Historic Murphysburg Preservation, Inc.: Photo by Carole Liston

Welcome to Murphysburg Residential Historic District

In 1992, the City of Joplin designated Sergeant Avenue from Second Street to Fourth Street as the “Murphysburg Residential Historic District.” At the request of homeowners in the adjacent neighborhoods, the City of Joplin expanded the historic district in 2004. Today, the historic district encompasses Sergeant Avenue from First Street to Seventh Street and Moffet Avenue from First Street to Fourth Street. Historic Murphysburg Preservation, Inc., a non-profit corporation, endeavors to preserve the integrity of the district and raise public awareness. You can contact us at murphysburg@gmail.com

Want to become a member? Murphysburg Membership Application

Many times the most impressive structures in a city are its churches. Their outlines grace the city’s skyline and their steeples stretch up to meet the clouds. Joplin is fortunate to be able to count on one such magnificent church among its numbers of architectural treasures, the First United Methodist Church at 501 West Fourth.

The history of First United Methodist Church spans 170 years beginning with Reverend Harris Joplin from which the city took its name. In 1839, Reverend Joplin invited local settlers to his cabin near Turkey Creek and established the first Methodist Episcopal Society in the area. However, it wasn't until 1872 that a group of Methodist organized a permanent church.

Architects Charles Garstang and Alfred Rea designed the majestic entrance, which will be the Dream Theatre Troupe's stage for our Living History of Patrick Murphy.

The entrance features a triple arched portico entry with a large stained glass window above. Romanesque pillars with Corinthian-style capitals support the load of Gothic arches and two bell towers flank the grand entry. The steeple on the southwest rose 100 feet tall in the air before lighting struck in 1963. The cornerstone for the church was laid in 1905 and the first service was held in the congregation's new home on June 3, 1906.

Leslie Simpson's book will be available for $17.95 at the Post Memorial Art Reference Library

Now and Then and Again is based upon Leslie Simpson's slide program titled "Extreme Makeover: Joplin Edition." The program compared current views of Joplin historic sites with vintage photographs of the same locations. Sometimes it was a vacant lot or a new structure replacing the historic building. Other times it was an existing building that had been covered up or remodeled beyond recognition. Then she finished up with some good news--buildings and houses that have been restored and/or adapted to new uses.

The 98-page book includes 195 images from the slide program will be available beginning the 2nd week in December at the Post Memorial Library and other locations to be announced later.

WHY DO PEOPLE PROTECT COMMUNITY RESOURCES?

The residents in 2,300 “certified local government” historic districts in the United States believe that preserving the historic character of the buildings and revitalizing neighborhoods can have a positive economic impact on their cities. Residents in Joplin’s historic district hold the same belief. Unfortunately, many people do not realize that historic preservation plays an important role not only in the heritage of a community, but in the city’s economy as well. Recent studies across America have produced strong evidence that historic districts are making significant contributions to the economic health of cities.

Historic Murphysburg Preservation, Inc.

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Welcome to Murphysburg Residential Historic District

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Photo by Carole Liston

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Leslie Simpson's book will be available for $17.95 at the Post Memorial Art Reference Library

For more information about Joplin's historic homes, visit the

To see early photographs of Joplin houses and buildings, visit the digitized collection at the

WHY DO PEOPLE PROTECT COMMUNITY RESOURCES?

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