History

WHERE have we been and WHERE are we going?"

The city of La Grange was established in 1827. Within 15 years (1842), the local Methodist Episcopal Church was meeting, the first building was constructed, and the same location had been used for the last 154 years with the present sanctuary (36 feet by 66 feet) having been built in 1888-1889 for a total cost of $3,450. We built this "New" church as we entered the 20th century.

In 1844, as a prelude to our tragic American Civil War, the Methodist Episcopal Church was divided over the issue of slavery and the local church here in La Grange became part of the Methodist Episcopal Church South. Sadly, this branch of Methodism in America approved of the wicked institution of slavery, and fostered racism. Shortly after the Civil War, the Kynett Church was established and named for Alpha Jefferson Kynett, a leading executive for Church Extension of Methodism.

Our first building was constructed and the same location has been used for well over a century. For many of the beginning years both local churches in La Grange were on a charge with other nearby churches (Mt. Tabor, Eminence, Shiloh, Sycamore), but because of segregation La Grange and Kynett were never on the same charge or shared the same pastor.

In 1939 three branches of Methodism (Methodist Episcopal Church, Methodist Episcopal Church-South, and Methodist Protestant Church) united to form the Methodist Church. La Grange Methodist Church and Kynett Methodist Church both shared in that but, sadly, the Methodist Church was still segregated and Kynett Church was part of the Central Jurisdiction (Ky. Tenn. Conference) which in reality was the Methodist Church for Black Americans.

In 1968 segregation was forever abolished in the Methodist Church (10 million people - black and white) and united with Evangelical United Brethren (1 million people) to form the United Methodist Church, which had 11million members in 1968. Not only was it a "uniting" of historically German-speaking and English-speaking Methodists, but it also was a "uniting" of all Methodists, regardless of race or color, into the United Methodist Church. Total integration became an official reality with our new United Methodist Church over 28 years ago.

This had great impact and opportunity for the Methodist people in La Grange. Beginning in 1968 both churches shared the same pastor. This gave both local churches a strong and full time pastor who lived in the community. For the past 28 years, it was a good and workable relation between the two local churches, with good cooperation between the two church families. But it was still sad that two local United Methodist Churches, led by the same pastor and only three blocks (less than 300 yards) apart, were still separated.

Because of tremendous population growth in Oldham County (which doubled in population from 14,000 to 28,000 people between 1970 to 1980), the La Grange UMC experienced tremendous growth and simply ran out of room. The church voted in November, 1993 to relocate. New land (10.7 acres) was purchased in November, 1994 at a total cost of $150,000 and the land was fully paid for by December, 1995.

Early in 1995, a study was made by both churches and by a uniting committee to pursue the possibility of uniting the two local congregations in La Grange. After much research, prayer, study, sharing and dialogue, both churches voted in October, 1995 to unite to form the Covenant United Methodist Church and to build together our new church for the new century. In January, 1996, the Covenant United Methodist Church was born! Now we have a real opportunity to make a strong witness for Christ in our community, county, nation, and around the world to let everyone know that truly "... we are all one in Christ Jesus" (Galatians 3.28).

According to the Kentucky State Data Center at the University of Louisville, the population of Oldham County will continue to grow into the 21st century. The population is projected to double again in 24 years and by the year 2020 there will be over 66,500 people living in Oldham County! Our inspired long-range plan to "Grow into the 21st Century and Make Room for People!" is certainly supported by this objective and statistical information.

We moved into our beautiful new building the week of April 15, 2000!  Hallelujah!