The LaRue Methodist Church was formed in 1845 and was known as the LaRue M.E. Church. The first protracted meetings were held in the barn of Major and Mrs. William LaRue during the summer of 1845. The middle of the barn floor was cleaned and boards were used as seats. The seats were often filled and the men and boys would would sit on the hay at either side.
In 1861 the first subscription for the erection of a church building was circulated and the struggle began for a church home. This struggle went on for nine years. Work began and was stopped by several contractors through the years. The building was slow to becoming a reality.
In 1868 a new minister was assigned to LaRue and the following year the building was completed. The culmination of the effort was late in 1869 and the dedication was on January 16, 1870.
The present building was built in 1895 and was rededicated in 1995.
Why does the church exist? According to Matthew’s Gospel, the risen Christ made it clear: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you” (28:19-20). Based on this “Great Commission,” our United Methodist Church has stated its purpose: “The mission of the Church is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.” Local churches provide the most significant arena through which disciple-making occurs.