First United Methodist Church History
304 West Tenth Street, Coffeyville, KS 67337
The First 100 Years |
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1870 | A class of Methodist in Southern Kansas was established at Parker on the east side of the Verdigris River. A circuit minister, W.T. Selby, organized a Methodist class in Coffeyville.
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1871 | The Rev. A. Hartman, a circuit rider, served the group regularly.
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1875 | Parker Methodist Church building was moved to Tenth and Elm in Coffeyville.
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1878 | Methodist Sunday School was started. Methodist Ladies Aid Society was organized.
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1890 | Cornerstone of brick building was laid with formal dedication on
January 1, 1891.
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1903 | New parsonage was built across the street from the church.
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1907 | Plans started for a new brick church with brick manufactured by
George Francis.
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1908 | New Methodist Church building dedicated.
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1909 | Southeast Kansas Conference held in Coffeyville.
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1920 | North wall of the auditorium was extended upward to make a full
second story.
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1921 | Jubilee week was observed celebrating the 50th Anniversary. Daughterty property west of church purchased as Education Annex for
Beginners and Primary Department Sunday School.
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1930 | The painting of Christ in Gethsemane was given as a Memorial to Mr.
and Mrs. H.W. Reed, Sr. and has been an inspiration for 65 years.
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1947 | The Church Organ was renovated and rededicated.
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1948 | The Youth Chapel on the second floor was dedicated with Mr. and
Mrs. Olin Hamlin as youth sponsors.
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1949 | The first parsonage was sold and a new Pastor's home purchased at
1112 West Sixth Street.
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1950 | Miss Naomi Estopy was appointed as first Education Director.
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1953 | First Pioneer Dinner was held and continues to be held annually.
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1961 | Mr. and Mrs. W.G. Bowman, Dr. and Mrs. C.C. Dial, and Estelle
Bentley made plans for Church expansion. J.C. Page was Finance Chair and V.A. Klotz, Chair
of Building Committee.
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1963 | The Cornerstone was laid for the new unit, which included Sunday
School Classrooms, Office Unit, and a Chapel.
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1964 | Education Unit was completed and dedicated.
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1969 | A new Parsonage was built at 302 Ohio.
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1970 | The Chancel area was paneled in natural wood with funds from the
Miss Laura Smith Memorial.
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1971 | "A Century of Service to God and Community" observed the 100the
Anniversary. A publication of researched history was prepared for the membership.
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