First United Methodist Church of Somerville. Organized 1901 by The Rev. H. G. Williams; had 29 charter members, and was in the Lyons Circuit. During first year, held prayer meetings in homes and preaching services in brush arbor lighted by members' lanterns. For weeks, evangelists operated a "chapel car" on railroad siding. Church and Sunday School moved in the winter to the schoolhouse. First sanctuary was erected in 1903; educational building, 1958; present sanctuary was completed on the original church site and dedicated in 1966. In first 70 years, the church had 34 pastors. #8631