GROWING THROUGH THE GENERATIONS

Pawnee UMC has a rich history characterized by remarkable spiritual growth, nurtured by the unwavering dedication of our leaders, both past and present. From our humble beginnings to our flourishing congregation today, our story reflects a deep commitment to faith, community, and service. We celebrate the milestones that have defined our journey and look forward to the future with excitement and hope. Together, we continue to foster an environment where faith flourishes and lives are transformed.

Our History

Ministers and Missionaries

Traveling preachers and missionaries held services in the little cabins of the early settlers of Pawnee as early as 1819. Larenzo Dow and Peter Cartwright were prominent, especially Cartwright, whose name is well established in the history of the early church in America.

1852-1865

The first Methodist class was established in 1852 by Rev. A. Bradshaw, a visiting pastor. The class met at Mr. Bridges' home from 1852 until 1857, when the meeting place was moved to Oak Hill School. The class met at the school until the first Methodist Church was built in 1857 at First and Jefferson Streets. The one-room church, with a small bell tower, was dedicated on Christmas Day 1865. The first pastor was A. Orr, and the funeral of Philip Weber was the last service held at the church.

1865-1968

As Sunday School enrollment grew from 20 in 1865 to 137 in 1902, plans were made to build a new church and a parsonage east of it. The bell from the first church was saved and hung in the new church's tower. This church, located at Sixth and Washington Streets, was dedicated on December 7, 1902. Plans were made in 1966 to add additional space for educational programs. On May 28, 1967, ground was broken for a new education building, which was dedicated on January 28, 1968. In 1922, during the pastorate of L.G. Adams, fire destroyed the first parsonage, and a new one was erected south of the church.

1968-1993

On July 18, 1976, the congregation voted to build a new sanctuary at Sixth and Washington. The groundbreaking ceremonies were in August 1977, and in December 1978, the congregation moved into the sanctuary that connected to the education building. The original church bell was retired and located near the west entrance of the church. The mortgage was burned on March 16, 1987. In August 1992, ground was broken for a new parsonage, which was completed in January 1993. Rev. Brent Phillips and his family were the first residents.