After 127-year ministry, Aurora Methodist church closes

Posted October 01, 2018 11:00 pm

Submitted by Fourth Street United Methodist Church

Earlville resident Bryce Reed Miller, 2, on Sept. 30 becomes the last christening in the 127-year history of Fourth Street United Methodist Church in Aurora. From left are Mick Miller, Bryce's dad; Bryce and the Rev. Derek Rogers, Flowing Forth UMC pastor. Rev. Rogers conducted a service that closed the church. Courtesy of Fourth Street UMC

Young and old came together for one last time Sept. 30 at Fourth Street United Methodist Church, 551 S. Fourth St. in Aurora.

After 127 years of community ministry, the church held a final worship service at 9 a.m. Members, former members and friends packed the pews for worship. After the service, a reception featured refreshments and showcased historical materials and artifacts.

During the service, Earlville resident Bryce Reed Miller, 2, became the last youth christened at the historic church on Aurora's near East Side. Bryce's parents, Mick and Julia Miller, were joined by Bryce's siblings, Bailey, 10, and Danika, 8, with grandparents Giuliana and Paul Eggert of Aurora, who married at the church in 1983.

The Rev. Derek Rodgers, pastor of Flowing Forth UMC of Aurora, preached on "At the Door" and led a litany, an Order of Leave Taking of a Church Building.

Flowing Forth UMC was born in April in a merger of the former Fourth Street UMC and the former Flowing Grace UMC, Aurora.

Flowing Forth UMC will continue to meet Sundays at Aurora Christian School.

Call (630) 897-5257 for more information.

Aurora resident Beth Carter, center, reunites with former members and friends of Fourth Street United Methodist Church in Aurora Sunday, Sept. 30. Right is her husband, Tom Carter. The Rev. Derek Rogers presided at the church's final service that closed the church after 127 years. Courtesy of Fourth Street UMC

Kristi Mennecke of Aurora views a history display after a worship service Sept. 30 that marked the closing of Fourth Street United Methodist Church in Aurora after 127 years. Current members, former members and friends filled the church. Courtesy of Fourth Street UMC

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