Drive In Church Service

Rev. Bailey greets Mr. and Mrs. Loren Kinghorn Jr. after the closing service of the drive-in service sponsored by BUMC and Starlite Drive In Theatre. Circa 1965.

The Starlite Theatre donated the use of their facilities. Attendance varied, but by the end of the second summer the average was 168 people per Sunday morning.

"It will afford an opportunity for gardeners, who don't want to get cleaned up to go to church; for travelers, who would like to attend an early church service before hitting the road; for invalids, who find it hard to get in and out of a car to go to church, as well as for those who just like to attend church early on a hot summer day."

"Outdoor church services aren't really new to Methodism, for its founder, John Wesley, began his truly effective ministry in the coal fields in England, and the Circuit Riders of the 18th century preached many of their sermons using the sky for their covering."

Rev. Bob Bailey would conduct the service at the Starlite at 8:30 AM and then later at the regular church service at 9:30 AM in the sanctuary.

Members to form nucleus of new Church

The Brooklyn United Methodist and Anoka Methodist Churches held commissioning services and sent out some of their members to start the Riverview United Methodist Church in Brooklyn Park.  The first meetings took place at Riverview Elementary School at 93rd Ave. N. and West River Road.  89 people appeared for the first service on September 11, 1966.  The church was officially organized with 65 charter members on November 6, 1966.

National History 1960-1969

World Events 1960-1969