Our History
In 1843, the (Castleton) Methodist Episcopal Church was organized by Reverend James T. Wright in Vertland, a small settlement north of present day Castleton along the railroad tracks. The first meeting was held in Rev. Wright's home, a log cabin covered with clapboards, on the former Hillsdale Nursery Farm.
The first church building was built on the west side of Masters Road and dedicated in 1876. In 1926, an acre of ground was donated and a new church was built and dedicated in 1927. It became Castleton United Methodist church between 1938 - 1939 when three branches of Methodism merged.
Land was purchased in the early 1960s at 71st and Road 100 (now Shadeland) and a new church, education wing, and fellowship hall was dedicated in February 1968. With the merger of the Methodist and Evangelical United Brethren churches, we became Castleton United Methodist.
In 1983, a new sanctuary was dedicated and was the home to the congregation for over 25 years. In August of 1992, a two-story education wing was added onto the southeast side of the building and later christened the Armstrong Education Wing.
In September 1998, the church purchased the MetroHealth building on the adjorning property. Now called the Castleton United Methodist Ministries Center, it is home to staff offices, youth activities, Buchanan Counseling and other services.
Sunrise at Geist United Methodist Church became a part of Castleton United Methodist in January 2005 and is known as the Sunrise Worship Center.
In fall 2007, the church completed it's new Sanctuary. This larger facility will be the home to the congregation for years to come.
