WILCOX, Mo. — One of northwest Missouri’s oldest congregations will mark a significant milestone this weekend as Wilcox United Methodist Church celebrates its 175th anniversary of ministry and service.
A special anniversary worship service will be held at 11 a.m. on Sunday, June 1, at the church, located at 22413 Galaxy Road in Wilcox. The community is invited to attend the celebration, which honors nearly two centuries of faith, perseverance, and dedication.
The church’s origins date back to 1850, when preaching services were first held in the home of Washington Griffith, about 1.5 miles from present-day Wilcox. Early records show that Griffith and several local families formed the original congregation, meeting in homes, schoolhouses, and even groves before the Civil War disrupted church activities.
Tensions during the war years made it dangerous to worship openly, especially for those affiliated with the Methodist Episcopal Church South. One presiding elder, Rev. Jesse Bird, was ordered to leave Missouri and cease preaching by military authorities.
After the war, the congregation reorganized and eventually moved to Wilcox following the town’s establishment in 1879. By 1891, the group had erected its first church building—a modest 28-by-48-foot frame structure—under the leadership of Rev. L.R. Loyal.
As the church grew, it was rebuilt in 1916 and again in 1970 following a devastating fire that destroyed the previous building. The current concrete and brick facility was completed in 1971 and continues to serve the congregation today under the leadership of Pastor Erin Mullins.
Over the decades, Wilcox United Methodist Church has adapted to changing times while staying rooted in tradition. It joined the broader Methodist Church merger in 1939, adopted the Lord’s Acre financial stewardship program in 1946, and celebrated its centennial in 1950 with a daylong event and basket dinner.
Throughout its 175-year history, the church has remained a cornerstone of the Wilcox community—offering worship, outreach, and fellowship for generations of local families.
Sunday’s anniversary service will reflect on that rich legacy and look ahead to the church’s future in faith.
For more information, contact Wilcox United Methodist Church