Our History

Honor the Past, Inspire the Future

Founded in 1871, 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.

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. 

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, pastoral leaders from First UMC and two other churches met to consider the need for affordable housing for senior citizens in Longmont. Out of those meetings, Longmont Christian Housing, Inc. was created and one of the first high-quality, Christian-based housing initiatives was undertaken. The result was St. Vrain Manor which has provided Longmont senior citizens with affordable, modern, well-maintained housing for 47 years.

OUR Center  – In 1985, pastoral leaders from First UMC and several other churches met to discuss the need for a centralized organization to provide social services help to people in the Longmont community. 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 entered into a working partnership with Head Start, to provide a location for what was then a new outreach to help prepare pre-school age children for entry into public elementary school. For 45 years First UMC has provided facilities and gifts of food, clothing, and funds to assist Head Start (now called Wild Plum) with their mission to assist young children in preparing for overall educational success.

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.