PASTOR

A new dual charge has been created that will combine the Eureka United Methodist Church with the Roanoke United Methodist Church and will be served by the current Roanoke pastor the Rev. Bob Herath and his wife, Juliana.

Rev. Herath comes to us with 31 years of experience in pastoral ministry with seven of those years appointed as an associate pastor in larger congregations with responsibilities in youth and family ministries.

Pastor Bob and Juliana are looking forward to becoming a part of the Eureka United Methodist Church family. Their appointment will begin July 1st, 2022. With the appointment, they will make their residence at our provided parsonage.

Pastor Bob tries to keep regular hours at both churches every week. Occasionally conflicts or emergencies arise when he is called away from the office.

Monday and Wednesday Eureka Office Hours:
9:00 am to Noon

Tuesday and Thursday Roanoke Office Hours:
9:15 am to Noon

Pastor is available by appointment at other times by calling his cell number (309) 252-1136.

Administrative Secretary

Heather Lehman

PIANIST CHOIR DIRECTOR

Stephanie Haney

PRAISE BAND LEADER
CHILDREN’S CHURCH LEADER

Kathy Bunting

SUNDAY SCHOOL
YOUTH DIRECTOR

Nancy Hoelscher

In 1858, Methodism was introduced to the village of Eureka by a traveling pioneer Methodist preacher, “Uncle” Zadock Hall of Worth Township. Hall found 13 listeners, and the group began meeting in a wagon shop near the railroad, organizing into the Eureka Methodist Episcopal Church on Dec. 5th of that year.

In 1862, a 36’ x 50’ frame church building was erected at a cost of $4,000.00. Church membership grew and in 1881 Eureka was chosen as the site of the lively and successful “camp meetings” sponsored by the Streator District of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In 1883, the church building on Callender Street was built.

As the church moved into the 20th century, the Ladies’ Aid Society and the Epworth League for Youth were mainstays, providing opportunities for Christian mission, service and learning. In 1918-1920 the church had no preacher and no worship service, but the Ladies’ Aid and the Sunday school kept functioning.
A name change to Eureka Methodist Church occurred in 1939. Another name change to Eureka United Methodist Church occurred in 1968.

For over 160 years, and under the leadership of nearly 60 pastors, the Methodist Church has opened its doors to all those wishing to meet Jesus Christ and grow in faith and service.