In the year 1865 Mr. John Wyatt Harden was the first homesteader on the west shore of Lake Apopka. The area was called West Apopka and was later named Montverde (meaning Green Mountain in Spanish). More families followed the sandy trails through the woods - some came by horseback, some by wagons and some even walked. Their homes were built among the live oak groves.
Mr. Harden invited his neighbors to come to his home for Sunday school and it was not long before they had outgrown his home as a meeting place.
Near the year 1884 Mr. Harden thought it was time for a church to be built and he donated land in which the existing cemetery and Montverde United Methodist Church now resides. The Methodist Episcopal Church South Conference furnished lumber that was brought in by mule teams. The rectangular church was built with outside walls of upright boards and batten. Some of the hand-hewn log joists that were used under the floor are still in place (they are heart pine and later men found it difficult to even drill or nail into these boards). The building was one large room, with two doors at the front and steps all the way across. Men entered the Church through the right side door and women entered through the door on the left. It was customary for men to sit on one side of the Church and women on the other. There was no ceiling put in the Church at first but one was later added when the Church building was enlarged. Kerosene lamps in holders were placed around the walls and used during night services. The first music was played on an old style grand piano. It was then replaced by a pump organ followed by an upright piano and then the present electric organ and upright piano. Outside walls were replaced and double doors added to the front of the Church, replacing the two separate doors.
Remodeling of the Church continued throughout the years. Rooms were added on the east and west sides to be used for Sunday school. The rooms were also used later for public grammar school classrooms. The ceilings were lowered and paneling was placed on all the inside walls. A front porch was added as well as a copper steeple.
In 1964 an addition of four classrooms and a fellowship hall, including a kitchen and restrooms were added and dedicated to the memory of Mrs. Varena Martin Cox in 1965.
The first parsonage was built in the 1920's to provide residency for the pastoral leaders of the Church. In 1963, a new Parsonage was built and has three bedrooms, two bathrooms, large family room, eat in kitchen and dining room /living room, utility room and carport.
In the early days of the Church a circuit rider preacher served the Methodist Church for two Sundays a month. This was shared first with the neighboring Town of Oakland, later with the cities of Lockhart and Fain/ilia, and the last circuit was with the cities of Ocoee and Zellwood.
The Church was used by the Baptists the remaining two Sundays a month and any fifth Sundays were used for special services. In the late 1930's a Community Church was organized and services were held on the two Sundays formally used by the Baptists. There was a Union Sunday School and everyone attended all services. Mission work has always been an important part of the Church. For many years the Mary Reese Circle had been active and represented the Church in Mission work. Later the Lydia Women's Circle provided a local soup ministry.
One of the primary missions of the Church has been reaching out to local youth in the community through Christian Endeavor. It was followed by the Epworth League, the Methodist Youth Fellowship, and the Lightseekers youth group. For many years Vacation Bible School was held at the Church for all children of the community to attend
The Montverde School (later renamed Montverde Academy) began in 1912 and the school used the church for some academic classes. Students attended Sunday school and Church for many years before a Chapel was built on campus.
Church services were held on both Saturday and Sunday, and people came from all over the area and stayed in neighboring homes that would shelter and feed them. Food and care for the horses were provided by the local young Harden brothers.
The Church was the center of the social life in Montverde. Services were held every Sunday morning with Sunday school classes in the afternoon. A second service was held on Sunday evenings. Gatherings at homes for gospel sings were not uncommon and attended by many.
Great Christmas programs were held each year with everyone taking part in the marches, flag drills and recitations. The men brought in the largest tree they could find in the woods to be adorned with homemade ornaments by the members. Lighted candles were used on the tree - not under it and had to be watched carefully. Sunday school picnics were enjoyed by children and adults alike. Pit barbeques were always a favorite. Christian fellowship of monthly Fellowship Dinners, Ice Cream socials and other activities keeps the "sweet spirit of Christ" alive for all.
Easter Sunrise service is a tradition and weather permitting is always held outside by the large wooden cross on the church lawn. Service is followed by breakfast and fellowship.
In the late 1980's Pastor Rufus Landis was assigned to the Church as a retired full-time minister. Pastor Landis concentrated on developing a foundation of lay people to lead the Church as well as address facility maintenance of the 100+ year old Church. The strategy was to have a presence of community activities as well as provide activities on the Church grounds. Pastor Landis and his wife Louise lived in the parsonage and participated in the community. The new members increased the churches financial resources, volunteer time and experience in leadership positions.
In the late 1990's we were in desperate need of an organist or pianist. We were using a cassette player for our music. Pastor Landis got the word out and God provided for our need by sending us Jean Adams. Jean was a very dedicated servant of the Lord. When she was stricken with cancer she continued to play, even though at times it was with a great deal of effort. She had a sweet, quiet nature with a dry sense of humor and was loved by everyone. The church purchased CD's of the hymnal, and dedicated it to
Jean, so when she couldn't play, we would have music, and she wouldn't feel so obligated. After fighting cancer for 5 years she went to be with our Lord in June of 2008.
In 1996 Pastor Landis stepped down as full time pastor and was replaced on a temporary/voluntary basis by Reverend Duane Zoller. Reverend Zoller had retired from the First United Methodist Church of Clermont and had been a great friend of the Church which created a relationship between the two churches.
After the departure of Pastor Landis in 1996, Reverend Jim McGraw was introduced as the part-time pastor. Reverend McGraw and his wife, Bernice, lived in the Town of Zellwood and accepted a minor salary. The Reverend not only blessed the Church with his music abilities, but related well with the retired membership, which was the majority at that time. However, after a year and a half of service, Reverend McGraw asked to be re-appointed due to health reasons.
In June 1997, Abe Harris accepted a part-time pastoral position with the Church and lived in the parsonage with his wife Nancy. Both were able to dedicate 100 percent of their time to the Church. This enthusiasm and energy attracted new members through the youth group, children's jubilee and personal contact with people in the community and beyond.
During this time the Green Mountain Pre-School was started and lead by Vi Nemic. School was held mornings, four days a week, and there was usually a waiting list.
In the fall of 1999, Abe Harris resigned his position with the Church and Reverend Jim McGraw returned on a part-time basis. He and his wife Bernice continued to live in their home in Zellwood and stayed in the parsonage on weekends for Sunday and church activities. Reverend McGraw's music was an integral part of the church ministry. Love and enthusiasm grew as he led the choir and directed many special musical presentations, including the Barbershop singers.
The year 2000 brought needed repairs and remodeling to the Sanctuary. A group of men lead by Jim Rogers, replaced a portion of the chancel floor, re-paneled the entire Sanctuary, and replaced the carpet. Cushions were later replaced on the kneeling benches, and new pew cushions were made by a group of ladies, guided by Carol Jackson.
Pastor McGraw visited not only church members, but anyone in the community that was in need of comfort. A deeper feeling of "family" among the members continued to grow. In 2006, after more than ten years of service, Reverend Jim McGraw and Bernice retired to move to Georgia to be near their children.
The Church welcomed Reverend Jeff Parkkila and wife Stephanie in 2006 on a part-time basis. They lived in the parsonage with their two young children. The parsonage was updated by converting the carport into a garage. The parsonage would later require extensive repairs due to water damage from faulty air conditioning and plumbing. The end result was a newly remodeled parsonage including ceramic tile floors throughout.
Throughout the years many improvements have been made. Painting the outside of the Sanctuary was a never ending chore, and thus in the 1990's vinyl siding was installed. The change did not hinder the historical appearance and provided an easier and more cost efficient preservation of the buildings.
A large wooden cross was placed in front of the handicap ramp on the side of the Church and dedicated to the memory of Rufus and Louise Landis. They presented the cross to the Church during their tenure at the Church.
A lighted stained glass window displayed over the Alter was given by Jim and Pat Glassburn and family in memory of their son, James Glassburn. In 2003 a beautiful wooded Baptismal Fount was also dedicated in the memory of James, by his family. September 14, 2004, Jim Glassburn created oak stools for plants in honor of Gordon and Freda Ivey, given by their grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Louise Cox was a faithful member throughout her life. Beginning at age 4 when her family moved to Montverde she began attending church. Louise served the Lord with her main focus on children. After her death in 2006, at the age of 91 the Fellowship Hall, earlier dedicated to her mother, was re-dedicated to Louise.
In 2007 beautiful new double front doors with leaded glass were dedicated in Memory of Delbert Button, by his wife Nancy and family, and installed by Church members.
Much work has been done to enhance the curb appeal of the Church. In 2008 landscaping was done in memory of Carlene Loss, by her husband Ron and family. The front of the Sanctuary was planted with colorful flowers and trees, and a beautiful garden of palms, amaryllises and red roses surround the large wooden cross.
Also in 2008 a new handicap ramp was built from recyclable materials. Joe Morrin led our group of church volunteers and they did an excellent job. This ramp was given in Memory of Gordon Ivey and Bob Blackford, by their families.
Many activities through the years, provide fellowship and the opportunity to interact with the community. Once a month on Saturday, members gather in the early morning hours for a community pancake breakfast and yard sale. Donations for the yard sale are from the members and others within the community. A large dumpster is provided for recycling newspapers, and aluminum cans are collected and taken to a recycle center monthly. These activities provide needed funds to maintain the church buildings and grounds.
A food program was provided five days a week for several years to shut-ins in the area, but later discontinued due to high cost of gas and loss of a restaurant that provided and donated the meals. Food baskets are prepared by members and delivered to needy families or singles and shut-ins every Thanksgiving.
In recent years members have participated in mission trips to Jamaica, and programs to deliver food and clothing to the homeless. Care packages are prepared and donated by members and sent to the United States military troops in the Middle East and shoes for the Afghanistan local people; as requested by the young men and women who have received these care packages.
In April 2009 Pastor Jeff Parkkila resigned to take a full time job at a senior care facility. The pulpit has been filled in the past and presently by many wonderful lay speakers, who do an excellent job of ministering the "word of God". In July of 2009, the Church welcomed its current pastor, Todd Bardin, who resides in the parsonage with his wife and three children.
Today there are many new and exciting ministries at Montverde UMC! The Church is blessed with several certified lay speakers who do an excellent job of filling the pulpit when the Pastor is away and on Laity Sunday. Very dedicated and talented members work together on maintaining the church grounds and looking for ways to reach out into the community. It is our desire to show the love of Jesus to those around us, whatever form it may take. The Church takes great pride that finances have been stable for many years; paying conference apportionments on time and in full. Funds are raised before a project begins and the Church has no debt.
Montverde United Methodist Church is a joyful community of faith proclaiming the love of Jesus Christ, our Lord, to all.