A HERITAGE WHICH PREDATES STATEHOOD

"There's gold in them 'dar hills!" The above became a rallying cry in 1858 after gold was found in Colorado, and people travelled from afar to relocate in places like Golden City- and other mining camps along the Front Range- in search of personal riches and wealth. Rev. Jacob Adriance and Rev. W.H. Goode co-founded Golden's Methodist-Episcopal Church on July 17, 1859. It was both the second Methodist and the second Protestant congregation in Colorado! Rev. Adriance served as the church's first pastor.

Above: It was 1869, under the pastorate of Rev. Bethuel T. (B.T.) Vincent, when the Methodist-Episcopal church established its first brick-and-mortar home in Golden, Colorado. This view looks west from the intersection of 14th and Washington Streets.	Additional Information: Learn more about the beginnings of Methodism in Golden: Rev. Jacob Adriance and the Early Golden Church Learn more about Golden, Colorado's heritage: The History of Golden View old photos (postcards) of Golden and environs: Historical Golden Area Postcards

The founding of Golden's Methodist-Episcopal Church occurred two months before the formation of the provisional government known as the Territory of Jefferson, and two full years ahead of the Congressional declaration of the Territory of Colorado authorized in September, 1861.

It was not until August 1, 1876, that Colorado achieved statehood. Golden First United Methodist Church (First UMC) is now the oldest continually-worshipping Methodist congregation in Colorado. Our Sunday School, establish- ed in 1860 (just a few months after the church was founded) remains the oldest in the state!

	Above: The view north up Washington Avenue from the Methodist Church (on left) sometime after the 1903 enlargement and remodeling of the building. Left: Golden's Methodist Church following the completion of the Educa- tion Building in 1954!
You may view the sanctury of the church (above) here [click].

The Golden Methodist Church moved from 14th and Washing- ton to its current location on 15th and Ford in 1962. 2005 marks the 146th year of Methodism in Golden, Colorado! In this new millenium, Golden First UMC remains cognizant of its heritage -- and focused on the ongoing challenges of Christian Discipleship!
Above: Golden's First United Methodist Church, on 15th and Ford, as it looked following completion in 1962! More photos- and the architect's drawing- are available here [click].

Top
History Home
Golden First UMC Home

Golden, Colorado's First United Methodist Church
Last Revised: March 31, 2005.