The first Methodist class was organized in 1872, even before there was a
building in which to hold services. At this time, services were
held in homes,
until the first school house was built in Glen Elder, then services were held
there. In 1878, lots were bought and the pioneer church was built with native
limestone rock. The cornerstone was laid about 1880; dedication of the Methodist
Episcopal church occurred in
1884. This limestone rock church sat on Lots 11-12 Block 8 in the Young's
Addition of Glen Elder--the same location today where the Heritage High's
multi-car garage now stands on Hobart Street.
Several years after the construction of the limestone church, while
experiencing a rapidly growing congregation, the need for a larger church became
reality. In May 1916, John I. Yantiss offered to give the church Lots 11 &
12 in Block 7 in the Young's Addition for a building site. He also gave a large
cash donation towards building the church, along with a large memorial window
later installed in the church.
In July that same year, a building committee was chosen and plans were formed
for a new red-brick church to be constructed. Architects for the building were
Johnson and Shaver, from Clay Center, Kansas. A rally was held to on October 10,
1916 to raise additional money for the project. Construction began shortly
thereafter with a contract awarded to Glen J. Pearcy, for $11,135.
The cornerstone for the new building was set at the church's current location
of 116 N. Nash, on April 9, 1917.
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