Davis Corners was first settled about 1847, a cemetery established in 1851, and the post office established in 1855, before Kilbourn City was granted its own post office. The little community of Davis Corners grew rapidly since it was located on the Pinery Road, at a convergance of several trails. One hundred and twenty-five years ago, the residents of Davis Corners, in Jackson township, organized their church after having met for services in their schoolhouse. Construction of the church building began in 1880 and was completed in November, 1881. It was known as the Davis Corners Congregational Church until the 1920's, when it was agreed the church would be known as the Methodist Evangelical church. In July 1931 the church celebrated its 50th anniversary with old time members, pastors and friends coming from as far away as the Dakotas and Canada. In 1933 a social hall was built adjacent to the church and in the early 1940's the church added an annex to the front and new steps. In the 1950's the social hall was expanded. Many church functions were held there to help support the church and Sunday School, and families found it ideal for celebrations. Discussions were held in 1967 whether the church should be merged with another congregation. The Davis Corners congregation signed a petition to remain as a single church and kept up with the Conference claims. The United Brethren, Methodist and Evangelical churches merged in April, 1968 and the church name changed to the current Davis Corners United Methodist Church. A centennial anniversary celebration was held September 20, 1980, and a Time Capsule buried, to be opened at the 125th anniversary celebration in 2005. In May 2002 the church increased the seating capacity, added newer heat/air conditioning, and indoor plumbing (for the first time in 121 years). In 2004 the parking lot was blacktopped and landscaping completed. The preceding is compiled from articles about the 125th church anniversary celebration printed in the August 3, 10 and 17, 2005 Adams County Times and Friendship Reporter. (See photos in the August 10 and 17th issues.)
Davis Corners Methodist Church Celebrates 125th Anniversary If you know of other church histories, or have other articles appropriate for these pages, please let Joan know about them so they can be added.
Back to menu
Click here to send Joan an e-mailTranscribed by Joan Benner September 2005 and last updated February 2008
