The History of Arcola United Methodist Church

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 In 1838 Edward B. Force inherited from his father-in-law, Albert  Westervelt, a mill and a farm at Red Mills.  As per Kevin W. Wright from his writings of " REDMILL AND ITS HAUNTED HOUSE"

 A barn which Edward Force built a short distance south of the mill in 1840 was outfitted with seats in 1842 and appropriated for religious services. In 1843, Force donated a lot for construction of the Arcola Methodist church. His neighbors brought a number of large logs to the mill where they were sawn into timbers. Rev. Manning Force, Edward's brother, laid the cornerstone .