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History
John Wesley Ranch was originally incorporated as the First Methodist Yourth Ranch on December 9, 1958 by Walter Baker, Evan Evans, and Mary Kellogg. The down payment on the Ranch was raised in one evening when Baker and Evans appealed to Church Board members for funds.
In August, 1961, the bank loan was paid in full, and the mortgage was burned in a ceremony at the Church. Two years later, the interest-free loans that Baker and Evans had received from Church Board members were paid as well. A new water system was installed, a new rope tow was constructed, and the lodge was completely renovated. In February, 1963, the Youth Ranch corporation offered the Ranch to the First Methodist Church debt-free, and the Church accepted it for the sum of $2.00
”Ranch Days” were initiated, and still continue, to fix up the Ranch. Most of the work over the years has been done by volunteers. Wayne Pahel joined the Board of the Youth Ranch in 1962, and under his leadership major improvements were made in 1969: a carpeted meeting room, two rooms for dormitory sleeping, lower floor toilets, fireplaces upstairs and down, a new second floor entrance, improved heating, and covered cement walkways south and east of the lodge. Much of the material and labor was donated.
In 1972, additional dormitory space was added, along with a modern kitchen (including a dishwasher room, dry storage, walk-in refrigerators, and a restaurant-size freezer) and upgrades to the electrical, sewage, and water systems.
The purpose of the Ranch evolved from youth-only activities to include events for the whole Church: singles, families, children, Sunday School classes, and other special groups. The ministerial staff now incorporate the Ranch into a wide variety of Church programs.
Retreats, day camps, and recreational activities have all been part of the Ranch. In the late 70’s and early 80’s, services called “Church of the Rockies” were held at the Ranch during summer months.
Today, the Ranch provides an outdoor setting for all people to enjoy Christian fellowship.
Whether the hills resound with the joyful exuberance of children or provide solitude and quiet for Christians to slow their pace and reflect anew on their values and beliefs, the Ranch has fulfilled its purpose. Anyone who has been to the Ranch has, like the Psalmist, offered the affirmation:
I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills. From whence cometh my strength? My strength cometh from the Lord!
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