First United Methodist Church

On September 29, 1867, three months before the Union Pacific tracks reached Cheyenne, Reverend W. W. Baldwin, a Colorado circuit rider, conducted the first Methodist worship service at the City Hall in Cheyenne. Nine people formed the Methodist Society. Dr. Scott, a local physician, was the first minister. In 1869, two lots at 18th and Central Avenues were secured from the Union Pacific Railroad for $1.00. Lumber for the white frame church was purchased and shipped from Chicago. On September 23, 1871, Bishop Ames dedicated the building and the congregation moved in. In 1890, the year Wyoming became a state, the cornerstone of the present red sandstone sanctuary was laid. The white frame church was moved into the middle of Central Avenue, where the congregation met for the two and one-half years it took to complete the present sanctuary. On Easter Sunday, 1894, the new red sandstone church was dedicated. At that time fifty-five members were recorded on the roll. During the next seventy years, a series of additions were made to the original structure. In 1966, the congregation adopted the "Urban Mandate" which resulted in the church remaining at its present downtown location. The Education Building was built in 1967. During the celebration of the nation's Bicentennial in 1976, the First United Methodist Church was entered into the National Register of Historic Places. In 1984 the property north of the church was purchased which allowed room for expansion and parking space. A book entitled "First Church, a People Called Methodist", an in-depth and infromative history of the church and community, was written by Malcolm Cook, a retired history teacher and church member. This book is available in the Church office.