Our church building was a gift from Colonel Edward J. Baker in memory of his parents, Martha and Edward Baker.  Designed by architects Gray, Laz and Mall of Geneva, Baker Memorial Church represented the completion of a long journey which began with the church’s founding in 1837.
Throughout the years the congregation debated whether to
construct a new building or simply “make do” with their original structure. In 1907 the decision was made to build a new church.

It was dedicated in 1908 and stood on the ground where St. Mark’s Lutheran Church is located today.

Forty three years later, as the need arose for a larger facility, Colonel Baker offered to construct and equip a new church building on the present site. Preparation began in 1952, and the dedication ceremony was conducted on September 19, 1954. According to accounts of the time, this structure was the largest single gift to a Methodist congregation by an individual.

Our present congregation is still thankful for the amazing architectural beauty of Colonel Baker’s gift.