The Alden Methodist Episcopal Church (ME) was started by the early settlers of Spencer Creek who held church services in their homes. After a school was built in 1867 they met there for prayer, Bible study, and personal accountability and growth, starting by asking each person “How is it with your soul?”. July 18, 1884, the cornerstone of the Spencer Creek Methodist Church was laid at the church’s
present location. Seventeen families were listed as members. The original church did not have a basement, but it had a shed behind for the shelter of horses, buggies, and wagons. It was heated by a pot-bellied stove and hanging oil lamps provided light. People sat on round-backed wooden chairs. At Christmas huge trees stood in each corner. Members decorated the trees with presents and one year they cut a hole in the back wall between the two windows so Santa could come down a chimney. For years a circular band mended the spot in the South wall. Improvements were made in 1903 -1906 including a hardwood floor, opera seats, and red plush Chancel chairs. A floor furnace was put in a partial basement. Then in 1927, the building was jacked up and a full basement was added. This allowed space for a kitchen, Sunday School rooms, and room for dinners and social gatherings. Generous donations allowed the church to be completely redecorated with new walls, ceiling, and stained glass windows. While the church was “up on stilts” Sunday School and Worship were held in the Seventh Day Adventist Church. At this time there were 47 families. In the 1950’s, an addition was built at the back of the church, adding rest rooms, a minister’s study, and making the chancel larger. In the lower level, a new kitchen and furnace room were added. Later additions were made including pews, an organ, and the Carillon. By 1987 the church had grown to 120 families and a ground breaking service was held May 24, 1987 to begin construction and a total remodeling which turned the nave end to end, added a new entrance, and created more spacious office and classroom areas. During this time, church was held at the Alden Community Center until the project was completed October 1987.
