1893  Morgan Hill Methodist Church began with a donation of $50 cash and three lots on Monterey Road for the church building site from the C.H. Phillips Land Company. Methodists and Baptists share the building, alternating pastors each Sunday. One pastor preaches in Morgan Hill; the other in Coyote, north of Morgan Hill. Public School meets in the sanctuary.

1894   Catherine Stone founds the first Ladies Aid group, a precursor to today’s United Methodist Women.

1895   Machado School opens; public school no longer meets in the church. Church purchases a bell with $85 raised by the Ladies Aid. Construction begins on the church parsonage (now called Wesley Cottage).

1896   Mrs. L. P. Walker (the pastor’s wife) loses her wedding ring in an unfinished wall of the parsonage. The ring has never been found.

1898   Congregation dedicates the church building and burns the mortgage.

1901   Rev. J. W. Peters starts the church’s first youth group, the Epworth League.

1906   The church builds a barn for the pastor’s horse. (Later a garage, the barn has been rebuilt and now houses the early elementary class.)

1913   Sanctuary is extended and a kitchen is added.

1921  Congregation purchases a pipe organ for $400.

1924   Men’s Club begins with 50 members.

1935   Social Hall is expanded.

1950   New Sunday School rooms are added.

1957   Church purchases a new parsonage on Longview Drive.

1969   200 people attend celebration honoring 75th anniversary of the church.

1987   Complete restoration begins. Repairs to the bell tower, foundation, and roof improve structural integrity. Painting, landscaping, and interior remodeling enhance the church’s appearance.

2002   MHUMC identifies itself as a Reconciling Congregation.

2012   MHUMC begins the “Sharing the Bounty” Wednesday night community meal program, working together with Martha’s Kitchen food provider.

 

 

2018 MHUMC celebrates its 125th Anniversary as the Methodist church in mission and ministry in Morgan Hill.