History of College Avenue United Methodist Church Manhattan, KS

  • 1955: Evangelical United Brethren from Kansas State established a fellowship. 
  • May 26, 1958: Evangelical United Brethren Annual Conference appoints Rev. Cecil Findley to care for the student fellowship and to work on the establishment of a church. Rev. Findley began worship services in his home at 421 Kearney Street, Manhattan, KS. 
  • The mission church was chartered on April 19, 1959. 
  • The Annual Conference purchased land on College Avenue for the construction of a building. 
  • The first worship in the new building was held on February 26, 1961. This first sanctuary is now the parlor of the current facility 
  • A faithful focus on discipleship and outreach resulted in steady growth and the need for expansion of the building. 
  • On Sunday, May 29, 1966, nearly three hundred people worship in the newly constructed sanctuary. On June 6, 1966, a tornado did major damage to the newly constructed structure. 
  • Ministries of outreach and service continue to grow. 
  • College Avenue became a United Methodist Church with the merger of the Evangelical United Brethren Church and the Methodist Church in 1968. 
  • There was a fire in the sanctuary of the church in December of 1985, which caused major damage. 
  • On Palm Sunday, 1986, the congregation worships in the newly restored sanctuary. 
  • College Avenue UMC plays a major role in the establishment of outreach ministries in the area. These include The Crisis Center and Ogden Friendship House. 
  • The Guiding Values of the church are established – Dignity, Hospitality, Compassion, Spiritual growth, Community, and Discipleship. 
  • Began a food distribution ministry in relationship with Harvesters Community Food Network. 
  • Offered assistance to the FIT (Families in Transition) Closet in conjunction with the local school district. The church provides space for this outreach activity, which provides clothing, school supplies, and other support for students and families of the district who are homeless. 
  • In 2015, a new addition to the church building was completed. This expansion provides a new fellowship hall, office space, elevator, and accessible restrooms. 
  • College Avenue UMC continues to develop disciples of Jesus Christ and explore ways to bring the love of Christ to our community. 

Member of the Great Plains Conference of the United Method Chruch.