A Brief History of Centennial UMC

In 1953 Centennial United Methodist Church was rooted in the fertile imagination of the new suburbs, the kind of imagination that nurtured growth of the then outlying community. The prayerful beginning produced a determined organization of interested individuals and families, some from other area churches, some who were new residents.

Having an organization, but no building the group arranged to hold their first services in the old Lexington school at the corner of County Road B and Lexington Avenue. When Charter Sunday services were held December 6, 1953, there were 63 members, some of whom are still members today. The first vision for the church captured the excitement of this beginning: "A Moving Spirit in the Heart of a Growing Community."

What is in a Name?

When the discussion was held on choosing a name, it was first thought that it might be First Church of Roseville. But since we were nearing the century anniversary of Methodist Organization in Minnesota, that we might commemorate that historic fact and so the name was to be Centennial Methodist Church. At the merger of the two denominations – The Methodist Church and the Evangelical United Brethren Church – we became Centennial United Methodist Church in 1968.

A Site is Chosen

In the midst of a rural area between the rows of corn and the pig farm, a site was chosen at the corner of County Road C-2 and Snelling Avenue. This site was chosen because of its location and easy access. The first unit of the church was completed in 1956 and even with its completion the church had outgrown the space and was looking forward to expansion even as they moved in. In 1958 the program was enhanced by the completion of the education wing. The Sanctuary unit was completed in 1966. This fine complex of buildings continues to serve the needs of the congregation today.

A Ministry of Sending:

Over the years the ministry of Centennial has extended beyond its walls in exciting ways. Over 12 persons have entered the full time Christian Ministry, persons have been sent into the mission field, youth have been a part of ministry through the Appalachia Service Project for over 15 years, Habitat for Humanity homes have been built with volunteers, programs have been nurtured that became ministries of their own (most recently a newsheet for single parents – The Single Mother’s Survivor has reached out to the community), and giving to projects through the church have reached to people across the world.

As Centennial has matured in Spirit we turn to the future with the same excitement as those who first dreamed of a church in Roseville. The church reaches far beyond Roseville as the ministry of this people touches lives in the surrounding communities. Centennial United Methodist Church has become a truly regional church.