The history of Gethsemane United Methodist Church

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“The world is My parish” - Rev. John Wesley, Founder of Methodism

Gethsemane United Methodist Church has a long history in the Lake Country with its beginning in the Village of Pewaukee in 1839. The first church building was erected in 1870, and the congregation stayed at that location until 1959, when it moved to its present home. In 2004, a major renovation was done to meet the church’s current and expected needs.

Presently, there are more than 400 professing members and many friends that carry forward the heritage and work of Gethsemane.

United Methodists believe in the Triune God — Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

One loving and true God of infinite power, wisdom and goodness Book of Discipline 2016, ¶ 104

  • God in three persons

  • Father

  • Son

  • Holy Ghost

United Methodists believe in the full humanity and divinity of Christ and his virgin birth

United Methodists believe Jesus rose from the dead and ascended into heaven

United Methodists believe in the continuing movement of the Holy Spirit

United Methodists believe the Bible “contains all things necessary”

The United Methodist Church is founded on a Wesleyan theology of grace, anchored in Scripture, and based in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ and the continuing movement of the Holy Spirit.

The believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, to the community, to their shared meals, and to their prayers. A sense of awe came over everyone. God performed many wonders and signs through the apostles.
Acts 2:42-43

At the heart of Wesleyan/United Methodist theology and practice is a profound understanding and vital experience of grace. 

  • John Wesley defined grace as God’s “bounty, or favour: his free, undeserved favour, ... man having no claim to the least of his mercies. It was free grace that ‘formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into him a living soul,’ and stamped on that soul the image of God, and ‘put all things under his feet.’ ... For there is nothing we are, or have, or do, which can deserve the least thing at God's hand.” 

  • The Book of Discipline defines grace as “the undeserved, unmerited, and loving action of God in human existence through the ever-present Holy Spirit.” 

    First and foremost, we are dedicated to the mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world in the tradition of John Wesley.


    May we all enjoy the rare beauty of this place of worship, view and grounds. May we come regularly to pray and worship, not only during the Sunday services, but for personal meditation during the week. Let us be willing to give ourselves in effective service for Christ in meeting the real Christian challenges in our community and world.

Gethsemane is a Connectional Church of the United Methodist Church, a part of more than 12 million members throughout the world. You can visit www.UMC.org to learn more.