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History of the Church

• 1729     The Methodist branch of protestant religion traces its roots back to 1729 where it developed in England as a result of the teachings of John Wesley.  While studying at Oxford, Wesley, his brother Charles, and several other students formed a group devoted to study, prayer and helping the underprivileged.  They were labeled "Methodist" by their fellow students because of the way they used "rule" and "method" to go about their religious affairs.
• 1734      Mr. John and Charles Wesley, and Mr. Ingham, left England with a design to go and preach to the Indians in Georgia in the colonies.
• 1738      Mr. John Wesley returns to England after meeting with many Clergymen in the colonies.  He found many Clergymen, who all appeared to be of one heart -- as well as of one judgement -- resolved to be Bible-Christians at all events; and wherever they were, to preach with all their might.
• 1744     John Wesley did not set out to create a new church, but instead began several small faith-restoration groups within the Anglican church called the "United Societies."  Soon, however, Methodism spread and eventually became its own separate religion when the first conference was held in 1744.
• 1884     Circuit riding ministers Revs. Leslie Stevens and E. Mount brought Methodism to Ogallala.  This was near the end of the Texas Trail era and local residents were in need of a religious home like they had in their eastern homes.  Meetings were held in homes, one of which was the big sod house of Dr. Hollingsworth, south of Brule.  A later meeting place was the Union Church, located at the present site of the home where C.R. Cogil lived for many years on 5th street.
• 1886    Under the leadership of J.A. Windsor, a local preacher and homesteader, the organization of the first Ogallala Methodist congregation was made.  The first minister appointed by the West Nebraska Mission Conference, was G.H. McAdams.  In December of 1886, the corner lot where our church stands today was purchased as the site for the first Methodist Church building in Ogallala.  A building fund was started with a gift from Mrs. Cora Naylor and her husband.  Mrs. Naylor was a delegate to the board of Home Missions of the Methodist-Episcopal Church.  She learned that her son had been accidentally killed while traveling in the west and that $250.00 had been found on his person.  The Naylors requested the money be used to help some struggling western church.  The money was sent to Ogallala.
• 1888    The cornerstone for the new Methodist Church was laid in the spring of 1888 for a one-room structure and was dedicated on July 22 of the same year.  Estimated cost was $1,500.00 with an indebtedness of $650.00.  This is the same time that the Keith County Courthouse was constructed across the street north of the church.
• 1900    By December of 1900, the Methodist-Episcopal Church of Ogallala was "out of debt" according to an article published in the Keith County News.  The church had by that time, been thoroughly remodeled, decorated with new paper and carpet, and lighted by new gasoline lamps.
• 1912    When the Rev. A.J. Clifton became pastor of the Ogallala Methodist Church, he brought with him a historic bell which he donated to the church.  The bell was too large for the existing belfry and modifications had to be made to the structure to accomodate this gift.  This bell is still being used in our present United Methodist Church.
• 1921   Work was begun to enlarge and remodel the church stru ture.  One of the changes ws enlargement of the basement.  Services were held as usua while the church was "blocked up" for excavation.  O a sunday evening, the north wall of the church began to cave in.  The congregation was quickly dismissed, and the men worked well into the night to shore up supports and save the building.  Additional floor space was achieved when a wing on the south side of the church was added.
• 1922     New windows, new entrance, and a new bell tower completed the remodeling by 1922.  This remodeled "old church" was in use until April 9, 1951, when it was sold at auction and moved from its site. 
• 1950      Need for a new church became an issue during the ministry of the Rev. C.T. Hawes between 1942 and 1948, but it was under the guidance of his successor, the Rev. Mr. Hess, that a fund drive was started. Trustees purchased the lots adjacent to the church on the south and groundbreaking ceremonies for the new building was held September 5th of that year.
• 1951     The main section of the old church was sold on April 9th, 1951 to the S.E. Martin Lumber company.  Cornerstone for the new church was  laid  May 29,1951 by Bishop Dana Dawson.
• 1952     On June 8th, 1952 the new First Methodist Church of Ogallala, Nebraska  was dedicated.
• 1966       An addition was made to the church on the south wing adding needed classroom and office space to the 1952 First Methodist Church.
• 1981       The stained glass windows were restored and preserved against future deterioration and also covered with a bullet proof plexi-glass covering.  This provided protection of the stined glass windows from the hazards such as hail or vandalism.
• 1983      A ramp was constructed at the north entrance to the church providing easier access for the elderly, physical handicapped, and those in wheel chairs.
• 1986       Centennial year for the First Methodist Church of Ogallala.  A time capsule was buried near the south west corner of the church to be opened in the year 2036.
• 2000-2010