Nelson Memorial (Boonville) United Methodist Church

Nelson Memorial United Methodist Church is a historic United Methodist congregation located in Boonville, Missouri. It holds the distinction of being the oldest Methodist congregation in the former Missouri West Conference of the United Methodist Church.

History

The church's history dates back to 1817 when the first Methodist services were conducted by Reverend John Scripps in a private home. Due to the growing demand for services, a class was formally established in September 1818 under the leadership of Reverend Justinian Williams, a cabinetmaker and preacher who also mentored George Caleb Bingham, a renowned artist. Williams played a pivotal role in organizing Methodist churches in the area and was a key figure in the early history of Boonville.

In 1832, the first sanctuary was erected, representing the first church built in Boonville. This structure featured Federal stylistic influences, including a typical double front entry, a second-story gallery, and a square cupola on the front. During the Methodist split in 1844 over the issue of slavery, the Boonville congregation aligned with the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, which officially supported slavery. This division persisted until 1939 when both branches reunited to form a single Methodist church again.

Modern Era and Legacy

By 1915, there was a need for a larger building, and the current structure was built in 1916, named in honor of Margaret Jane Wyan Russell Nelson and her husband, James M. Nelson. Margaret was notable for being the oldest Methodist alive at the time, having joined the church at the age of eight. The building was supported by significant donations from Margaret and James Nelson's children.

Nelson Memorial United Methodist Church was added to the National Register of Historic Places on January 24, 1983, as part of a historic district in Boonville. Today, the congregation continues to serve the community, emphasizing spiritual growth and community engagement.

Activities

The church conducts Sunday worship services at 8:00 am and 10:20 am, with Sunday School at 9:00 am. It also maintains a strong online presence through live virtual worship services and past service recordings on its YouTube channel. Additionally, it encourages community involvement through various events and activities, seeking to uphold its mission of serving God and supporting the local community.