Pastor: Terry Mclaughlin
The 1889 constructed Berkeley United Methodist Church was originally the result of congregations coming from two sections, one from the east and one from the west of the county line (The county line is the one between western Denver and eastern Jefferson County). The congregation grew so rapidly it became necessary to acquire larger quarters, so it was decided to build a church. At this time a division in the church took place. The group east of the county line organized a Christian Church and the group west organized a Methodist Church.
The Methodist group found that four lots at "Oak," now west 43rd Avenue, and Sheridan Blvd could bought for five hundred dollars. A committee of one was appointed , namely Gustavius D. Brand. They agreed to pay half if the group raised the remaining balance. The amount was raised and the building was under way in due time. However, the congregation was so eager to get into the building that as soon as the roof was completed (no floors were laid, only planks), services were held, using carpeted nail kegs as pews.
(The above history was written by Helen C. Brand, wife of Committeeman Gus D. Brand who raised the finances to buy the ground.)
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