Riverside Methodist Church

 This month we continue our look at the old original Kezar Falls buildings that are still in use by crossing Bridge Street to Riverside Methodist Church.  Located at #5 School Street at the intersection of Rt. 25, Bridge Street and School Street, it is one of our oldest buildings.  Most of us are so used to seeing it throughout the years overlooking the village center that we hardly give a second thought to its long history.

This picture taken in 2006 looks the same as it does today.

 The Methodist church settled here in Porter about 1839 and as it began to grow in 1867 it came into possession of the dilapidated Union Church building just in front of this location.  It soon became apparent that it needed to be replaced.  So, the old building was sold and moved to River Street and the new building was erected in 1883 and dedicated in 1884.

Many changes and improvements have taken place over the past 140 years such as the addition of electricity, central heat and stained-glass memorial windows.    A most unusual and visible addition was the stainless-steel star placed on the steeple about 1951 in memory of Mrs. S. Evelyn Devereux.  This still adorns the steeple today and makes the Riverside United Methodist Church instantly recognizable.  The new parish house wing was completed in 1963.  Through the dedication of faithful parishioners many renovations and updates have been done to maintain the whole building as a place of worship, fellowship and of service to the community.

The Riverside United Methodist Church is the only active church left in the town of Porter with a full membership and active schedule on a regular basis.  The Methodist Church building long ago became a center of activity in this community.  The vestry and parish house are in constant use, not only for church functions but for meetings by various groups of all ages, benefit suppers, fundraising events, programs celebrating special occasions, rummage sales, holiday parties, “Meals on Wheels” preparation, and the “Food Pantry”, to name a few.