Atkins Chapel Church was first known as The Knobs Church, and was established in 1822 by the Reverend Jacob Antrim. Rev. Antrim was of the Miami, Ohio Conference and his faith territory embraced all of Indiana until the founding of the United Brethren in Christ in 1830. Our original congregation worshiped in a log house in what is now the neighborhood settled between Balmer-Fenwick and Banet Road.  

We were blessed with the opportunity to reorganize and relocate in 1847 to accommodate our growing church family. At that time, the congregation moved to its second house of worship, located on Atkins Road, near the present site. This building was created under the supervision of Joseph Hay, and was established as a Swedenborgian Church. However, this organization ceased to function after Hay’s death, and the building’s ownership passed to the hand of the United Brethren and was Evangelic denomination. At such time, it was renamed the Atkins Church.  (This continued until 1968, when it became known as Atkins Chapel United Methodist Church). Atkins, a minister, farmer, and descendent from early settlers, helped breathe life into Atkins Chapel, and, once again we grew! In 1878, the first framed church was built, and that same ground is where we stand today. The smaller house of worship was later replaced with a larger structure; dedicated August 23, 1908. Fifty years later, an annex of missionary construction was dedicated for education and social activities, allowing for our Good Works to grow and welcome many members of the community at large to gather in fellowship.  

Now, two centuries later, we are a tight-knit congregation of families and friends. Through name changes, relocations, new buildings and old faith, we continue to be blessed by those who come to worship with us.

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