Worship and Activities

In 1860, worship at Love's Grove consisted of a brush arbor (reconstructed yearly) with backless benches, a floor of straw or shavings, and lit pine knots for night-time illumination.  These were the days of Big Meetings (revivals), with traveling preachers and families arriving by wagon bringing their own cows for milk and pigs to eat the scraps.  For his forceful sermons, a traveling minister might receive as much as $ .25 per day plus board and lodging for himself and his horse.

In 1867 the first log church was built, a single room heated with a wood heater.  Sunday school included three classes huddled in their own areas of the space.

To allow room for a cemetery, a white-framed church building was constructed in 1884-1885.  This building was again heated with wood, and as the windows had no screens, much fanning was necessary in the summer weather for cooling and keeping the bugs away.

In 1929 the first brick building was constructed, and in 1947 fundraising began to construct the present educational building, which was built in 1961 and included the church's first indoor restrooms.

By 1978, the church had continued to grow and a new sanctuary was completed.  A new wing was added to the back of the church in 1990 to allow for more Sunday school classes.

As the needs of the church family and community grew, a new multi-purpose space was planned for the end of the church behind the cemetery.  In 2008 this large project was completed, and in 2020 the loan was paid off, leaving Love's Grove debt-free.

In 2023, Love's Grove made the decision by congregational vote to disaffiliate from the United Methodist Church and to join the Global Methodist Church.

Opportunities abound at Love's Grove for fellowship with the church family.  Sunday school is offered for all ages, with classes for Preschool/Kindergarteners, Young Disciples (1st - 5th grades), Middle School, High School, and three adult options: Young at Heart, Good News and Golden Rule classes.  

In addition, adult Bible studies are offered throughout the year, and Middle School and High School Youth meet weekly as well as participating in a summer missions camp and outings for service and fun. Our active Seniors group members enjoy monthly covered dish luncheons on-site and restaurant outings.  

Ladies are invited to check out the activities of the special activities and Bible studies with the Sisters in Christ Fellowship, and the Brotherhood men's group meets for breakfast and serves the local community with needed projects.  

Children's Ministries include Vacation Bible School, fall trunk-a-treat and Easter egg hunt. 

Group activities for all ages include outings such as baseball games and camping weekends.