The history of Methodism in Jewell is almost simultaneous with the founding of Jewell City when the townsite was filed May 6, 1870. Services were held by local preachers, often outdoors under a shade tree or in an arbor of boughs.
The first Methodist preacher, assigned by the Kansas Conference, was the Rev. H.G. Breed, who arrived in Jewell April 1,1872. During those early years, the pioneers were caught up in the work of building homes and businesses. It took some time before the first Methodist Episcopal church building was built in 1873-74. Construction started in 1873, but hard times came to the area. Soon hot winds and clouds of grasshoppers slowed the work of building, and the church was not completed until 1874. It was granted a charter by the state of Kansas on April 29, 1874. The annual conference of 1874 reported that in spite of adverse conditions, there were 86 members, 71 probationers, and $12 for missions in the only collection taken.
The frame for this building was constructed of native timber; some of which was hauled from Burr Oak, where it was sawed by water power. The rest of the building material consisting of pine lumber, shingles, doors and windows was hauled by team and wagon from Waterville which was the end of the railroad at the time.
Second M E Church Built
The Rev. D.D. Campbell was the ninth minister to serve the Jewell charge. He arrived in 1883 and led in the construction of a new and larger church. This second Methodist Episcopal church was located east of the present facility and was of Gothic style with four gable ends and a corner spire which housed the church bell. All windows were enameled stained glass; heating was supplied by a large floor furnace. The entire cost of the building and furniture was $6,300. It was dedicated October 19, 1884, with more than 700 people attending.
In 1909, the church was remodeled and enlarged. A rededication service was held in January, 1910. This church served for 39 years with 16 ministers during that time. It often served as a community center with school commencements, Memorial Day observances, recitals, lecture courses, public and patriotic meetings held within its walls.
Present Brick Edifice
By 1917, the congregation was thinking "new church" and several motor trips were taken to view other new churches to gather ideas. However, building plans were interrupted by World War I. Then in February, 1920, Mrs. Carrie Musser made the church an attractive offer. Since her husband had provided the Musser student loan endowment fund, she wanted to do something similar. She made a $30,000 subscription providing the church would pay her $100 a month for as long as she might live. The church accepted the condition and faithfully fulfilled it. Approximately another $30,000 was subscribed by the church members and friends. At the completion of the building project, it was found the site, building furnishings and pipe organ had cost approximately $56,000 plus interest charges on pledges not due. The dedication service was held May 13, 1923, with Bishop Joseph Hartzell giving the address. The Rev. L.R. Honderick, who served the church for seven years, was the leader of the church building project.
Many remodeling and modernizing projects have been completed over the years. Perhaps the two most notable were the remodeling of the sanctuary in 1968 which included converting the archway over the choir loft and the removal of the skylights over the choir loft and center of the sanctuary and, in 1997, the addition of an elevator.
Location of Churches
and Parsonages
Block 45 in the City of Jewell has always been the home of the churches and parsonages, but in various locations.
The first two churches both located east of the present one. At one time a barn and parsonage were across the alley in the north east corner of the block and faced east. Wanting to build the new brick church where it now stands, it was necessary to purchase the west-facing house located on those lots. This was the home of Dr. Vernon Zipse when he was a child. In 1921, it was moved to the east end of the block, faced south, and served as the parsonage until 1966, when it was sold and moved to its present location at 804 Delaware Street. In 1965-66, a new parsonage was constructed in that location, where it still stands.
Although not presently serving as a parsonage, it is still owned by the church.
Jewell Church Hosts
Annual Conferences
The first of the annual conferences meetings in Jewell was held in March 1889,with 65 ministers answering roll call. The 24th annual conference opened March 14,1906. More than 200 ministers, their wives and others were guests of the local church and community. The publication of the History and Program for that conference is where much of the history of the early church is drawn.
In 1937, Jewell hosted the 56th annual conference. These conferences were community affairs with all the churches in town extending hospitality to the visiting ministers and delegates.
Organizational Changes
Originally, a Methodist Episcopal Church, it continued until 1939, when The Methodist Episcopal Church, The
Methodist Episcopal Church South, and the Methodist Protestant Church united to become the Methodist Church.
In 1968, the Methodist and the Evangelical United Brethren churches united and the local church became Trinity United Methodist. July 1,2023, the local church became part of Global Methodism and is now Jewell Trinity
Methodist Church, with Pastor Keith Shank serving.
A celebration commemorating the official 150th anniversary of the local church will be held April 28, 2024, at the church located at 503 Main Street. The public is invited to the following: 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., Sunday Social in the parlor; 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., Worship Service; 1:00 p.m., Celebration Ceremony and Reception.
Reader Comments(0)