History of FUMC
The prelude to First United Methodist Church in Longview, Texas began in 1843. A one-room log house served as a meeting place for several denominations. During this time the town of Earpville was platted on Marshall Avenue north and east of Nuggett Hill. This building was abandoned in 1860, and Dr. Job Taylor, a practicing physician and local Methodist pastor built a frame church building on what was the Marshall and Tyler stage road. In 1873, the church building was moved from Earpville to its present location at Fredonia and Whaley streets. The property was deeded to the Methodist Episcopal Church South by the Texas and Pacific Railroad. Some of the early ministers of the church included Rev. Robert D. Wyche, Dr. Job Taylor, Rev. D.M. Stovall and the Rev. T.B. Norwood.
From the early days, through the oil boom and during the past few years the church facilities and its membership have experienced tremendous growth. The current facilities now cover over 60,000 square feet and are valued at more than $12M, its annual budget exceeds $1.7M, and the church has over 2,100 members. Like its early church pioneers, the dedicated staff and faithful congregation are focused on the church's mission to:
Glorify God...Make Disciples of Jesus Christ!
We will do this by equipping and nurturing people to:
BELONG - a place where people connect - This is Community
BELIEVE - a place where faith is visible through the love of Jesus Christ - This is Spirituality
BECOME - a place where we are transformed into the living example of Jesus Christ for the world - This is our Mission
