1790

The story of the Charlton Methodist Church stretches back to 1790, when the  congregation first formed- the oldest Methodist congregation in Worcester County.

1853

In 1853 the congregation built their first church on Brookfield Road.  Soon after the Charlton Methodist Episcopal Society was formed, and began worshiping together.

1890

In a plight that was all-to-common for churches at the time, the original Methodist Church burned down.

 1894

The New Church building was completed with  new Memorial Windows, across Stafford Street from the current location.

1906

The church was moved to its current location at 12 Stafford Street by a wealthy member of the community who said the church was “encumbering upon the use of his yard.” He paid for the move and installed the basement floor that now houses sewing classes. At the same time, the pipe organ was also installed.

 1979

Cathy Racine fixes a sewing machine for a friend for the first time. The Simple Machine is born.

 1995-2004

The Charlton Sewing Center evolves through a number of locations  as the new focal point for creative sewing and quilting in Central Massachusetts.

 2004

Experiencing resurgence, the Charlton Methodist Congregation outgrew the location at 12 Stafford Street and moved to a new construction a short distance up the road at 74 Stafford Street. The Racine family purchased the remaining building for the Charlton Sewing Center.

2009

Cathy Racine celebrates thirty years in business serving the sewing community.

2010-2011

The Church Bell was removed from the original building at 12 Stafford Street , fully restored, and brought to the new Charlton City Methodist Church at 74 Stafford Street.

2018

Our beautiful building, and BERNINA, both turn 125 years old.

Charlton Sewing Center hosts national quilt exhibit “Threads of Resistance”

Spring 2020

Restoration of our 1906 Reed Organ Blower