A History of a Strong People

By the Middle of the 19th century, what would become First United methodist Church, was well established, located in a permanent building and offering faithful witness to the Newton Community through mission and service. Preaching has always been the central emphasis in the Methodist Church and certainly in those early years when Circuit Riding Preachers made their rounds to the Newton Charge, strong preaching of the Good News of the Risen Savior was the central purpose of the church.

A quick look at those early years reveals that most ministers served here only one year or less. Some later returned for a period but years of service in Newton were short lived. This was parially due to the dangers of riding a Methodist Circuit, on horseback and in all types of weather. Most preachers with a circuit did not live long. But the most amazing thing was that even with the hardships and dangers accompanying this early mission church, the Circuit Riders kept coming, faithfully.

Perhaps this is what has made First United Methodist Church the faithful church it has been in the past and remains to this date. Once by tornado and once by fire, the First Church Family has periodically found itself without a Church Home. But each time, members took the posture of so many early disciples and church parents as they aimed their sites on new opportunities and growth. First, due to a hurricane (tornado), the First Family moved from the site at the present day Eastview Cemetery on Brady Avenue to a lot on the east side of North Main Avenue. Then following a devastating fire, the First Family moved across the street to the present location.

Some less robust people would have just dissolved into other area churches and not gone to the trouble of rebuilding. Some may have thought it impossible to rebuild at each traumatic crossroad. And yet, with each tragedy, faith was abundant and bold and courageous steps were taken. Always, just below the surface, there was a great belief that with God's help, we can endure and thrive. This bold and abundant faith was rewarded without exception.

We cannot help but remember the great strength shown by the Apostle Peter as expressed in the Acts of the Apostles, chapter 1, verse 15. It was here the disciples were hiding in a safe place, preparing to pick up the broken pieces of their lives following the death of Jesus. They were ready to get on with their lives. But Luke records that Peter "stood up among the brethren". He proceeded to announce a faith beyond reason and defeat and it was here that the "Church" became a solid faith community. We are descendents of this first faith community with a firm belief on the providence and care of a just, meriful and loving God. This faithfulness permeates every fiber of First United Methodist Church of Newton.