By Doug Wood

A long-time institution serving the Vinton area for well over a decade just celebrated a significant milestone this past month.  This was the 116th anniversary of the dedication of the cornerstone of Stewart Memorial United Methodist Church.  This occurred on June 26, 1910. 

Since that time, the church has been following its Christian mission of spreading God’s word and serving others. 

The church first began as a United Brethren congregation.  In 1946, the United Brethren Church merged with the Evangelical Church,creating the Evangelical United Brethren Church.  In 1968, the Evangelical United Brethren Church merged with the Methodist Church creating the United Methodist Church.  This is why Vinton has Stewart Memorial United Methodist Church and Wesley United Methodist Church. 

On September 17, 1951, the church nearly succumbed to fire when the Ellis-McDowell lumber yard just across the south alley from the church caught fire.  The Vinton, Garrison, and Shellsburg Volunteer Fire Departments battled this large fire which burned down two large storage sheds and the office at the lumber yard.  The lumber yard’s records were saved because they had them stored in a safe.   

The Minister of the church, C.H. Holton, along with Bill Marovec and others helped save the church by throwing quart canning jars of water up to the roof.  When they saw an ember land on the roof, they threw a jar of water up to it. 

 Also in danger of catching fire was the church’s parsonage and Van Wechel Garage, which is the current location of the 4th Street Diner operated by HACAP. 

The current pastor of Stewart Memorial United Methodist Church is Rev. Beth Grahm who also serves the Brandon, Mt. Auburn, and Garrison United Methodist Churches.  Services are held each Sunday in Vinton at 6:00 P.M.