How it all started...
In 1888, a group of dedicated Christians recognized that the growing Methodist congregation in Erlanger, KY was ready for a church of its own. By the spring of 1889, the frame of the original building was raised, and the first pastor, T. W. Baker, began his ministry.
Tragedy struck in 1948 when a fire destroyed the original church building, including a cherished painting of Christ at Gethsemane by Mrs. Hayes Ketchum. When the congregation rebuilt in 1950—later dedicating the new building in 1960 under the pastorate of Rev. George Townsend—Mrs. Ketchum lovingly repainted the portrait. Her work still hangs in our sanctuary today, a beautiful reminder of faith and resilience.
In 1963, the congregation launched a church library, inviting every member to bring a book. The first librarian was Mrs. Mayo Taylor. Just a few years later, in 1968, the Methodist Episcopal Church and the Evangelical United Brethren came together to form the United Methodist Church, joining our story to a wider movement of faith.
By 1977, growth and vision led to plans for a new addition, which included a music room, parlor, kitchenette, outdoor play area, entrance ramp, a second floor for education space, and a daycare center. In 1978, Rev. Eugene P. Barbour, Jr. led the consecration service. That same year, the Grace Edgett Child Development Center opened—named in honor of lifelong member Mrs. Grace Edgett, who generously bequeathed funds to make the ministry possible. Christian worship leader and recording artist Rich Mullins also served on staff here in the 1970's, writing his famous worship song Awesome God in the current sanctuary. It continues to be a favorite of our people to sing to this day.
For over 137 years, Erlanger Methodist Church has stood as Erlanger’s oldest church, faithfully serving our community from our home on Commonwealth Avenue.
Today, Pastor Devin Kroner leads our congregation as we continue the calling passed down to us: to reach people next door and around the world for Jesus—living out our mission: Where Disciples Make a Difference.
Tragedy struck in 1948 when a fire destroyed the original church building, including a cherished painting of Christ at Gethsemane by Mrs. Hayes Ketchum. When the congregation rebuilt in 1950—later dedicating the new building in 1960 under the pastorate of Rev. George Townsend—Mrs. Ketchum lovingly repainted the portrait. Her work still hangs in our sanctuary today, a beautiful reminder of faith and resilience.
In 1963, the congregation launched a church library, inviting every member to bring a book. The first librarian was Mrs. Mayo Taylor. Just a few years later, in 1968, the Methodist Episcopal Church and the Evangelical United Brethren came together to form the United Methodist Church, joining our story to a wider movement of faith.
By 1977, growth and vision led to plans for a new addition, which included a music room, parlor, kitchenette, outdoor play area, entrance ramp, a second floor for education space, and a daycare center. In 1978, Rev. Eugene P. Barbour, Jr. led the consecration service. That same year, the Grace Edgett Child Development Center opened—named in honor of lifelong member Mrs. Grace Edgett, who generously bequeathed funds to make the ministry possible. Christian worship leader and recording artist Rich Mullins also served on staff here in the 1970's, writing his famous worship song Awesome God in the current sanctuary. It continues to be a favorite of our people to sing to this day.
For over 137 years, Erlanger Methodist Church has stood as Erlanger’s oldest church, faithfully serving our community from our home on Commonwealth Avenue.
Today, Pastor Devin Kroner leads our congregation as we continue the calling passed down to us: to reach people next door and around the world for Jesus—living out our mission: Where Disciples Make a Difference.
Expanding the vision...
🌟 Who We Are
Erlanger Methodist Church is alive with faith, family, and mission! Rooted right here in Erlanger and reaching far beyond, we’re passionate about making Jesus known—across our community, our nation, and in more than 90 nations around the world through missionary partnerships. Our heartbeat is simple: to be transformed into the image of Christ while reaching people with His love and truth.
🙌 What We Do
We believe church isn’t just a place you go—it’s a family you belong to and a movement you’re part of. That’s why our ministries are active, vibrant, and designed for every stage of life. From our Methodist Men’s Group and Women in Mission, to Adult Ministries, Christian Education, and our HOMETeam outreach, there are countless ways to grow, serve, and connect.
💒 Worship & Prayer
Every week, our church comes alive in worship! Our Sunday Services bring us together for dynamic preaching, heartfelt music from the Choir, and engaging Children’s Ministry that helps kids encounter Jesus at their level. Plus, we set aside special time like our monthly Hour of Prayer to seek God together as a church family.
Erlanger Methodist Church is alive with faith, family, and mission! Rooted right here in Erlanger and reaching far beyond, we’re passionate about making Jesus known—across our community, our nation, and in more than 90 nations around the world through missionary partnerships. Our heartbeat is simple: to be transformed into the image of Christ while reaching people with His love and truth.
🙌 What We Do
We believe church isn’t just a place you go—it’s a family you belong to and a movement you’re part of. That’s why our ministries are active, vibrant, and designed for every stage of life. From our Methodist Men’s Group and Women in Mission, to Adult Ministries, Christian Education, and our HOMETeam outreach, there are countless ways to grow, serve, and connect.
💒 Worship & Prayer
Every week, our church comes alive in worship! Our Sunday Services bring us together for dynamic preaching, heartfelt music from the Choir, and engaging Children’s Ministry that helps kids encounter Jesus at their level. Plus, we set aside special time like our monthly Hour of Prayer to seek God together as a church family.
Where we are headed...
✨ Come Be Part of the Story
Whether you’re looking for a place to belong, a way to serve, or a community to grow with, Erlanger Methodist Church is here for you. We’d love to welcome you this Sunday—because God has a place for you in His story, and so do we!
👟 What to Expect When You Visit
We’re a come-as-you-are church! You’ll see some people dressed up in suits and others just as comfortable in shorts—it’s all about the heart, not the outfit. Our service follows the Methodist tradition and flow, but with modern touches to engage both hearts and minds as we worship Christ together.
🎁 First time with us? Don’t forget to grab your Welcome Gift Bag, packed with fun goodies and resources as our way of saying, “Thanks for joining us!”
👧👦 Kids are a big part of our church family, too! They’ll start out in service with you, then after a fun Kids Message in the sanctuary, they’ll head off to Kids Church for an exciting time of age-appropriate learning, fun, and faith.
Whether you’re looking for a place to belong, a way to serve, or a community to grow with, Erlanger Methodist Church is here for you. We’d love to welcome you this Sunday—because God has a place for you in His story, and so do we!
👟 What to Expect When You Visit
We’re a come-as-you-are church! You’ll see some people dressed up in suits and others just as comfortable in shorts—it’s all about the heart, not the outfit. Our service follows the Methodist tradition and flow, but with modern touches to engage both hearts and minds as we worship Christ together.
🎁 First time with us? Don’t forget to grab your Welcome Gift Bag, packed with fun goodies and resources as our way of saying, “Thanks for joining us!”
👧👦 Kids are a big part of our church family, too! They’ll start out in service with you, then after a fun Kids Message in the sanctuary, they’ll head off to Kids Church for an exciting time of age-appropriate learning, fun, and faith.
