The Monticello Methodist Church was organized in 1865 at the close of the Civil War. Kansas was a young state at that time and people were establishing their homes in this community. Next they established a church and a school.
The charter members were: Fannie Olson Jackson, Mr. and Mrs. Fred L. Kueker, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Mize, Mr. and Mrs. H. M. Dubois, Mr. and Mrs. N. W. Murphy, Mr. and Mrs. W. P. Hagler, Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Mize. They were under the pastoral care of Rev. A. R. Houts.
They worshipped and sought spiritual enrichment at the Old Virginia School House as well as in their homes. The next fourteen years the church shifted from one place to another for worship services. In 1879 it was agreed that a church building should be constructed. A site one and one-half miles southwest of the town of Monticello was purchased from Mr. W. P. Hagler for a sum of fifty dollars. This is the site of the present church building.
There was a difference of opinion as to what size structure was needed. Many felt a 32 x 50 foot building was best; others felt something smaller (28 x 46) would meet their needs. Sealed bids were taken on the larger structure. The building committee felt that estimates on a smaller structure should also be available if the larger building appeared to be too expensive.
On January 23, 1880 at 2:00 p.m. the bids were opened at the home of Mr. Kueker. The larger edifice was constructed and the first worship service was held in the new sanctuary in June 1880 with Rev. C. Soles preaching the first sermon. The building was built for a cost of $2000 and was dedicated the same year free of debt.
In 1872 a group of German Methodists had started worshiping in the Old Lone Elm School house. In 1880 these beloved people consolidated with the Monticello Church and greatly strengthened the organization.
This church structure stood for fifteen years. On the night of July 3, 1894 there was a terrific electrical storm. The church structure did not escape the destructive force of this storm, it was struck by lightening and before the dawn of July 4th, the building lay in ashes completely destroyed. The loss of this beautiful structure saddened the hearts of all the members, but tended to strengthen their faith. Rev. Colman was the minister at this time. He called a meeting of the board of trustees, which consisted of H. M. Dubois, William Brown, A. M. Piper, James Thompson, Fred L. Kueker, Thomas Anderson and Nick Reitz. It was agreed that a new church should be constructed as soon as possible.
Fred L. Kueker, William Reitz, A. M. Piper, William Q. Hayes and Nick Reitz solicited funds from the community, over $1250 was raised, with this and the insurance money, a new structure was constructed. This same building stands today as the sanctuary of our church.
In 1924 some of the members wanted a basement in the church for fellowship dinners as well as for Sunday school classrooms. The church was raised up and a basement constructed. Most of the labor was donated for this difficult job. It was about 1936 that a water system was added to the church.
In 1930 the church membership records were lost. In 1932 the church holds a re-enrollment Sunday under the supervision of Rev. Harold L. Soulen, pastor of the church.
In 1940 the Monticello Methodist Church was seventy-five years old and the diamond jubilee was celebrated. Rev. Draw R. Hammond was pastor. Rev. Harold L. Soulen preached at the morning worship service. Rev. Lynn H. Rupert spoke at the afternoon service, with Mr. George Mize presiding. The Oldest members present were: I. N. Mangold, W. L. Thiry, M. J. Reitz, W. G. Barth and George W. Mize.
In 1944 a seventy-ninth anniversary celebration was held. Dr. A. L. Ryan, then District Superintendent, preached at the worship services. A cross was presented in memory of George W. Mize; Honor candles for Edward, Henry and Elmer Frakes; and Mr. and Mrs. Charles E. Roberts presented a picture of Christ.
The old church bell has become too heavy for the belfry by this time, so was removed and at a later date sold to a church in Arkansas.
The growth of the church has been progressive. In 1953 it was necessary to expand and add more rooms. The three basement rooms on the East were constructed. The upper four rooms on the East were not completed until about 1960. The members of the church donated much of the work on both of these additions.
In 1958 new pews were presented to the church either in memory of a loved one or purchased by the members of the church. A few years later a new piano was purchased for the sanctuary.
There have been many changes in the church over the years. There was a change from coal heat to gas heat. A public address system was installed. In 1965 the church was connected to the public water system. The faith of the members has brought progressive change to the church and the community it is this faith and determination, which moves it forward.
1967 - Parsonage was built on 1/2 acre of donated land.
1970 - Five additional acres were purchased and plans for construction on the fellowship hall began. The hall was completed in 1973.
In 1986 the Monticello Christian Children Center full weekday program of childcare had begun its work.
1989-90 the construction of a new sanctuary attached to the fellowship hall was completed.
