Methodism first came to Presque Isle in 1833 when Alfonso Rogers traveled over this area on horseback, foot or snowshoes—wherever he found a human dwelling place. He was followed in 1839, by the Rev. John Pingree. In his own words, “At the annual conference in 1839, I was appointed to ‘Aroostook Mission,’ a new field, a part of which came recently under the jurisdiction of the State of Maine upon the settlement of the Northeastern Boundary.” Reverend Pingree’s field included Houlton, Patten, Masardis, Ashland and Presque Isle, where he organized a class of 24 members.
In 1888, the Rev. Cassius Whidden, a Presque Isle native, was appointed by the East Maine Conference to a charge of Easton and Mars Hill at a salary of $700 a year. In a few weeks, the people of South Presque Isle asked him to preach in Spragueville and offered to pay $100 of his salary. In 1889, a church was built in Spragueville under his leadership. After the church in Presque Isle was built, the Spragueville pulpit was supplied for a time by the Presque Isle minister.
In 1902, the Rev. E.O. Smith organized a class of eight members in Presque Isle. Under Reverend Hart, the class increased and a church was organized in 1904. They met for worship in the Pythian Hall and later in the Odd Fellow’s Hall. While the Rev. James Irvine was pastor, the Ryan property on Academy Street was purchased, and a church erected on the corner of Epworth and Academy streets. In the spring of 1914, the East Maine Conference met at this church with Bishop Hamilton presiding for the first and only time a conference was held in Presque Isle.
On Jan. 19, 1996, the church building was destroyed by arson. An outpouring of love and support from the people of Presque Isle allowed the church to continue meeting and functioning. Worship services were held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church and at the Presque Isle Congregational Church, while St. John’s Episcopal Church and the State Street Baptist Church opened their doors to meetings. In December 1997, the new church, located at 79 Fleetwood Street, was completed, and today offers ministry opportunities for people of all ages while continuing to be highly involved in the life and ministry of the Presque Isle Community, Aroostook County and the world at large.
Throughout its 100 years, the church has had 21 pastors, with the Rev. Herman Grant serving the longest term —14 years from 1943 to 1957. During this time, the major renovation of the church was made, and for 10 of those years, a radio ministry carried the church service into many area homes.
In 1957, the church was named Grant Memorial United Methodist Church to honor his outstanding leadership.
