First UMC Roseville celebrates 140th anniversary

Roseville saw the completion of its first church, the First United Methodist Church of Roseville, 140 years ago. On Sunday, members and friends celebrated the church's anniversary at 109 Washington Blvd. with the usual worship service, lunch featuring various soups and chilis and cake, and a commemorative ceremony. Pastor Mahsea Evans shared his experiences after first arriving at the church about four years ago. "It was an act of faith in a way to get thrown into a new place and hope that works out," Evans said. "And about three months after I arrived, the world stopped." The COVID-19 pandemic struck just as Evans was getting used to a new environment. But, that didn't stop him from learning about the Roseville church members. "One thing that I learned about the people here is that they are resilient and incredibly kind," Evans said. Evans attributes these characteristics to the church's volunteerism, such as "feeding the community, sheltering the homeless and loving all who come through their doors." "Those good things that we have done and accomplished together weren't just some novel thing. It comes from 140 years of being committed to serving this community," Evans said. Roseville Mayor Burce Houdesheldt, Roseville Councilmember Scott Alvord and Placer County Supervisor Bonnie Gore attended the anniversary celebration. During the celebration's time of sharing portion, when community members shared their experiences with the church, Alvord acknowledged the work that the church has done to help the community. Alvord said that everyone in Roseville "should show the same kindness" as the church. Since his wife is a Methodist, Houdesheldt said, "I've heard of the great work you all do here." He commended the church's anniversary on behalf of the Roseville City Council. The church originally met in a barn and then in a Vernon Street home under Reverend H.L. Gregory's leadership, according to the church's newsletter, The Chimes. The church was then given a lot on the corners of Washington and Church streets in 1882, where it stands today. The invitation said Anna F. Judah donated the land with the "stipulation" that it "shall be used, kept, maintained and disposed of as a place of Divine Worship." The building's construction was finished on March 4, 1883 and a ceremony was officiated by Reverend Dr. F. F. Jewel. At the time, the Placer Herald deemed the church as "one of the neatest edifices…in the state." Church historian Phoebe Astill shared that at the time, there was no running water so the women of the church who cooked "had to go next door to get buckets of water to cook," and that bathrooms were the equivalent of today's outhouses. "You've seen the growth of the church if you've lived in Roseville," Astill said, "We've seen a lot of changes and the church has grown in many ways." She emphasized that the church's focus has always been on the community and that "anyone is welcome to be here." Since its humble beginnings, The Chimes said, "First United Methodist Church has been a constant presence in the historic downtown section of Roseville. For over a century, the building has served as an organizing place of good for the community."