Welcome to Grant Memorial United Methodist Church
Open Hearts. Open Minds.
Open Doors.
Welcome to Grant Memorial United Methodist Church! In this fast-paced and challenging world, we strive to be both a welcoming place of refuge and a vibrant community in which to respond to the love of God in our lives and world. Explore our website or join us on Sunday mornings online or in person to discover a warm and caring community where the example and love of Christ are central, where justice and mercy are practiced, and where peace and kindness are not just words but experiences. Join us on this extraordinary journey of faith!

The United Methodist Church, a global denomination, embodies a commitment to opening hearts, minds, and doors as it actively engages with the world. Rooted in the mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world, a United Methodist embraces this mission by translating faith and love into action. Central to our beliefs is the understanding that God's love extends to all people, and we collectively express that love. The United Methodist tradition places a significant emphasis on God's grace in serving others, with the conviction that Jesus Christ embodies the fullest expression of God's love. We witness the complete manifestation of God's care through Jesus' teachings, death, and resurrection. The Methodist movement, initiated by John Wesley in 18th-century England, laid the foundation for today's United Methodist practice, emphasizing practical divinity, reason, and experience.
Grant Memorial United Methodist Church exists to worship God, build community, and engage in local and global missions. We are ecumenically oriented, a "hopeful and helpful people," and especially called to minister to our community's children and youth.
It is our vision that we will grow, not only in numbers but also spiritually; We will worship in new and different ways; We will participate in the community around us; We will expand our children's ministries; We will model stewardship and alleviate poverty; We will promote harmony, trust, and love.
With roots tracing back to its founding in 1833, this church has a storied history marked by growth, challenges, and unwavering community presence. A testament to faith and resilience, the church's rich legacy underscores its enduring impact on the community and its spiritual journey through the years.
Methodism first came to Presque Isle in 1833 when Alfonso Rogers traveled over this area on horseback, foot, or snowshoes - wherever he found a human dwelling place. In 1839, the Rev. John Pingree came to Aroostook to further Rogers' work. In his words, "At the annual conference in 1839, I was appointed to 'Aroostook Mission,' a new field, a part of which came recently under the jurisdiction of the State of Maine upon the settlement of the Northeastern Boundary." Reverend Pingree's field included Houlton, Patten, Masardis, Ashland, and Presque Isle, where he organized a class of 24 members.
In 1888, the Rev. Cassius Whidden, a Presque Isle native, was appointed by the East Maine Conference to charge Easton and Mars Hill at a salary of $700 a year. In a few weeks, the people of South Presque Isle asked him to preach in Spragueville and offered to pay $100 of his salary. In 1889, a church was built in Spragueville under his leadership. After the church in Presque Isle was built, the Spragueville pulpit was supplied for a time by the Presque Isle minister.
The Spragueville church was sold in 1940, and the bell went to the Hillside Gospel Assembly in what is now the renovated James School. From there, the bell went to a Pennsylvania church but returned to the James School in 1985. The bell in the Presque Isle church was given in 1939 by Mr. W.S. Thompson in memory of his son, John Channing Thompson, who died while a member of Boy Scout Troop 171, sponsored by the church.
In 1902, the Rev. E.O. Smith organized a class of eight members in Presque Isle. Under Reverend Hart, the class increased, and a church was organized in 1904. They met for worship in the Pythian Hall and later in the Odd Fellow's Hall. While the Rev. James Irvine was pastor, the Ryan property on Academy Street was purchased, and a church was erected on the corner of Epworth and Academy Streets. The entire cost of the church was $11,000, of which $3,000 was pledged at the time of the dedication on January 10, 1909, with Bishop Hamilton and District Superintendent John Hatch assisting in the dedication service. In the spring of 1914, the East Maine Conference met at this church, with Bishop Hamilton presiding for the first and only time a conference was held in Presque Isle.
The parsonage at 7 Epworth Street was purchased in 1917. The prior parsonage was rented for a time, but in 1949, it was renovated, and additions were made to provide more Sunday School rooms and a Scout room in the basement. In 1955, a major construction project was undertaken to enlarge the main church building. In 1957, the church was named Grant Memorial United Methodist Church to honor Rev. Herman Grant's outstanding leadership.
On January 19, 1996, the church building was destroyed by arson. Services for 1996 and a large part of 1997 were held at various places in the community, such as St. Mary's Catholic Church and the University of Maine at Presque Isle. A new building was constructed in 1997 on Fleetwood Street, the present location. The bell given to Grant Memorial in 1939 survived the fire and is now in front of our church building.
We strive to embody Jesus Christ's love and justice by healing the sick, feeding the hungry, caring for the stranger, and working to develop gospel-aligned social structures. Explore our ministries.
Join us every Wednesday at 1:00 pm for Bible Study at the home of Jeanne and Richard Daggett. We also host special occasion Bible study classes for adults and children. We firmly believe in the power of intentional faith development within a community setting. Engaging in group learning and discussion gives us encouragement and challenges that we may not experience individually. Our community offers diverse educational and spiritual formation opportunities, aiming to be a safe space for exploration, questioning, and growth in the love and knowledge of God and one another. For upcoming dates, please refer to our calendar.
The women in our community come together regularly for WIF meetings. The ladies of WIF take the lead in organizing significant events throughout the year, such as the Annual Harvest Supper in October, the Annual Christmas Bazaar in December, and the Annual Fellowship Tea in May. As part of the United Women in Faith (WIF), we foster a supportive and inclusive Christian environment where women can grow spiritually, develop leadership skills, nurture each other within the community. Stay updated on upcoming events by checking our calendar.
The men of Grant Memorial UMC, in addition to their ongoing service to our congregation and community, gather periodically for breakfast. For upcoming breakfast dates, check our online calendar.
Join us on Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m. for our engaging Sunday School classes designed for children in PreK through 8th grade during the worship service. A Nursery is available for infants and children under 4. Following the children's message, kids are accompanied by their dedicated "shepherds" to classrooms in the education wing. Our curriculum offers multiple learning groups tailored to children's age, development, and learning abilities. Each week's Bible lesson is reinforced through various activities like art, games, and storytelling. Students beyond 8th grade are welcome to volunteer as Sunday School teachers' assistants, while older youth are encouraged to participate in adult study classes. Check our online calendar for details and additional events.
The Worship Committee oversees aspects of the worship service, such as Communion, parament changes, and other seasonal activities. Visit our calendar for upcoming events.
Overseeing the mission outreach efforts at Grant Memorial UMC, the team strategically plans various initiatives throughout the year. Annual projects, such as Operation Christmas Child/Shoebox Ministry, Tree of Lights, and fundraising for local charities, are key highlights. Additionally, Grant Memorial UMC proudly serves as a covenant church, offering support to the Grace Interfaith Food Table (GIFT). Stay updated on our upcoming events by visiting our calendar.
Join the Chancel Choir for rehearsals every Thursday evening at 7:00 p.m. from September through May, directed by Dan Ladner. We extend a warm welcome to new members. In addition, the Hand Bell Choir, directed by Vicki McCurry, holds rehearsals on Thursdays at 6 p.m. from September through May. New members are encouraged to join. Check our calendar for upcoming events.
The Outreach Committee actively embraces the responsibility of welcoming new individuals, sending thoughtful cards, and extending support and fellowship to those in need, embodying our commitment to reaching out in service to others.
Archive
Rev. Nicholas Perez is a native South Carolinian with a Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies from the University of South Carolina and a Master of Divinity from Duke Divinity School in Durham, NC. He and his wife Sabrina have been married since 2017 and have two "fur babies": Quincy (a Llasa Apso) and Teddy (an English Bulldog). Prior to serving as the pastor of Grant Memorial, Rev. Perez served as the pastor of Church Hill UMC in Norwell, MA for four years where he successfully led the congregation through a merger with a neighboring UMC. Rev. Perez is excited to work together with God's people at Grant Memorial and the wider community in sharing the all-encompassing, all-embracing love of Jesus with a hurting world.
Rev. Nicholas Perez is a native South Carolinian with a Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies from the University of South Carolina and a Master of Divinity from Duke Divinity School in Durham, NC. He and his wife Sabrina have been married since 2017 and have two "fur babies": Quincy (a Llasa Apso) and Teddy (an English Bulldog). Prior to serving as the pastor of Grant Memorial, Rev. Perez served as the pastor of Church Hill UMC in Norwell, MA for four years where he successfully led the congregation through a merger with a neighboring UMC. Rev. Perez is excited to work together with God's people at Grant Memorial and the wider community in sharing the all-encompassing, all-embracing love of Jesus with a hurting world.
Pastor
Daniel Ladner, with a 60+ year career as an organist, has been the organist and choir director at Grant Memorial for over 25 years. His extensive contributions include teaching English, speech, theatre, and chorus at Presque Isle High School, directing the Caribou Performing Arts Center for a decade, and serving as a drama festival judge. An active member of prestigious associations like the American Choral Directors Association, he is renowned for his organ recitals and has led the Caribou Choral Society for many years. Despite officially "retiring" in 1999 after a forty-year education career, Dan's enduring passion for music and the arts continues to enrich the community.
Daniel Ladner, with a 60+ year career as an organist, has been the organist and choir director at Grant Memorial for over 25 years. His extensive contributions include teaching English, speech, theatre, and chorus at Presque Isle High School, directing the Caribou Performing Arts Center for a decade, and serving as a drama festival judge. An active member of prestigious associations like the American Choral Directors Association, he is renowned for his organ recitals and has led the Caribou Choral Society for many years. Despite officially "retiring" in 1999 after a forty-year education career, Dan's enduring passion for music and the arts continues to enrich the community.
Minister of Music
Dave Blanchard's unwavering commitment to his work and community shines through in his diverse skill set and dedication to service. For almost a decade, he has played a vital role at Grant Memorial United Methodist Church, handling maintenance, and sound engineering duties. Additionally, Dave serves as treasurer for the Fairmount Cemetery Association and lends his expertise to the American Legion Post 88. Part-time work at Stew's Sight and Sound allows him to contribute his talents to various installation projects. Dave's exemplary dedication positively impacts wherever he dedicates his time and efforts.
Dave Blanchard's unwavering commitment to his work and community shines through in his diverse skill set and dedication to service. For almost a decade, he has played a vital role at Grant Memorial United Methodist Church, handling maintenance, and sound engineering duties. Additionally, Dave serves as treasurer for the Fairmount Cemetery Association and lends his expertise to the American Legion Post 88. Part-time work at Stew's Sight and Sound allows him to contribute his talents to various installation projects. Dave's exemplary dedication positively impacts wherever he dedicates his time and efforts.
Operations & Sound Engineer
Melissa Dyer has been an administrative assistant since September 2000, playing a crucial role in office efficiency and organization. She's also served as the finance secretary for 15 years. Balancing work with her role as a proud parent to three children, Melissa values the job's flexibility and emphasis on family. Outside of the office, Melissa enjoys reading, writing, and photography. She finds solace and inspiration in the great outdoors, often spending quality time with her family and friends, exploring nature and making cherished memories together. Melissa's unwavering commitment radiates through every facet of her life, both professionally and personally.
Melissa Dyer has been an administrative assistant since September 2000, playing a crucial role in office efficiency and organization. She's also served as the finance secretary for 15 years. Balancing work with her role as a proud parent to three children, Melissa values the job's flexibility and emphasis on family. Outside of the office, Melissa enjoys reading, writing, and photography. She finds solace and inspiration in the great outdoors, often spending quality time with her family and friends, exploring nature and making cherished memories together. Melissa's unwavering commitment radiates through every facet of her life, both professionally and personally.
Administrative Assistant