Wheaton’s Gary UMC hosts historic display including founding mayor’s top hat

To celebrate Preservation Month, Gary United Methodist Church in Wheaton will display historic artifacts from the church’s early days, starting Sunday, May 24 through Sunday, May 31.

You’ll find photos, bulletins, Sunday School attendance records and more from the 1853-1929 time frame in the church’s Wheaton Commons.

You can even take a peek at Elbert Gary’s top hat. Elbert Gary was the first mayor of Wheaton. His parents, Erastus and Susan Gary, were founding settlers of Wheaton and charter members of the church.

The church at 224 N. Main St. has celebrated deep roots in the community since 1853. The church has vibrant music, kids, youth and adult ministries, plus opportunities for local, national and global missions. This summer, Sunday worship will be at 9 a.m. with Kids’ Church and a 10 a.m. coffee fellowship hour.

Kickoff Sunday will be Sept. 13, when the 11:11 a.m. service and 10 a.m. Sunday school for all ages will resume. For more information, go to garychurch.org or contact the church office at office@garychurch.org.