The Methodist Episcopal Church was organized in Saint Ansgar in 1856 with a circuit pastor named Reverend Holbrook conducting worship services mainly in homes. Circuit ministers or "circuit riders" as they were known rode from town to town preaching the Gospel. In 1878, the first Methodist Episcopal Church was erected in Saint Ansgar and this structure served the congregation for 29 years.
A new red brick church was built on the corner of Fourth and George Streets and was dedicated in 1907. A Fellowship Hall was built in 1963 to serve the congregation in Christian fellowship and education, with the hope that in the near future a new sanctuary would be added.
In 1968, the denomination united with the Evangelical United Brethren to become the United Methodist Church.
In the mid 1970's, serious consideration was given to extensive remodeling of the 1907 building. But it was generally agreed that the wiser choice would be to construct a new structure to adjoin the Hall. That proved to be true when people saw how fragile the old structure was as it was being razed. The new church retains a bit of the past, with some of the stained glass windows being reused, the old bell cast in 1888 still welcoming people on Sunday mornings, and the curved altar rail and other features preserved in the basement of the Fellowship Hall. The new building was consecrated on August 21, 1977.
A parsonage was built in 1891, for which the ladies of the church raised all but $400 of the cost.
A new parsonage was dedicated on May 1, 1949 and three weeks later, a first-year pastor and his wife, Rev. Rollin and Lorraine Oswald, were thrilled to move into a new house. The old parsonage was moved across the street to the north and now serves as a guest house for rent.
In 2002, members of the congregation saw the need for and voted to build a new parsonage, which was dedicated debt-free in 2003. The former parsonage was moved to the north end of George Street, remodeled and is now a private home.
A new parsonage was dedicated on May 1, 1949 and three weeks later, a first-year pastor and his wife, Rev. Rollin and Lorraine Oswald, were thrilled to move into a new house. The old parsonage was moved across the street to the north and now serves as a guest house for rent.
In 2002, members of the congregation saw the need for and voted to build a new parsonage, which was dedicated debt-free in 2003. The former parsonage was moved to the north end of George Street, remodeled and is now a private home.
Fifty-eight pastors have served the Saint Ansgar church. Our 57th pastor, Reverend Dr. Rhoda E. Preston was the first woman pastor for our church. Our last pastor, Rev. Sue Thomas is our second woman and 58th pastor.