In 1882, the good citizens of Mitchell determined that a permanent church to house the growing Methodist parishioners was needed. Up to this point they had been meeting in various locales; the Y.M.C.A., a room above a local saloon (the Longhorn) and a room in an old school house. The funds were secured and the structure was erected in 1883 for a total cost of $6,969.70. The building was formally dedicated on Sunday August 5, 1883. The church steadily increased its numbers until it reached the point where a larger building was required. The new church building, located at 310 N. Rowly, was completed in 1907 and formally dedicated in 1908. At this time the original church and land was sold to Nels Jensen, who converted the building into a boarding house. The bell tower and outer rooms were removed and a large porch added. The bell and stained glass windows were moved to the new church. The boarding house had 7 rooms on the second floor and the option for several more on the main floor. Each room had a small sink and the boarders would often bring in a small cook stove. In 1978 the building was sold and converted into a single family dwelling. The house still has all of the original woodwork, open staircase, pocket doors and transom windows.
The First Methodist Episcopal Church viewed from the north east.
