Church of the Week: First UM Church, Middletown OH

I had the joy of taking the lovely Robin to a free concert of Handel's "The Messiah" yesterday at the First United Methodist Church of Middletown, Ohio. It is a church that dates to 1805, when pioneer and Methodist preacher James Grimes formed a Methodist society in his log cabin in what became Middletown. The current Romanesque Revival structure was built in 1890, and has had additions and improvements many times over the years.

The concert, presented by the Middletown Civic Chorus and supported by pipe organ, guest soloists, and a string quartet, was a joy from beginning to end. And the sanctuary, with its beautiful memorial windows and impressive pipe organ, was likewise a feast for the eyes.

Thank you, First UM, for hosting this concert, and thank you, Middletown Civic Chorus, for presenting it.

First United Methodist Church of Middletown is located at 120 S. Broad St.