History of Downs UMC
On Sunday, April 21, 1872, at the home of Emmons Courter, the Downs Methodist Church was founded. Rev. George A Blackstock was the first Pastor of the church. He and his young bride came to the area as a circuit preacher, having also been given the charge of the Cawker City church. They met at the Courter home and various other homesteads during the first year.In the fall and winter of 1873-74, the services were held in a cottonwood log schoolhouse. In 1876 the congregants found their first permanent home, the Oak Dale Schoolhouse. In 1880, this young emerging congregation merged with the Corinth congregation and became the First Methodist Episcopal Church of Downs. The cornerstone for the first church building was laid in February 1882. The building was in use for the next 33 years.
In February of 1915, a lot east of the church was purchased and a new building was planned. The building was completed and had a capacity of 650 people. The building, which is the one that is currently in use, was dedicated on March 19, 1916.
In 1969, the Methodist Episcopal Church, along with other Methodist and Evangelical Brethren churches merged to form the United Methodist Church.
The sanctuary of the church was remodeled in 1971 and an elevator was built on the west side around 2002. The elevator allowed access to all parts of the church.
For many years, the Downs UMC was yoked with the Portis UMC until the latter closed in June of 2019. The church has seen some ups and downs and throughout it all, it has remained faithful to God's calling to be a beacon of hope in the surrounding area.
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