Explore the History
Follow the Story Across Two Centuries.
From a pioneer cabin in 1823 to the 2026 bicentennial — the milestones of First United Methodist Church, Rushville, Illinois.
The Timeline
Follow the story, year by year.
1823 marks the pioneer beginnings at the Calvin Hobart home; the bicentennial commemorates organized ministry from 1826 to 2026.
1823
Pioneer Beginnings
Buildings and Places
Early Methodist worship at the Calvin Hobart home
Pioneer settlers gathered for worship in the Calvin Hobart cabin home, establishing one of the earliest Methodist societies in Schuyler County — the roots from which the Rushville congregation grew.
1826
Organized Ministry · 1826–2026
People and Service
Organized Methodist ministry takes root
With organized Methodist ministry in place, the congregation’s two-century story as a church body begins — the span commemorated by the 2026 bicentennial.
1918
Organized Ministry · 1826–2026
Buildings and Places
Fire destroys the church building
Fire destroyed the church building — a moment of loss recorded in the congregation’s history. The people of the church responded by rebuilding together.
1919
Organized Ministry · 1826–2026
Worship and Music
The congregation dedicates its rebuilt church
Only a year after the fire, the congregation gathered to dedicate its rebuilt church — a renewal of worship that carried the church’s traditions forward.
2018
Organized Ministry · 1826–2026
Education and Fellowship
Completion of the Fellowship Hall
The Fellowship Hall was completed, extending the church’s space for gatherings, teaching, and shared life in the community.
2026
Organized Ministry · 1826–2026
Worship and Music
Bicentennial commemoration
The congregation commemorated two centuries of faith, including a June 27 gathering at the original Hobart site — returning to the place where the story began.
The story continues with every generation.
Inside the History
Four threads run through two hundred years.
Pioneer Beginnings
Worship in the Calvin Hobart cabin, where one of Schuyler County’s earliest Methodist societies took root in 1823.
Faith Through Adversity
The 1918 fire and the congregation’s rebuilding of its church, dedicated in 1919.
Music and Memory
Methodist music traditions carried across generations of worship, musicians, and memory.
Generations of Service
Ministers, teachers, musicians, and volunteers whose contributions sustain the congregation’s story.