Pastors Gather for Breakfast

Pastors Breakfast 

On Thursday, Sept. 24, local pastors gathered for breakfast at The Creek.

Among those attending were Marcos Martinez of Enviados Asambleas de Dios; George Devora of Templo Emmanuel; Casey Chapman of Shelton Memorial Christian Church; and Nathan Engelman of New Beginnings.

The breakfast was warm and lighthearted. The pastors checked in about how things were going at their respective churches, discussed local news, debated points of biblical interpretation, and traded jokes.

Pastor Obed Tours United Methodist Church

Obed Aying of First United Methodist Church was gracious enough to give a tour of his church.

The tour included his office, several sanctuaries, the music room, banquet hall, English-learning room and children's rooms. The building contained plenty of distinctive details, including a starry draped ceiling in one children's room and glass walls overlooking an interior courtyard covered with children's doodles and inspirational sayings. Another area had retro-style stools and a checkered floor.

Pastor Casey and Pastor Obed offered a glimpse into the practical side of operating a church, explaining terms such as “parsonage” and describing systems they have in place to prevent fraud. They also discussed how church finances can be reinvested into the community and used to help people in need.

A History of United Methodist Church 

The history of First United Methodist Church stretches back to the earliest years of Grant County.

In 1886, church services were held at the schoolhouse and later at the hotel. In 1887, services moved to a private home and then to the town hall. By 1888, services were being held in the Opera House.

The church's early history was closely tied to Methodist ministers who traveled across the developing plains. Rev. Irvin Brown Pulliam, an early Methodist minister in the area, described the difficult conditions faced by circuit-riding preachers:

“The Methodist Episcopal preacher has been an important factor in this state-building business. He has eaten from pine tables, slept on the homemade bedstands, kneeled on the bare floor of the of sod house and dugout, and carried to the throne of grace the destiny of the struggling state.”

Pulliam went on to describe ministers facing blizzards to reach small groups gathered in sod schoolhouses and sharing in the grief of families who lost loved ones on the isolated plains.

The Ulysses Republican later recalled that during Pulliam's time as the first Methodist missionary in Grant County, a pastor's compensation could consist of “eggs, butter, potatoes, possibly a ham or side of bacon or even a quarter of beef.”

In 1889, plans were made to construct a church. However, the county became so thinly settled that the project was abandoned. Later, after the church moved to its new location, a building was constructed through public subscriptions and was used by people of various faiths.

The church also reflected changing attitudes within the community. In 1890, an election was held on whether women should be permitted to preach. The verdict was unanimous in favor.

The United Methodist Church became the first organized church in Grant County. During Ulysses' early years at its original location, Methodist ministers were often chosen as pastors because, according to the church's historical account, there appeared to be more Methodists in the community than members of any other denomination.

As the community developed, the church became more than a place for Sunday worship. Its basement served as a gathering place for numerous Grant County organizations.

In 1926, the congregation met to plan the purchase of lots for a new church building. The resulting structure became known as the “Cathedral of the Plains,” because its building and spire “stood out with such beauty and boldness over the surrounding countryside.”

The church's musical traditions also grew during this period. A pipe organ was given to the church and dedicated in 1931.

The church continued to serve the community during difficult years. In 1935, during a measles and influenza epidemic, a hospital was established in the church through the American Red Cross. For several years, the church's nursery rooms were also used as classrooms when the public school became overcrowded.

The church endured the hardships of the Dust Bowl and Great Depression, with its debt finally paid off in 1944.

In 1949, mass chimes were dedicated at the church. On Christmas morning in 1952, the organ and chimes rang over the city, made possible by the addition of an amplification system. Sunday morning worship services were also broadcast over KULY radio.

The church's historical account reflects on the decades of hardship and prosperity:

“To many of you will come memories of days of great darkness, again of days living on the hill tops – days of great sacrifice and hard labor and again gifts of great love and inspiration. These have been full, abundant years. Our sacrifice and service is measured by our fulfillment.”