UUMC History

A BRIEF HISTORY OF

UNIVERSITY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

University United Methodist Church has unique heritage. It was organized on March 13, 1966 as University United Methodist Church with 176 charter members, representing 91 families. First United Methodist Church is our parent church. The original steering committee was comprised of Galen Good, Marion McEntire, Dr. Harold Boyer, William Laub, Jack Gibson, Lester Balkins and Velma Peterson.

Rev. Douglas Harrell was the organizing pastor. Sunday morning worship services and Sunday School classes were held at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The first worship service new chapel, located at 4412 S. Maryland Parkway, was held June 11.1966. The chapel was donated by Lester and Vera Balkins. It has been remodeled several times, yet retains its old mission style today.

Groundbreaking ceremonies for the Fellowship Hall were held on May 20, 1979. Rev. Dr. Bert Lewis led the celebration. In 1998 Rev. Dr. John Blackwell consecrated ground for the Jimmerson Multi-Purpose Building. Groundbreaking ceremonies for this building, including the Worship Center, were held in the summer of 1999, Rev. David Devereaux led the celebration.

MINISTERS OF

UNIVERSITY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

1966- Rev. Douglas A. Harrell

Rev. John Longfellow, Associate Pastor

1966-1975 Rev. Jerome G. Blankinship

1975-1980 Rev. Dr. Bert N. Lewis

1975-1977 Rev. Fred Tiffany, Associate Pastor

1980-1984 Rev. Jim Dallas

1984-1986 Rev. John R. Wise

1986-1995 Rev. Dr. Harold M. Cowart

1987-1993 Rev. Daniel R. Morley, Associate Pastor

1993-1994 Rev. Michael Downing, Associate Pastor

1995-1998 Rev. Dr. John Blackwell

1996-1998 Rev. Phyllis Nelson, Associate Pastor

1998-2003 Rev. David Devereaux

2002-2009 Rev. Dr. Julian Miguel, Associate Pastor to Filipino Congregation

2003-2006 Rev. Tom Butcher

2006-2009 Rev. Art Gafke

2009-Present Rev. Anthony Tang

MISSION STATEMENT OF

UNIVERSITY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

We at University United Methodist Church are a diverse community who have responded to God’s love in Christ and who seek to be inclusive, sharing God’s love with all people. As followers of Jesus, who came as a servant to humanity, we wish to express this love by responding to the needs of individuals, both within our church, in the surrounding community, and throughout the world.

We do this by providing opportunities through a variety of experiences, including Worship, Bible Study, Prayer, Education and Outreach so that person might grow in their faith and service to others.

As a diverse people of faith, we endeavor to provide an open forum for the discussion of current and timely issues that will enable the congregation to develop specific responses where they be local or global concerns.

Our calling is to proclaim God’s kingdom as set forth in the life of Christ. Through God’s Spirit, we are empowered to be faithful witnesses to the god news of God’s love for every person.

We do this by providing opportunities through a variety of experiences, including Worship, Bible Study, Prayer, Education and Outreach so that person might grow in their faith and service to others.

Our calling is to proclaim God’s kingdom as set forth in the life of Christ. Through God’s Spirit, we are empowered to be faithful witnesses to the god news of God’s love for every person.