Taken from pages 194-195 of the “Centennial History, Continental Ohio 1886-1986”: Per Rachel Rayle’s 1968 history written for the Continental United Methodist’s 80th anniversary, the congregation was organized in 1888 by a minister from the Hector church. The first building was located on West Rice Street and later found that it was built on the right-of-way for the proposed Interurban. The church building was moved to land on the corner of North Main and Grove streets that was donated by Continental’s founding father Dr. B.D. Sparling.
Between the years of 1893 and 1895, the church was destroyed by fire and a new building was constructed one block south, at the northeast corner of Main and Forrest streets. The $3,000.00 structure was completed in 1896. By the mid 1930’s, during the pastorate of Rev. W.L. Horst, it became apparent that a bigger building was needed for the congregation, then known as the Continental Methodist Episcopal Church. Again, land became available one block south, at the northeast corner of Main and Rice streets. The church was moved and a new sanctuary was added on to the front. Rev. Horst’s daughter-in-law from St. Cloud, MN was in possession of the photos of the 1937 moving and construction of the church building that we now know as the Continental United Methodist Church. Thank you to Pastor Schmunk for sharing the photos with the eNews and a special thank-you to that special lady who saw fit to make sure these photos found their way back to Continental!
