National Register Listing

First Methodist Episcopal Church

a.k.a. Friendship Hall

3rd St. and Lead Ave., Albuquerque, NM
The growth of the First Methodist Episcopal Church exemplifies the history and development of the Protestant denominations in New Mexico in the late 19th century. The building is also an important Victorian architectural landmark in Albuquerque and was a significant element in the expansion and subsequent decline of the section of the city known as New Town. One of the first Protestant groups to organize in Albuquerque, it has remained at the same downtown location throughout the many changes in that neighborhood. Urban Renewal has demolished most of the older structures in New Town but the church building remains from this early period.

With United States occupation of New Mexico in 1846, separation of church and state replaced the old policy of the establishment of the Roman Catholic Church which previous to that time had forbidden the entrance of Protestant sects into New Mexico. Soon Protestant denominations viewed New Mexico as a promising missionary field and newly arriving Anglo settlers brought their religious affiliations with them. Growth was slow, however, until after the Civil War and especially until after the arrival of the railroads.

During the 1850's the Rev. E. G. Nicholson initiated Methodist missionary work among the Spanish people in an area extending from Santa Fe to Socorro. Despite the aid of two Spanish-speaking assistants, he found this labor so discouraging that he soon left the Territory. One of the assistants, Benigno Cardenas, a converted Roman Catholic priest, remained and tried to help the Rey. G. B. Durbin of New York who formed a preaching circuit in 1855. Little was accomplished and, after a year, Durbin returned east and Cardenas rejoined the Roman Catholic Church Methodist proselytizing ceased until 1873 when the Rev. John Stub established a circuit in the lower Rio Grande Valley and delivered an occasional sermon in Albuquerque. In November, 1879 the Rev. Nathaniel Gale, who had previously served at Silver City, in southwestern New Mexico, received a call to take charge of Methodist work in Albuquerque. His arrival marked the organization of the First Methodist Episcopal Church congregation.
Local significance of the building:
Architecture; Religion

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1976.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

The state has a rich tradition of cowboy culture and rodeo, with many annual events celebrating this heritage. One of the most famous is the annual Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, which features hundreds of hot air balloons and draws thousands of visitors each year.
New Mexico random facts
Bernalillo County, located in the central part of the U.S. state of New Mexico, has a rich and diverse history that dates back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Tiwa and Tanoan people, who lived off the land and established settlements along the Rio Grande.

In 1540, Spanish explorer Francisco Vásquez de Coronado led an expedition into what is now Bernalillo County. The Spanish established several missions and settlements in the region, including the Alameda Mission and the village of Alburquerque (later renamed Albuquerque). These early settlements laid the foundation for the region's future development.

During the 19th century, Bernalillo County experienced significant growth with the arrival of American pioneers and traders. The region became an important trading post along the historic Santa Fe Trail, further connecting it to the expanding western frontier. In 1851, Bernalillo County was officially established as one of the original nine counties in the newly formed New Mexico Territory.

Bernalillo County played a significant role during the Mexican-American War and the American Civil War. It served as a strategic location for both sides, as the Rio Grande acted as a natural barrier. The county saw battles, skirmishes, and military engagements, leaving a lasting impact on the region.

In the 20th century, Bernalillo County continued to grow and develop, becoming an important center for government, commerce, and culture in New Mexico. Today, the county is home to the vibrant city of Albuquerque, which is the state's largest city and the cultural, economic, and political hub of the region. Bernalillo County's rich history can be seen through its diverse architectural styles, cultural traditions, and landmarks that reflect the people who have called this area home throughout the centuries.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Bernalillo County, New Mexico.

  • 1692: Bernalillo County established as part of New Spain's Santa Ana Pueblo land grant.
  • 1821: Mexico gains independence from Spain, and Bernalillo County becomes part of the Republic of Mexico.
  • 1848: Bernalillo County is ceded to the United States as part of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, ending the Mexican-American War.
  • 1852: Bernalillo County officially organized as a county within the New Mexico Territory.
  • 1880: Completion of the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway line through Bernalillo County stimulates growth and development in the region.
  • 1902: The county seat is moved from Albuquerque to nearby Los Ranchos.
  • 1930: The county seat is moved back to Albuquerque due to the city's rapid growth and importance.
  • 1960s: Bernalillo County experiences significant population growth as a result of urbanization and suburban development.
  • 2000s: Bernalillo County implements various initiatives to promote economic development, community engagement, and sustainable growth.