About Us

A Brief History of Portage United Methodist Church

1854

1866 - 1899

1898 - 1962

A society of Methodists in Portage was established before or around 1854 - the first quarterly conference record for Portage City Mission on December 16, 1854.

Its first church building, called First Methodist Church, was built in 1866 and used until 1899.

Its second church building was build in 1898 and used until 1962.

1968

1962 - Present

First Methodist Church and Zion Evangelical United Brethren Church in Portage were merged into Portage United Methodist.

The cornerstone of our current church building on

1804 New Pinery Rd was laid in 1962.

The Vision of the United Methodist Church

The United Methodist Church forms disciples of Jesus Christ who, empowered by the Holy Spirit, love boldly, serve joyfully, and lead courageously in local communities and worldwide connections.

Love Boldly: We passionately love God and, like Jesus, embrace and include people of every age, nation, race, gender, and walk of life. (Matthew 22:37-39 | John 13:34-35)

Serve Joyfully: With the heart of Christ, we journey alongside the most vulnerable among us, offering care and compassion with joy. (Psalm 100:1 | Nehemiah 8:10 | John 13:14-15 | 1 Peter 4:10)

Lead Courageously: Following Jesus’ example, we resist and dismantle all systems of evil, injustice, and oppression, striving for peace, justice, and reconciliation. (Joshua 1:9 | Ephesians 6:10)

PUMC's New Mission Statement (updated in 2026)

Our mission is to be a community in which disciples of Jesus Christ can grow and flourish. We will live out our mission by inviting and welcoming all people, without exception. We are called to be Jesus’ hands and feet and voices, both within our church and beyond, treating everyone as a beloved child of God at Portage United Methodist Church.