County of church: Ralls County
Location of church: MO 79, Ilasco
Services:
Sunday Worship Service 9:00 to 10:00 &
Sunday School 10:00 to 11:00
Pastor: Kathy Redmond.
"In March 1919 the Sunday school was moved to another building, which had been the former dance hall. In June of the same year the building was purchased and the Sunday school attendance continued to increase, reaching an average of 187.
"The Ilasco Methodist Church was organized July 31, 1927, the charter being held open until August 14, 1927 when there were 77 charter members. Much credit was due to the Rev. E.C. Morgan, district superintendent at the time, for his efforts in the conference, which made the church possible. Many other people and organizations have contributed much to the growth and success of the church but to Mr. and Mrs. Nerlich go almost entire credit for the organization.
"In the early summer of 1949 two flash floods in one week damaged the church building beyond repair. Faced with the necessity of building a new church and only $71 in the repair fund, one of the members drew plans, which were accepted, by the congregation and the General Board of the Church, and work began.
"The first work started was a four-foot fill raising the church out of flood level. After the foundation was poured and allowed to settle, concrete block walls were put up then the congregation ran out of money. A loan came through from the General Board of Missions on January 9, 1951, and work was resumed and the building finished.
"The Missouri Conference of the Methodist Church gave the church some pews, a pulpit and two pulpit chairs, which were refinished and reupholstered by the ladies of the church. The women did all of the painting and decorating inside.
"In 1968, when the Methodist Church united with the Evangelical United Brethren Church, Ilasco and Saverton church became the Saverton, Ilasco United Methodist Church.
"Throughout the years of their early existence as separate congregations, Ilasco and Saverton were often yoked together with the same Methodist Pastor serving both churches; In 1944 Rev. Roger Connelly served both churches and the Mt.Vernon Church, southwest of Palmyra. In 1951, Rev. W.D. Green was assigned to both churches, along with Oakwood and New London churches. In 1960 Rev. Dayton Grover, Sr. was appointed to serve Ilasco, Oakwood and Saverton only. When Rev. Charles Baker was appointed pastor in 1964, the New London church was restored to the pastoral charge.
"1965 Rev. Henry Trevathan who had been serving the Park Methodist Church in Hannibal for several years took on the pastoral responsibility for the Ilasco Church as well. Serving as Pastor from 1979 through 1997 were: Rev. John B. Batchelor, Rev. Donald Blaylock, and Rev. George Braden.
"In 1997 Saverton, Ilasco Church once again found it yoked with the New London Church as Rev. Dr. John Hayes a retired minister, took over the pastoral duties. Rev. John Hayes has since retired and Pastor Kathy Redmond has taken over pastoral duties." - Saverton, Ilasco United Methodist Church