First UMC has a long and rich history that dates back to 1786 when it was founded.That was only two years after the famous Baltimore Conference established Methodism in America, and the year the Constitution of the United States was ratified.  That was just twelve years after Rockingham was officially named and established as a town in Richmond County (April 19, 1774).

Frances Asbury, first bishop in America preached here on three seprate occasions: 1790, 1801, and 1806.  To date, one hundred ministers have served this church.