Randolph Church Marks 190th Anniversary

by Elsie Walker

Tenacity and love are woven into the history of Millbrook United Methodist Church. The church, which is located at 246 Millbrook Avenue, Randolph, marks its 190th anniversary this month. Longtime member, Pat Briant of Randolph, recalled a story regarding the building of the church. Wood had been secured for the building, but the wood was not seasoned and a kiln was built in which to dry it. The church hired someone to do the careful process. The worker had a bit too much apple jack and all the wood burned. Undaunted, the congregation took horses and buggies to Easton, Pennsylvania to get wood, which was not an easy trip in those days. That spirit of tenacity is still part of the congregation’s spirit. Briant noted that in 2014 a storm the day before Sunday services caused a huge tree in front of the church to fall on the electrical wires, knocking out all power to the church. Regardless of the situation, the congregation was not going to miss Sunday service and so held it on the front steps of the church with the congregation singing hymns acapella. Loving fellowship is found in this congregation which worships every Sunday at 9:45am guided by Pastor Holly Paul. Also, its love flows to the local community through various outreaches. Now, as Millbrook United Methodist Church prepares to celebrate its anniversary, Briant shared more of its history, some fond church memories, and what the church is doing to mark its 190 years.

In sharing about the church, Briant noted that her family has “deep roots” in it. Her mother and father met via the church’s youth group. Both she and her mother