Church History

  First United Methodist Church was established on September 8, 1822,, by John Cox, an Englishmen, and John Kerr, an Irishman. There were eight people in attendance that day in John Cox's rustic log cabin home. Five were members of his family.

  As the town of Florence grew, so did the church. Over the next 55 years the membership grew to 400. Even during the Civil War, when all industry in Florence was destroyed by Union soldiers, records indicate people joined and were baptized.
 
  After the building was destroyed by fire in 1920, a new building was erected. The first service held in this new building was on Easter Sunday in 1924 with 657 in attendance.

  From a humble beginning with eight members, First United Methodist Church today reports a membership of 1,627 (as of 12/31/97) and continues to serve the citizens of the Shoals by sharing the love of Christ.
  

Some significant dates in our church history

1822       John Cox organized and founded Florence Methodist Church. 
1822-34 The newly organized church met in Thomas Farmer's cobbler
	   shop on West Mobile Street.
1834       Permanent church built.  It had a seating capacity of 500. 
1905       A new brick church was completed.
1920       Fire destroyed the church building.
1924       New church is completed.  
1954       Ground broken for an educational wing.
1963       Office, chapel and Sunday School rooms addition completed
1968       A Contract was let for renovation and remodeling of the sanctuary.
1977	    Mullins Memorial Garden was dedicated.
1992	    The Spry building and property was purchased.
1993	    Our parking lot (across the street) was paved and landscaped.
1994	    A Building Committee was elected to study our future building needs.
1997	    Building the Vision program begins.
1999       Construction of Family Life Center begins.

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