First United Methodist Church
By Fred Petrucelli
 
The stately First United Methodist Church, called "The Pride of Arkansas Methodism" when it opened in 1915, has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the nation's official roster of historically significant properties.
 
Word of the addition of the distinguished edifice to the register came down from Cathy Buford, director of the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program of the state Department of Arkansas Heritage, to the Rev. Phillip Hathcock, senior pastor of the church.
 
In the announcement, the state agency described the First United Methodist Church at the corner of Prince and Clifton Streets as a two-and-one-half story, brick masonry structure built 1914-1915 from a classic revival-style design by New York Architect George W. Kramer who was regarded as the foremost church architect of the day.
 
Kramer was said to be enamored with his design of the church, calling it "the most complete church building ever designed by my office."
 
The handsome sanctuary building was constructed under the guiding hand of E. W. Jenkins of Little Rock, who was listed as the superintendent of construction. A Mr. Graham of Conway served as the local construction foreman.
 
Proportions Acclaimed
 
The church's magnificent proportions were acclaimed by the preservation specialists, who wrote after an exhaustive examination of the site: "The overall composition, with its weight, symmetry and stasis, distinguishes the First United Methodist Church as not only the finest example of this style within the city of Conway, but one of the most sophisticated, cohesive and ultimately successful designs in this architectural idiom in the entire state."
 
The church is regarded as a tangible link between the past and present, holding an important place in the portrayal of Arkansas' heritage.
 
The Rev. Joel Cooper, a former pastor of the church, and Ralph Scott Sr., church historian, were the catalysts who brought the church property to the attention of the Department of Heritage.
 
The Rev. Cooper has developed information that suggests the building was scheduled for completion in 1914 but that construction delays, financial woes and unfriendly weather disturbed the construction timetable.
 
"The building was supposed to cost $60,000 but it took another $5,000 for completion," he said. But when it was completed, the Log Cabin Democrat wrote that the building was 'one of the finest in the state,' he noted."
 
He said that the first "preaching" in the church was done on August 15,1915. By November 1 of the same year, all departments of the church were functioning. This fact led the Log Cabin Democrat to rhapsodize on Page 1: "It is the pride of Arkansas Methodism."
 
Ready for Conference
 
Actually, Rev. Cooper confided, church people of the day worked furiously in an effort to get the church ready for the annual conference scheduled for November 24. "They made it," he said, sounding as proud as the Methodists of 1915 must have been.
 
The Rev. Cooper recounts, a hint of impishness in his voice, the story of the opening of the church which had to vie for attention on the front page of the newspaper with an account of a horse that was frightened and ran off, apparently much to the consternation of its rider.
 
The church traces its beginning to the early 1870's at the southwest comer of present day Mill and Front Streets. A frame two-story building was donated to the congregation in 1873. However, the building was unfinished and the church entered into an agreement to allow the county to hold court in the place in exchange for materials to finish the structure.
 
Until 1879, volunteer ministers took part in services. Dr. J. J. Roberts was named minister in 1879, and he served for a year.
 
In 1883, the church received the gift of a lot at the southwest corner of Prince and Locust Streets, and it was there that the second church building was erected. It remained until 1899.
 
The third church building at Clifton and Prince Streets was called "The Little Red Church" and it was used until the present day church was constructed.
 
In 1880 there were 88 members of the church. In 1882-1884, the pastor's salary was $267.86. In the latter part of the 1880' s, the pastor's take home pay was $800.
 
From 1948 to 1969, the church was involved in expansion efforts that produced a parsonage, an educational building, a chapel and a youth building.
 
In its assessment of the church, the Preservation Program experts were impressed with the classical details they noted throughout the church. They said: "The pedimented (Grecian style of architecture) entrance portico with its Ionic columns, the pedimented entrances on the eastern, northern and southern elevations and the round dome that draws the eye upward from every view are the most obvious manifestations of this influence. However, the rich stained-glass windows are also of particular note, especially when viewed from within, as in the band of clear arched windows that fenestrate the drum of the dome. The red ceramic tile roof reinforces the overwhelming classical character, and the louvered metal lantern completes the entire composition."
 
An Impressive Facade
 
The church was constructed during the height of the Classical Revival style and remains the finest example of this architectural style locally. It's imposing portico which will have six new oak doors installed during phases of new renovations currently under way, is supported by six tall columns which present an impressive facade toward its principal approach along Prince Street from the east. The round dome, on which a new 8-foot cross is positioned, is in itself an imposing feature of the church.
 
Surveyors suggested that the interior of the church building appeared to be in remarkably good condition. Their notice ran to the choir loft and organ "rising behind the rostrum with the organ pipes set into a magnificent arch that draws the eye of the viewer. The loft and rostrum areas are finished in rich stained wood, as are the stairways that lead to the stained wood balconies that wrap around the sides and rear. The stained-glass windows throughout lend the interior a rich, golden light."
 
As previously noted, First United Methodist Church is in the midst of a renovation and construction program that carries a $1.5 million price tag. A large structure is being built which will connect the sanctuary with the fellowship hall, contain elevators which will allow for easy access to areas hitherto reached only by stairwells; contain nine new Sunday School classrooms, a new library section and a reception area. In addition, pastors' offices will be built into the space. The sanctuary itself has been outfitted with new heating and air conditioning systems at a cost of $250,000. New carpets have been laid down, new rest rooms installed and the interior painted.
 
The chronicles of the First United Methodist Church were carried in detail in the Log Cabin Democrat during the construction of the new sanctuary beginning on August 6, 1914. The newspaper noted that the massive columns for the new church had arrived.
 
The first of the set of six columns which will stand at the portal of the church have been received from the quarries and are being unloaded today. The columns, which are of Batesville marble, are 30 inches in diameter by 22 feet high, and will give the new edifice a most imposing appearance.
 
All but one car of the building stone has now been received and the brick work, which has been delayed by this account, will now be carried forward.
 
The building committee expects to have the Sunday School division of the church ready for occupancy next winter, but it will probably be a year before the entire structure is completed.
 
It was reported on July 31, 1915 that the Conway High School auditorium would no longer be used as a Sunday School room for the church. Work on Sunday School rooms in the new church is about completed and will be used for the first time next Sunday, August 8. The rooms in the new structure are large and conveniently located and will accommodate many additional scholars.
 
The newspaper announced on July 31,1915 that the first services would be held the next morning. The basement has been practically completed and until the Sunday School and main auditorium are completed, it will be used for both Sunday School and preaching purposes. No services will be held at night, however, on account of the electric wiring being uncoupled.
 
Announcement was made at yesterday's services that the elegant new $60,000 Methodist church at Conway, the pride of Arkansas Methodism, will be opened in all its departments for the first time on Sunday, November 14. On Friday preceding this day, a great reception will be given in the building, at which the public will be permitted to inspect it. The Sunday school rooms of the church have been used for several weeks as a place of worship, and it has been planned to complete the main auditorium in time for the annual North Arkansas conference, which convenes here November 24, but the building will be ready, it is announced, about 10 days ahead of this time.
 
The Methodist Bulletin of yesterday had the following to say about the opening of the new church:
 
"Mr. Jenkins assures us that he will have the church auditorium in readiness for services two weeks from today. This will be a great day in Conway Methodism. It is a day that we have been looking forward to for many long months. It is a great reality that, in spite of all its reality, seems like a great dream yet to be realized. But we suppose we shall get used to it all and settle down to enjoy the great good fortune that is ours.
 
On Friday night before we expect to begin using our new church, the pastor has planned to have a great reception. The entire building will be lighted and thrown open to the public. We expect a thousand guests for the evening. Everything will be done to make the time pass pleasantly and to assist the members of our church and those of our sister churches who visit us in getting acquainted with the various rooms of the building and their uses. Also it will be a great pleasure for us all to be together. This reception will be given by the Board of Stewards. These men will be stationed in the various rooms and will gladly answer any questions, and will see that everybody has a good time."
 
In commemoration of the opening of the new Methodist church in Conway, special services will be held tomorrow morning and tomorrow night. All departments will be opened tomorrow for the first time. Monday night the board of stewards will give a reception, to which everybody is invited.
 
The special services will start at the Sunday school hour, 9:30 o'clock, when a program, the theme of which is "Immigrants," will be given. Rupert H. Weems, assistant superintendent, will be in charge.
 
The pastor, Dr. F.S.H. Johnston, will preach at 11 o'clock a.m. The rite of baptism will be administered, to a number of candidates at this time.
 
Tomorrow night at 7:30 o'clock the choir will give a sacred concert. The following program will be rendered:
 
Hymn-"Holy, Holy, Holy"-Congregation.
Invocation-Dr. F. S. H. Johnston.
Anthem, "Heaven and Earth Declare"-The Choir. Solo, "Ave Maria"-Mrs. J. T. Deal.
Anthem, "Be Joyful in the Lord"-The Choir.
Lesson.
Prayer.
Duet, "God's Mercy"-Mrs. Leverett, Miss Echlin.
Address-Dr. F. S. H. Johnston.
Offertory, "Farewell"-Miss Sallie Harton.
Anthem, Recessional-The Choir.
Male Quartet. "Content"-Messrs. Anderson, Echlin, Craig, Gardner.
Solo, "Beyond the Gates of Paradise"-Mr. Craig.
Anthem, "When Shadows Fall"- The Choir.
Female Quartet, "There were Ninety and Nine"-Mrs. Leverett, Misses Echlin, Muth, Craig.
Anthem, "Praise Ye the Lord"-The Choir.
Hymn, "All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name"- Congregation.
 
The reception or "house-warming," which will be given Monday night at 8 o'clock, promises to be an interesting occasion. All guests are requested to register at the secretary's room, near the south entrance, when a souvenir will be given to each. Members of the church will be stationed at each of the 50 rooms in the building to explain the use of the rooms.
 
Tomorrow's services will mark the opening of one of the most handsome church buildings in the south. It was erected at a cost of about $65,000. It was in the course of erection about two years, during which time the members utilized the public school building as a place of worship. The building which the new church supplants was erected in 1899, being in use 14 years.
 
The First United Methodist Church services, according to an old handwritten Conference record, were first held when a construction camp was located at "Conway Station" while the Little Rock and Fort Smith Railway was being built westward in 1870. The group met in the camp, later in box cars set out on a railroad siding, and afterwards in the railroad station building.
 
In 1871, a community center building was erected on the comer of Front and Mill Streets. The Methodists had use of the building once a month. Services were held by intolerant preachers and a local minister, John H. McCulloch. Others recorded as preaching in the early days included J.J. Tarleton, Abel C. Ray, W.R. Knowlton, H.C. Jolly, Burton Williams, and T.A. Graham. The first mention of Conway in the Arkansas Conference minutes was the Annual Conference report of November, 1879. John J. Roberts was assigned as the first regularly appointed pastor. On March 13, 1873, Nan Tyler, for the consideration of "Love for the Cause of Christ," transferred the title of the Front and Mill Street property to the Church. In May of 1884, it was sold to a black Baptist congregation.
 
The church and town grew together. The second Methodist building was located on the southwest corner of Locust and Prince Street on property acquired from Col. Asa P. Robinson on April 7, 1883. When the building was outgrown, it was sold to the Episcopalians.
 
In 1889, the Rev. E. A. Tabor led a campaign to bring Hendrix College to Conway and helped raise $55,000 for that purpose. That same year, Methodists led the successful fight which drove the saloons out of Conway.
 
On April 15, 1898, Mrs. Annie Duncan Durham deeded to the trustees the site where the present church stands, and a brick building was begun. A story in the Log cabin Democrat of that day says that is was "one of the handsomest churches in the state," and "when completed nearly $8,000 will have been expended." Finished in the spring of 1899, it contained stained glass windows of unusual beauty. There was an "amen corner," and two front doors - one for the women, one for the men. In 1913, the Rev. E. R. Steel led a movement to tear this building down and erect a larger one. Foundations were laid and our present building was completed in 1914, while Rev. F. S. H. Johnston held this charge. There were 705 members that year.
 
During World War I, a frame building was erected on the north side of the main church for Sunday School. Members of First Methodist Church also assisted in the establishment of Wesley Memorial Church in the eastern part of Conway about this time.
 
In 1948, a parsonage was erected on the corner of Prince and Center Streets.
 

The interior of the First United Methodist Church
 

Another view of the Sanctuary
 
In 1955, the Church erected an educational building with a Chapel and Parlor to replace the old frame building. In 1969, a youth building and fellowship center was completed.

Faulkner Facts and Fiddlings
Volume XXXV, Spring and Summer, 1993
No.1-2, pp. 1-7