Methodist Church

Among the earliest religious groups to organize in Cheney, the Reverend D.G. Strong preached the first sermon in a butcher shop with a dirt floor on November 25, 1880. Reverend Theodore Hoagland was appointed pastor to conduct services in Cheney on the second and fourth Sundays of each month. He held his first service on December 28, 1880 in the hall of the Cheney Hotel with two ladies for his congregation.

In March of 1881 at a public prayer service at the home of John Robbins, plans were made for the building of a church. Reverend Strong donated $100 and selected the lots on which to build the wooden 20' x 36' building located across the street from the present church on the east side of G between 4th & 5th. The church was dedicated June 3, 1881. The building was also used at the time variously as a schoolhouse, a meeting place for temperance societies and suffragettes, and place of worship for the Congregationalists and Baptists. On December 25, 1881 a Sunday School was organized for the growing town and membership.

204 4th St aka 404 G St

By 1889 the congregation had grown and prospered such that a new substantial brick church was constructed at the site of the present church at the northwest corner of 4th & G. The new building cost $4,000 and was dedicated November 24, 1889 by Rev. R.H. Manier and Rev. V.C. Evers under the name First Methodist Church of Cheney. The fine brick structure was 32 x 70 feet, with an alcove of 5 feet. The ceiling was 20 feet, and the corner tower, 70 feet in height. A very convenient and pleasant lecture room fronted on G Street 14 x 28'. The building was warmed from a furnace in the basement. At that time there were 70 members with 80 enrolled in the Sunday school. Rev. Manier secured funds to install a large bell in the tower in 1891.

The church was built in a cruciform plan. The original nave ran parallel to G Street. Above the door were gothic shaped transoms.

In 1902, wooden sidewalks were laid in front of the church and parsonage, and electric lights were installed in the church building.

In just a few years, the church building was deemed inadequate for a membership grown to 256. An extensive remodeling project of $9,800 was undertaken with funds raised and donated by the congregation.

In 1911, Professor Noah D. Showalter, president of the Normal School, made a trip to New York. While there, he called on Andrew Carnegie in the hopes that Mr. Carnegie could be persuaded to donate an organ to the church. President Showalter was graciously received, but when he explained his purpose he was escorted to the door with an explanation the Carnegie's gifts were in the form of libraries. While on their way to the door, they went through a hallway where many paintings were hung. President Showalter, familiar with some of the paintings, expressed appreciation of the collection. As they reached the door Mr. Carnegie said, “I have changed my mind. You may have your organ.” Mr. Carnegie gave $1,075 to the fund, Mary Betz was instrumental in raising the remainder of the $2,500 cost of the organ.

In November 1928, the First Methodist Church and the First Congregational Church entered into an agreement of federation. The Federated Church lasted for 33 years. The Methodists withdrew from the federation April 1, 1961 when the membership decided that it could best carry on its works as a separate denomination. On that Easter Sunday each congregation held services in its own church.

The next change for the congregation came in 1968 when the world church joined with the Evangelical United Brethren and our local church was renamed the United Methodist Church of Cheney.

In the 1970's plans and fund-raising was carried out to remodel and modernize the church. In 1975 the old parsonage was torn down, and on December 5, 1976 the Consecration Service was held on the 'new' church. Soon after the Fairbanks house next to the church on 4th was torn down to enlarge the church parking lot.

In 1981 the church members celebrated their centennial with many activities and remembrances.

1986-03-06: Demolition began on the historic Cheney United Methodist Church that had served the community for 99 years. A major remodel of the building will preserve the old sanctuary and Carnagie organ.

1996 United Methodist Church of Cheney