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Methodism in Rice County dates back to 1870 when
Sterling was known as Peace. The first official
recognition of the Sterling Church by the Methodist
Conference was in 1874, and Rev. J. A. Vickers was
appointed pastor. Services were held in various
temporary locations and in 1877, with Rev. H. W. Conry
as pastor, the Sterling Methodists built their first
church at the corner of Main and Eighth Street.
In
March of 1878, a charter was granted to the First
Methodist Episcopal Church of Sterling. During 1881 the
mortgage on the church building was paid and the
Methodists were free of debt. In 1882 a committee was
named to build a parsonage at 119 North Eighth Street.
Up until 1883 Sterling was in the South Kansas
Conference but at this time the name was changed to the
Southwest Kansas Conference.
Discussion about building a new church was begun in June
of 1897. Trustee’s minutes record considerable
talk but no action. Certain necessary repairs and
additions were made to the first building from time to
time including a walk and steps with money raised by the
Ladies Aid Society. |
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December 1899 brought more discussion of the need for a
larger building. Ground was broken on August 1, 1900 at
the church’s present location. Original plans called
for spending $6,000-$7,000, but the estimate was too
low. On dedication day, November 26, 1901, fifteen
hundred people were present and 299 personal made
contributions of $3,600 in the morning session and $600
additional at the afternoon and evening sessions.
click image for larger view
A
pipe organ was included in the building fund and the
total cost of the church and organ was about $15,000.
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