History
The story of LUMC begins when our city of Lakewood was a farming community called East Rockport in the 1800s. A small group of English Methodist immigrants had been meeting in homes, school or a tabernacle. Those arrangements changed after some members attended an 1865 camp meeting in Berea, Ohio, and were inspired to have their own church building. They mortgaged their homes to purchase the land, and a typical country church was built. It was a one-room building with a vestibule, balcony and a bell tower from which the first bell in East Rockport tolled its summons to worship. That bell was then placed in the second church built, and may be found in the bell tower of our present building built in 1912.
Our present sanctuary has evolved from the original “Akron” plan to one that has a center aisle, circular altar rail, stained glass windows, and a chancel screen of disciple figures covering the Austin organ’s many pipes. In 1951, an Education building containing classrooms, parlor, church offices, and a Fellowship Hall/gym was added to expand the facilities for Christian service and study.
Christian Education has always been an important part of our church life from the founders’ class meetings to the present Sunday morning classes for children, youth, and adults. Small, short term study groups meet during the week, especially during Advent and Lent, which afford many opportunities for spiritual growth. Our summer Vacation Bible School is open to the community and camping opportunities are available at the East Ohio Conference camps.
Our worship services have varied over the years from the single morning service, with an evening service and mid-week prayer service to our present Sunday worship schedule (click here for more information on our present Sunday worship schedule).
Some of our present local community outreach programs include providing facilities for Meals on Wheels, Lakewood YMCA weekday childcare, a monthly Community Meal, hosting the Interfaith Hospitality Network (IHN) families for a week four times a year, Cub Scout activities, Girl Scout troops, and Alcoholics Anonymous and Al Anon meetings. We also support the North Coast Health Ministry, the Lakewood Christian Service Center, West Side Community House, Flat Rock Children’s Home, and the Berea Children’s Home.
And so we realize how God has used this church and IS using this congregation for the advancement of his kingdom in this community and all over the world.
Join us as we share experiences of worship, service, spiritual growth, fun, and friendship
We have Open Hearts, Open Doors, Open Minds |
