801 N Main

First United Methodist Church, 801 N Main, 1916-17.

NR KR

Architects: Hawk & Parr, Oklahoma

Contractors were E.C. Fox & Son.

Proving the point that there is a church on every corner in Newton, the intersections at 8th & Main, and 7th & Main did at one time have a church on three of the four corners. In addition to the 1st Presbyterian Church (pre 1966) and St Mary Catholic Church, the First United Methodist Church has called this corner theirs since 1883 when the first wood frame building was built.

In 1917 a new Methodist church was built. Features include the Greco-Roman style, a dome of green glazed tiles and the towering Corinthian columns "Christianized with angels in the capitals." The interior includes both "Christian and purely classic Greek" decoration. The addition to the north was added in 1964-65.

The Methodist church has a long history in Newton, beginning in 1871.

(Kristine Schmucker)