Our History
Trinity United Methodist Church, Montello, proudly traces its origins back to the activities of circuit riding preacher Isaac Smith who began his ministry in the area in 1848. The first written records show John Padgham served the area in 1854 followed by S. Watts in 1856 who served a congregation of 26 white people and 7 Ho-Chunk tribe members. The Methodist Episcopal Society was organized in Montello in 1869. It was called the Community Church with all Protestants worshipping in what was then the Opera House on a site now occupied by Granite Park.
Montello pioneer George Henry Dartt offered land on which the old white clapboard church and parsonage would be built during 1873-75. At first nail kegs and wooden planks provided seating at the M. E. Church where the Lutherans continued to worship until their own building was completed. A parsonage was built in 1881. Stained glass windows, a chancel area, choir loft, kitchen and dining room were added during
1921-22 (not easy since they had to drill through granite for the lower level!). A rededication included the name change to Trinity in 1923.
Due to space constraints and a growing congregation in the 1970s and early '80s, property was found and a new church constructed on the present site in 1984-85. In November, 1984, the old white church was deconsecrated and members paraded up to the new site with the last major items for the new sanctuary. An official dedication of the current church occurred in June, 1985.
Montello pioneer George Henry Dartt offered land on which the old white clapboard church and parsonage would be built during 1873-75. At first nail kegs and wooden planks provided seating at the M. E. Church where the Lutherans continued to worship until their own building was completed. A parsonage was built in 1881. Stained glass windows, a chancel area, choir loft, kitchen and dining room were added during
1921-22 (not easy since they had to drill through granite for the lower level!). A rededication included the name change to Trinity in 1923.
Due to space constraints and a growing congregation in the 1970s and early '80s, property was found and a new church constructed on the present site in 1984-85. In November, 1984, the old white church was deconsecrated and members paraded up to the new site with the last major items for the new sanctuary. An official dedication of the current church occurred in June, 1985.
