Irvington Methodist Church Images--1940s

Methodists have been worshipping in Irvington since the late nineteenth century and in the current edifice since the 1920s. Thousands of people have been members over the years including the Richardson family who resided at 477 North Audubon Road. George Richardson had worked for Allison's Engine Company during World War II but had begun working at the Aluminum Finishing Corporation on 21st near the Monon Railroad after the war was over. His wife's father, Arthur Leslie Chesterfield, owned and operated the plant at the time.

George and Edythe Chesterfield Richardson joined the Challengers, an active adult Sunday School class at the Methodist Church. The Richardson children also participated in Sunday schools and with both the Boys and Girls Scouts in the basement of the church. The family would have had easy walk from their home along "Lover's Lane" to church each Sunday. Dr. Ralph O. Pearson served as the pastor of the church in the late 1940s when these photos were snapped.

Irvington Methodist Church c1947 (photo courtesy of Donn and Carolyn Richardson)

The Challengers Sunday School was for adults at the Irvington Methodist Church. George Richardson of 477 North Audubon Road is located in the top row at the far left. (photo courtesy of Donn and Carolyn Richardson)

Santa visited the children of the Irvington Methodist Church in 1947. Standing under a window in black dress was Edythe Chesterfield Richardson holding her baby, Jenny. Sitting at her feet were her other children at the time, Donn and Elizabeth. (photo courtesy of Donn and Carolyn Richardson)

A special thanks to Donn and Carolyn Richardson for providing these photos and stories.