Church History

The impossible dream. That must have been what our founding forefathers thought when in 1841 they reached out in faith to construct the very first Methodist Church building in Richmond to house their fledgling congregation. Our church was originally formed in 1833, and in 1834 it had only seven members. But God had His own plans for our church then, just as he does today. A religious awakening was occurring in Madison County. Over the next eight years new members began joining the church, and they soon were able to purchase a lot at the corner of Second and Irvine Streets for $600 and in 1841 erected the first place of worship, a small wooden frame chapel.

In 1876 the church membership had increased to fifty-seven members and the Sunday School attendance was about forty. By December 1881, the congregation had outgrown the small chapel and the need for a larger building was great, so construction began again. Services were held in the courthouse while a new brick building was constructed on the site of the old chapel. The cost of this new brick building: $7,500 including pulpit furniture and furnace. On September 17, 1882 the new church was dedicated. During the very first year in the new church there were thirty-three additions to the membership! By 1887, only six years after construction, membership had increased to 118 people! Isn’t it amazing what can happen when we let God lead and we follow in faith?

Our church continued to thrive and grow, and by 1923 the Sunday School had expanded beyond capacity. It was time to build yet again. The property on which our church stands today was then purchased for $20,000 and plans for the construction of a new church began. In 1927 the old chapel on the corner of Second and Irvine was sold for $10,000 and the proceeds applied toward the construction costs of the new building. On April 24, 1927 the new church was dedicated, with a total construction cost of $102,000. As the dedication day approached, there was much anxiety over a $30,000 loan. The loan needed to be covered by pledges from the congregation before the building could be dedicated as a place of worship. Three services and a luncheon were held on dedication Sunday and pledges were made by the congregation at each service. With much rejoicing the building was dedicated during the evening service. In the first year after construction there was a gain of more than thirty members and a rejuvenation of the spiritual life of the church! Surly the spirit of the Lord is in this place!

Church History(cont.)

Unfortunately, the Great Depression and World War II came soon thereafter which created many difficult years for our church. Laden with a heavy debt burden of $30,000, the congregation labored and sacrificed to pay the debt. Some who had made pledges never paid them. Some members moved away before their pledges were paid. However most of the members not only paid their pledges, but also paid over and above their pledges, sacrificing much for their church. Many fundraising activities were organized to fund the debt. Gradually, through long years of sacrifice, hard work and sometimes low spirits, the church building debt was finally retired in the 1940’s with great celebration.

Sometimes great things are not always easy, as our history has shown. But our forefathers knew that great sacrifice can bring many, many new souls into His Kingdom! After all, we worship in the very same building for which our forefathers gave sacrificially!

Over the years, the congregation of FUMC Richmond Unfortunately, the Great Depression and World War II came soon thereafter which created many difficult years for our church. Laden with a heavy debt burden of $30,000, the congregation labored and sacrificed to pay the debt. Some who had made pledges never paid them. Some members moved away before their pledges were paid. However most of the members not only paid their pledges, but also paid over and above their pledges, sacrificing much for their church. Many fundraising activities were organized to fund the debt. Gradually, through long years of sacrifice, hard work and sometimes low spirits, the church building debt was finally retired in the 1940’s with great celebration.

Sometimes great things are not always easy, as our history has shown. But our forefathers knew that great sacrifice can bring many, many new souls into His Kingdom! After all, we worship in the very same building for which our forefathers gave sacrificially!

Over the years, the congregation of FUMC Richmond continued to grow, and again our church building needed to expand to provide additional space. Construction began in 1990 on the Norton-Law Annex Education Building, which provided additional classrooms and office space. Construction was completed in 1991 at a cost of $783,521. Considering that our church budget in 1990 was $152,130; this project cost was approximately 5 times the operating budget for continued to grow, and again our church building needed to expand to provide additional space.

THIS IS WHO WE ARE 

WE ARE LIKE A FAMILY

We are a church with persons of ALL ages. We love and care for one another and are dedicated to serving Jesus Christ in many different ways. He asked us to reach out into our community and world to offer God's love to those who need hope and healing for the problems they face. He also asked us to live by his teachings, tell others about God, and call them to live by his teachings as well. That is exactly what we do! Through education, worship and serving others, we follow Jesus and do what he asked us to do, welcome new members into the family of God.

WE ARE CONNECTED

We are a local church that is part of something bigger than ourselves. We are a local congregation of the larger United Methodist Church. Our rich heritage and organizational structure connect us to other churches and Christians around the world. This connection also provides guidance and resources that help with our own personal growth, as well as reaching out to the world.

 

THIS IS WHAT WE BELIEVE

We believe that God created us and sustains us with His Holy Spirit. We believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and came to teach us the way to know God, the truth about who God is, and the way to live in relationship with God. We believe that we have been called to bring persons into relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ. We are to nurture persons in their faith so that they may know God and become faithful followers of Jesus. We believe in the grace of God and in the love and forgiveness He offers all people. We believe that we are called to share God's love through our concern for others and by reaching out to meet the needs of those around us.

We celebrate two sacraments in which Jesus participated - Baptism and the Lord's Supper or Holy Communion. We use water as a visible sign of God's gracious activity in our lives, and baptize infants, youth and adults by sprinkling, immersion or pouring. We do not require persons who have been baptized to be baptized again.

THIS IS WHAT WE DO

WE WORSHIP TOGETHER

Sunday morning worship is important to us. We come together as a community of faith to sing, praise God, pray, and hear messages about God's love and desires for us.

Our two worship services offer very different styles so that all persons can find meaningful and comfortable ways to draw near to God. Our 8:30 service uses traditional creeds and hymns the church has used for many years. The 10:45 service blends contemporary praise songs with traditional hymns and uses multimedia to help us visualize the message of God.

We celebrate Holy Communion at both services on the first Sunday of each month. This time of sharing bread and grape juice is our way of experiencing the grace of God by remembering the love of Jesus made known to us through the shedding of his blood on the cross. Children and adults are invited and welcome to take part in this time of celebrating this holy mystery of our faith.

WE STUDY TOGETHER

Sunday School is a great place to learn about God and His Son, Jesus Christ. Sunday morning classes for persons of ALL ages provide opportunities to study the Bible and discuss what the Bible offers us for living meaningful and purposeful lives. A variety of adult Bible study classes and small groups meet during the week. Wednesday Night Live, TeamKid, and Youth classes are offered each Wednesday evening during the school year. Vacation Bible School is held each summer. Visitors are ALWAYS welcome.

WE ENJOY FELLOWSHIP

We believe that building and nurturing relationships are important. There are plenty of opportunities to enjoy fun and fellowship at FUMC. Making friends and sharing common interests and beliefs strengthens our relationship to God and to one another. Church family picnics, Wednesday Night Live meals, prayer and study groups, singing in the choir, and visiting around the Fellowship Hall coffee pot on Sunday mornings are a few ways to meet new friends and enjoy the love and support of the church family. Please join us!

WE REACH OUT TO MEET THE NEEDS OF OTHERS

We are a church that believes in service and outreach to our church members, our community, and the world. Many of our members work with Habitat for Humanity, Home Meals Delivery and other areas of service. First United Methodist Church offers financial help to persons in our community through our Sharing Ministry. Physical and emotional support is offered through DivorceCare and Hope for the Holidays. Volunteers and staff provide personal care and concern when difficult situations arise.

We have MANY volunteer opportunities for those who want to teach, swing hammers, visit the sick, go on mission trips, and provide help around the church. We have a place for YOU if you want to serve God and your neighbors!

WE WELCOME YOU!

Do you want to know more? Please ask us!

 

 

Rev. Gene Strange, Senior Pastor

Rev. Mary Lou Stephens, Equipping Ministry

Stacy Jordan, Young Adult/Family Ministry

Vicki Moore, Children's Ministry

Jamie Jordan, Youth Ministry

Gale Price, Music Ministry

 

401 West Main

P. O. Box 27

Richmond KY 40476

859-623-3580