Riverside United Methodist Church records

In 1900, what became the Riverside United Methodist Church began as a Sunday School class led by Henry Marsh at the Old Mound School House that stood across the street from the present church. After Reverend G.H. Hammond and Dr. J.T. Roberts (superintendent of the White River Conference of the United Brethren Church) led a revival in the winter of 1902-1903, the congregation decided to hold regular worship services. Jackie Wills provided his bakery (later known as Wills' Chapel) at 913 Wheeling Avenue as a meeting place in the fall of 1902, and 28 charter members organized the church the following spring. Riverside's first pastor, H.S. James, began his ministry preaching at Wills' Chapel.

Using funds provided by its members, and with the assistance of the Ball brothers, the congregation expanded and improved its properties. In 1917, the congregation purchased a parsonage on Wheeling Avenue for $3,000. The Ball brothers later donated $10,000 to the congregation and funded the addition of a slate roof. Individually, W.C. Ball contributed $1,100 and a grand piano, and G.A. Ball gave $1,000 and velvet drapes.

Beginning as member of the United Brethren denomination, the congregation joined the Evangelical Church in 1946, and the Methodist Church in 1968. After joining the Methodist Church, the congregation officially changed its name to the Riverside United Methodist Church. Since its founding, the church continues to grow.