Belmont United Methodist Church

In 1902, Belmont had a population of 500, a shopping area, but no church.  Two women, Mrs. Bogenrife, a member of Oak Street United Brethren Church, and Mrs. Miller, a Methodist, decided to do something about this omission.  They went door to door to announce the formation of a Sunday School.  On the first Sunday in November, 1902, a small group of 30 men, women and children assembled for Sunday School in the red brick schoolhouse on Smithville Road (formerly Overlook Avenue) – the first religious meeting in the new Belmont community.  The minister at that time was the Reverend J. Harmon Dutton.  On February 17, 1904, Belmont United Brethren was formally organized with 32 members, and Reverend W. M. Van Sickle as the first appointed pastor.

As the membership increased, the need for a building became evident.  The congregation of 100 members bought property at the corner of Smithville Road (called Belmont Avenue, then Overlook Avenue) and Nauerth (now Nordale).  The cornerstone was laid in June, 1906.  In July 1939, construction began on a three-story brick educational wing directly behind the sanctuary.

A merger between the United Brethren Church and the Evangelical Association formed a new denomination, the Evangelical United Brethren (EUB) in 1946.  Reverend Murn B. Klepinger was the pastor for 29 years (1937-1966).  The membership grew to 1,750.  More space was needed, and the current location was just too small with no possibility to expand.  Two lots on Smithville Road between Bellaire Avenue and Belmont Elementary School were purchased, and groundbreaking for a new sanctuary came in March 1953.  A second phase began in January 1960 with the additions dedicated in May 1961.  In 1968, Belmont became a United Methodist Church following the EUB and Methodist Church merger.

Today, our mission is “making new and growing disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of our community and beyond.”  Our vision is “Belmont United Methodist Church is a welcoming community of authentic, Christ-centered disciples on a lifelong journey of faith and love.”  Our doors are open to all.  Come worship with us.  Sunday School for all ages at 9:00 a.m.  Traditional worship services are at 10:30 a.m.  

Submitted by Marlene Puterbaugh Saul (Church Historian).