About

In the winter of 1919, a small group of people gathered in a private home in Winthrop Harbor, Illinois to form a Christian congregation. They were a small, but earnest group, who felt the need of a church in their village. Prior to this time, the people depended on Circuit Riders. The population of Winthrop Harbor was not large, just a few hundred people; but there was neither a church nor Sunday school until that time. Funds were scarce, so for some time meetings were held in the homes, and then later in the school building.

The problem of getting a minister was also a serious one, since there was no place for him to stay; and they could not afford to pay a minister more than a few dollars a week. For some years, the Garrett Biblical Institute supplied student ministers. The Minster would come in on the train on Saturday, spend the night with one of the parishioners, and return to Evanston on Sunday. Frequently the Winthrop Harbor and North Prairie Churches shared the minister.

Our ministry is to share the story of Jesus Christ through worship, study, and service; and to develop and encourage Christian values in today's society, and to uphold the truths of God's Holy Scripture. We are all about following Christ and caring for people. Worship, fellowship, care, Bible study and outreach are vital to life and growth at Winthrop Harbor United Methodist Church.