A living history ...
The First United Methodist Church of Mountain View was established at its present site in 1877.
The building was moved as a joint venture of the Methodists and the Masonic Lodge from Riggsville, a town three miles southeast of Mountain View. The building was a two story structure where the church used the lower level and the lodge the upper level. This agreement was to continue until March 16, 1903, however, the church had decided they wanted to build a new structure.
In 1889, a special committee was appointed by the Quarterly Conference to research the cost of the lodge's interest in the building. Finally on February 2, 1904, the lodge sold it's interest in the building for $60.00.
Mr. & Mrs. Adam Brewer donated the land where the church and parsonage now sit and a new structure was built in 1905.
In 1919, the church building was remodeled, adding classrooms and a basement. Funds began accumulating throughout the 1960's for a new structure.
In 1971, the building was razed for the construction of the present building.
On November 22, 1966, a design for the church was agreed upon, and fund-raising began. Construction began in June 1970 on the 6000 square foot building. On Sunday, February 7, 1971, the congregation filled the new sanctuary. The consecration service was May 2, 1971 with Bishop Paul W. Galloway presiding.
In 1989-90, a 4000 square foot activity wing was added including Kemp Hall.
In 1999, as God continued to bless this church, another expansion was needed. A three year pledge campaign began and a ground breaking ceremony was held on July 25, 1999. Construction was finished in 2000.
The expanded Sanctuary, the Roger Beale Fellowship Room and new offices were consecrated on November 5, 2000 with District Superintendent Dennis Spence presiding.
This congregation of the First United Methodist Church has built bridges from the past to the present, and with God's grace, will continue to build them into the future.