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Ted Wright -- last update 11/9/2003 (MethodistNov9.html) www.cvilleok.com
Copyright 2003

Methodist Church Transitions
Nov. 9, 2003
New Name + New Location
First Services Held Today In New Building
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Collinsville's oldest organized church, The First United Methodist Church, has moved from it's location of more than 100 years and changed it's name in the process. The new Meadowcreek United Methodist Church held services for the first time in the new location and building east of Highway 169 on 146th St. North. That location is likely within about a half mile (my guess) of the original Collinsville townsite where the church was founded in about 1898. When the railroad was finally completed through Collinsville in late 1899 or 1900 the town was moved on rollers to the current site (adjacent to the existing railroad tracks).

It was a bit strange this Sunday to drive by the old location at 11th & Oak and see no cars. But there were plenty of cars at the new church building with attendance estimated at about 215 on this initial Sunday. Reverend Larry Wilson has served the Collinsville Methodist Church for nine years and had a vision a few years ago that a new church building was in the Lord's plan for this congregation. Not long after that, members of the Tyler family (former Collinsville residents and church members) donated the land for the new church.

That vision became reality today after years of hard work and sacrafice by many. A ground breaking ceremony was held in June of 2002. The first concrete was poured in November of 2002. The first steel beams were set in place in February 2003.

-- Ted Wright Nov. 9, 2003

1907 photo of the 1st Methodist Church building on Oak St between 11th & 12th Streets. It was built in ~1899 or 1900. In 1963 the 2nd Methodist building was constructed beside the 1st and completed before the old one was torn down.
A more recent photo of the 2nd Methodist Church on Oak Street in Collinsville (above) which is now "For Sale".
Reverend Larry Wilson leads the initial services in the new Meadowcreek United Methodist Church. This is the 3rd sancuary for this church in it's approximately 104 years of existance. Larry is the 48th (known) minister of this congregation.
Sixteen veterans were in the congregation and came forward to be honored in this first service with Veterans Day coming up in 2 days.
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