Published in the Jefferson City, Mo. "Daily Tribune" for Aug 30, 1876; pg. 1, col. 2.

The Methodist Episcopal Church (South) of Jefferson City was organized in October, 1841, with forty members. The only names preserved on the records, however, were R. F. Kerr, H. Hough and James A. McClain who were the officers of the first quarterly conference. Prior to this, William M. Kerr erected a residence near the penitentiary where he organized a class in 1838. Prayer meetings had also been held alternately in the homes of Peter McLain, John D. Curry, William Kerr and Jesse Waldron. Public services were held in the old State House (where the Governor's Mansion now stands), the old County Court House and an old school building. The old church, located at 222 East Main Street, was begun in 1839 and finished and dedicated in 1843.

The first pastor in charge here was Rev. Jesse L. Bennett, serving one year in 1841. In 1842 Rev. J. W. Chandler took charge and greatly assisted in pushing forward the completion of the church building then in course of construction. During the second year as pastor, the church was dedicated, Rev. Thomas Wallace preaching the dedicatory sermon. The next pastors in charge were Revs. W. H. Lewis, J. H. Linn, W. Wharton, J. Stamper, T.H. Caper, Thomas T. Ashby, A.L. Hamilton, T.M. Finney, Joseph Boyle, J.V. Headenburg, John H. Headly, William M. Leftwick, each serving one year except Rev. T.M. Finney, who served two years.

When the Civil War broke out, Dr. Leftwick, who was the presiding elder of the district, continued to hold services as long as he could. Services were also held by Rev. Jacob Ditzler who became pastor later. The church was broken up and the membership scattered, most of whom worshipped with the Northern church. During his pastorate here Rev. Ditzler expressed his opinions, and was to have been arrested by the Northern soldiers, when Mrs. Allen Richardson, wife of Col. Richardson, a Northern sympathizer, and a warm friend of Rev. Ditzler, advised him to leave, which he did. After his departure Rev. Josiah Godbey from Saline County held services once every three months.

The Northern soldiers had taken possession of the church building and the members worshipped at the old court house and different places whenever they could. After the war (1866) the first pastor was Rev. George W. Horn who, with the congregation, again worshipped in the old church, although the building was much abused and out of order. Services continued in the building until the walls were undermined by water, resulting in tearing the corner away, and they were compelled to again seek the shelter of the old court house. This was during the pastorate of Rev. Dr. W. M. Prottsman (1872-1873). It was then decided to build a new church, a fund being started for this purpose by selling the old church and parsonage which was at 517 East Main Street.

The membership was not very large, although the largest of any church in the city at the time. The building was finished and simply furnished in 1874, during the pastorate of Dr. C.C. Woods who laid the corner stone of the church, Bishop Marvin assisting in the services. Later the ladies of the Round Table Society purchased a pipe organ.

In 1879 Dr. W. B. Palmore, who later became editor of the St. Louis Christian Advocate, was sent to take charge and during his stay the alcove in the church was built, other improvements made and a parsonage erected. This pastor did more to build up and put the church in a prosperous condition than any who preceded him. He denied himself the comforts of life that he might give money to the up-building of the church, sleeping in a little room above and taking his meals at the hotel.

The church was repaired and refurnished from time to time, but never added to since the alcove was built. The history of the church, with a list of pastors, officers and members, was placed in the cornerstone of the new parsonage on East Main Street, which was laid under the auspices of the Grand Masonic Lodge, the Grand Master officiating.

Dr. Palmore remained four years until 1882, the only pastor who had been retained that length of time. He was succeeded by Rev. Thomas M. Cobb, who was followed three years later by Rev. James M. Boon who served two years. Rev. S.R. Hunter served two years, Rev. W. T. McClure two years, Rev. William B. North one year, Rev. J. N. Huggins two years, and Rev. J. C. Given, three years. Rev. A. H. Barnes came in 1898 and was still there in 1900. The congregation at that time numbered over 500, making it necessary to build a new and larger church house. They purchased a lot on the corner of Main and Monroe streets and began construction of the building, designed by architect Charles Opel, shown below. It was estimated the cost of the building would be about $25,000.

The building committee was composed of Gen. H. Clay Ewing, President; L. D. Gordon, M.R. Sinks and T.M. Bradbury. The officers at that time were: Board of Stewards: Gen. H. Clay Ewing, Chairman; A.R. Johnson, Secretary; Frank Stanfil, George B. Anderson, Max Thiel, J. M. Jobe, Gov. Lon V. Stephens, T.M. Bradbury, M.R. Sinks, Jefferson Menteer, John Ruthven and L. D. Gordon. The Board of Trustees was M. R. Sinks, Gen. H. Clay Ewing, Gov. Lon V. Stephens, T.M. Bradbury, Frank Stanfli, J. W. Ruthven, A.R. Johnson. M.R. Sinks was Superintendent of the Sunday school; A.R. Johnson, Assistant; Harry Gordon, Secretary; Miss Annie Ober, Treasurer. Of the Ladies' Missionary Society, Mrs. M. D. Williams was President; Mrs. A.R. Johnson, Vice-President; Mrs. W.E. McMahan, Secretary, and Mrs. George B. Anderson Treasurer. Earl Oliver was President of the Epworth League; Mrs. Smith Arnett was Secretary and Treasurer.

Taken from this website.

Published in the Jefferson City, Mo. "Daily Tribune" for July 7, 1877; pg.1, col. 5
The identity of the author, A.M.F., is unknown at the time of this writing.

Methodist Episcopal Church, circa 1891

James was a member of this denomination but it is unknown if he attended this church building in Jefferson City or one closer to his home in Hickory Hill.

Taken from this website