About Rapid Valley UMC
At Rapid Valley United Methodist Church our mission is to be disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world, by transforming ourselves, our families, and our community.
With help from the Holy Spirit we strive for both personal and social Holiness through these 3 simple rules
Do no harm. Do good. Love God.
The United Methodist Church is a global denomination that opens hearts, opens minds and opens doors through active engagement with our world. The mission of The United Methodist Church is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. John Wesley and the early Methodists placed primary emphasis on Christian living, on putting faith and love into action.
History of Rapid Valley UMC
The Rapid Valley United Methodist Church was organized under the leadership of Dr. Harvey Sander, District Superintendent of the Methodist Mission Council of the Methodist Church of South Dakota. The first worship service was held on October 12, 1963 and the congregation was formally organized in 1964. The new church site of 4.7 acres was donated by Paul Berry of Chicago, IL. With the help of the Conference Mission Council, the Builder's Club and generous friends, a small church building was purchased from Robbinsdale Wesleyan Church and moved to Rapid Valley in 1963.
The Rev. Ed Farnsworth was the first pastor. Sunday School Classes, the Women's Society of Christian Service (UMW), Methodist Men and the Methodist Youth Fellowship (MYF) were soon formed.
Under the leadership of the Rev. Frank Whitney (1965-1969) plans were made to move a steel building from South Maple United Methodist Church to Rapid Valley to serve as a Fellowship Hall. These plans were completed under the leadership of Rev. John Jacoway (1969-1975).
The sanctuary was remodeled in 19971 and many of the furnishings used in the remodeling were brought from the United Methodist Church in Lemmon, SD which had closed.
In the late 1960's in the early 1970's, Rapid Valley United Methodist Church was a two-point charge with Caputa Church. After Caputa church closed, Rapid Valley went back to a one-point charge. On June 23, 1991, the RVUMC was joined with the Knollwood Heights UMC as a two-point change.
As a congregation grew and the old church aged, plans were made to build a new church. In March of 2006, ground was broken for a new 10,000 sq. ft. building. The first service was on January 21, 2007.
The memorials that grace the old church for so many years, along with the bell donated from the United Church of Christ in Scenic, SD were rededicated to the new church. We remember the loved ones in whose honor or memory they were given.