Van Orsdel United Methodist Church
Welcome Friends!
I am the third reincarnation of the church which William Wesley Van Orsdel begain in the Spring of 1892. Brother van had actually began his groundwork in the Fall of 1890 when he first came to Havre to preach and lead worship services. Brother Van bought the lots for my first building and appointed R.A.Armstrong as my first pastor. By 1915 a new and bigger church building was needed. And when it was finished and dedicated in May of 1917, I was named after that "most beloved man in Montana" who brought Methodism to Montana and helped it spread and flourish. Brother Van began many churches and paid for many property lots to get many of them started, but I am the only one so honored to be named after him. A few years later, Brother Van "went home to glory" and I have been proud to carry on his name and ministry and spirit. On friday morning, December 6th, 1957, that glorious old house of God that was the second reincarnation of Van Orsdel United Methodist Church burned to the ground. My people moved to the High School auditorium for a few years, and in the Fall of 1959, through hard work, diligent prayers, and dedicated service, I was resurrected from the ashes of that fine old building to the beautiful one you see today.
For over a century I have been proud to be the place where fine men and women of God have worshipped and ministered to the community of Havre. I can't even begin to explain the wonderful songs of praise and hope my walls have heard or the faith-filled words of prayer and preaching that my sanctuary and class rooms have witnessed. I have been blessed with being able to watch children grow into young adults, marry and baptize their own children, and grandchildren into the church. I have also been witness to the passing of many dear friends, taking comfort in the knowledge that they are in the gentle hands of our dear Lord. Indeed, God's love has resided here in me and continues to live here in my walls and in the people who call me home. But mostly I look forward to meeting new faces as we come together in worship and praise of God. May the familiar old friends and the interesting new faces that pass through my doors know that they can find comfort, friendship, support and the love of Jesus Christ within my walls!
I hope you will come and see me and join all my dear friends who use my facilities for worship, education, prayer, fellowship, feasts, and fun.
