| Welcome to First
United Methodist Church |
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Our Mission: |
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Living Christ’s presence
through love and service. |
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Our Vision: |
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We are
a community of believers
nurturing one another in the life and example of Christ, through
worship, witness, stewardship, service and fellowship. Our faith is
sustained by study, prayer and reflection. |
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Our Core Values: |
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Spiritual
Growth. Unique to each individual; comprised of
learning, understanding, and accepting God’s word, while striving
for a closer relationship with our Creator.
Family.
A family of God committed to loving, caring for, and
respecting one another and creating a sense of belonging to which
everyone is invited.
Helping.
Sharing the love of Christ through service, prayer,
and gifts to the local church, community, and world.
Forgiveness.
Laying down the burden of our own annoyances, hurt,
and hatred of
others and accepting the love of God for all. |
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Our History: |
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First
UMC has more than 150 years of history, worship and outreach. The
story of First United Methodist Church begins in 1855 originally as the First Methodist Episcopal Church, was organized in 1855.
Elijah Stone officiated over the first two years of services held in a school house located just south of the railroad tracks on First Street. In 1858 the congregation erected its own church building on Fourth and Grove Streets.
First Methodist moved again in 1909 to the present structure on Fourth and Oak
Streets (pictured at right) and purchased the house on the southwest corner
of First and Locust Streets as a parsonage. Construction of the
Education Wing (1958) and today's expansions and renovations continue as
First UMC continues to attract people of all
ages throughout the week and on Sunday mornings.
Over the years, members of the First United Methodist Church participated in several community service church groups. The Ladies’ Aid Society, instrumental in raising funds for church improvements and charities, began in 1855. Sub-groups or Circles of the Society worked towards accomplishing specific goals. The women congregants also formed three missionary societies; the Foreign Missionary Society organized in 1884, the Young Women’s Missionary in 1886, and finally, the Home Missionary Society started in
1897.
In addition, young people’s organizations, particularly the Epworth League (org. 1890) and Harmony Circle (org. 1907), provided a social and educational atmosphere for teen-age members. Lastly, church members helped form a local Girl Scout Troop,
Boy Scout Troop #4, and Cub Pack #104. All of these organizations insure the continued development and involvement of the First United Methodist Church in the DeKalb community.
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