Chaires United Methodist Church

Our History

The first church was known as Mount Zion Church (1863-1887). It was part of the Leon Circuit. Then it became New Hope Church (1887-1892). At this time, it was part of the Waukeenah Circuit. In 1892, it became Chaires Methodist Church. On January 1, 1892, the congretation moved into the new building complete with steeple and bell. At this time, it was part of the Waukeenah Circuit and opened for church services with 25 charter members.  In 1895, seven members were added by transfer certificates.  The first marriage was recorded December 13, 1893.

Over the years, Chaires Methodist Church has been a part of the Waukeenah Circuit; the Leon Circuit; the East Leon Circuit; the Miccosukee, Chaires, Lloyd, and Springfield Circuit; the Chaires-Lloyd Circuit, and later became a station church.

We outgrew our little church and in 1997 we began having services in our new multipurpose building.  We have plans for a new sanctuary as soon as we have a need for it and as soon as we can afford to begin this project.