Welcoming Generations of
indy families since 1876
Founded in 1821, Indianapolis' first Methodist congregation originally worshipped in a log structure on Maryland St. By 1842, the denomination had grown enough to necessitate a split, with houses of worship east and west of Meridian St. The eastern church, located at Pennsylvania and Market streets, was named Roberts Chapel to honor Bishop Robert R. Roberts, the first Methodist bishop to live in Indiana.
The current church building – named Roberts Park to reflect its original park-like setting – was completed in 1876. Its interior features black walnut woodwork and a soaring sanctuary. Indianapolis Motor Speedway co-founder James A. Allison’s family largely funded a 1915 refresh of the building, including the installation of a new pipe organ by Ernest M. Skinner of Boston.
CARING CONGREGATION
From its earliest days, the congregation has focused on ministering to the community, supporting the city's first public library during the 1870s and ‘80s, and hosting a WWII serviceman's center in the building during the 1940s. In the 1960s, the church added programs to serve its downtown neighbors. Read more of our history on our website at robertsparkumc.org.
