By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current
GENESEO, IL — First Methodist Church in Geneseo, Illinois, is stepping into a new chapter of ministry with a new name. On August 17, the historic congregation located at the corner of State and Park Streets will be known as Kingswood Church.
The renaming comes as the church celebrates its 175th year of continuous ministry. After a yearlong season of dialogue and discernment with congregants and leaders, the decision was made to adopt a more distinctive identity in the community. Geneseo is currently home to five churches with “First” in their names, and two Methodist congregations.
“Jesus is our King, yet he went to the cross out of his great love for us,” said Pastor Chris Ritter. “The name Kingswood reflects both the crown and the cross. It also connects us to one of the most powerful revivals in Christian history. The First Great Awakening began in Kingswood—a coal-mining village near Bristol, England—where John Wesley and George Whitefield boldly preached the Gospel. We pray to be part of the next great move of God.”
While the new name does not include a denominational reference, the church remains proudly affiliated with the Global Methodist Church, a denomination of about 5,000 congregations worldwide. Pastor Ritter currently serves as chair of the Global Episcopacy Committee for the denomination.
Kim Gehling served as chairperson of the “rebranding team” that has been meeting to discuss a new name for Geneseo First Methodist Church.
She said, “Our team was honored to be entrusted with the church’s rebrand. Since October, 2024, we’ve followed a thoughtful, thorough process to develop a name and logo that reflects the church’s history, identity, and mission.”
When asked if the new name will include Kingswood Global Methodist Church, Gehling said, “The official new name is ‘Kingswood Church,”: and being a part of the Global Methodist Church will be referenced in some places, but not in the name.”
Founded in 1850, the congregation began as a small gathering led by a horseback circuit rider in Geneseo’s Seminary Building. Its first sanctuary, built in 1854, still stands today as the Don Cherry VFW Post. The church has been located at its current site since 1867 and today welcomes an average of 450 worshippers across four weekend services.
As Kingswood Church, the congregation looks forward to serving the region by proclaiming the Gospel, relying on the living presence of the Holy Spirit, and advancing Christian mission. The public is invited to a Kingswood Church Launch Weekend on August 16 (6:00 pm) and 17 (8:00, 9:00, or 10:30 am). Additional details are available at www.peopleneedjesus.org.
