Our church was founded 75 years ago with a vision to reach Rapid City and the surrounding area with the good news of the Gospel. We couldn’t be more thankful for those who chose to go before us and plant the work here in Rapid City.

Over the years there have been a few challenges, but there have also been many lives transformed in this area because of First Wesleyan Church. God has been faithful to our church, and many have ministered at First Wesleyan to give us the tradition that we hold.

Our Past

First Wesleyan Methodist Church was established in 1942 by Reverend Arthur Reisdorph. Our original church and its ministry grew significantly in Rapid City during its first 20 years of life.

In 1963, guided by Reverend Darrell Wagner and Reverend Glen Wessel, Robbinsdale Wesleyan Methodist Church and First Wesleyan Methodist Church combined congregations to create the Rapid City First Wesleyan Methodist Church.

A building board was formed and it was decided, instead of buying land, we would build on the land that held the Robbinsdale Church. A design was agreed upon and construction was started. Dedication of the building located it at 202 E. St. Francis Street was held in June 1965.

Due to a later merger of the Wesleyan Methodist Church and the Pilgrim Holiness Church in 1968, we became First Wesleyan Church.

Those were vibrant days of the past that enabled our church to have some great ministry in that neighborhood. As we outgrew the original facility, the church was expanded by 50% in 1984.

Our Present

In the early 2000's the church building was remodeled to handle the ongoing needs of our growing congregation. There were talks of expanding in the current location yet again, however it was determined that additional land needed to be purchased. In December of 2012, after many discussions and collaboration with the district, we were lead to purchase 4.72 acres along Elk Vale Road on the south side of Rapid City.

First Wesleyan Church Land Services

We made the choice to be wise stewards and the new parcel was paid for by cash thus launching plans into place for a future building. Capital funds were saved and faithfully contributed as a critical component of our financial strategy to build God’s vision for our church.

In July of 2016, a contractor and architect were selected and construction began in our current location at 3040 Marlin Drive. With God’s continued grace, this building and location will serve us well in future days as we continue to reach the unchurched of all ages, with a special emphasis on families and children, and bring them into fellowship and discipleship with the gospel of Jesus Christ.

View the Complete Building Progression

First Wesleyan Church Today