Our Heritage

A nucleus of religious activists among the fifty residents of Ashland formed the first faith community in the village in 1864.  They met in the “class meetings” of the Wesleyan tradition, served by Methodist Circuit Riders.

The congregation grew.  In 1874 they started construction of a Sanctuary.  Completed in 1877, it was the first church built in Ashland.  The foundation stones from that construction supported the structure until renovation in 2006.  Hand-hewn timbers continue to work with God to hold the Historic Sanctuary.

As the church grew, members were instrumental in establishing three institutions that have preeminent roles in creating the unique identity of Ashland:  The Ashland Academy later became Southern Oregon University; The Chautauqua, predecessor of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, and the Ashland Public Library, built with funds raised by the Epworth League of Methodist Youth. 

The United Methodist Church of Ashland continues to offer open doors to all who seek the Word and Spirit of God.  As the church grows, it continues the policy of preserving the values established by its founders while striving to meet the needs of today’s community.  The church still flourishes under the banner emblazoned in one of the Sanctuary’s stained glass windows:  They builded better than they knew.  To view history of our buildings with photos please left click the photo below.