Bayport United Methodist Church is Rooted in Bayport's History

At 136-years-old, Bayport United Methodist Church is one of the oldest buildings in the area as well as the only house of worship in the hamlet. Just one month ago, the church welcomed a new minister, Pastor Simeon Law.

Built in 1874, the church was first named the Bayport Methodist Episcopal Church. The bell and steeple were added in 1883, followed by pews and an organ in 1891.

The parsonage built in 1896 is the same building that stands to the left of the church on Middle Road today. In 1927, the ten stained glass windows were installed. By 1940, the name had been changed to the Bayport Methodist Church. Various other additions and improvements were made over the years, including the removal of the original pews in 1994.

When the church was first built, the congregation consisted of 19 people; today it has more than 400. In addition to the usual church happenings, such as Sunday school, nursery care and event gatherings, the church is also the place for various 12-step meetings and other community matters, like meetings of the Bayport Civic Association.

One of the ways the church reaches out to the public is through their Christmas Day dinner marathon, which is open to anyone who wants or needs a meal. Several church and community members are on hand to help cook, serve, clean up or transport parishioners who are unable to get to the church on their own.

The church's historian, George Mitchell, who has occupied this post for a decade, has resided in Bayport with his wife since 1960; it was at this time that they joined the Bayport United Methodist Church.

"The people here are great.  It's a big family.  My wife was sick and we had meals sent to us everyday. Everyone pitches in," Mitchell said.

Bayport Methodist Church doesn't just help their own community, their volunteer efforts have extended far beyond Bayport and Blue Point. "We did a lot after Hurricane Katrina. We had two to three Sunday school rooms filled up with supplies to send, and a couple in the congregation had their own semi's and drove them down. Three loads full were sent each trip and we did that for five or six months," Mitchell said.

The historian spoke highly of the new minister, "He's only been here about a month, he just got married and this is his first church out of seminary," Mitchell said," but the pews have been filled almost every Sunday."

New minister Law is settling into his role with the help of the parish. "It has been exciting coming to Bayport UMC and getting to know the congregation and the church's various ministries," he said, "The congregation has been extremely warm and welcoming of my wife and me. They truly have been a testament to Christian hospitality."

Law also emphasized the parish's community involvement. "I have found that the congregation is vibrant in their faith and eager to not only grow in their faith, but also engage the community at large," he said.

At 136-years-old, it may be surprising for some to learn that the church is not on the National Registry for Historic places. Church officials have discussed the option to apply for the registry, but an application has not been made to start the process. "It's been talked about. Maybe someday we'll do it," Mitchell said.