Our History

Warsaw First United Methodist Church has been part of the fabric of the Warsaw community for more than 170 years. From humble beginnings and shared worship spaces to the vibrant, service-driven congregation we are today, our story is rooted in faith, fellowship, and a call to serve. Here’s a look at where we’ve been—and how God continues to lead us forward.

Beginnings (1850–1885)

  • January 8, 1850 – Land was purchased in the river town of Warsaw, Missouri, and a congregation affiliated with the Methodist Episcopal Church South was officially organized.
  • A small building was constructed on Washington Street near the present Christian Church. Due to the Civil War, services were held intermittently.
  • Over the years, worship services were also held jointly with Presbyterian and Disciples of Christ congregations.
  • May 28, 1885 – An undivided half-interest in the building was sold to the St. Louis Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The two Methodist groups and the local Presbyterian congregation shared the building until the Presbyterians built their own church in 1895.
  • That Presbyterian building on the town square was later purchased by the Methodists and became our current site.

Note: Warsaw was founded in 1837 but not fully incorporated until 1843, making our church one of the oldest organized congregations in the community.

Merger and Growth (1914–1965)

  • October 1914 – The original Methodist site was sold, and the Presbyterian structure on the square was officially purchased.
  • At that time, three congregations worshipped together, with monthly preaching and weekly Sunday School.
  • Eventually, they merged into one Methodist Episcopal body.
  • 1918 – Rev. W.W. Garrett became the first full-time pastor. Weekly preaching services began, reflecting the end of the “circuit rider” era.
    • Circuit riders were Methodist ministers who traveled between rural congregations, central to the denomination’s early growth during the Second Great Awakening.

Additions, Renovations & Milestones (1915–2003)

  • 1915, 1938, 1950 – Additions were made to the building.
  • December 1950 – A fire caused significant damage. Repairs were quickly made, and the building was rededicated in May 1951.
  • February 1962 – An education wing was completed.
  • 1965 – Air conditioning was added to the building.
  • As the congregation grew, so did the need for space:
    • September 1973 – Construction began on a new facility after the old church was razed.
    • March 1975 – The new building was dedicated during our 125th anniversary celebration.
    • March 1984 – The bell tower was dedicated, housing the original church bell.

“Besides calling everyone to worship on Sunday morning, the church bell was vital to everyday life in this community. Its ringing summoned help when there was a fire, announced the happy tidings of weddings or the sad hour of funerals. Everyone thought our bell had the sweetest tone when it rang out the armistice announcing the end of World War I and II.”
– Unknown source

  • December 1986 – Adjacent property was purchased for office space.
  • July 1994 – Another neighboring lot was acquired.
  • July 1995 – Elizabeth Drake funded a pipe organ in memory of Gordan H. Drake, Nancy Drake Quimby, and Allison E. Quimby.
  • 2003 – A full building renovation was completed.
  • 2013–2023 – Multiple upgrades were made, including new flooring, drywall, elevator installation, and office renovations.

Methodist Heritage: A Tradition of Service

Methodism is rooted in the teachings of John Wesley, who emphasized grace, service, and love for both God and neighbor. That spirit of service continues to shape our church’s outreach and impact today.

How We’ve Served – A Legacy of Ministry

  • Mission Trips – Youth and adults have participated in mission trips across the country. Most recently, IGNITE youth completed a project at Show-Me Christian Youth Home in LaMonte, MO.
  • Children & Youth Ministry – Our long-standing ministries include preschool, after-school programs, IGNITE youth group, Vacation Bible School, Trunk or Treat, 5th Quarter events, and involvement in BCYC.
  • Christmas Cantata – Hosted for many years, with continued member participation in community cantatas.
  • Disaster Relief – Teams have served in Joplin, MO (tornado), Colorado (wildfires), and Houston (hurricane).
  • Soup & More Community Kitchen – Founded by FUMC members, this not-for-profit provides free meals weekly. Open to all.
  • Boy Scouts of America – We are proud to host a local troop.
  • Salvation Army Summer Meals – We serve as a host site for their free summer meal program.
  • Promoting Literacy – Volunteers read monthly to elementary students and provide each child a free book.
  • Parents as Teachers – We offer our space for this impactful early childhood program.
  • Community Blood Drives – Held regularly to support regional health needs.
  • Blessings Box – Our “take what you need, give what you can” box is open 24/7 for food and basic supplies.
  • Monthly Food Drives – Donations support local food assistance programs.
  • Community Assistance – We offer limited help with gas, food, and utility bills. Support is available through the church office or online.

These are just a few ways we live out our calling to love and serve. Countless other quiet acts of compassion and generosity happen every day through our congregation.