History of Doniphan's Oldest Church

The Methodist presence in Ripley county actually predates the naming of the town of Doniphan in 1847.   The Methodist (then the Methodist Epsicopal Church South) was on Lafayette Street near the courthouse. In 1851 Rev Cullen Perry was assigned to the Doniphan Circuit.  His circuit extended into Butler county so he was able to preach at Doniphan once a month.   Since then there have been over 70 pastors that have served the needs of the Doniphan community. 

During the Civil war the building on Lafayette street was used as a hospital, but due to the deaths due to epedemic fever, the building was never used again as a church.  10 years later a lot was donated at the corner of Jackson and Washington street.  Here was built a Union Church.  This was a building used by multiple churches.  At the time it housed the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, a Baptist Congregation and the Methodist church.  

With the advent of the railroad, more families came in and a new home for the Methodist church was sought. A lot was bought on Plum Street and in 1888 the congregation started meeting at the current facility. 

Since then, the sanctuary has remained much the same, althought the seating arrangement has changed with the additon of the altar and choir loft between 1902-1907.   Stain glass was installed around 1905.  A fellowship addition was added in 1948 and later a chapel.  The sanctuary still retains the original tounge and grove ceiling and woodwork.