Church celebrates 150 years

Nevada's oldest congregation is celebrating 150 years of serving the citizens of Carson City.

The First United Methodist Church was originally organized as the First Methodist Episcopal Church in 1859 under the pastorship of the Rev. Jesse Bennett. Several years later, in 1867, they moved into the building at Musser and Division streets - constructed of sandstone quarried by prisoners at the State Prison - which continues to be the congregation's home.

Through the years, church members have included Comstock miners, pioneer families and even prisoners at the Nevada State Prison.

The Rev. Rob Jennings-Teats has co-pastored the church with his wife, the Rev. Dixie Jennings-Teats, since 2000.

"We're the 50th pastors, so there's been a lot before us," Rob Jennings-Teats said. "I think it's positive to be part of a church that's had staying power and been a big part of this community since it's beginning."

Five of the congregation's past ministers will attend the sesquicentennial celebration at three services, 8, 9:30 and 11 a.m. on Sunday. The church will also celebrate with a float in today's Nevada Day Parade.

"We'd like to invite the community to join us on this special day," Jennings-Teats said. "We know that many in Carson City have been touched by this church over the years, whether it's through our involvement in Friends in Service Helping (FISH) or our annual Drive-Through Living Nativity."

The church makes its building available to such groups as AA and NA. Various meetings are held there just about every morning and evening.

"This congregation has always been outward oriented," he said.

"In the early years - meaning 100 years ago - the church was very active in support of a prison ministry. The church was active in trying to get some death row people commuted, which they were successful in doing. It helped people get resettled when they were released. Now, it's not unusual for a church to have a prison ministry, but 100 years ago it was quite unique."

The Methodist church's prison ministry continues and now includes Kairos, which ministers to families of prisoners. The congregation also partners with other historical churches in town in Circles of Support Network to help those who are on the edges of poverty.

Other outreaches include the Small Blessings preschool, groups who pray for and promote peace, and mission trips, especially to Guatemala. And, Nov. 24, the First United Methodist Church will host an interfaith Thanksgiving service.

Looking to the future, Jennings-Teats says the congregation of 560 members will need to look at expansion plans soon. Some Sundays require four services because of the growth, he said.

"The unique part of the history of our congregation (that goes into our future), is that we've been able to be a congregation made up of people that are diverse and that's our intent for our future," he said, citing the church motto: "Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors."

"We value differences and think that differences are part of the richness that is God's presence within us. That's been a long tradition here and we hope that continues. And, personally, I think that it's a big part of the Christian witness today, that we can include people who have different views and can still respect and appreciate each other. I think our culture and our society is moving away from this (and becoming polarized). Our society is so polarized and churches have been a big part of the polarizing.

"... We consider ourselves, not only the first church in Nevada, but part of the continuity of Christianity, the diversity of worship too."