Centenary Methodist Church - Founded 1818
Founded in 1818, Ripley Centenary Methodist Church has been a pillar of faith and community for over 200 years. Since 1868, our congregation has worshiped at our current location at 110 North Second Street. Generations have gathered here in faith, service, and fellowship.
Throughout the years, the church building has undergone many significant updates while maintaining its historic character. Today, visitors will find a welcoming fellowship hall on the first floor where church and community events are hosted, a fully remodeled kitchen, and an elevator that provides easy access to our air-conditioned sanctuary — a sacred space adorned with timeless beauty.
One of the most treasured features of our sanctuary is the stunning stained glass window, crafted from imported French and German glass. Designed in the Gothic style, the window features tall, narrow "lancets." Three main panels represent the Holy Trinity. Above them, smaller "kites" are formed where the arches meet, symbolizing divine harmony.
The central lancet illustrates a family sheltered beneath the Cross, representing Christ the Redeemer. This is a powerful symbol of faith, comfort, and atonement. The window also pays tribute to the devoted individuals who helped establish and grow the Methodist Church. At its highest point, a burning flame represents the divine inspiration of the Holy Spirit, from which flows the light of the Holy Word and the Bible.
Our history is not just found in bricks and glass, but in the lives of those who have walked through these doors — serving, worshiping, and growing together in Christ. We invite you to be part of this continuing story.
1899 Pipe Organ - A True Historical Gem
One of the treasured features of Centenary Methodist Church is its historic pipe organ, built in 1899 by the Votteler-Hettche Organ Company of Cleveland, Ohio. This remarkable instrument is a fine example of 19th-century craftsmanship and remains largely unchanged since its original installation.
The organ features two manuals (keyboards) and a pedalboard, all operated by tracker (mechanical) action. It includes 61 notes for the manuals, a 30-note pedal compass, and contains 10 ranks with a total of 543 pipes. Originally, the organ was hand-pumped, a task carried out by someone stationed inside the organ case. The individual would enter through a small side door and operate the bellows out of sight of the congregation.
While the handle and original feeder bellows are still intact, an electric blower was added in later years to modernize the pumping mechanism. The bellows have also undergone repairs, and a set of chimes was added. Beyond these updates, the organ remains in its original state. It is a rare and beautiful piece of musical and liturgical history that continues to support worship to this day.
Standing Strong Through the Waters
Nestled in the heart of Ripley, a river town along the banks of the Ohio River, Centenary Methodist Church has stood as a steadfast witness to God’s faithfulness for over two centuries. Though the waters have risen time and again — bringing floods that tested the foundations of our town and our church — this house of worship has endured.
Like the wise man who built his house upon the rock (Matthew 7:24-25), our church was not built on shifting sand, but on the firm foundation of faith, prayer, and the love of a devoted church family. The storms came, the rivers swelled, but by God's grace, we remain standing strong, worshiping together, and serving our community with open hands and steadfast hearts.
Each high-water mark on our walls is more than history, it’s a testimony. A reminder that no matter the depth of the waters, our faith runs deeper. Through every flood, both literal and spiritual, we have seen God’s provision and the unshakable strength of our church family.
Some Things Change. Some Things Last.
Next to our church once stood a humble gas station — a snapshot of another time, when cars were fewer, life moved slower, and Ripley looked a little different. Over the years, the town has changed. Technology has advanced. Buildings have come and gone. The world spins faster now.
But Centenary Methodist Church has remained a steady presence in a shifting world since 1818. For over 200 years, through progress and floods, joy and hardship, this church has stood not just as a structure, but as a sanctuary.
Here in Ripley, we honor the past, embrace the present, and hold fast to what is eternal: faith, fellowship, and the unwavering love of God.