Sikeston First United Methodist
~ Church History ~

This church history is a compilation of information from the published "History of the First United Methodist Church, 1867 - 1992" and personal reflections . We are currently revising that history.  Click here to find out how you can help.

 By Harry Sharp III

In 1867, the Town of Sikeston was approached on horseback by an itinerant preacher, the Rev. Lucillous F. Aspley. Reverend Aspley followed the railroad track to Sikeston as the area was swampy and travel difficult. Those railroad tracks, which ran through the middle of town had been torn up by union troops who occupied the town for a short while.

Thus, over 130 years ago, the Methodist Church began its history in Sikeston. The Methodist Sunday School, possibly the first Sunday School in Sikeston, met in an abandoned freight car.

The first church building was erected at Front and Stoddard Streets in 1879 and dedicated in 1880 (the site of the current Roman Catholic Church). However, it was soon outgrown, and a second church was built in 1891 at the corner of Center and New Madrid "in time to hold the St. Louis Annual Conference in the fall of 1891." The church building was just behind what is now the "east" lobby of Firstar Bank.

Nineteen years later, now in the Twentieth Century, the 1891 church was also too small. This led to the construction of the regionally famous "Dome Church" ~ the largest church between St. Louis and Memphis. A grand building of buff brick, it was often described as Byzantine and sometimes as semi-baroque or Romanesque. It had a semi-circle of Ionic columns facing the downtown area and a high dome as can be seen in this photo. The east and west walls had large stained & leaded glass windows from Belgium. The dominant window of each wall can be seen below.

The first service in the "Dome Church" was held on May 5, 1912. This church was located at the intersection of New Madrid and Harris Streets, facing New Madrid Street.

The Dome Church Sanctuary, 1958 ==>

The sanctuary underwent significant redecoration in the 1950s. The stenciling shown here was added then along with a much needed facelift. The pictures of the sanctuary and windows were taken by me  in the late summer of 1958. The sanctuary photo was a "test" picture to evaluate time exposures with my new camera. The pictures of the stained glass windows were my very first color photos and were taken using 127 Ektachrome film.

As you sat in this vaulting sanctuary, the east window on your left would catch the morning sun, the angel would become radiant, and the words "He is not here, He is risen" became emblazoned in your heart. This window was my favorite. The west window on your right, the favorite of my mother, showed Jesus in the temple at the age of 12. The distance from the floor to the top of the windows was 3 stories. This wonderful church and these magnificent windows burned in the early morning hours of March 23, 1968. That night, many sat and watched the flames lick this window into history.

Today the Ionic columns still stand as a silent reminder of the earthly glory that was this church. Reminding us that our earthly home is but for a moment, but we will live in the house of the Lord forever.

For a couple of historic pictures, including one of the fire that destroyed the dome church in 40 years ago in 1968, please click here.

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