Our Past
Recent History
Harmony McKinley Chapel was formerly Harmony United Methodist Church. The members voted to leave the United Methodist denomination November 21, 2021. Buildings and property were purchased from the Indiana Conference of the United Methodist Church and Harmony McKinley Chapel was formed and incorporated in the State of Indiana.
Same location, same loving, caring, Christian people just a new name.
Our Begininings
The Harmony Methodist Church was first organized in the year 1855, by the Rev. Joseph Asbury. The group met for the next year at the residence of John Beauchamp, who lived in the northern part of Van Buren Township. In 1856 the group moved its place of meeting to the McKinley Schoolhouse on the National Road (US 40).
Due to the congregation increasing in size, in 1858 a frame building was built on the National Road, north side, within a half mile east of the "Harmony Crossing". In 1868 the building was moved to the village of Harmony. The congregation continued to use it for some years. In 1882 the building was sold to some of the members of the United Brethren Church of Harmony.
At this time a large and fine brick edifice was erected on North Vine Street and named "McKinley Chapel" in honor and memory of George G. McKinley. George was a long-time member of the church. In 1880 he was a liberal contributor to the building fund. It is said that he "gave more substantial aid toward the building than any other person." Mr. McKinley helped the builders in planning the new church and actually worked on the basement but died in 1881 before the completion of the church.
Destruction in 1913
In March of 1913 disaster struck. As the town slept a cyclone passed through, practically destroying the Harmony Methodist Church. The next morning the people, heartbroken, wearily picked up the pieces and started plans for the rebuilding process. Because there had been no insurance before the storm, the church was rebuilt and paid for by the members and friends. Although a tragedy had occurred, through the efforts of the congregation working together for the good of all, the church survived and acquired a new look of beauty.
Remodeling, 1963
From the 1913 disaster till 1963 many improvements and upkeep items were completed at the church. But in 1963 after 4 years of talking, planning, and recruiting pledges for the Building Fund, the members of the church decided to change the interior of building once again. A classroom and small office was added to the west side of the sanctuary. Two classrooms were add above this space. The ceiling was lowered, paneling added to the walls, carpet, new pews, podiums and altar were all installed.
Fellowship Hall - 1992
The next major change didn't come until almost 30 years later. With an increase in size of the congregation, again it was time to expand. The members broke ground in April of 1992 for the building of a fellowship hall. This addition includes 3 permanent classrooms, a kitchen and a large eating/meeting area. There were also movable walls added to the south end of the eating area to create 2 more classrooms as needed. Also, the classroom and small office on the south side of the sanctuary were removed and sanctuary seating was increased.