We are a United Methodist Congregation
The United Methodist Church is a global denomination with the mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.
A United Methodist is someone who joins in that mission by putting faith and love into action. We believe that God loves all people and that we share in expressing that love. So, the United Methodist tradition emphasizes God's grace and the importance of serving others. We believe that Jesus Christ is the fullest expression of God’s love--showing us the fullness of God's care through Jesus' teachings, death, and resurrection.
John Wesley started the Methodist movement in 18th-century England. His teachings on practical divinity (living out our faith) and appeals to reason and experience form important aspects of United Methodist practice today.
Our History
The First United Methodist Church of Lexington has a rich history. It all started with the original settlers of McLean County, about 6 miles southeast of Lexington. In the 1830s, circuit riders started spreading the word about the church, and in 1845, they built the first church house. That’s when they officially became the first church body in McLean County.
In 1855, they built a bigger church on Cedar Street in Lexington. It was 45 feet by 65 feet and cost $2,700. The church was officially named “The First Society in Lexington, McLean County, Illinois of the Methodist Episcopal Church of the United States of America.” That’s a mouthful!
In 1881, they built a brick auditorium that’s still there today. 1907, we added classrooms, a pipe organ, and a chandelier to the sanctuary. In the 1930s, we dug up the basement and kitchen under the old church. In 1955, we added more classrooms and a fellowship hall in the basement. In 1970, we replaced the pipe organ with an electric one.
As the years passed, the church kept growing and changing. In 2023, we built a new church building and moved to 514 S. Pine Street in Lexington. That’s where we are now! God has been faithful to First UMC, and we are excited about what future He holds for us in this new building!