Albany United Methodist Church

We are a church, a faith community established through the love of God. We welcome all of God’s people, all races and nationalities, all lifestyles and orientations, young and old, settled or just visiting. We share God’s love with others through worship, prayer, fellowship, music, Christian education, outreach, service and evangelism. We seek to help everyone develop a closer relationship with God and attain inner peace.
Our Purpose

Mission Statement

As United Methodists we are charged with making Disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. We strive to do this by connecting people to the love of God, through Worship, Prayer and providing opportunities of Christian Service
Our Community

Who We Are

AUMC has been a warm, welcoming, caring, spiritual home for generations of people — all races and nationalities, all lifestyles and orientations, young and old.

Now, AUMC is growing as a good model of a multicultural church where people from 16 countries worship God together.

  • Worship & Prayer
  • Christian Education
  • Outreach & Service
  • Fellowship & Music
  • 16 Nations Together
  • All Are Welcome
Since 1907

Church History

In 1906, refugees from the San Francisco earthquake settled in the East Bay area. In 1907, a group of devoted Christians started their religious services in private homes. As their number increased, they became an official congregation of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Since then, the church has been serving the local community and growing with them.

A look back at over 110 years of God’s faithfulness through Albany United Methodist Church.

1907
Home meetings started at the home of Mr. & Mrs. Hanscom at 1017 Kaines Ave.
1908
The city officially became Albany.
1911
The Church became an official congregation known as Marin Avenue Methodist Episcopal Church.
1914
Added another story for Sunday School & activities.
1926
Purchased land at Marin/Stannage Ave., Albany.
1927
Dedication of new sanctuary, social hall, and gym. It served many community needs since there was no 'Y' nor a high school gym at that time.
1939
After Methodist Unification, the Church became Albany United Methodist Church.
1941–1945
World Wars I and II brought many people with special needs to this area, to which the church responded.
1951
Building debt was paid off.
1959–1961
First sound system in the sanctuary. New altar furnishings were made.
1964
The new building was consecrated. The front balcony was moved to the back. A brand new kitchen was built.
1974–1978
'Upstairs Back Door' started for area youth. The education building mortgage was paid off.
1982
75th Anniversary Service & Celebration.
1982–1989
Became a Reconciling Congregation/peace with justice congregation. The Joyful Noise Jazz Band gave many memorable concerts.
1990–1993
Focus on Peace with Justice.
1991
New Ramp donated by Clay Berling & many friends.
1993
Launched our own website: www.albanyumc.org
1997
90th Anniversary Service & Celebration. New face on the building, Nursery redecorated, and new organ purchased.
2007
100th Anniversary Service & Celebration.
2012
New audio system installed in the balcony. Korean ministry started with a second service.
2017
110th Anniversary Service & Celebration.

Ministers Who Have Served AUMC

1907–1911No regular minister  ·  Rev. Bradford Crooke, assisting
1911–1914Rev. Wilbut E. Coffman
1914–1917Rev. Hugh Baker
1917–1919Rev. Mahlon J. Williams
1919–1923Rev. Verne C. Browne
1923–1927Rev. Dan Stevens
1927–1928Rev. L. D. Cook
1928–1929Rev. B. A. Morgan
1929–1930Rev. Bernard Treaster
1930–1933Rev. F. H. Prince
1933–1937Rev. Herbert Brooke
1937–1939Rev. George G. Saywell
1939–1941Rev. Albert W. Raugust
1941–1945Rev. Hartzell Buckner
1945–1948Rev. John W. Winkley
1948–1951Rev. Robert W. Benefiel
1951–1959Rev. Douglas H. Henderson
1959–1961Rev. Dale J. Nicholson
1961–1965Rev. Claude H. Friesen
1965–1967Rev. Carl A. Williamson
1967–1972Rev. Ronald A. Greilich
1972–1974Rev. Edward Smith Jr.
1974–1978Rev. David H. Houston
1978–1982Rev. Peter P. Ahn
1982–1989Rev. Virginia Y. Hilton
1988–1990Rev. David C. Ellis
1990–1993Rev. Lee E. Williamson
1993–1999Rev. Phillip W. Kearse
1999–2004Rev. Liza Klein
2004–2005Rev. Tarah Trueblood
2006Rev. Lauren Chaffee
2006–PresentRev. Sam Park