First UMC is to be 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 and developed by study, prayer and reflection.

The discipleship of our faith focuses upon the local as well as larger community, and in its connectional systems with other United Methodist Churches and other denominations, is directed to the building of a world society of peace with justice, hope, and love.

First UMC is committed to:
Worship
Building Faith
Reaching Out to Serve Others
Christian Education and Safety
Music and Choral Programs
Global Mission Support
Fellowship

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.

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.