History of First UMC

First United Methodist Church of Topeka celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2005. Some highlights of the church history, researched by Larry and Doris Wills, are included here as they appeared in our monthly publication, The Parish Visitor.

Early Beginnings - with faith and fortitude, the founders of Topeka wasted no time in planting a church here. The first pastor was Rev. J. S. Griffings. His great-grandson has created a Web site including many of Rev. Griffing's letters and diary entries - read it here.

The Bell in the Steeple - the first church bell and first town clock in Topeka hung in our steeple.

Was It the Judgment Day? - a funeral to remember at First Church.

Christmas Past at FUMC - memories of Christmas traditions.

Prohibition and Dr. J. T. McFarland - in 1900 the pastor of First Church was at the forefront of the Prohibition movement in Topeka.

Someone's in the Kitchen - women's groups have played an important part in First Church history.

Celebrating the Past, Present and Future - how were other milestones in First Church's history celebrated?

"Beauty for Ashes" - the disastrous 1921 fire.

Honoring Mothers Through the Years - Mother's Day and how it has been celebrated at First Church.

A Brilliant and Interesting Event - the first wedding at the 6th & Harrison church.

Cornerstone Contents - What was found when the cornerstone of the old Quincy Street church was opened.

After the Fire - this is the story of the rebuilding of First Church. The August 2005 Parish Visitor article is an abbreviated version of this.

Early Church Memories by Walter Howard - fascinating reminiscences by a man who was in our church from its beginning.

Train Up a Child in the Way He Should Go - education in the history of First Church.

How Do We Connect with Our Past? Part 1 - answers to some of the questions posed at the beginning of our anniversary year.