VHUMC 
History 
How did this unusual little church, situated on the corner of Cemetery Road and State Route 80 in rural New York, come to be here?  Discussions about the beginnings of the Van Hornesville Methodist Church began in November of 1892.  The Reverend S. L. Littlefield, pastor at that time, seems to have decided that there should be a specifically Methodist Church in town.  Prior to that, the Baptists, Methodists, and Universalists had all shared use of the Union Church building.  In 1893, the Methodist church purchased the land from David Van Horne of Tiffin, Ohio for $800.00.  The date appears on the rose window over the altar, along with the church's motto, "Ora et Labora," meaning Pray and Work.

The Methodist building's architecture is based on Greek Revival style, which was popular in central New York at that time.  However, it also maintains a number of Federal style components.  The stained glass windows are flamboyant windows for a small country church.  They were, evidently, all given from the congregation or local organizations, as memorials to family or to soldiers lost in the wars.  Efforts to preserve these beautiful windows have been ongoing for a number of years.  Most have clear protective covers.  Replacement would be impossible in the price market of today.  Conservation is vital.

Entering the church through the red double doors, we see a hanging lamp. There were four of these lamps, which originally burned kerosene, in the sanctuary.  Later, they were replaced with electric globe lights.  Brighter spot lights were added still later to help with night reading and to illuminate the altar.  Recently, the church school room received new lights, renovation and paint.  The very best lighting, however, is the sun on a bright morning, pouring through the warm colors of stained glass onto the altar, walls, and parishioners.  These windows are rare.

The church is set in a beautiful spot, behind a large, lovely copper beech tree, slightly elevated from the roadbed, showing off its white façade.  Its curved drive swings upward from Route 80, inviting all passersby to, "Come on in and feel welcome!"


This is an abbreviated version of the church history as written by Donna C. Veeder, with thanks to R. Smith, J. Case, R Young, E. Cooper, and other local historians.
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Pastor Cindy Makarchuk
VHUMC