Whitney United Methodist Church

On November 9, 1941, the first Sunday School classes offered by Methodists on the Boise Bench were held in a small house near the corner of Overland Road and Owyhee Street. Mrs. Harry T. Strong was the first Sunday School Superintendent.  Response to the new school was enthusiastic; there were few churches on the Bench at that time.  In 1944, the Sunday School, called Wesley Chapel, received its first pastor, the Reverend William J. Luscombe. In 1946, under the guidance of Dr. Charles M. Donaldson, the thirty-six members of the congregation tackled the enormous task of financing and building a church.  The members formed a committee to serve as general contractor, and obtained a loan and donations to meet the bills for labor and materials.  The project received many donations of materials and services by Boise businesses.  The stained glass portrait of Jesus in the Garden of Gemsemane was donated by Mr. and Mrs. George Fields.  Whitney Community Methodist Church held its first services in the new sanctuary in 1948.  Today's Whitney Chancel Choir dates its beginning to a choral performance during the first service held in the new church, using hymnals on loan from other churches.

Whitney United Methodist Women organized in 1946 as the Women’s Society of Christian Service (WSCS) under the leadership of Mrs. John (Mamie) Swan.

Whitney United Methodist Men organized in 1950 as the Methodist  Men’s Brotherhood, led by Walter Bassett.

The Sunday School was so popular that it quickly outgrew the new church facilities.  An educational wing was added to the sanctuary in 1957 to provide the needed classrooms.

Whitney Community Methodist Church was renamed Whitney United Methodist Church in March 1969.  The congregation bought additional property to the south and west of the church building and expanded the parking lot in 1981.

Whitney Women’s Choir, now known as Whitney Women’s Chorale, was organized in 1982, led by Connie Branton.

Vernon Richards Hall, the first phase of a building project that will lead to the construction of a  new facility for worship, education, community service, and fellowship, was completed in 1999.  Worship services were first held in the new building on November 7, 1999.

Our pastor, the Reverend Matt Henry, began his service at Whitney United Methodist Church in 2004.