Silver City First UMC

CALENDAR OF PASTORS

1873 Thomas Harwood                        1906 J. H. Jackson                         1929 J. E. Mumford
1877 N. H. Gale                                 1909 J. H. Murray                        1934 H. M. Merkle
1879 Emory Brooks                            1912 M. O. Stockland                      1937 R. P. Tucker
1881 E. Allen                                     1916 E. H. Hammond                         1939 H. L. McAlester
1887 Rev. Tapham                              1917 W. E. Saville                           1943 G. W. Alexander
1889 R. E. Pierce                               1918 J. H. Elden                              1944 R. L. Willingham
1892 W. S. Finch                               1919 F. C. Harding                           1946 B. W. Dennis
1897 A. H. Hyde                                1922 C. S. H. Koch                           1947 J. L. Carpenter
1898 J. G. Ruoff                               1924 C. D. Cottingham                      1951 W. Douglas
1900 T. W. Poole                               1926 H. P. Johnson                           1954 C. S. Walker
1902 J. G. Harshaw                           1927 Nelson Wurgler                        1959 A. B. Cavanaugh
1906 A. P. Morrison                                                                                 1962 K. Ford
          W. A. Pratt                                                                                    1964 J. G. Wayne
          Rev. Nichol                                                                                       1969 A. C. Pace

FIRST CHURCH 1880

Dr. Harwood in 1873, traveled from his Tiptonville home, near Watrous, in October with J.J. Chandler's freighting party crossing the divide between Watrous and Las Vegas, continuing through Santa Fe, Santa Rosa, Lost River, White Sands, San Argentine to Las Cruces, thence across the Rio Grande and to Silver City by way of the Mimbres and Hudson Hot Springs. He preached here on October 12th.
The Silver City church was the first Protestant church between Santa Fe and Fort Yuma on the south to build its own building. Dr. Harwood dedicated it on April 4, 1880. He arrived in February of that year finding those holding a debt of $1800 restless and threatening litigation. He says: "I felt discouraged. I sat down one day in Mr. Crawford's store." He said, "Dr. Harwood, if you could spend a week or two here and take hold of this work you could finish it up. I will double my subscription of $150.00" I answered, "All right, the church shall be finished." I arranged with the contractor, and promised to be back April 1 with a new pastor (Rev. Emory Brooks of Greencastle, Indiana) and dedicate the church. The board of church extension had promised an extra donation of $250. We raised the last $600 on dedication day." The building was of adobe on a lot purchased from James Corbin, corner of Broadway and Bayard.

(From NOTES ON THE BEGINNINGS OF SOUTHERN METHODIST CHURCHES IN THE FAR SOUTHWEST by Rev. Charles Walker--From 1959 annual report of the Historical Society)

In 1881 the parsonage was built. Rev. E. L. Allen was pastor. The house still stands on the northeast corner of the intersection of Broadway and Cooper Streets.

SPECIAL PLAQUE

The First United Methodist Church of Silver City, New Mexico began as a preaching point.

Accreditation of preaching points was the custom of the national Methodist organization, and answers the question of how a church is legally a church without a church building.

A plaque in the foyer of the present church reads:
The American Association of Methodist Historical Societies
and the Annual Conference of the Methodist Church
Celebrating the 200th anniversary of the beginning of the
Methodist Ministry in America in the Annual Conference Session
at Las Cruces, N. M. on May 18, 1966
RECOGNIZE, HONOR AND DECLARE
Silver City, New Mexico First Methodist Church
To be the oldest continuing congregation in the El Paso District
of the said annual conference among the churches organized by
the former Methodist Episcopal Church
Signed
W. Angie Smith, Bervin Caswell, A.C. Douglas, Joe B. Scrimshire

METHODISM

Methodism in New Mexico was started in Santa Fe in 1850 by Rev. E. George Nicholson who was a missionary of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Rev. Nicholson was assisted by Rev. Walter Hanson
and by Padre Benigo Cardenas, who was a converted priest.

    1. On November 10, 1853, the Father Cardenas preached the first Protestant sermon in Spanish.
    2. On November 20, 1853, Rev. Nicholson baptized a baby in the Senate Chamber in Santa Fe.
    3. Rev. Hanson, assisted by Padre Cardenas, opened a Day School at Tecolote.
    4. Also in 1853, Rev. Nicholson's work resulted in the conversion of Don Ambrozio Gonzales.
        The Gonzales family had an influential effect on Methodism in New Mexico.

    As a result, it can be said that:
    1. The first protestant sermon in Spanish was preached in New Mexico by a Methodist.
    2. The first Portestant baptism in New Mexico was by a Methodist.
    3. The first Protestant Spanish mission established in New Mexico was by a Methodist.
    4. And the first Protestant preacher for Spanish work ordained in New Mexico was a Methodist.

A destiny making event for the Southwest was the coming to New Mexico of Rev. Thomas Horwood of Delaware. Dr. Harwood was a teacher, preacher, surveyor, Army Chaplain, a courageous and devoted Christian in every sense. He was accompanied by his wife, Emma Harwood, who in her own right was an able teacher, administrator and consecrated missionary. For nearly half a century, Dr. Harwood directed and labored, and for 34 years Mrs. Harwood taught, organized and directed -- tegether making a distinct epoch in the civil and religious history of New Mexico, Southern California, Colorado and Kansas, especially among the native peoples.

In this earliest period of which we speak, New Mexico was the hardest and most difficult field for free and intelligent religion to be found under our flag, and one of the hardest anywhere. Under the Harwoods, scores of day schools, a Bible College and Industrial Institute were later established and before his death Dr. Harwood had seen a hundred ministers raised up in this vast southwest, and freedom of education and conscience had made great strides. The early years were hard. Supersition abounded, life was cheap, the white populations was small and too often of no great credit.

In 1874 the General Conference gave New Mexico a home which was to last for many years. It created the Denver Conference, with New Mexico as a constituent part. This arrangement continued until New Mexico became autonomous.

Success in New Mexico was the result of the efforts of the Denver Conference entering from the North, and the West Texas Conference entering from the Southeast. In nine years, the work grew to include twenty-eight pastoral changes, supervised by three presiding elders.

During the 80's and the 90's Methodism flourished in the city and country. There was even an attempt to establish a Methodist college. Dr. W. T. Thornton, District Superintendent, wrote in 1888 that "at Silver City the citizens donated a tract of 200 acres of land, platted into 1300 lots, on condition that we erect a $5,000 building within three years. We accepted the terms and chartered "Silver City College".

However, a college was started about the same time in Albuquerque and as Methodism could not support two colleges, it was decided to center assistance on the Albuquerque school.

SILVER CITY

"The first settler in what is now Silver City built his cabin here in the earlier part of 1870. His name was J. Hurlbut and his house was situated just below where the town now stands, about where the Chinese gardens are now. (So began the history of the Mission Church of the Good Shepherd, Silver City, N. M., written by the Rev. Edward S. Grossin, 1895.) While absent from the house during the same year, the family was attacked by Indians and massacred, he himself escaping to Pinos Altos, not withstanding this massacre. Other settlers arrived during the latter part of the same year, and more in 1871 and 1872. By the year 1873 there were in the neighborhood of 300 person in San Vicente.

"The first religious services held in the town were Roman Catholic. The servies of the Episcopal Church were the second, the Congregationalists followed, but gained no permanent foothold. In 1895 only the Romanists, Methodists and Espiscopals maintain an active existence.

"One must remember that the above notations have reference to services which pre-date any building activity. They were in the main, services in the parlors of homes, in school rooms, and in any other available locations, and they were the necessary medicine for such institutions as the 'Red Onion' and the 'Blue Goose; ' -- early day saloons."

Watch for more articles about the History of
Silver City First United Methodist Church.

Silver City First UMC Home	CALENDAR OF PASTORS 1873 Thomas Harwood 1906 J. H. Jackson 1929 J. E. Mumford 1877 N. H. Gale 1909 J. H. Murray 1934 H. M. Merkle 1879 Emory Brooks 1912 M. O. Stockland 1937 R. P. Tucker 1881 E. Allen 1916 E. H. Hammond 1939 H. L. McAlester 1887 Rev. Tapham 1917 W. E. Saville 1943 G. W. Alexander 1889 R. E. Pierce 1918 J. H. Elden 1944 R. L. Willingham 1892 W. S. Finch 1919 F. C. Harding 1946 B. W. Dennis 1897 A. H. Hyde 1922 C. S. H. Koch 1947 J. L. Carpenter 1898 J. G. Ruoff 1924 C. D. Cottingham 1951 W. Douglas 1900 T. W. Poole 1926 H. P. Johnson 1954 C. S. Walker 1902 J. G. Harshaw 1927 Nelson Wurgler 1959 A. B. Cavanaugh 1906 A. P. Morrison 1962 K. Ford W. A. Pratt 1964 J. G. Wayne Rev. Nichol 1969 A. C. Pace FIRST CHURCH 1880 Dr. Harwood in 1873, traveled from his Tiptonville home, near Watrous, in October with J.J. Chandler's freighting party crossing the divide between Watrous and Las Vegas, continuing through Santa Fe, Santa Rosa, Lost River, White Sands, San Argentine to Las Cruces, thence across the Rio Grande and to Silver City by way of the Mimbres and Hudson Hot Springs. He preached here on October 12th. The Silver City church was the first Protestant church between Santa Fe and Fort Yuma on the south to build its own building. Dr. Harwood dedicated it on April 4, 1880. He arrived in February of that year finding those holding a debt of $1800 restless and threatening litigation. He says: "I felt discouraged. I sat down one day in Mr. Crawford's store." He said, "Dr. Harwood, if you could spend a week or two here and take hold of this work you could finish it up. I will double my subscription of $150.00" I answered, "All right, the church shall be finished." I arranged with the contractor, and promised to be back April 1 with a new pastor (Rev. Emory Brooks of Greencastle, Indiana) and dedicate the church. The board of church extension had promised an extra donation of $250. We raised the last $600 on dedication day." The building was of adobe on a lot purchased from James Corbin, corner of Broadway and Bayard. (From NOTES ON THE BEGINNINGS OF SOUTHERN METHODIST CHURCHES IN THE FAR SOUTHWEST by Rev. Charles Walker--From 1959 annual report of the Historical Society) In 1881 the parsonage was built. Rev. E. L. Allen was pastor. The house still stands on the northeast corner of the intersection of Broadway and Cooper Streets. SPECIAL PLAQUE The First United Methodist Church of Silver City, New Mexico began as a preaching point. Accreditation of preaching points was the custom of the national Methodist organization, and answers the question of how a church is legally a church without a church building. A plaque in the foyer of the present church reads: The American Association of Methodist Historical Societies and the Annual Conference of the Methodist Church Celebrating the 200th anniversary of the beginning of the Methodist Ministry in America in the Annual Conference Session at Las Cruces, N. M. on May 18, 1966 RECOGNIZE, HONOR AND DECLARE Silver City, New Mexico First Methodist Church To be the oldest continuing congregation in the El Paso District of the said annual conference among the churches organized by the former Methodist Episcopal Church Signed W. Angie Smith, Bervin Caswell, A.C. Douglas, Joe B. Scrimshire METHODISM Methodism in New Mexico was started in Santa Fe in 1850 by Rev. E. George Nicholson who was a missionary of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Rev. Nicholson was assisted by Rev. Walter Hanson and by Padre Benigo Cardenas, who was a converted priest. 1. On November 10, 1853, the Father Cardenas preached the first Protestant sermon in Spanish. 2. On November 20, 1853, Rev. Nicholson baptized a baby in the Senate Chamber in Santa Fe. 3. Rev. Hanson, assisted by Padre Cardenas, opened a Day School at Tecolote. 4. Also in 1853, Rev. Nicholson's work resulted in the conversion of Don Ambrozio Gonzales. The Gonzales family had an influential effect on Methodism in New Mexico. As a result, it can be said that: 1. The first protestant sermon in Spanish was preached in New Mexico by a Methodist. 2. The first Portestant baptism in New Mexico was by a Methodist. 3. The first Protestant Spanish mission established in New Mexico was by a Methodist. 4. And the first Protestant preacher for Spanish work ordained in New Mexico was a Methodist. A destiny making event for the Southwest was the coming to New Mexico of Rev. Thomas Horwood of Delaware. Dr. Harwood was a teacher, preacher, surveyor, Army Chaplain, a courageous and devoted Christian in every sense. He was accompanied by his wife, Emma Harwood, who in her own right was an able teacher, administrator and consecrated missionary. For nearly half a century, Dr. Harwood directed and labored, and for 34 years Mrs. Harwood taught, organized and directed -- tegether making a distinct epoch in the civil and religious history of New Mexico, Southern California, Colorado and Kansas, especially among the native peoples. In this earliest period of which we speak, New Mexico was the hardest and most difficult field for free and intelligent religion to be found under our flag, and one of the hardest anywhere. Under the Harwoods, scores of day schools, a Bible College and Industrial Institute were later established and before his death Dr. Harwood had seen a hundred ministers raised up in this vast southwest, and freedom of education and conscience had made great strides. The early years were hard. Supersition abounded, life was cheap, the white populations was small and too often of no great credit. In 1874 the General Conference gave New Mexico a home which was to last for many years. It created the Denver Conference, with New Mexico as a constituent part. This arrangement continued until New Mexico became autonomous. Success in New Mexico was the result of the efforts of the Denver Conference entering from the North, and the West Texas Conference entering from the Southeast. In nine years, the work grew to include twenty-eight pastoral changes, supervised by three presiding elders. During the 80's and the 90's Methodism flourished in the city and country. There was even an attempt to establish a Methodist college. Dr. W. T. Thornton, District Superintendent, wrote in 1888 that "at Silver City the citizens donated a tract of 200 acres of land, platted into 1300 lots, on condition that we erect a $5,000 building within three years. We accepted the terms and chartered "Silver City College". However, a college was started about the same time in Albuquerque and as Methodism could not support two colleges, it was decided to center assistance on the Albuquerque school. SILVER CITY "The first settler in what is now Silver City built his cabin here in the earlier part of 1870. His name was J. Hurlbut and his house was situated just below where the town now stands, about where the Chinese gardens are now. (So began the history of the Mission Church of the Good Shepherd, Silver City, N. M., written by the Rev. Edward S. Grossin, 1895.) While absent from the house during the same year, the family was attacked by Indians and massacred, he himself escaping to Pinos Altos, not withstanding this massacre. Other settlers arrived during the latter part of the same year, and more in 1871 and 1872. By the year 1873 there were in the neighborhood of 300 person in San Vicente. "The first religious services held in the town were Roman Catholic. The servies of the Episcopal Church were the second, the Congregationalists followed, but gained no permanent foothold. In 1895 only the Romanists, Methodists and Espiscopals maintain an active existence. "One must remember that the above notations have reference to services which pre-date any building activity. They were in the main, services in the parlors of homes, in school rooms, and in any other available locations, and they were the necessary medicine for such institutions as the 'Red Onion' and the 'Blue Goose; ' -- early day saloons." Watch for more articles about the History of Silver City First United Methodist Church.
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