" In him the whole structure is joined together and grows into a holy temple
in the Lord.”  Ephesians 2:21

About Our History

St. John’s United Methodist Church has a long history in the community dating back to the 18th century. Methodist circuit riders began preaching in the metro-east as far back as 1793.

Edwardsville Methodists grew in number, and in 1829 the first church was built at the corner of St. Louis and Randle streets called Thompson’s chapel. The congregation grew and in 1853 a larger brick church with a basement was built on the same site.

In 1883 the church building was again too small, so a new building was built at the same site called St. John’s Methodist Episcopal Church. But by the 1920’s the building was once again too small.
This church was razed in 1923 and a new building which is still standing was dedicated in 1924. In 1952 the membership topped over 1,000. In 1959 a chapel and library were added.

In 1999, the congregation realized the need to grow and started looking for a new site. In 2001 and 2002, they approved the purchase of 24 acres on Marine Road. In May, 2006, the first phase of construction was completed and the congregation began meeting at the new facility. The congregation was able to sell the old building to New Song Church in June, 2006. The second phase of construction, which included the Ministry Center, was completed and dedicated in April, 2007.

Buildings may come and go, but the making of disciples of Jesus Christ continues to be the mission of St. John’s United Methodist Church in Edwardsville.

For More Information

If you would like more information about St. John’s or the United Methodist Church, call Pastor Sheryl at 656.1853.