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History
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In September 1953
the Methodist Union purchased a 5-acre tract of land on Portland Avenue
at 80th Street in Bloomington. Three existing buildings served as
our first church: a former implement display room for Johnson Hardware
was converted to a sanctuary, a 3 car garage became the education
unit, and the Cape Cod style house served as both parsonage and office.
On Sunday mornings the adult Sunday school class met in an upstairs
bedroom, the high school class met in the basement, the toddler nursery
was in the living room and the infants were laid on a bed upstairs.
The church was officially chartered on March 14, 1954 with 34 members, led by part-time supply pastor Jim Jacobsen. In June, the Rev. Thomas Griffith was appointed full time to the growing congregation. That summer Vacation Bible School was held in army tents for 250 children. The church continued to grow with the addition of many young couples. In 1958, construction of the sanctuary/fellowship hall, kitchen, and classrooms began. |
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 The
Men's Club hosted pancake suppers in the new building and began the
annual Retired Ministers Banquet; the Women's Society held mother-daughter
banquets and ice cream socials. The building also provided a place
for the Jet Cadet group of grade schoolers to meet as well as a place
for Couples' Club activities. The Port, a free clothing and household
supply depot for the needy, was held in the old parsonage basement
after a new parsonage was built at 85th & Columbus. The first Bazaar,
a rousing success, was held in 1976, and has continued every year
since. Soon the first building became crowded, and a second stage of expansion was necessary. The current sanctuary and education wing was consecrated in February 1972. Many of the church's first families are still active in the life of the congregation. Of course, they have been joined by new members of all ages. PAUMC is proud of its reputation as an active, friendly church with a great music program. We welcome one and all. |
