United Methodist Church
In 1887 Erastis Smith, Ravenna's founder, gave a building site to the Methodist church. From 1873-1877, the people of the area were served by early circuit ministers. In 1887, The Rev. A.J. Thornton, appointed by the Bishop, organized the church. Services were held in the afternoon in the Congregational Church at this time. In 1888, Rev. William Crouthers was appointed as minister and the congregation had grown to 25 members.
The church purchased the first Ravenna school building to use for a parsonage. In 1889 they purchased the lot at 617 Alba Avenue and built the first Methodist church in Ravenna. In January 1950, the church burned to the ground. The new church, built by church volunteers, was dedicated May 11, 1952. In 1978, a new sanctuary was built because of increasing membership. The new youth program was started several years ago and is held after school for kindergarten through sixth grade. From 1887 to the present, the church has been served by 38 ministers, including the present minister, Rev. Valera Heydenberk.
The church purchased the first Ravenna school building to use for a parsonage. In 1889 they purchased the lot at 617 Alba Avenue and built the first Methodist church in Ravenna. In January 1950, the church burned to the ground. The new church, built by church volunteers, was dedicated May 11, 1952. In 1978, a new sanctuary was built because of increasing membership. The new youth program was started several years ago and is held after school for kindergarten through sixth grade. From 1887 to the present, the church has been served by 38 ministers, including the present minister, Rev. Valera Heydenberk.