The United Methodist Church of Elmwood began in the 1840s with a small group of people meeting for religious services in the home of Absolem Kent. The church was formally organized in 1851 under the pastorate of N.J. Giddings who also served the Brimfield Methodist Church. The church met in a log house belonging to Abner Smith. The first pastor to serve the church was a 21 year old student, Jervis Evans, who also served churches located in Yates City, Maquon, and French Creek, north of Elmwood. In 1856 the church began construction of its first building that was completed in 1857. The church relocated to Main Street in 1893. In 1914 there was a fire which destroyed most of the existing structure. The church was rebuilt in 1915. In 1948 classrooms were added. In 1989, the church once again relocated to its present site at 821 W Main.
The present congregation is indebted to those who came before and invested their lives to create a church in which people could become believers in Jesus Christ and grow in their faith. Because of their legacy we are able to continue their dream to share the love of God and make disciples of Jesus Christ.