Metropolitan Methodist Church was established in October 1867. The property was purchased for the sum of sixteen hundred dollars.
On November 30, 1909, The Rome Tribune Herald carried a full-page story indicating that the pastor of Metropolitan, Edward D. Petty, and the Trustees had an injunction suit brought against them to restrain them from completing a new brick structure.
Some of the White neighbors tried to purchase the Church property in an effort to remove the Church from its present location. The Trustees refused to sell. The neighbors registered a complaint that the Church was a nuisance in the neighborhood, with “loud preaching, singing, shouting, and crying out.”
The case was argued before Judge Moses Wright, after several postponements. “In rendering his decision, Judge Wright refused to enjoin the building process…but did prohibit any meeting or ringing of the bell before the hour of 8:00 a.m.”
The early Christians in Metropolitan had very little formal education, yet they had a vision of a beautiful, magnificent brick building, and they were willing to sacrifice and accept the enormous risk involved with borrowing $2,700 to build this Church, at 8% annum, and to repay the loan in four (4) years.
So, they stepped out on faith, knowing it was going to be tough, knowing they faced a big challenge, knowing there was no room for failure, but determined to move forward and build a Church not only for themselves, but for their children and grandchildren, and for generations yet unborn.
Metropolitan United Methodist Church has been blessed with many outstanding and dynamic pastors in her years of service. The roster includes several fine Ministers, each with their own style and area of expertise. Time does not permit us to relate the achievements of all these pastors. Metropolitan has sent ten (10) of her dedicated sons and one daughter into the Ministry.
Effective in June 2022 Metropolitan disaffiliated from the United Methodist after 54 years (1968-2022) and has embarked upon a New Beginning as an Independent Methodist Church. In March 2023, we welcomed Rev. Charles E. Reese, Jr as the thirty-nineth pastor of Metropolitan. He delivers spirit-filled messages that are relatable to many.
As we look toward to the future of our Church, we are mindful of the rich heritage of the past. We are called to re-dedicate ourselves to render even greater service in the years of this millennium.