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HISTORY

The early history of the church started in the mid-1700's in England with John and Charles Wesley.  Often ridiculed for their intensive bible study and methodical prayer, the two brothers succeeded in leading a lively renewal movement in the Church of England.  As people moved from England to the American colonies, the Methodist movement grew.  In 1771, John sent Francis Asbury to America. Francis' devotion to the ministry resulted in him becoming the most prominent person in the early American Methodism.

In 1939, three different Methodist groups formed the United Methodist Church.  The three groups consisting of the Methodist Episcopal Church, the Methodist Protestant Church, and the Methodist Episcopal Church South which united 7.7 million people.  

For additional information on the history of the United Methodist Church, please visit the UMC website at www.umc.org/abouttheumc/history.

Hayes Church extends a hand of welcome to you as it has done to thousands of people since it was founded in 1822. A class of eleven members organized in the fall of that year, forming the First Methodist Episcopal Church in Lower Sandusky (now called Fremont). Within a few years, a two-story frame building was constructed at the southwest corner of Garrison and Arch Streets. The second building, constructed in 1883, was located on Park Avenue. The congregation, which included former President Rutherford B. Hayes and his family, continued to grow, and in 1939 became known as the Hayes Methodist Church. The congregation relocated to Fangboner Road in April of 1967, with the construction of a Fellowship Hall and Sunday school rooms.

In November of 1988, construction was completed on our permanent sanctuary. Participating in the historic United Conference of the Evangelical United Brethren Church and the Methodist Church in April of 1968, this fellowship chose to become the Hayes United Methodist Church.

Memorial Church had its first dedication service in 1915 and the building was situated on the corner of Franklin and Hamlin Streets in Fremont. Since it’s founding, Memorial Church had gone through three name changes. In 1946 the United Brethren and the Evangelical Church united, forming the Evangelical United Brethren Church. In 1968 the Evangelical United Brethren Church met in Dallas and became the United Methodist Church.

On Easter Sunday in 1999 Memorial United Methodist Church and Hayes United Methodist Church joined together forming the now Hayes Memorial United Methodist Church. We are blessed and thankful when visitors choose to become active members of our church.