HUMBLE ORIGINS, REBUILD
Ground was broken for a new church on June 26, 1924. The cornerstone was laid two months later on August 28. And on November 17, 1925, the new building was consecrated by Bishop W. F. McMurray of St. Louis. A beautiful Gratian pipe organ was the gift of the Brickey family. The auditorium comfortably seated 250 and the balcony 100. Sunday school rooms in the back of the sanctuary seated another 100. In all 450 could be accommodated.

The first candlelight service was held December, 1928, during the tenure of Dr. John D. Tussey. William Smith was the choir director and Ella Maude Bailey was the organizer. The pageant depicted the story “Why the Chimes Ring”. Costumes were rented from St. Louis. The pageant was directed by Matilda Forgey. Miss Forgey was a primary school teach who was later to become the wife of pastor Dr. John Tussey. Since its inception, the annual service has become a beautiful presentation of Christmas music interwoven with scripture, utilizing fine choirs which has long been a hallmark of the Festus Methodist Church. In 1986, under the direction of Scott Gray, the presentation was enhanced by the addition of 12 to 15 orchestral instruments and some professional musicians.

NAME CHANGE
The church’s name was changed in May,1939 at the Unification Conference in Kansas City. The Methodist Episcopal Church, South and the Methodist Protestant Church, united to form the Methodist Church which was the largest Protestant body in the United States at that time. The church was then known as the First Methodist Church.

PASTORS
Rev. H. E. Ryan was pastor when the original church burned and it was under his leadership that the new church began. Following Rev. Ryan was Rev. John Tussey wo endeared himself to the congregation and community. Rev. O. H. Duggins came next and he braved the tough days of the depression. Next came Rev. F. M. Fike who was remembered for his impressive pulpit oratory skills. Rev. E. L. Boyles was appointed in 1936. He aided in the effort to pay the fire debt. Under his supervision, the debt was reduced until it was entirely paid on August 15, 1942. Dr. W. R. Polhamus was appointed pastor by Bishop Broomfield in October, 1941. During that time the Wesley Brotherhood Bible Class made it their project to refurbish the church with redecorating and repairs. Money in excess of $1,600 went into the task.

CHURCH DEDEDICATION - NOVEMBER 22, 1942
Two ladies circles, under the Women’s Society of Christian Service, contributed financially to beautify their church in preparation of the church dedication on November 22, 1942. Bishop John C. Brookfield was the speaker. Following the 10:45 am worship service in the new First Methodist Church sanctuary, a basket dinner was held in the dining room. Parishioners were instructed “Please retire to the dining room upon signal from those in charge, and as soon as you have finished eating, return to this room so that others may have their opportunity at the dinner table. Let us all be ready by 2 pm to march to the parsonage yard for the burning of the mortgages and then to return for the dedication service. The Bishop, District Superintendent, Pastor and former pastors will head the procession to be followed immediately by the Trustees, then by the Stewards and then in turn by others who desire to go in groups.”

Rev. William R. Polhamus wrote these words (quoted from the Dedication Service Bulletin), “Space does not permit more than mention of the fact that the Philthea Class, the Fedelis Class, the Wesley Brotherhood Class, the Crystal City Circle, the Central Circle, as well as individuals outside the church itself, have taken special interest in the culmination of this victory. To enumerate the names of those would require an abbreviated edition of our church membership, but, the committee who superintended the payment of the debt were Mrs. C. C. England, serving as Chairman of the Debt Committee and giving generously. Others equally worthy were Miss Blanche Juncker, Secretary and Treasurer of the Building Fund; Mesdames R. E. Edwards, A. F. Kleinschmidt; Florence Sanguinette; Misses Anna Landes and Linda Kleinschmidt; and Messrs. Ben Hoffman, Matt Burnside, Gus Santschi, Fred Kelley, Oscar Vaughn, H. E. Jackson, William Smith, Gilbert Drake, and Raymond Hughes.”

PARSONAGE
On March 15, 1950, the home of R. S. England at 829 West Main Street was purchased for a parsonage. Prior to this, the parsonage was located in a small house on the south side next to the church. After the pastor’s family moved, the house was used for Sunday School classes. The England house was deemed by many knowledgeable people of the community as being the ‘best built’ home in the area. No doubt that should be true as the family had access to the finest building materials from the Waggener Lumber Company, and the most competent builders.

EDUCATION BUILDING
In 1959 it was decided that an education building was needed. Rev. Liston L. Johnston served as pastor of the church during the pledging and construction phase. Howard Donald was the general contractor. The building was consecrated on April 23, 1961 and dedicated on January 26, 1964. Bishop Eugene M. Frank delivered the sermon.

LAND ADDITIONS
The church has acquired several lots—a lot on the south side along Main Street (purchased from Miller Theater on March 3, 1954); a lot adjoining the Main Street lot (purchased from Joe Harris on May 3, 1955); a lot to the west of the church (purchased form Charles Vogt for a nominal fee on March 4, 1962).

ST. JOHN’S METHODIST CHURCH
A part of the First United Methodist Church history includes St. John’s Methodist Church which was located at the point where South Adams Street meets Harrison Lane. Founding dates are unknown. This congregation of black Methodists were a part of the Central West Conference of the Central Jurisdiction. In 1966, Rev. Brewer was pastor of St. John’s Methodist. St. John’s Methodist merged with First Methodist and the St. John’s building was sold. Picture is from 1967.