Search Our Site
The History of Pioneer United Methodist Church*
The year 1859 was an eventful one for the settlement on Mill Creek, then called Steptoeville. The Territory of Washington had been established but six years when in January of 1859 the legislature made provision for a Walla Walla County and in turn the County Commissioners set up a city government which began Nov. 7 although no charter was granted until 1862. Whitman Seminary was chartered Dec. 20 but did not receive students until 1866. No public schools were yet in operation.
Soon after their appointment two representatives of Methodism arrived amid these primitive surroundings and busied themselves in contacting those interested in a church enterprise.
Several preliminary gatherings were held in the old log courthouse or in the homes of prospective members. One home was that of A.B. Roberts on a part of whose farm Pioneer Church now stands. At such a meeting, Oct. 11, 1859, with Father James H. Wilber presiding and George M. Barry acting as secretary, the First United Methodist Episcopal Church of Walla Walla was organized.
The young church grew. A building committee was soon appointed. They reported in April 1860 that the County Commissioners had given the church two lots at the N.E. corner of 5th and Alder Sts. Here the first church of any denomination in the City of Walla Walla, built at a cost of $1,046.52, was ready for use that fall. Its first report to the Oregon Conference shows 30 members, 5 probationers and a Church School of three teachers and 15 scholars.
By 1868 the church having progressed to a point where larger quarters were desired, purchased for $250 lots on the N.E. corner of Poplar and 2nd Sts. The original building was moved to the new location and somewhat enlarged. A house just east of the church was fitted up for a parsonage.
Again in 1878 a major move forward was made. The old building was sold for $250 and moved to a location on Alder St., where it served a commercial use. A new building, costing about $10,000 took its place. For many years it was the most commodious meeting place in the city.
In 1907 the city was planning to open Poplar St. through the Michael Ward estate from Colville to Palouse. This made available the splendid site upon which the church is now located. The First Church trustees realizing the need for expansion purchased this site Nov. 23, 1906 for $8,000. The buildings were moved to the new site where they were used for eight years.
Ground was broken for a new building in early 1917. It was dedicated by Bishop Hughes the following January. An Austin pipe organ was added in 1925 by the ladies Aid Society. The attached chimes were a memorial to Harvey McDonald.
A two-story brick veneer home was built in 1926. It was named the Caroline Ferrel parsonage. In 1928 a garage was added. The heating system installed in the church at the time of its construction proved inadequate. It was replaced with an entirely new system in 1938.
The building of the parsonage completed the construction program begun in 1917. Already the church realized there was still lacking adequate accommodations for the conduct of a modern departmental Church School. There was a growing desire for further expansion. The stage was set for early action when the depression that developed in 1929 and extended through most of the 30’s killed any prospect of success.
The project was revived in January 1944, when a member offered to give a U.S. bond if the church would buy an additional one and set them aside as a nucleus for an educational building fund. In March 1947 the bonds were sold and the 90-foot Thomas lot facing Birch Street was purchased for $10,000. After many re-arrangements and minor changes the plan was ready and Tom O. Williams was engaged as architect to design the building. A. Ritchie and Co. made the lowest bid and was granted the contract in September, 1953. Full use began September, 1954.
*Excerpts taken from Pioneer Methodist Church by Parker Barrett.
