In the southwest corner of Pembina County, on the banks of the Red River, sits another place of worship listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Drayton United Methodist Church. Regal in appearance and steeped in history, it’s easy to see why the church was deserving of this honor.

The church was designed by architect, A.W. McCrea, Jr., a local man who had moved to New York City to further his career. Construction wrapped up after the turn of the century, in 1906, and was, without a doubt, the most substantial church in the Drayton area at the time. Designed in Romanesque Revival style, a distinguished characteristic is the square brick tower capped with a spire which supports the iconic steeple. One of the most striking and noticeable features is, quite possibly, the arched stained glass windows that step down in size, echoing the slope of the gable roof. The exterior was constructed entirely of Dayton brick, a nod to yesteryear, when the Pioneer Brick Industry was active in this community. It ceased operations in 1920.

The building remained in its original state until the late forties when the basement was finished, the choir loft lowered, and an entry addition was erected. The church was founded by Scots-Irish Methodist immigrants from Eastern Canada and continues to serve the community to this day.