Lincoln United Methodist Church was formed in 1889
With the coming of the railroad on October 31, 1861, the town of Lincoln grew. They came from all points of the compass, from Civil War veterans seeking good farmland, to ranchers looking to raise horses and savvy businessmen seeking profit in the mining and pottery industries. Our Methodist chapel was organized in February 1889 with 22 members, and building began in 1890, attracting 70 additional members. The Rev. Henry Montesquie McKnight was pastor during the construction of the building. He named the church McTyeire Memorial Methodist Church in honor of Bishop Holland McTyeire, one of the founders of Vanderbilt University.
The United Methodist Church, now the third-largest church in America, continues the Methodist movement founded in the 18th century in England by John Wesley. In 1968, a long process of consolidation of various Methodist churches in the United States culminated in the formation of the United Methodist Church by the merger of the Methodist Church (1939-1968) and the United Evangelical Brethren. United Methodists believe that God liberates people by grace, sustains them with grace even when they don’t know it is happening, and nurtures them with sanctifying grace as they grow.
Our Methodist Church is now the oldest in Lincoln. Constructed in the gothic revival style, it is known for the unique historic stained glass windows surrounding the sanctuary interior. Visitors come from great distances to see the colorful symbolism and inscriptions dedicated to pioneering circuit-horse-riding pastors, and others who contributed dramatically to the pioneer days of religion in our church.
Stained Glass Windows
There are 37 stained glass windows in the main building. Each window memorializes a Methodist circuit rider that served in California, but as far as anyone knows, none was ever associated with the Lincoln church. Why these men were selected for this honor remains a mystery. While many of the windows honor various men, the high circular windows in the gable honor women commissioned by the Woman’s Board of Foreign Mission to the Methodist Church South. The combined light from these beautiful windows brightens Sunday morning worship with a prism of rainbow sunshine that cascades into the sanctuary, reminding us of the empowering light of God that shines through the faithfulness of those who have gone before us.
Today, the Lincoln United Methodist church continues its tradition of living in God’s grace and sharing it with others. Our white chapel is at the intersection of Sixth Street and “I” street (between J and H) near the downtown “Lincoln Boulevard. You can still hear the old chapel bell ring come Sunday morning, If you wish for some time of quiet reflection in a traditional setting, this is a place where you can find prayer and grace.
Documentation assisted by “The History of Southern Methodism on the Pacific Coast” by Rev. J.C. Simmons, 1886 & Compiled by Will P. Ralph, Berkley, California 1968