The people of Cornerstone UMC have worshipped in the O’Fallon area since 1807.
O’Fallon Methodists
By 1798, Methodist circuit riders (traveling preachers) were conducting religious services in private homes in the new Spanish St. Louis District. These protestant Christian services were illegal and performed in secrecy at the time.
The 1803 Louisiana Purchase opened the door to religious freedom in this region.
In the fall of 1807, Circuit Rider Rev. Jesse Walker officiated the first Holy Communion for Methodists in Missouri at the log cabin of Methodist Jacob Zumwalt (on the site of what is now Fort Zumwalt Park in O’Fallon, Missouri).
In 1812, Missouri became its own territory. In 1912, the City of O’Fallon was incorporated.
The people of Cornerstone UMC, and its predecessor congregations, have worshipped in at least nine unique locations in the O’Fallon area since the 1800’s.
Historical Timeline
1800’s
1807—Methodist circuit rider offers communion at Zumwalt’s Cabin.
1808—Methodists build round building near current Lake St. Louis dam.
1809—Methodists relocate to Jacob Zumwalt’s cabin due to flooding.
1853—Methodists relocate to what is now Mt. Zion Cemetery.
1882—Methodists relocate to Church Street.
1900’s
1953—Methodists relocate to brick school building on Pitman Street.
1958—Williams Memorial Methodist building built on Pitman Street.
1968—The United Methodist denomination is formed when two protestant denominations unite as one.
2000’s
2000—Congregation meets at Ft. Zumwalt North High School.
2001—Cornerstone UMC moves into new building at its current location.
2007—Cornerstone UMC celebrates its 200th anniversary.
2019—Cornerstone UMC completes major building addition.