Our Church's Story
First United Methodist Church began with preaching services led by Rev. Charles McCabe in the Northern Pacific Depot in May 1880. Soon a congregation was organized and the next year they built a wooden structure. The church flourished as more people moved to the area and by 1905 there were 226 members and 200 enrolled in Sunday School. Then in 1913 a new Greek-style, brick and stone building was erected and dedicated in 1915.
In 1965, the facilities were expanded with the addition of a two-story education wing. Members of the former Spiritwood Methodist Church also joined the congregation. The pipe organ was rebuilt and upgraded in the early 1970’s, and the sanctuary was remodeled in 1996. An enhanced sound and video system was installed in 2014 to live-stream worship and available on YouTube during the week.
Music is important to the church. The church has a baby grand piano and the adult choir sings twice a month. The church also has several ranks of handbells which present the opportunity for equipping a bell choir.
The church has a long history of mission support and engagement with the community. Since 2015, the church has hosted the Solid Foundations Day Care center for children. The church is a site for Jamestown’s Daily Bread program and stocks the freezer in the lobby with meals prepared in the church’s certified kitchen.
The church also supports over a dozen local, regional and international mission organizations, including a church in Las Banderas, Nicaragua. Recently an intergenerational group went to the Spirit Lake Ministry Center for a Day of Service and Learning (photo at right).
Members of the church are involved in various community charitable, service and advocacy organizations such as Kiwanis and Stutsman County Human Rights Coalition. Women United in Faith (formerly United Methodist Women) are active in learning and serving.
First United Methodist Church welcomes and accepts people of all ages, ethnicities, identities and abilities. We are hearing, learning and living the Story of Jesus Christ everyday in Jamestown and the world.
In 1965, the facilities were expanded with the addition of a two-story education wing. Members of the former Spiritwood Methodist Church also joined the congregation. The pipe organ was rebuilt and upgraded in the early 1970’s, and the sanctuary was remodeled in 1996. An enhanced sound and video system was installed in 2014 to live-stream worship and available on YouTube during the week.
Music is important to the church. The church has a baby grand piano and the adult choir sings twice a month. The church also has several ranks of handbells which present the opportunity for equipping a bell choir.
The church has a long history of mission support and engagement with the community. Since 2015, the church has hosted the Solid Foundations Day Care center for children. The church is a site for Jamestown’s Daily Bread program and stocks the freezer in the lobby with meals prepared in the church’s certified kitchen.
The church also supports over a dozen local, regional and international mission organizations, including a church in Las Banderas, Nicaragua. Recently an intergenerational group went to the Spirit Lake Ministry Center for a Day of Service and Learning (photo at right).
Members of the church are involved in various community charitable, service and advocacy organizations such as Kiwanis and Stutsman County Human Rights Coalition. Women United in Faith (formerly United Methodist Women) are active in learning and serving.
First United Methodist Church welcomes and accepts people of all ages, ethnicities, identities and abilities. We are hearing, learning and living the Story of Jesus Christ everyday in Jamestown and the world.
