Our History

A Long Methodist Heritage in Vestal Center

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People of the Methodist faith began worshiping in Vestal Center in 1845. Services were held in a variety of places and were overseen by visiting Circuit Riders. In the 1870’s a Methodist Society was formed and met on a regular basis in a building called “The Tabernacle”. By 1874, a decision was made to establish a permanent Methodist Church in this area. The land “The Tabernacle” was standing on was purchased for $75.00 from Coe and Katherine Wells.  A copy of the original deed can be found in the Broome County Clerk’s Office dated November 14, 1874.

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During the reconstruction period following the American Civil War, construction of the present church Sanctuary was started. Many unemployed soldiers returning to civilian life in the Vestal Center area, worked on the construction of the Sanctuary building. Several of their names can be found on the external cornerstone. In 1875 the church was incorporated and was named the "Vestal Center Methodist Episcopal Church”. Dedication services for the newly found church were held on March 23, 1876.

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Upgrades and improvements have been made over the years, but the church Sanctuary building remains the same. The vision of the men and women of Vestal Center as people of faith, answered God’s call to establish a Methodist church in south Vestal.

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Vestal Center United Methodist Church has a long tradition of following the core beliefs and practices of our United Methodist denomination. John Wesley and the early Methodists placed primary emphasis on Christian living, on putting faith and love into action. This emphasis on what Wesley referred to as "practical divinity" has continued to be a hallmark of United Methodism today and here at our church. You can learn more about our denomination and our beliefs at UMC.org.

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(Information taken from VCUMC church history written by Church Historian John Fitzgerald, Jr. 1975.  A complete copy can be found in the church archives.)