Foundations from the Ashes

(1946-present)

1946 - A tragic fire struck the First Methodist Church. In the months that followed, Church leaders decided to rebuild at Duke and Walnut Sts., committing First Methodist Church to continue service as an "inner-city" church rather than moving to suburbia.

1949 - First Methodist Church membership returned to their rebuilt church chapel to worship for first time since the fire

1953 - The newly rebuilt First Methodist Church was consecrated; congregation celebrated a renewed dedication to faith and service.

1958 - A new Moller pipe organ installed and dedicated

1967 - Church's new educational building along Walnut St.was completed and dedicated.

1968 - The Evangelical United Brethren and the Methodist Churches were merged into the United Methodist denomination.

1981 - Installation of facilities for the handicapped at First United Methodist Church and installation of new tower bell chimes completed.

1991 - New administrative offices and classrooms on the north side of the building completed and dedicated.

1993 - The Hitchcock (Harry and Charlotte) Memorial Gardens established.

1996 - The First United Methodist Church sanctuary refurbished. The Morgan Memorial Window in the Narthex dedicated.