~HISTORY~
The Jamestown United Methodist Church is located in the foothill town of Jamestown, California. Built between 1851 and 1952, the financial where-with-all for this undertaking was paid partly by the “gamblers” and partly by the “good people” of Jimtown. The lumber used in the construction of the building was milled at a mill located in Algerine, California. The lumber was then loade
d on wagons and hauled about four miles, to the building site by mules. The church originally faced downtown Main Street and remained in this position until the very early 1900s, when a new thoroughfare was opened for use. A new foundation was poured, elevating the church allowing a room to be constructed for a Fellowship Hall underneath. The porch and bell tower were also altered at this time. The property with all appurtenances was deeded to the Episcopal Methodist Church by the Jamestown Justice of Peace, James Stuart, on June 8, 1853, for the sum of $25.00. The building was first used for both school classes and church services. The first school classes to be taught in Tuolumne County were in this building. Prentiss Mulford, born April 5, 1834, at Sag Harbor, Long Island, taught the first organized public school here in 1860 - 1861. Mr Mulford left in 1861 to return to Virginia where he became a Captain in the Confederate Army. Years later, the Church became known as The Jamestown United Methodist Church and finally, through Conference action and the union with the United Brethern Church, the United Methodist Church. It has become known locally as The Jamestown “Community” Methodist Church. Each Sunday, for 152 years a worship service has been held. We know of no other church in California with continuous worship service in the same building and the same location for this length of time.
