History of
First Christian Church

The Beginning

Just twelve years after Wyoming became the 44th state in 1890, a small group of faithful people gathered in the home of Mrs. Herman Johnson at 132 Coffeen Avenue to establish the first Christian Church in Sheridan. That gathering, in the fall of 1902, marked the beginning of what would become First Christian Church.

Soon after organizing as a congregation, the church purchased property at the corner of Works and Connor Streets for $370.19. Construction on the first church building began on Independence Day—July 4, 1903—and just a few months later, on November 8, the new sanctuary was dedicated. Local accounts tell us the dedication service took place during a memorable snowstorm, a fitting reminder that the congregation’s commitment to worship was stronger than the Wyoming weather.

The congregation called F. A. Blanchard as its first pastor, and the completed church—including the land, furnishings, and fixtures—was built for a total cost of $4,891.31. From these humble beginnings, God has continued to lead and sustain our church as we serve Sheridan and the surrounding community.

A New Building

On March 8, 1947, tragedy struck when a boiler malfunction sparked a fire that completely destroyed the original church building. Within a short time, the sanctuary was engulfed in flames, leaving the congregation without its place of worship.

Amid the loss, two cherished items were saved: the painting of Jesus praying in the Garden of Gethsemane and the organ chimes. These treasured pieces remain in our sanctuary today, serving as meaningful reminders of God’s faithfulness through seasons of hardship and renewal.

Determined to move forward, the congregation quickly voted to rebuild. The project incorporated the existing fellowship hall—originally constructed around 1922 from a former oil field building—which was remodeled and connected to the new sanctuary.

After years of faithful work and generous support, the new sanctuary was completed and dedicated on April 30, 1950. It stands today as a testament to the perseverance, faith, and hope of those who came before us.

Chapel + Callings

Around 2012, we added a small chapel and columbarium where loved ones are remembered.

Over the last 100 years, there have been 16 people who have responded to God’ call to ministry and were ordained at First Christian Church. We have been blessed to have been served by 30 pastors in the life of this church.

Service & Outreach

In the 1970s, First Christian Church recognized a growing need for affordable housing for seniors in our community. After completing a community needs study, the church successfully applied for funding through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to make that vision a reality.
Despite many challenges along the way, Heritage Towers of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) was completed in 1979 alongside Big Goose Creek, and residents began moving into their new homes in 1980.
Today, Heritage Towers is home to 75 affordable senior apartments, providing safe, comfortable housing for older adults throughout Sheridan County. While Heritage Towers now operates as an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, it remains a lasting testament to our congregation’s commitment to serving our neighbors with compassion and responding to the needs of our community.

First Christian Church has always had an active part in community outreach. As early as 1911, support was given to a “Baby Shelter” on Val Vista street for homeless children. Early records of the Red Cross show that the Christian Church women were regular volunteers.

Lunch Together is an ecumenical ministry of several congregations and other groups serving lunch five days a week. Hosted by First Congregational Church (100 West Works Street, Sheridan, WY 82801). Lunches are provided Monday-Friday from 12pm-12:45pm.

Stained Glass

The stained glass windows in our sanctuary were designed by local artists Nancie Furnish and Paulette Kucera. Their beautiful work reflects the Apostle Paul’s teaching about the Fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22–23: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.


Flowing throughout the windows is a blue ribbon, symbolizing the Spirit of Christ moving among and through the congregation. Together, the artwork serves as a visual reminder of God’s presence and of the qualities we seek to cultivate as followers of Jesus.
Whether sunlight is streaming through the glass or the sanctuary is quietly at prayer, these windows invite us to reflect on God’s transforming work in our lives and in our community.