Methodist Church

 church, methodist church

As you first walk into the town from the parking lot, this is the large building on the right. Last used as a Methodist Church, this building was built in 1882. It is the only church still standing in Bodie. I consider it to be somewhat famous, as I have seen several photographs of this building all over the western United States.

The last service was conducted in it in 1932, when almost the entire population finally left Bodie. Since then it has been vandalized, including having the original oilcloth that had the 10 commandments painted on it, being torn down and stolen. There is a large size wire mesh blocking the entrance, but plenty of room to easily see in and take pictures. You can still see the old wood burning stoves used to heat the room during those terrible winter Sundays.

Also, many of the original pews and stained glass are still present and in tact. The small wooden structure at the front right corner of the church is a wood shed that was added on years later.

There were no church buildings in Bodie until 1882, although there were two preachers in town. Prior to then, Reverend Hinkle - a Methodist , and Father Cassin - a Roman Catholic, would hold services in private homes, and later in the I.O.O.F. Building or the Miner's Union Hall.

In 1882 Reverend Warrington, who replaced Rev. Hinkle, purchased the lot at the corner of Green St. and Fuller St. and commenced the building of the Methodist Church. Also in 1882, the Catholic Church was being built.

The Catholic Church was located on the corner of Wood St. and Lowe St. and was dedicated on September 10th, 1882 - just five days before the first gathering in the Methodist Church. How interesting that this booming town had gone for several years with no official church buildings, then two were ready and being used just a week apart from each other. Just a year before in 1881, the population of Bodie dropped from over 7,000 people to around 3,000. Although church services were still needed, it is unfortunate that the buildings couldn't be erected during Bodie's heyday.

www.bodie.com/tour/church.asp?map=1