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is Middletown's second oldest church building in use.
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH
Middletown's oldest church building in use is the First Baptist Church on Mulberry Street which was opened in 1844. The church had its beginnings when Thomas VanHorn and others interested in the "New School" Baptist religion began meeting in early 1840. The church was constituted by an ecclesiastical council October 21, 1840. The recognition service was held at the First Congregational Church, with the group meeting in private homes after that. On October 15, 1842, it was decided to build a church, and on October 29, the church was incorporated.
The lot where the church is, was purchased and construction began. Work proceeded slowly until it was opened May 23, 1844. Regular services began in June.
Due to rapid growth, the church was enlarged and rededicated in April, 1868. The addition on the South side of the church was made in 1958.
SAINT PAUL'S UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Far Around 1824, a small group of Methodists began to meet at the Edwards house which stood at 6-8 West Main Street. By 1838, the Society had grown large enough to build a church. A lot on South Street was purchased for $300 from Anna Sears. The lot is 27 South Street, where the older portion of what is now Southwinds Retirement Home stands. On July 11, 1838, the society incorporated as "The First Methodist Episcopal Church of South Middletown." Ground was broken in August, and a 33 by 45 foot structure was built under the supervision of William L. Dunn. A 15 foot addition was made to the rear of the church in 1854-55. The church reopened February 27, 1855,
As the congregation continued to grow, it became clear a new church building was needed. A lot on the corner of West Main and Mulberry Streets was purchased from Joseph Lemon for $9,000 and erection of a $50,000 church began. The cornerstone was laid July 2, 1870, and the church was dedicated November 1, 1871. Architect of the church was Samuel H. Wilcox of Middletown. The church originally had a 168 foot steeple which blew down during a wind storm July 21, 1878. There were no injuries, although the roof of the house across the street was crushed in. An addition to the west side of the church containing a gym and rooms for other activities was dedicated November 11, 1923. The house next door to the church was purchased in 1957 and is called Wesley Hall. In 1939, the name was changed to St. Paul's Methodist Church. The present name was adopted in 1968.