History of Hammer Memorial

HAMMER MEMORIAL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH - KING CITY, MISSOURI

King City was still a small village when the first Methodist circuit rider rode into town to organize a "class meeting" in 1879.  Once the class was established, Methodist circuit riders returned every fifth Sunday to lead meetings in different homes in the community.  Worship services were then held in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church building for a short time.  The first minister, the Rev. S. N. Warner, was appointed in 1880. 

The first Methodist Church building in King City was built in 1882; however, it had a very short life, being destroyed by fire a few years later.  The small congregation met thereafter in the Presbyterian Church until a new structure was completed in 1900.  this facility was a wood frame structure and stood just south of where the present church building is located.  The 1900 facility was later sold, the wood being used for housing construction in the rapidly growing town. 

The present Methodist Church structure was constructed in 1914 and formally dedicated on July 14 of that year.  It was built at a cost of $11,000, $4,800 of which was pledged on Dedication Day.  Dedication Day was a great event for the congregation; "old timers" recalled three different services and a basket dinner on the occasion.  The Rev. William Austin Vetter was the pastor at that time.

Thirty years later, the building was completely refinished and redecorated under the leadership of Rufus H. Limpp as chairman of the building committee.  The refinishing was completed at a cost of $5,500.  On February 27, 1944, the building was rededicated and named Hammer Memorial United Methodist Church, a name it carries today.  Mrs. Nellie McKenzie held the distinction of attending church in all three of the structures which housed the congregation in King City.

During the years of Rev. Ned Hill's pastorate, from 1945-1950, the Methodist Churches in the Ford City and Winslow communities, which had shared ministers with the King City church, united with the King City congregation.  Star Chapel became the sister church in 1967, during the Rev. E. I. Webber's pastorate.

A woman's organization, organized initially as the Ladies Aid Society, has evolved into the United Methodist Women and has always been an active and vital support to the success of the church as a whole.  Many worthwhile church projects have been completed through the efforts of the women's "circles":  the Mary Circle, Ruth Circle, Rachel Circle, and Elizabeth Circle.  The Mary Circle was disbanded in the late 1980's. 

The women of the church join together for the annual Harvest Dinner & Bazaar, the proceeds of which go to help the church in many ways.  The 50th anniversary of the United Methodist Women's Group was celebrated in 1990.

During the 1960's and 70's, the church building was again completely remodeled inside.  This effort included a great deal of construction to make the building structurally sound.  Later a landscaping project designed to enhance the beauty of the grounds around the building was undertaken.  Some of the many improvements and furniture are a result of the many memorial gifts given to the church over the years in remembrance of deceased members.  These gifts are deeply appreciated by the congregation and add special meaning to the services held.

In the fall of 2004, at the direction of the Lord, the parishioners of Hammer Memorial took on an aggressive remodeling and expansion of the existing facility.  This project, which included approximately 2,600 square feet of new construction, was completed at a cost of just over $500,000.  The pledges and donations literally poured in and the project was completed in just over six months.  In the sanctuary, the project undertook the leveling of the floor and total redecorating.  This included installation of new pews, carpeting, and significant expansion of the seating capacity to handle the growing attendance.  A new pastor's office was also built on the main floor, as well as a handicap accessible restroom.  On the lower level, the kitchen and dining hall were completely redecorated, including all new cabinets and appliances.  New handicap accessible restrooms and additional Sunday School rooms were also added.

The 128 years history of Methodism in King City is one of considerable growth and development, from the small class group formed in 1879 to the present day congregation.  The goal of that first group of dedicated Christians, to see their church grow and prosper, remains the same for the current members of the Hammer Memorial United Methodist Church

In 2001, Martin and Alice Barker returned to King City from the Brookfield-Marceline Missouri area where he served as pastor since 1985. However a few months after his return to King City and his intent to retire, Martin was asked to serve as interim pastor at Hammer Memorial and Star Chapel Churches. The parishioners soon knew that they wanted Martin to remain as their full time pastor.

On September 6, 2006, an organizational meeting was held and the Elizabeth Circle was formed was young women of the Church. Organizing members were Kyra Carlson, Jenny Owens, Michelle Silkett, Cassie Hodge, Amanda McCallon and Melissa Goucher.

By the fall of 2007, the congregation decided it was in need of more Sunday School rooms. Ground breaking ceremonies for Phase II of the expansion project was held on September 8, 2007. Construction was started immediately on an additional 2400 square foot 2 story addition to the South of the existing structure at a cost of $216,800.00. The project was completed in the spring of 2008.

On April 13^th, 2008, Martin celebrated 50 years as an ordained minister with a special church service and reception. On April 20, 2008, after a short but difficult battle with cancer, God called Martin home.

Pastor Terry Cook and his wife Leslie came to Hammer Memorial in June 2008 from Chillicothe where he served as Pastor for 2 years. Prior to that Terry was at Hamilton where he served as Associate Pastor and Youth Director prior to starting Seminary. Before moving into the parsonage in King City, members of the Church spent approximately 2 months doing a complete renovation of the home which had not been updated or improved for more than 40 years.

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Hammer Memorial United Methodist Church
King City, Missouri
kcmethodist@jagtec.net