United Methodists are persons of Christian Faith understood through scripture, tradition, personal experience, and reason. United Methodists believe that God's love and grace are known through Jesus Christ. The sacraments of Baptism and Holy Communion, music, prayer, the application of Biblical teaching to daily life, and active social witness are all part of living out the faith.

United Methodism traces its beginning back to John Wesley's renewal efforts within the Church of England in the 18th century. Methodism in America experienced rapid growth through lay preachers and circuit riders. Methodists shared their zeal for personal evangelism with German-speaking persons of like mind. After two centuries of working side by side, United Bretheren and Methodists joined forces in 1968 to form the United Methodist Church.

There are three United Methodist Churches in Lakewood today: Lakewood United Methodist, Calvary United Methodist, and Cove United Methodist.

Rev. Bruce Hartley
Pastor Laura Laissle

Calvary United Methodist Church
16305 Hilliard Boulevard
Lakewood, Ohio 44107
(216) 221-4324
chair lift available

Early in 1912, the Rev. W.W. Williamson was sent by the Home Mission Board of the United Brethren Church to establish a church among the United Brethren people of Lakewood. Later that year, Rev. Williamson was able to report a membership of 14 people. Just four years later, in 1919, 155 individuals were members of Calvary Church. Since then, Calvary has gone through many different transition stages. In 1969, Calvary United Brethren Church became Calvary United Methodist Church of the United Brethren and Methodist traditions. Seventy-seven years of history have been made here at Calvary.

Cove United Methodist Church
12501 Lake Avenue
Lakewood, Ohio  44107
(216) 521-7424
ground level entrance

Formerly Detroit Avenue United Methodist Church which started in 1898, Cove Church moved to its present location in October of 1970. The church is built in the shape of a ship. This embodies the belief that the people of God have joined Christ in the journey of bringing salvation to the earth. The anchor cross over our altar signifies that our lives are anchored in Christ and His great wisdom and compassion. Our sanctuary, with the natural wood and stone, stained glass window, and large windows looking out on our beautiful surroundings creates a sacred space for worship.

Lakewood United Methodist Church
15700 Detroit Avenue
Lakewood, Ohio
(216) 226-8644
Email: lumc@earthlink.net
elevator available

Lakewood United Methodist Church was organized in 1876, as an outgrowth of an 1865 revival in Berea. Dorcas Hutchins and Hattie Webb each persuaded their husbands to borrow $500 to “have a church of our own.” The first building was erected on this site in 1876 -- the lot and building costing $5,005. A second building was constructed in 1904. The congregation grew rapidly as did the Lakewood suburb, replacing farmland and orchards with streets and houses. Through the decades, the congregation has sought to share in the development of the community. The Westerly was initially a dream of the LUMC Women’s Society of Christian Service. The Meals on Wheels was initially a project of our Social Concerns Committee. The Lakewood Golden Agers Club was founded here. Today, we seek to continue a strong heritage of service and worship in the Christian Faith.