FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
We are Christians proclaiming God's love through Worship, Stewardship, Education and Outreach Ministries. Our mission is: Serving His children whenever there is a need.

310 W. 11th Street, Pueblo Colorado, 81003

A Brief History of the
First United Methodist Church
of Pueblo, CO

 

 

 

 

1862 was a worrisome time in our history. In the east the Civil War raged. In the west, wandering bands of Confederate and Union troops searched for gold and each other. The peace between the plains Indians and the settlers was an uneasy one. Into these uncertain times came pioneers ready to risk life and fortune for a new life, and not far behind came the Methodist Circuit Rider bringing the Word of God to the frontier people. The first meeting of any note was held in Pueblo, probably led by William Howbert, took place under a large cottonwood tree. Sources disagree as to the exact location of the tree, some placing it on Union Ave., others on South Santa Fe. Regardless, that first meeting was the beginning of organized Methodism in Pueblo. By 1866, the Methodists were able to form the First Methodist Church Organization with Rev. C. H. Kirkbride as pastor with 10 charter members.

They built an adobe building at 7th and Main, paying $3,872.19 for its construction. The small structure, unadorned and with rough benches for pews, served members until 1884. A new brick building was begun at 9th and Main. The new building was used in an unfinished state for a number of years but when completed, boasted a large steeple with a bell to call people to worship. By 1890, First Church could claim over 200 active members. The structure once again could no longer meet the needs of its members. On New Year's Day, 1923, ground was broken for the present building at 11th and Court

church image

This was to be a completely modern complex including Sunday School rooms, gymnasium, large dining hall, tea rooms, kitchens, parlor, office, pastor's study, plus the beautiful and inspiring place of worship. The sanctuary dedication was held on January 27th, 1924.

With over 700 registered for Sunday school, classes were being held throughout the building. It was proving to be a much needed acquisition. The problem with new buildings is they must be paid for. The members of First Church were able to burn the mortgage on November 4, 1945, 22 years after the ground had been broken.

Considerable credit for the payment of the debt is given to the Women's Organization. The church never had a large number of wealthy members to count on, and when the church had been used only a short time the Great Depression struck the country. The women of the church, realizing times were hard, decided to take advantage of their location, their building, and their talents. They opened a cafeteria to serve the high school across the street (old Centennial), the court house employees, and people who frequented the downtown business district. Lunch consisted of 5 and 10 cent items!

One woman who worked most diligently to help reduce the debt was Mrs. A. S. Booth. Though a wealthy woman, she came daily to the church to give leadership and to take her place along the service line in the cafeteria. Booth Hall was named in her honor.

By the 1950's, it had become apparent that First Church needed to expand. A contract was let in July, 1958, for the erection of a new educational building. This building on 11th and Grand is 2 stories high and contains classrooms and Church School office.

It was dedicated on May 30, 1959, by Bishop Glenn R. Phillips. A severe hail storm hit as the dedication began. The Methodists of First Church came from sturdy stock and were not intimidated by the storm. By the singing of "All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name" and "There Shall be Showers of Blessing" the day was turned to one of joy!

Today, First Church is still celebrating the "vision" of its pioneer founders. We look to a future of continued growth, both physically - in size of membership and our beautiful building - and spiritually, to meet the needs of our congregation by sharing the Word of God through our prayers, our presence, our gifts, and our service.

Through the years, many pastors have faithfully served our church. They are remembered here

Church History: Scholarship Committee

Wanda Glover, Church Historian

In the eighties it was brought to the attention of Dr. William Hopkins that we had a young man in our congregation, Don Donato, who felt called to enter the ministry.  He was married, had a family, and could not afford to attend Iliff School of Theology at Denver University.  “Hoppy” and Cay decided to try to help Don by gathering a group of church members at their home to discuss the possibilities.  There were teachers, folks active in the church, and others they thought might be interested in such a project.  There was an enthusiastic response.

From the onset, “Hoppy” was in charge and offered to donate a sum of money to get the fund started.  A small group was pulled together to begin the work of raising the funds.  Maurice Douglas, Treasurer of the Church, was very helpful in placing the money in a secure fund in Denver.  “Hoppy” felt we should never touch the principal of the fund, but use only the interest to give to the students.  (The Committee has each year apportioned the available interest equally among the eligible applicants.)  To insure the fund continues to grow we also felt we should ask the students to return half of what they received within ten years after they are gainfully employed.  They must fill out an application form each year and give a transcript of their grades each semester.  We also ask them to attend church wherever they are in school or do some community service.  We expect the students to keep up their grades.

In 1986 Dr. John Ryan took over the leadership of the committee. A few years later the Higher Education Committee named the fund “The Maurice Douglas Scholarship Fund” to honor Maurice Douglas for his work in helping to set up the fund.  Through the years the fund has grown with a large sum of money from the Bill Roberts Estate, donations from friends and family as memorials, and students repayments.

Dr. Harvey and Adah Phelps set up the Frances Phelps Scholarship in memory of their daughter, Frances, at Southwestern College in Kansas.   With this scholarship, a student from First United Methodist Church attending Southwestern University in Winfield, KS is awarded $1,500 per year. 

At present our committee members are Wendell and Barbara Grishow, Jane Proffitt, Dr. John Ryan, Ruth von Ahlefeldt, and Dale Warfield.

Submitted by Jane Proffitt, current chairperson and Ruth von Ahlefeldt

How Firm The Foundation

By Wanda Glover

        Have you paid any attention to the craftsmanship involved in the construction of the pulpit furniture  and pews  of our church?   If today we were to order the same furniture and pews, would we be able to find such fine workmanship?  It becomes quite obvious,  as we study it more carefully, just what a great degree of skill went into carving it.   How intricate it is.  As we approach the altar, we pass between the pews which seem to act as a guide for our steps.

It was in 1923, that our church ordered 742 feet of pulpit and pew furniture from the American Seating Company of Grand Rapids, Michigan.  The cost was $4,771.00.  In today's money value that would equal $59,995.32.  Not bad.  Mr. Alcis Lang was the master carver for this firm.  He supervised the carvings and did part of the carvings himself.  He was a member of the Oberammergau Passion Play Family and died in 1952 at the age of 85.

Our tough ancestors sat on these pews for fifty years, or more, before we, as a congregation, succumbed to the creature comforts adding cushions.  We quickly adjusted to having cushions on the pews and just recently the trustees had to replace the originals with new ones.  Which brings up the age old question (as it relates to church comfort) what would happen if all of the parishioners of the world, who fall asleep in church, were laid end to end?  Answer:  they would all probably be more comfortable.