Baden UMC in 1858

The Baden United Methodist Church was organized in 1858 as the Storer Chapel Methodist Church by the Reverend Thomas Storer as a `point' on the Freedom Circuit, which consisted of congregations at Freedom, Concord, Baden, Slippery Rock, Plains, Unionville, Lancaster and Zelienople.� There were 29 charter members.� The circuit was served by two ministers until 1862 when it was subdivided.� Storer Chapel remained part of the Freedom Circuit until ??� 1892�� 1890 ?? when it was listed as a station and a minister, Rev. M.G. Porter, was appointed by the bishop.�� In 1900 the first parsonage was built costing $1,360.

The first church structure, a one room frame structure, 32 x 40 feet costing approximately $1,000, was located at the corner of East State Street and South Phillips Street.� Dedicated to the worship of God on September 19, 1858, this building served its purpose for fifty eight years.�� The congregation worshipped there until July, 1906 when the building was sold for $1,400, the building was remodeled and used as an office and dwelling until it was dismantled in 1953.

At State Street and Dippold Avenue, a second church building was erected during the pastorate of the Rev. R.B. Carroll, whose careful supervision and personal labor are gratefully appreciated.� The cornerstone was laid Sunday afternoon, November 19, 1905, and the Church was dedicated June 3, 1906.� The building cost nearly $7,000.

The original church charter granted June 5, 1861 was revised January 6, 1863 to the name, `Storer Chapel Methodist Episcopal Church of Baden'.� It was revised again on December 19, 1921, changing the name to `The Methodist Episcopal Church of Baden' and granting voting privileges to women.� The charter was again revised on July 15, 1953 changing the name to `The Methodist Church of Baden' and granting voting privileges to all members 21 years or more.� A Trustee must be over the age of eighteen years.��� Again on March 9, 1981 the name was changed to `The Methodist Church of Baden, Penna.'

Baden UMC in 1906

In 1944 a Building Fund was established by a bequest of $500 from the will of a member of the congregation.�� On April 9, 1955, ground was broken for the construction of a new education building and Fellowship Hall.� A new brick parsonage at the corner of Berry Street and Dippold Avenue was ready for occupancy on Nov. 23, 1958.� On March 20, 1966, the church began to conduct its services in the Fellowship Hall, making it possible to dismantle the old church.

A ground-breaking ceremony to build a new church, the third in the history of the congregation, was held on Aug. 17, 1968, and shortly after, construction began.� The total cost of the building including furnishings, landscaping, new organ and parking lot was approximately $214,000.

In 1968, a Plan of Union was proposed to bring together the Methodist Church and the Evangelical United Brethren Church, two churches that share a common historical and spiritual heritage.� The Plan of Union was made effective by the United Conference in Dallas, Texas, on April 23, 1968.� The church then took its present name `Baden United Methodist Church'.

On June 29, 1969, a procession was formed in the fellowship hall and proceeded to the new sanctuary for the first worship service in the new church.� A Service of Consecration was held in 1969, with Bishop Roy C. Nichols as the speaker and the Rev. Frank T. James, Pastor.