Lyons First United Methodist Church

CHURCH HISTORY

THE FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OF LYONS

The First United Methodist Church of Lyons is the oldest Methodist Church in the Kansas West Conference. It was organized formally as a class by Rev. F. W. Griffith, a Methodist, the first minister in the county who preached the first sermon in the county. He was also the first representative to the State legislature. The Methodist Church was organized by Rev. M. J. Morse, newly arrived from Canada, in what was known as Buffalo Bill's Ranch house, 4 miles west and 2 miles south of Lyons. It was center of a circuit which included all of Rice County, Nickerson and Hutchinson. These soon set up their own independent charges.

Their first Sunday School was started in Atlanta, Kansas, June 23, 1872, a community effort with the Presbyterians, held alternate Sundays in the new school house. When the county seat was moved to the New Lyons, over a mile north, the church went there and in 1880 built a frame building at the corner of Commercial and Pioneer. Ten years later, an addition doubled the space. A new sanctuary was built in 1915 across the street west, and in 1966 an education building was built at the north end of that block.

The Methodist church continues to thrive and be in ministry for Jesus Christ in Lyons, and around the world in support and service. Many programs and ministries for the church and community bring inspiration to the congregation of 650 members. Lively Worship, Sunday School, Voice and Handbell Choirs, United Methodist Women, United Methodist Men, Bible Studies, Nurture Groups, United Methodist Youth Fellowships, Thrift Shop, and Food Bank are among the many programs that indicate the life and spirit of a growing church. During this life of 122 years, 44 pastors and 2 associate pastors have served this church.