganize so the ladies could walk to meetings.

Avondale Methodist Church was transferred to the same circuit as Winwood Methodist Church and Rev. Thomas D. Hall served both churches. Rev. Hall served Avondale for six years beginning in 1943. Our budget in 1944 was $950. In 1947 the church became a station charge and Rev. Hall became our first full-time minister with a budget of $2,260.

Margaret Hodge, the daughter of Flora Campbell and granddaughter of James Prather, donated our first organ in memory of her husband Dr. Russell Hodge. Our organist Berniece Moburg took 20 lessons at the Jenkins Music Store. She practiced eight to ten hours a week so she could become proficient.

In 1947 money was donated for the stained-glass windows in the sanctuary and vestibule.

In 1949 we had 262 members and A. Vane Miller came to Avondale as our minister. In June 1950, a $6,000 loan was approved for a building extension.

Our next minister was Rev. Charles Miller and during his tenure our first planning Committee was named. They were Gerald Wilson, Ben West, Carl Brower, Robert Jones, and Nelson Lewis. By then all the pews and folding chairs placed in the aisles were filled with worshipers every Sunday.

In 1954 Rev. Roy Stuart became our minister with a membership of 403. In 1955 the planning committee located a site for a new church at the corner of N.E. Winn Road and N. Bellfontaine. The property included two homes. One house was sold and the other one was used as a parsonage. A building fund drive raised $78,515.60 and contracts were signed and negotiations to sell the old church building began and in 1958 our old white stucco church building was sold to the Victory Freewill Baptist Church. There was an estimated cost of $89,000 for the new church building. The two-story structure included a spacious Fellowship Hall, a kitchen, 14 classrooms and two offices. We were crowded for room when we moved in!

On a bitter cold February 16, 1958, we held groundbreaking ceremonies.

The dawn of October 26, 1958, was mild and sunny as services began at the Jaudon and Walnut Street church. Led by Rev. Roy Stuart, 550 members marched one block east and two blocks north to the new building singing songs of praise. The Building Committee members were Dr. Robert Hodge, Harold Anderson, James Childers, Nelson Lewis, Jr., H.A. Nichols, Mrs. Merlin Sievers, Mrs. Albert Taylor, Gerald Wilson, Edgar Wright, and Rev. Roy Stuart.

Membership reached 790 in 1959 and two Sunday services became necessary. That same year the original building loan was paid off and plans for a sanctuary were submitted.

In 1961 David Buck announced his intentions to enter the Methodist ministry.

April 8, 1962, brought the groundbreaking ceremonies for our sanctuary. The Fellowship Hall became Wesley Hall. The first regular worship service was held on the last Sunday in January 1963. The new sanctuary seated 430 with overflow space for 50 and a choir loft. Consecration service for the new sanctuary were held February 3, 1963.

In 1964 membership reached 1001 and our budget was $44,697.

Rev. Dr. Lyman Firestone came to Avondale in 1969 and served for the next four years. During this time, the parsonage located at 3518 N. College was completed. The parsonage at 3601 N. Bellfontaine became rental property and later became the parsonage for the assistant minister.

Rev. Walter Niles came in 1973 and stayed for the next two years.

With the merger of the Methodist Church and the Evangelical United Brethren Church in 1968 we became known as the Avondale United Methodist Church.

Rev. Niles was followed in 1975 by Rev. Charles Holt. We had a membership of 1,178. By early 1976 we were debt free and ready to burn the mortgage and at the same time we dedicated our building.

A second member, Ralph Clark, son of Johnie and Ann Clark announced his intentions to enter the Methodist ministry and attended Central Methodist College. In 1977 he began his graduate studies at St. Paul School of Theology.

Our pipe organ was installed in 1979.

Avondale United Methodist Church has been blessed with the service of several ministers each of whom played an integral part in moving us forward to the church we are today. Those ministers included Rev. William Bunge, Rev. Charles Holt, Rev. Dr. Al Smith, Rev. Dr. Donald Enright, Rev. Dr. Dave Finestead, Rev. Jerry Daily and Rev. Dr. Steve House.

During Rev. Dr. Steve House’s service we added an elevator that provided handicapped access to the entire building.

In 1999 Kristy Gamble Schmitz was consecrated as a Diaconal Minister and ordained as a Deacon in 2002.

In 2001 Rev. Thomas Owens came to Avondale United Methodist Church. He was followed by Rev. Gary Ponder Williams and Rev. Dr. Choong Ho Kwon.

In 2014, another member, Bryan Wendling was ordained as an Elder of the United Methodist Church.

In 2019 Avondale United Methodist Church became a member of the Reconciling Ministries Network of churches meaning that we are welcoming, affirming, and inclusive for all. Those individuals who identify with the LGBTQ are welcomed with open arms to participate in the life and ministries of Avondale United Methodist Church.

In 2020 we welcomed our current pastor Rev. Michael Dunlap. Faced with the COVID pandemic upon his arrival his first year was virtual. As masking requirements were lessened, we began in person services. Rev. Dunlap was soon referred to as Pastor Michael by the congregation and community alike. His extraordinary leadership and passionate, enthusiastic, and caring personality soon endeared him to all. His passion for our church food pantry is evident by his presence and help. His leadership at Avondale United Methodist Church has placed us in a position where we are continuing to grow and serve our community.

We hope that you will join us in worship, fellowship, and serving the Lord together.