Kopperl Methodist Church History

Morris Kopperly, a director of the Santa Fe Railroad for whom the town of Kopperl was named, gave five hundred dollars toward the first public building for a school.  It was called Kopperl Academy and was erected on Lot 4, Block 5 on July 1,1882.  This building was used on Sundays for Union Services, Sunday School and Prayer meetings and an occasional circuit rider preacher preached.  Methodist was one of the several denominations who attended.  In February 1892, for one dollar and the erection of a building, the Railroad Company sold to J. A. Cottingham, W.E. Eaton, D. M. Finley and F. Shook, Lot 10 in Block 29.  These became the Trustees of the first Methodist Church of Kopperl.  Two of the earliest Methodist preachers of Kopperl were Strange, 1891 and Crockett in 1892-93.  A pioneer family, Mr. and Mrs. J.G.Benson were married by Brother Crockett.  This church Building was used until 1924.  The congregation decided to move it uptown across the railroad tracks in the Northern part of the town.  This building was destroyed by fire in April, 1941.  With the dedicated congregation and the pastor, J. W. Sprinkle, all donating time and labor, a new building was erected over the old foundation and was completed and dedicated June 28, 1942 with Bishop Ivan Lee Holt and District Superintendent L. L., Felder and Pastor J. W. Sprinkle performing the service.  The last addition to the Church was consecrated on March 6, 1988 with a large meeting hall, kitchen and restrooms.