Janes United Methodist Church
Keyser, WV
Potomac Highlands District
Janes United Methodist Church, Keyser, West Virginia, had its beginning in 1873 in a structure known as the hospital building, on the bank of the Potomac River where the Patchett Woolen Mill once stood. It was accessible by a narrow path which led from Main Street. Planning for Janes Memorial Church began in 1874.
Meetings were held in various homes until, through unwavering faith and untiring labors, dedicated leaders completed the building. Located on the corner of Church and Piedmont Streets, the house of worship was erected on property acquired by Trustees on October 10, 1875 and named in honor of Bishop Edmund Storer Janes (1807-1876).
The congregation grew rapidly in the early years, reaching a glorious spiritual and moral climax in 1908. In 1923, the building needed repairs and refurbishing. The congregation raised $1500 for the renovation project. New floors were laid, new plastering was done, and beautiful new stained glass windows were installed. Various donors’ and honorees’ names are still visible on the windows. Note that one window was contributed by the pupils of Lincoln Elementary School during an era of non -integrated education in Keyser. The windows still grace the edifice.
The completion of this project made Janes one of the most beautiful small churches in the Conference. Janes Church celebrated the Centennial Anniversary during the week of May 30 through June 5, 1976 with special music. In addition, members have shared days filled with worship services, and church-related events, surrounded by loving pastors, extended family and friends. The ministries at Janes Church brought drama productions, choirs, a Ladies Aide Committee, tent revivals, and a multitude of other activities to the congregation and the local community.
Unity in purpose and ministry established a sense of belonging to something beautiful and powerful in the lives of choir members. At Janes, gifts can be expressed and offered back to God in praise and thanksgiving. The unity of the congregation is enriched through the diversity, as all who enter are embraced with acceptance, love, and as family with open hearts and arms. A diverse congregation, Janes UMC embraces all who wish to worship! Janes has a small group of young children who regularly attend.
Janes offers spiritual formation to its young children’s group and strongly believe “We offer them Hope!” The Janes congregation is committed to offering love, encouragement, and guidance to the young children in the congregation, as well as the young adults who attend. With a renewed vision to teach the children to have a strong faith in God through Jesus Christ and to have faith in themselves, the congregation is prepared to embrace each other and the community, in love and hope. Without that commitment to a renewed vision, the children might not have a church in which to worship in the future.
At Janes Church, the disciple-making vision remains strong. The Holy task ahead is to continue being a vital congregation and a beacon of hope to the African American community in the Keyser, WV area. Steadfast and unwavering faith received through worship services, prayer, and Bible reading, as well as personal Christian growth, has brought this congregation a long way.
Since its inception in 1873, Janes United Methodist Church has played a vital role in the community by sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ in word and deed; by caring for the needy; and by making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.
