Original church
1904 |
Church c.
1935 |
The First Methodist Church, led by Rev. E.H. Rubicam and five
members, was established in Kennewick in 1902. A wood frame church
was constructed in 1904 on the corner of Kenneick Ave and Dayton
Street on land donated by Howard Amon. Contractor A. V. McReynolds,
a church member, supervised the construction of the 30-ft. by
54-ft. church fronting on Kennewick Avenue. The church began
services there in April 1905 and the church building was dedicated
in February 1906. A parsonage was built immediately south of the
church in 1908.
As Kennewick grew, the wood frame building became too crowded and
was dismantled in 1920. A new 56' by 110' glazed burlap brick,
Gothic-style church would be built on the original location along
with a 34' by 52' annex. For two years during construction, church
services were held in a wooden tabernacle across Kennewick Avenue.
In late 1922, the new church finally opened and was dedicated in
June 1923.
In the post-World War II years, the needs of the church increased.
The parsonage was torn down to make room for construction of an
educational wing that was dedicated in October 1958. Many of the
houses that once surrounded the Church were purchased and
demolished in the 1960s in order to make room for parking. By the
Church's centenial in 2002, it had purchased the entire city block,
strengthening its vibrant presence in downtown Kennewick.
Among the finest interior features of the church are the priceless
stained glass windows. These were purchased by and dedicated to
some of Kennewick’s pioneers and can truly best be appreciated from
the sanctuary. They have been recently protected and are
beautifully lit at night. Also inside are the Ibach grand piano, an
historic (1947) Moller electric pipe organ, and oak, carved
altarpieces. The mechanical carillon in the bell tower brightens up
downtown Kennewick with its beautiful music and, since 1947, the
lighted cross in the tower has been a beacon for the
community.
Source: East Benton County Historical
Society
Note: This is on Public Property - There is no need to
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