United Methodist Church of Southampton

Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors

History

             In Southampton, Methodism became a permanent organization in December of 1843.  The members met in a small building until 1883 when property was acquired and ground was broken for a church on the present site (160 Main Street).  By 1903, the congregation had grown to such an extent that it was necessary to build an addition to the north of the sanctuary.  This addition, called the church hall, was used for meetings and Sunday school.  Through the years, with continual membership growth, another building program became necessary.  As such, in 1930 a Primary Department, a kitchen, and additional bathrooms were added to the church.  In 1997, construction began for a separate Christian Education building.  This provided handicap entrances as well as additional doorways and bathrooms.  Also, four large classrooms, wide hallways designed to meet State requirements, a teachers lounge, and an assembly room for large gatherings were created.  These facilities not only service the current Sunday school program, but also host a variety of other programs during the week including a Nursery school.  The result of all this hard work is a truly beautiful church.  This church has been home to only three ministers in the past thirty years  - Reverend Ivan Gossoo, Reverend Jack King, and now Reverend Koonae Lee.