Our History and Heritage

In 1870, Mount Pleasant Church was erected. Jacob Ginder donated the ground for this new church, which is located about five miles southwest of Butler, Indiana, and about eight miles east of Auburn, Indiana. The church at that time was a frame structure, 30 x 40 feet. At that time, it was known as “Sawmill Church.” The church was remodeled in 1889. At about the same time, the church became a member of the Church of the United Brethren in Christ (later known as the Evangelical United Brethren Church, or EUB) and assumed the name “Mount Pleasant Church.” In 1917, 28 years after its first remodeling, Mount Pleasant Church was again rebuilt – this time adding class rooms, putting in a basement and furnace, installing new seats, and adding a brick veneer exterior. In 1936, the church was re-roofed, and a new furnace room and heating plant were installed. In 1968, just before Mount Pleasant Church was about to celebrate its centennial, the Evangelical United Brethren Church merged (nationally) with The Methodist Church to form the “United Methodist Church.” Shortly after that, the church officially became “Mount Pleasant United Methodist Church.”

Mount Pleasant United Methodist Church

The church continued to grow; in 1957 and 1958, extensive remodeling was done. The basement unit was expanded to create a multi-purpose/common area that serves as a fellowship hall, classrooms, or whatever needs may exist. A full-service kitchen was also added at this time. Also, the church sanctuary was enlarged, and new church furniture and carpet were installed. The remodeling was completed, and a dedication was held on April 26, 1959.

Mount Pleasant has been updated from time to time, with more cupboards added in the kitchen, new carpet, new roof and air conditioning.

Prior to 2007, Mount Pleasant UMC had a “sister” church, the Newville United Methodist Church, located in Newville, Indiana (approximately six miles southeast of Mount Pleasant UMC). The two churches were part of what is known in the United Methodist Church as a “two‐point charge,” meaning that they shared several resources. One of those resources was the pastor. In order to “share” the pastor, Sunday morning worship services were alternated (for example, one was held at 9:00 am and the other at 10:30 am) to allow the pastor to lead both services and to travel between the two locations. In December 2006, dwindling membership forced the Newville United Methodist Church to make one of the most difficult decisions a church has to face…the decision to close its doors. Beginning in January of 2006, for the first time since 1968, Mount Pleasant United Methodist Church was a single “charge” with its own pastor and other resources. The Newville members have been warmly welcomed as part of the “Mount Pleasant family.” Some have joined Mount Pleasant, while others found new church homes.

Mount Pleasant UMC continues to grow with new ministry opportunities for all age groups, as well as ongoing traditional ministries that are part of Mount pleasant’s heritage. We invite you to come visit…you’ll find a warm welcome and a place to call home! Please explore what’s available at Mount Pleasant UMC.