Responsibilities.
The responsibilities of First United Methodist Church's Committee on Records and History (Archives) is to provide for the preservation of all First Church records and historical materials currently no longer in use. Records and historical materials include all documents, minutes, journals, diaries, reports, letters, pamphlets, papers, manuscripts, maps, photographs, books, audiovisuals, sound recordings, and other documentary material in connection with the activities of First Church or any of its constituent predecessors.
History.
First Church has a long history of supporting missions abroad and at home. We have the distinction of sending the first Methodist Episcopal missionary, Rev. Henry G. Appenzeller, a member of First Church, to Korea in 1885. He is still revered there for his remarkable ministry. Groups of Korean Christians often visit First Church to experience the area where Henry left with his bride, Ella, to witness and work in a far-off land. It is as if our guests are standing on hallowed ground!
First United Methodist Church is an official Historic Site (#435) of the denomination. Its rich history goes back to 1807. After a devastating fire in 1946 that destroyed the sanctuary, the congregation resolved to rebuild. Today, after more than 200 years of ministry, and with many renovations and additions to the building, we are able to provide a variety of worship experiences plus a wide-ranging use of the facility for outreach and ministry.
First United Methodist Church is an official Historic Site (#435) of the denomination. Its rich history goes back to 1807. After a devastating fire in 1946 that destroyed the sanctuary, the congregation resolved to rebuild. Today, after more than 200 years of ministry, and with many renovations and additions to the building, we are able to provide a variety of worship experiences plus a wide-ranging use of the facility for outreach and ministry.