About Us

 

 

Methodism was brought to Metropolis by horseback and a rowboat.  A small building was erected in 1853-54 on the corner of Fifth and Ferry Street to house a budding congregation.

 

As the membership grew, the original building was moved and a brick, Gothic church was built on the same site in 1892.  As the years passed the church saw a need for a basement, pipe organ, Educational Building, a new steeple, and redecorating.

 

Methodism grew in Metropolis, reaching out far and near with the Gospel.  But on one cold, snowy Sunday morning tragedy struck.  About 7:00 a.m. on January 11, 1970 the church burst into flames and was destroyed, leaving only a smoked and damaged Educational Building.

 

But the church rallied and on January 9, 1972, the first service was held in the sanctuary on the new church building.  On January 11, 1981, the church was dedicated.  Eleven years to the day since the old church had burned, the indebtedness for the new church was paid off and a bond-burning ceremony was held.

 

The First United Methodist Church on the corner of Fifth and Ferry Streets has been a lighthouse to those who pass by and a haven to those who enter its doors.  God has richly blessed and used this church through the many years it has faithfully stood on that corner.