The Nappanee United Methodist Church began its ministry on June 1, 1969, with the merger of the Nappanee Trinity and Grace United Methodist Churches. Rev. Lowell Townsend and Rev. Kaye Casterline were the joint Senior Pastors. The present pastor, Chris Stephens, is the seventeenth Senior Pastor. The church traces it’s heritage to three congregations: The Methodist Episcopal formed in 1873; the United Brethren in Christ formed in 1875 (first church building in Nappanee) and the Evangelical Association formed in 1891.

In January 1968 merger committees were appointed by each congregation. After meeting during the spring and summer the merger committee recommended that a Plan of Union Committee be established by each congregation. A combined Congregational Meeting held on November 11, 1968, conducted by District Superintendent Dr. Evan Burgwell appointed a Plan of Union Committee. The Plan of Union Committee began formulating the plan for merging the two congregations. In November small groups were formed representing both churches and began meeting. These groups were intended for study and fellowship and provided an opportunity for members of both congregations to begin to fellowship together.

The Plan of Union Committee continued to meet during the winter and prepared a Plan of Union proposal which was voted on by both congregations April 13,1969. The vote resulted in approval of the merger which formally took place on June 1, 1969. The first combined service was held on June 1, 1969, led by Pastors Casterline and Townsend in the Trinity building.

As part of the proposal to merge the former Grace and Trinity Churches into one congregation, the Plan of Union Committee had recommended using the Trinity Building until a building plan could be developed. After study and discussion the congregation decided to continue its ministry at its present location in midtown Nappanee. After considering options the decision was made to build a new sanctuary.

In May of 1973 the congregation approved a building program that included a large sanctuary, small chapel office area and narthex. On Sunday, September 22, 1974, the new sanctuary was Consecrated with Bishop Ralph T. Alton. The Trinity building was divided into classrooms and continued to be used until 1986 for Christian Education, Thrift Shop and Fellowship.

By 1985 the building was no longer adequate. Plans for a new building were approved and included a Thrift Shop, classrooms, kitchen and fellowship hall. The offices were relocated and the narthex was expanded to include a library.. The new facility was consecrated on April 2, 1989, with Bishop Leroy Hodapp presiding.