OUR HISTORY

First Methodist Church Gatesville has been serving the Gatesville community for more than 170 years.

On November 7, 1854, Rev. Robert Barnard Wells preached the first sermon in the newly organized town of Gatesville in a clapboard building on the southwest corner of the town square that was being used as the courthouse. His wife, Mary Fisher Wells, organized the area's first Sunday School and private school from their log cabin. Soon afterward, plans began to organize a Methodist church in Gatesville.

On January 11, 1855, the Methodist Episcopal Church, South officially organized a congregation in Gatesville with 16 charter members.

Early Growth

In 1860, church members and volunteers built a church building at the corner of 7th and Saunders Streets. The Methodists and Baptists shared the building, alternating Sundays for worship. Over the next several decades, the congregation continued to grow, resulting in multiple building expansions and improvements.

By 1892, a larger wooden church with Sunday School space had been constructed and was dedicated in 1896. In 1899, a large tabernacle was added to the property.

A New Home

As the congregation continued to expand, church leaders purchased property at what is now 1200 Main Street. In 1913, a large brick sanctuary was dedicated on Lutterloh Avenue. The building featured balconies surrounding three walls and served the congregation for many years.

In 1930, the sanctuary was remodeled, a basement was added, and educational facilities were expanded. Additional renovations followed in 1946, and air conditioning was installed in 1949.

Centennial Celebration

In November 1954, the congregation celebrated 100 years of Methodism in Gatesville. During the following decades, the church continued to grow, adding facilities and expanding ministries to meet the needs of the community.

Our Current Campus

The present church campus at 2600 East Main Street was completed in 1971 and incorporates many of the stained-glass windows from earlier church buildings. In 1982, the church established Let's Grow Learning Center Preschool to serve local families. A Family Life Center was added in 1997, providing additional classroom and recreational space.

In 2004, the congregation celebrated the 150th Anniversary of Methodism in Gatesville.

A New Chapter

Following a period of prayer and discernment, the congregation voted in 2022 to disaffiliate from the Central Texas Conference of The United Methodist Church. The church then returned to the name First Methodist Church, reflecting the name it had used prior to 1968.

After further prayer and discernment, the congregation voted to unite with the Global Methodist Church. Today, First Methodist Church Gatesville continues its mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ, serving the Gatesville community, and sharing the hope of the Gospel both locally and around the world.

As part of the Global Methodist Church, we remain committed to Biblical teaching, faithful discipleship, and spreading scriptural holiness for the transformation of the world.