ABOUT US
HISTORY
The first Ironville church was erected in 1857 in the village of Cordelia as part of the Centerville Circuit of four churches. In 1871, a new site, which included a building in need of repair, was purchased in Ironville.
In 1925, the church was enlarged and electricity installed. In 1934, the frame church was enlarged again and brick veneered. A basement was constructed for Sunday school classes. In 1944, the church was refurbished to give it a more modern look.
In 1948, the congregation changed its name from United Brethren Church of Ironville to Ironville Evangelical United Brethren Church. The name was again changed in 1968 to its current, Ironville United Methodist Church.
In 1970, the congregation purchased its current property at 4020 Holly Drive, off Prospect Road in West Hempfield Township. A new church building was consecrated in 1973.
ABOUT
Over the last 175 years, Ironville United Methodist Church has emphasized spiritual growth.
The congregation has a large missionary outreach, both internationally and locally.
Locally, the congregation sponsors The Good News Club at Farmdale Elementary School in the Hempfield School District.
The congregation supports the Columbia food bank/shelter financially and by serving meals twice a month.
Ironville is also known for its Holiday Bazaars each November as well as their Community Breakfasts each March and September.
With a rather extensive campus, and large facility, the church is poised to grow! There is an onsite pavilion, a baseball field, and plenty of space to host annual Easter Egg Hunts, Soup Sales, and other community events. We are growing “organically” by word of mouth, a growing online presence, & livestreaming Sunday services.
PASTOR'S BIO
Jeff Engroff currently serves two UMC congregations as pastor. Here, at Ironville and at Newtown. He has been active in youth ministry leadership in various contexts since 1984. Jeff also served as an instructor and coach for the youth ministry certification school and the First Third of Life in a Congregational Setting Certificate course at United Lutheran Seminary from 2008 to 2020. Jeff was also a part time seminary student at ULS from 2018-2020. Jeff has received his pastoral training through the UMC’s Licensing School.
Jeff owned a small drywall company for 19 years before entering
full-time ministry. He finds joy in building trusting relationships with both adults and students. In his leisure time, he enjoys riding his bike on various local rail trails, gardening, landscaping, and traveling with his wife (anywhere).
Jeff is married to his best friend, Anita, and together they share five adult children and four grandchildren.