English Settlement United Methodist Church History

This area became home for several English families in the 1840's. The first mention of religious services comes from 1843 when meetings were held in homes. From 1844 until 1846 Sunday services took place in the schoolhouse. In the spring of 1846, a plan for a new chapel was decided upon. Letters asking for donations were sent to friends and relatives in England. These supporters helped build a fine structure which has undergone continuing improvements since first erected. Our most recent interior renovations were completed in 1997, air conditioning was added in 2002, in 2009 after area flooding required our basement to be renovated, in 2018 our roof was replaced and other exterior renovations completed in 2020.  

Many people have commented on the beautiful sounds of the carillon heard over the countryside. The Carillon was given to us as a memorial and was dedicated in June 1965. Such is the witness of this Christian church to the community. Of course, the story of our church is really told in the lives of all the friends and members who take part in the various activities. These include the Summer Vacation Bible School, Sunday School classes, and Bible study. We are always seeking new ideas and participation from interested people.

We retired our annual Christmas in the Barn, held Christmas Eve, after 50 continuous years in 2019, which had reached out to hundreds of visitors coming to the stable in search of the Birth of Jesus. Our church is also active in the Heifer Project.  Many gifts of various animals have been given to places around the world. Other local missions we continue to support are: Love Inc, Special Olympics, Habitat for Humanity, Veterans Outreach, Women’s Transitional Living Center and others as we strive to help support those in need.

The church is part of the Wisconsin Conference of the United Methodist Church. Our symbol as a denomination is the cross and flame. We see the cross as a symbol of the risen Christ who is leading us into a changing world. The flame represents the Holy Spirit always ablaze, ever beginning!