A CHURCH THAT has endured fire, natural disasters, the Civil War, cholera epidemics, and a global pandemic persevered and held its Bicentennial Plus Two celebration Sunday, September 18, 2022. The location has changed throughout time, but the church is not the building; it is its people and the presence and work of the Spirit, a power not confined within brick and mortar.
First United Methodist Church’s (FUMC) pastor, Abe Zimmerman, said at the celebration, “Each of us stands on the shoulders and sacrifices of many faithful believers who called themselves Methodist and formed this church. They promoted a gospel of grace, love, truth, and hope. As we remember the past, we acknowledge that we still live in the present, and with faith, we dream for the future.”
REMEMBER THE PAST
It’s a foundation that began as the Methodist Church in the days of campground meetings at Salem, near Bell Buckle, as early as 1808 and grew to a wood-frame building constructed near the present-day First Baptist Church. After a tornado, a new one was erected on Martin Street (now North Main Street) near Shelbyville’s present post office. Continued growth led to the 1879 purchase of a lot on the northwest corner of the public square. Groundbreaking took place in 1880, and the congregation moved into the new church at its present location in 1885.
Membership director Donna Brock, assisted by Barbara Owen, updated church history from the compilation by Charles Woodruff, referred to by church members as “The Blue Book,” and a timeline created by former minister Lanita Monroe. It’s a history of ministry, worship, missionary work, evangelism, and world and community outreach, evidenced by displays in the archive room created by present church historian Ann Spencer.
Brock said, “We don’t want to live in the past, but we want to honor it.”
LIVE IN THE PRESENT
The Bicentennial Sunday service offered the fragrance of the sacrifice of Thanksgiving and praise. Pastor Abe reminded congregants of the solid and single foundation of the church.
Pastor Abe said, “In the last 200 years, this church has had a few different buildings. But it’s only ever had one foundation—‘Jesus Christ, her Lord.’”
Lori Shuler’s piano solo, “It Is Well,” and the choir’s anthem, “Love, Mercy, and Grace,” were commissioned and composed by Joel Raney for the celebration. The pieces debuted at the special service, and the arrangements are now available through Hope Publishing Company.
As a mission-oriented church, the celebration included a multi-generational, one-day project benefiting Rise Against Hunger, organized by Rheaetta Wilson. Almost 11,000 meals were packaged in two hours by nearly 50 participants and will be shared domestically and globally by the organization.
DREAM FOR THE FUTURE
The FUMC faith and vision of the past 200 years compel its dreams for the church’s future.
Brock said, “Our goal is to build on our past, be involved positively with the community around us, and be a good neighbor to the businesses, government, and visitors. Also, we want to provide outreach and hospitality through our members and in connection with the United Methodist Church, Shelbyville Community Soup Kitchen, and Good Sam. We want to grow along with the future growth of Bedford County, not just to add to our membership but to be a place to make disciples and a place of Christian fellowship and outreach.”
FUMC is reaching for the future on a firm foundation! GN
