FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

Before Hooker County was organized as a county, religious services were being held in the Sandhills and the vision of those early settlers and their circuit rider preachers, had now become a reality in our beautiful church in Mullen. Early church services were held in the school house in the northwest section of Mullen after a Methodist organization was formed by Rev. W.G. Vessell at Thedford, Nebraska on July 29, 1888. When the school burned down, the services were held in the H.J. Lowe building on the second floor, known as Lowe's Hall and later as the Lodge Hall.

The church was incorporated in August, 1903 and filed in the Hooker County records September 21, 1903. Trustees: C.M. Barne-bey, H.J. Lowe, J.N. Snyder, William Barne-bey and T.F. Parsons.

The Barnebey family deserves much credit for the Methodist organization in Mullen. William and Lydia joined the Mullen Class in 1891. C.M. Barnebey joined in 1892, also Hugh and Margaret Boyer. Dennis and Sarah E. Boyer and son Hugh and wife, Sarah joined in 1903. The Circuit Rider was always welcome in their home.

Our first church, a frame building, costing $454.35, was dedicated August 26, 1906. Rev. Backemeyer, pastor. In 1907, a basket supper was given by the ladies to raise money for the erection of the belfry which was transferred to the second church. The second church was planned with Pastor Lee Boyer. The frame church was moved into the street west, May 18, 1936. The first service held in this new brick church was Easter Sunday April 17, 1938 by Pastor A.J. Hindman and the dedication was on Mother's Day May 12, 1940 under the pastorate of Rev. A.J. Runnels.

August 26, 1945 the `God's Herd Calf sale' was started, as the church celebrated it's 54th anniversary with Rev. Harold Baker as pastor. The sale is still held annually but became more of a Fall Festival as calves became fewer for sale. More recently money has been given in place of calves. A beef dinner is served by the United Methodist Women.

May 11, 1952 beautiful stained glass windows, donated in memory of loved ones, were dedicated by Rev. C. Edwin Murphy, District Superintendent and Rev. Curtis Norlin.

A building committee met in January 1962 with the idea to enlarge the church or build a new one on a different site. Rev. J.B. Choate renewed the interest which had been discus-sed in the 50's and through the years. On March 31, 1966 it was voted by an over-whelming majority to build on a new location, with the assurance that the stained glass windows would be a part of the west wall of the Fellowship Hall.

March 31, 1968, the day was begun with a `day of transition'. The service began in the old brick church and then every member, young and old, took song books, Bibles, flags, etc and walked the distance to the new large brick church in the northwest part of Mullen, in high spirits and excitement of the occasion, with the services concluding in the new church.

The church held dedication services by Rev. Dwight Kemling, December 1, 1974. An additional brick wall was built in 1978 for energy saving purposes and as an additional protection for the stained glass windows which are more beautiful when the afternoon sun shines through them.

In 1977 while Rev Harry Walles was pastor a Pictoral Directory was made. In August 1982, the pews of the church were upholster-ed and ceiling fans were installed for added comfort and beauty. Designated Memorial funds paid for these improvements under the supervision of Rev. David Lux. He also started us on an Advent booklet. The booklet was made with a devotion, meditation or story contributed by a different person each day during the Advent season of December. This has continued each year since.

During Rev. George Kilmer's pastorate we had Dial-A-Devotion during Lent. Each day was given by a different person. Also a Come-and-Go Communion service from 6:30-8:00 A.M. on each Wednesday during Lent.

During 1986 the church held a different money making project each month. All resident members included in sharing. The largest one during December was telling the Christmas Story from Luke 2: 10-20, by paying so much per word.

In 1987 a Seder Supper was held and a Paschal candle was burned continuously for forty days from Easter Eve to May 28. Rev. Don Morton was pastor.

The young peoples society, `The Epworth League' came into being in 1914-1916. They bought a piano in the early days and in 1945 set a goal to purchase an organ for the church. This group is now renamed the Methodist Youth Fellowship. They contributed funds in memory of Rev. David Scott for some new Hymnals the church was purchasing. Through giving Bible plays they earned money to purchase the candelabra, the candle holders and the flower vases for the church.

All three of the Methodist churches have always had an active church choir. Each member has an attractive robe to wear which makes a beautiful addition for the services.