Looking back at the history of The Toppenish United Methodist Church gives some insights about the what it was like living in this small town just before the turn of the century.

The church will celebrate a century and a decade in the community with a potluck dinner, special music, and a silent auction Sept. 21, in a handsome brick structure with beautiful stained glass windows, but when the church was founded in 1898, things were a bit different, according to historical information provided by congregation member Louise Potter.

When residents of Toppenish requested that a minister be sent here to establish a new church in 1898, Rev. Zenas Bolton and his wife came to what was then a dusty little railroad town.

Housing was apparently at a premium, in those days, and the Reverend and Mrs. Bolton took up residence in a local barn, and the couple’s first child was born there.

The site of the first services was a small store, and as the congregation grew, the railroad gave its permission to use the depot for church services and Sunday school.

Before long, that site was outgrown, as well, and the decision was made to build a church. However, since there was also a need for a local school, the building served a dual purpose, housing students during the week and worshippers on Sundays.

That building was constructed on railroad right-of-way on Asotin, and was later moved to the corner of N. Beech and Chehalis.
Ultimately, that small structure was replaced by the large brick structure seen there today.

Artifacts from the early days of the church were preserved in the church’s cornerstone, and were brought to light during its Centennial celebration in 1997.

The cornerstone was removed and opened just before a worship service, and its contents displayed during the potluck that followed the services.

Among the items found in the cornerstone were a membership list of the congregation in 1922, a copy of the Toppenish Review published June 9, 1922, the 1812 diary of Harriet Newell and the sermon given at her funeral, a 1917 half dollar, four small New Testaments signed by the church’s pastor in 1922, Pastor Charles Miller, and several religious publications.

The 110th anniversary  celebration will begin at 10:45 a.m., with the ringing of the church bell, and the 11 a.m. service will feature a sermon by Co-district Superintendent Rev. Ron Hines.

The public is welcome to attend the service and the anniversary celebration.