First United Methodist Church, Boise

First United Methodist Church, also known as the Cathedral of the Rockies, was founded in 1872 and was the city’s first Methodist congregation and has since grown to become the largest United Methodist church in both Boise and the wider Oregon-Idaho Conference. The current building, completed in 1960 under the guidance of Rev. Dr. Herbert E. Richards, occupies an entire city block and is distinguished by its remarkable stained glass windows. These windows offer a visual journey through Biblical stories, Christian history, and American heritage.

The church holds historical significance as the site of Senator Frank Church’s funeral in 1984. In 2020, following years of reflection and renewed social awareness, the church made the decision to remove a stained-glass depiction of Confederate general Robert E. Lee, underscoring its evolving commitment to justice and inclusivity.