ORLEANS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Orleans United Methodist Church (Orleans UMC) ministry is open to all who want to have a relationship with God through Jesus Christ. That is because Jesus Christ died for ALL. God’s grace is available to all. Every person is redeemable by God’s grace. The circle of God’s grace is wide and all encompassing.
"the church at the crossroads"
At the turn of the century,Methodism was spread over the Cape by circuit preachers traveling from town to town spreading the word of the Gospel. They were very dependent upon the hospitality of the people in each town to provide them room and board. Later on, camp meetings came into prominence and it was due in most part to these religious get-togethers that the churches in Wellfleet and Eastham got their start.
"The church was founded in 1827 and, in 1836, moved into its first building on Route 6A at the site of the current CVS store in the town center. But after only two years, it moved to the "new church" — its present location — at the corner of Route 28 and Main Street.
Over the years, the building was elevated to add a fellowship hall at ground level. The pews and pulpit swapped places, and the main entrance was moved. But every Sunday parishioners still worship under the steel ceiling donated 100 years ago by Sarah Doane and enjoy the 1898 stained glass window that remembers the Paine family, including Mary Paine Smith who was born in 1797, the year Orleans was incorporated as a town."
