In 2007 the Methodist church in Pullman celebrated its 125th anniversary.  The history of the Methodist Church is closely linked to that of Pullman and in fact the Methodists established the first church in this fledging settlement.  Following are some key historical dates and events.  (As part of the 2007 celebration, SUMC member Alice Davis wrote “Celebrating 125 Years of Ministry: 1882 – 2007 Our Mission Continues.") 

 

In 1882 Rev. Bryan of Moscow held revival meetings in Pullman in a school building near the site of the Gladish building. Pullman people wanted their own church.  They purchased lots near the school for a church and Sarah and Dan McKenzie donated lots on Hill and Jackson Streets for a parsonage.

 

John Layman hauled lumber from Moscow Mountain--a two-day trip--and died before the church was finished.  People made a temporary church and held his funeral service in the building, sitting on planks on top of nail kegs.

 

The McKenzie home (present site of the Manor Lodge motel) was a gathering place for Methodists; the McKenzies had the first organ in town.  This organ has found its way back to the MethodistChurch and is located in the back of the current sanctuary!

 

Finally, in 1888, those early Methodists incorporated and located their church near where the Gladish building now stands.  They hired a full-time minister and built the first parsonage.  Two years later, in 1890, the Methodists decided to sell the church building and lots and move to Kamiaken Street.

 

In 1892, the National Board offered a $500 loan to the Methodist congregation if they would name their new church after Matthew Simpson, minister to three presidents, a good friend of Abraham Lincoln, and an outstanding preacher. The Methodists accepted the proposal and the money.  This site is the west parking lot.

 

A third church was built in 1909 where the present lower parking lot is now and it was called the stone church because of the rock used in the foundation and on the sides.  It was dedicated and the mortgage burned by 1926.  It was during this period that the early Methodists started the Wesley Foundation for college students.

 

The present sanctuary and some classrooms were completed in 1958, with further remodeling and additions completed in 1980.  The sanctuary, Fellowship Hall, nursery and classrooms were updated in 2009.