HISTORICAL SKETCH:  Just as the church in years to come will look back with gratitude to the church of today, so are we most thankful to those early pioneers, who, a century ago, felt the need of a place of worship.  Our church stands as a fitting monument to them.
 
As early as 1867, because of their deep interest in the advancement of God's Kingdom on earth, two of Rutland's hospitable citizens, Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Sheridan, opened their home for the holding of religious services.  The small group continued to meet in homes.  These meetings were led by Rev. Atkinson, a pioneer Methodist preacher stationed at Dakota City.  He held services irregularly here and at other points in the county.  He was succeeded by Rev. Martin, a lay preacher residing at Lott's Creek.
 
The first Methodist society was organized by Rev. John Rowan and wife, residents of Dakota City, who came to hold revival meetings; at the close of which in February 1872, the organization of The Methodist Episcopal Church was erected.  Among the charter members appear the names of Sherman, Dean, Bair, Bartley, Ames and Pike.  This was the first protestant society and members of other denominations worked with the Methodists.
 
At the conference of 1873 the Rev. Drake was appointed as pastor serving four charges:  Willow Glen (Bradgate), West Homestead (Bode), Weaver (Unique), and Rutland.  Rev. Drake was followed by Rev. Brown, who served only until spring, when he retired from the ministry and began farming on what is now Mrs. Will Tubbs' farm.  He was followed by Rev. John Woolery, under whose untiring efforts; the main part of the parsonage was built in 1878.
 
It is interesting to note that at this time the pastor's salary consisted of flour and meat which were solicited by the members.  Corn for his horses was also donated.
 
While the organization of the church dates back to the winter of 1872, it was not until 1890 that the people of Rutland had a church building in which to worship.  Rev. Robbins was called as pastor in 1888-1891 under whom the society increased along all lines.  It was through his tireless efforts that the building of the church was made possible.  The stone for the basement and the foundation of the building was quarried from the southwest part of the town.  The rock for the entry was hauled from Humboldt.  The carpenters were assisted by residents of the community who donated freely of their time and labor.  The Rev. Robbins also worked daily side by side with the man.  The total cost of the church was approximately $2,500.
 
From 1873-1888 the circuit included Bradgate, Unique, Bode and Rutland.  In 1888 the charge was placed with Gilmore City.  During 1920-1923, much needed improvements were made in the church by the building of a choir loft and inside steps to the basement.  The piano was purchased at this time.  Lights were installed soon after electricity was brought to town in 1917.  The furnace had been installed previous to this time and improvements have been made in the basement, including the addition of a kitchen.  In 1921, union was effected with St. Paul's Danish Church, which was located north of town.  This church and Rutland were served by the same pastor until January 1925; when services at St. Paul's were discontinued.  Part of its members transferred to Humboldt and other to Rutland.
 
From 1926-1942 the Rutland church was linked with Bradgate.  During 1941 the parsonage was moved from the south part of town to the lot north of the church and remodeled.  In 1942, Rutland was again placed with Gilmore City and the pastors have lived there since then.
 
Many changes have taken place in the church over the years.  The steeple was removed and a cross was placed on the portion left.  A new enclosed entry was added.
 
The hardwood floor in the sanctuary was laid by the men of the church and new carpeting was installed.
 
An electric organ was bought with memorial gifts.  A new pulpit was built and the original one was placed in the Humboldt County Historical Museum.  Many more items, too numerous to mention, were obtained for the sanctuary with memorial gifts.
 
In the basement the improvements included the installation of a smaller furnace, giving more room to the kitchen and allowing the addition of a restroom.  New cupboards and kitchen equipment were also added at this time.  The entire floor was tiled and new tables and chairs were purchased for the dining room.
 
Other changes of importance have been of an ecumenical nature.  In 1939 the three principle branches of Methodism:  The Methodist Episcopal Church; the Methodist Episcopal Church, South; and The Methodist Protestant Church merged to form the Methodist Church.  We were not content to stop there, for after several years of conversations, we became The United Methodist Church.  This took place in 1968 upon completion of a merger of the Methodist Church and the Evangelical United Brethren Church.
 
We are grateful to those pioneers who began the work of God in this community through this church in the past century.  Their efforts and spirit will guide us in the coming years.  Their church, our church has been a beacon of righteousness in the past.  It is up to us and our successors to keep aloft the torch of Christ in the Rutland Community during the decades to come.
           In 1971 the following were members of the United Methodist Church of Rutland
 
BAKKEN - Terry
BECKMAN - Elizabeth
BLOMKER - Eunice, Floyd
BONDE - Dollie, Freemen
BOUGHEY - David, Lois
BRISTOL - Mrs. Roy
CARYL - Alma, Clifton
COOK - Jayne
CURRY - Cindy, George, Shirley, Steve
DE GROOTE - Dennis, Gordon, Irene, Myrna
FISH - Ann, Carol, Dan, Greg
FRIDAY - Eloise
GEORGE - Pearl
GOODELL - Alice, Archie, Bonny, Kevin, Lloyd
HIRSCH - Elaine, Ivan, James, Jean
HOOD - Betty, Donald, Florine, Garnie,
                Kenneth, Linda
JERGENS - Earlene, Harvey
JOHNSON - Blanche
KRAMER - Opal
LANNING - Kathlene, Norman, Paul, Philip, Richard
LAW - Becky, Kim
MARQUARDT - Constance, Elver
MURPHEY - Donna
NULL - Jane
PIERCE - Fred
RAPPLE - Frieda
SALMON - Ann, Russell
SIEMONSMA - Roberta
SKOW - Ed, Bonita, Dorothy, Eldon, Elliott, James, Marlene,    
                 Michael, Paul, Vera, Verna                                       TAYLOR - Leila, TomTILLIER - Ernest, Olga
TUBBS - Cleo, Glenn, Leonard, Maxine
WARDEN - Gwen
WATSON - Guinevera, Leon
WATTS - Jesse, Petrina
WESTBERG - Jean
WILSON - Craig, Michelle, Wanda                                           ZANDERS - Evelyn, Richard