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About Us
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Our History
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"Why Are You Here?"
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Our
Stained Glass Windows
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Our Pastor
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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What makes
Bridgeport UMC Unique?
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What are the
services like?
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What should I
wear?
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How long are
the services?
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Will I be
singled out in any way as a visitor?
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Where do my
kids go during service?
We believe in including the children in worship and have a
children's message as a part of worship.
 OUR
HISTORY
One hundred twenty-five years ago
in the year 1877 the present day Bridgeport United Methodist
Church had its origin. The Rev. Bone was pastor of the Mt.
Pleasant circuit.
The local schoolhouse could not be obtained for meetings, but
this difficulty was obliviated by brother Jacob Sigwalt, who
moved upstairs and surrendered the lower part of his house to
hold the meeting. At this meeting 54 souls were converted and 52
united with the church.
Rev. Bone was succeeded on this charge by A. S. Baumgardner who
served this people for two years. In the spring of 1878, the
Conference cut Mt. Salem appointment off the Mt. Pleasant
circuit and added it to Indian Creek. This saved the Mt.
Pleasant pastor from climbing the rough mountain roads.
Rev. J. Woodhull took over the helm in 1881 and concluded to
make Bridgeport the center of his operation. He immediately
began a vigorous campaign against the powers of darkness. He
proceeded to raise funds to secure a tent or tabernacle.
Services were held in the open air until this came about. The
novelty of the tent attracted large crowds and a splendid
victory for Christ followed.
Finally steps were taken toward the erection of a church
building. Under the assignment of Rev. Curry in 1883 the work
began. The contractors were at work and the pay was expected in
three installments. The cornerstone was laid on April 18, 1883.
On September 16, 1883 the new edifice was dedicated by Rev. L.
M. Boyer and Rev. H. H. Hurd. It was known as the Cochran Chapel
of The Evangelical Association. A great work of grace in the
salvation of souls took place.
Three years later a great financial depression swept over the
country and nearly silenced the great industry of this country.
The coke trade was nearly dead the many people had to move
elsewhere, in consequence of which the membership was greatly
decreased.
On November 29, 1894 the first General Conference of the United
Evangelical was organized at Naperville, Illinois. Bridgeport
church was united with this organization. The church continued
its growth.
A United Evangelical Sunday School was organized by Rev. S H.
Barlett. Previous to this a Union Sunday School exited and was
invited to hold their sessions in our church at this time.
At the General Conference in Johnstown in 1946, The Evangelical
Church and the United Brethren Church merged to form the
Evangelical United Brethren Church. Bridgeport has always been a
part of the Paradise Charge with the exception of the years
1894-1922 when Paradise was of the Evangelical Association and
Bridgeport o the United Evangelical. A new parsonage is owned
jointly by the two churches on the Charge, Bridgeport and
Paradise.
Another merger took place in 1968 at the Conference in Dallas,
Texas. The Methodist Church and the Evangelical United Brethren
formed the United Methodist church as it is known today.
This church building over the years has maintained many
improvements. Last fall (1977) and this summer (1978) the
building has a new roof, aluminum siding, sofit and fasia and
down spots. The tower was renovated; thermo pane windows and a
glass front door were installed. Also the sanctuary has been
carpeted and new front and rear awnings. The work was done at a
cost of $21,000. We owe a balance of $8,000.
This church has been a great inspiration to the community, to
its members and all who have entered to worship. May the Lord
continue to help us and in Him we trust to guide us in doing the
will of the Master. May our church ever proclaim Christ.
OUR STAINED GLASS WINDOWS
Our stained
glass windows were just recently installed. These windows
represent what is important to our community of faith. The
window showing the circle of hands is used to show that we are
drawn together as the “body of Christ
"WHY
ARE YOU HERE?"
(This question
was posed to the congregation and here are some of their
answers)
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Jesus
loves me. This church tells everyone that and also
shows God's love.
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To
worship, to praise God, to reach out, To be part of the
body and family of God.
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I am
here at this church because the people of this church
feel like my extended family. It is one place where I
can be assured of unconditional love and acceptance. I
can be a part of things, not just a face in the crowd,
as I would be in a larger church.
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To be closer to the Lord.
To learn more about the "walk". To experience
fellowship with fellow Christians. To help bring the
word to the youth of my family and to set an example for
them. The close family-feel of this church and the felt
presence of the Lord in this house makes me love
Bridgeport United Methodist Church.
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To
feel the love of Jesus. Our little church is full of
love.
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I want
to hear. I want to know. For comfort. For peace.
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For
the strength to cope. To be reminded in the tough
times, His love IS
unconditional! To remember to say
“thank you” when I know of each individual blessing I’ve
received this WEEK.
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To
remember to be aware of all around me – and to
appreciate!
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God
lives!!!!
World without END!
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To
know that I am not perfect and that Jesus waits every
minute of the day for me to speak to Him. To know that
everything happens for a
reason.
All will
be revealed.
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That
struggle brings me nearer.
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