Our 140th Anniversary

Celebrating 140 Years Serving God’s People

  FOUNDED 1871

140 YEARS OF HISTORY

The Longmont Methodist Church was organized on June 21, 1871.  The Rev. R.J. Van Valkenberg had the honor of being the first regular settled clergyman in the city.  On July 9, 1871, when regular Sunday services began, B.F. Vincent, presiding elder of the church, delivered the first sermon.

The Longmont Methodists built their first church on south Main Street and it was first used on July 7, 1872.  This building was destroyed by fire in the 1930s.

In 1878, a second church building was erected on Terry Street, between Third and Fourth Avenues, where Ahlberg Funeral Home stands today.  The cost was $5,100.  Dedication services were held on May 27, 1883.

The third church was erected in 1903 on the corner of Fourth Avenue and Terry Street.  Ground breaking took place in May and it was dedicated on December 20, 1903.  An organ bought by the Matrons of the church for $2,400 was installed in this church in 1916.  On February 6, 1943, a mortgage burning service was held.

In 1954, five acres of farmland was purchased at the present church site.  The church was consecrated on November 22, 1959 and the mortgage was paid off in only 10 years.  In 1980, additional education unit and music rooms were added.  In 1990, the narthex and gallery were enlarged and in 2004 the sanctuary was remodeled. 

Honor the Past, Inspire the Future

First UMC has been a leader in providing spiritually based opportunities for growth and assistance for 140 years. As rich as our past has been in this regard, we look forward eagerly to the future and the chance to further serve Jesus Christ by making Longmont the best it can possibly be.

CELEBRATING THE YEAR

·         March – Mr. Seth Terry, Longmont founder and Methodist Church Charter member – first person reenactment by Walt Akeson

·         April – “Remembering Our Past” -  Ann Yoder shares historical information

·         June – Rev. Keith Watson, pastor 1986-1994, guest speaker for worship services on June 19^th

·         July – Rev. Granville Smythe, pastor 1994-2003, guest speaker for worship services on July 17^th

·         July 30 – Float entry in Boulder County Fair parade

·         September – Celebration Sunday on September 11^th with Bishop Elaine J.W. Stanovsky as guest speaker - lunch to follow

·         October – Chuck Wagon Dinner on Saturday, October 15^th with surprise entertainment

·         October - Skip Strickland, associate pastor, 1980 – 1986, current Conference Director of Mission  and Ministry, guest speaker for morning worship service on October 16^th

140 YEARS OF CARING

For 140 years First United Methodist Church has undertaken ministry efforts intended to assist individuals to find and strengthen a connection to Jesus Christ, and to provide opportunities for community life in general to be improved. Some of the substantial ministry efforts that have seen First UMC take a pioneering role are:

St. Vrain Manor – in 1964,First UMC helped organize Longmont Christian Housing, Inc. and begin the building of St. Vrain Manor which has provided Longmont senior citizens with affordable, modern, well-maintained housing for 47 years.

OUR Center  – In 1985, with the strong backing of First UMC and others, the OUR Center was born. Throughout its history, the people of First UMC have given generously in their volunteer time, gifts of food and household items for redistribution to those in need, and financial resources.

Head Start (now Wild Plum) – in 1966, First UMC provided a location for Head Start to help prepare pre-school age children for entry into public elementary schools. For 45 years First UMC has provided facilities and gifts of food, clothing, and funds to assist with their mission.

KIDS HOPE, USA – in 2004, First UMC became the first church to create a KIDS HOPE, USA outreach program, entering into partnership with Spangler Elementary to provide mentors for at-risk children. Each year between 20 and 30 adults meet with children for an hour each week to assist them with school work as well as social and family issues.

SUNDAY SCHEDULE:

·         9:00 am                Sunday School,  Worship

·         10:00 am              Coffee,  Fellowship

·         10:30 am              Worship

·         5:30 pm                BASIC  Youth Sunday Evening

CO-PASTORS:

·         Rev. Carol Lillie,  Rev. Dave Lillie

CONTACT:

·         Phone 303-776-3523

·         Web   www:longmontfumc.org