Castle Rock, Colorado – Castle Rock’s oldest church, the First United Methodist Church, marked a historic milestone on Sunday, August 25, 2024, celebrating its 150th anniversary with a special homecoming service.
The milestone event, which culminated a year of preparations, was highlighted by the return of former pastors and choir members, creating a poignant reunion for the congregation. Senior Pastor Matt Franks expressed enthusiasm about the turnout, noting, “It was a fantastic turnout. We had former pastors return, and previous choir members joined us to sing once again.”
Established in 1874 at Third and Wilcox streets, the church has been a cornerstone of the community for a century and a half. Initially, services were held in a carpenter’s shop before the church moved to Third and Perry streets, and eventually to its current location on South Street in the 1970s.
The First United Methodist Church has played a pivotal role in the development of Castle Rock, contributing to various community initiatives such as the Douglas-Elbert County Task Force (now Help and Hope Center), Castle Rock Senior Center, and Women’s Crisis Centers. The church’s current community outreach includes food drives, a backpacking ministry for ex-prisoners, and blanket donations for the homeless.
Larry Nitsch, a long-time member, emphasized the church’s enduring impact, saying, “They recognized the community’s needs and stepped up to meet them.” Nitsch, who has been involved since 1971, documented the church’s history in a commemorative booklet.
The homecoming service featured displays of photos, memorabilia, and quilts, each telling a story of the church’s rich history. “All the quilts tell a story from different families and what it means to them, which reflects the life of the church,” Franks remarked.
The celebration continued with a communal meal, bringing together both old and new members. Grace George, a former member from 2000 to 2010, humorously noted the changes over the years, while Nitsch reflected on reconnecting with a past associate pastor.
Looking forward, Pastor Franks highlighted the church’s commitment to embracing its past while evolving to meet future needs. “It’s about honoring our past without being bound by it. It’s embracing who we are while moving forward into who we’re becoming,” he said.
As Castle Rock First United Methodist Church looks to the future, it remains dedicated to serving and welcoming the entire Castle Rock community.