Our History
A “Methodist Society” was first organized in Franklin and a building raised around 1800. Bishop Francis Asbury, the founding bishop of American Methodism, preached at the church on November 4, 1812. This building was located at the end of Church Street where it intersects with First Avenue, South. The land for this church had been donated in 1799 by Abram Maury, the founder of Franklin, at the time the town was founded. This makes First United Methodist the oldest congregation in Franklin.
In 1839, the church was moved to the northeast corner of Second Avenue and Church Street. During the Civil War, the church was occupied by Federal troops and church records and membership rolls were destroyed.
The present triangular lot was acquired by the decree of Chancery Court in April 1869. The present sanctuary was built and services began in 1871. The membership at that time was 228.
In 1916, the annex was built containing 15 Sunday School rooms. In 1949, a basement which seated 200 was constructed under the Sanctuary. In 1965, the annex across the street was built for more classroom space, and the Fellowship Hall, kitchen, and additional classrooms were added in a second phase in 1974.
Across the street from the Sanctuary, the Kenneday House was acquired from church members. Built in 1835, this historic building is now home to staff offices and administrative space.
In 1995 the Historic Sanctuary was refurbished, the bell tower was restored, and the steeple replaced. The original steeple had been blown off in a storm over seventy years ago. The new steeple, made of zinc, is as close to the original wooden one as possible. A beautiful gold-plated cross was added to the top of the steeple at this time. It stands high above the city skyline to affirm that we are all marked as disciples of Jesus Christ. When the steeple was rebuilt the original bell, which had been stored in a barn, was re-hung. It is rung every Sunday before the services of worship.
On June 29, 1997, the new Education-Activities Center was consecrated. This 37,000 square-foot building marks a new era in the ministry of historic Franklin First United Methodist. This building houses an enlarged kitchen, classrooms from nursery to youth, and a new Activity Center which is used for 9:00 and 10:30 services of worship, concerts, drama, and other events.
The membership of our congregation is now over 2,800. There are people from every age represented in our congregation, with the average age being forty-four. Continuing to discern God’s vision for the future, we maintain a long-term commitment that will carry our congregation into and beyond the twenty-first century.
A Dynamic Church
- Third time in 200+ year history FUMC has been called to move to accommodate growth
- 40 years on First Avenue (1799-1839)
- 30+ Years on Second Avenue (1839-1871)
- 100 Years on Fifth Avenue before outgrowing (1871-1974)
- 30 Additional Years through acquisitions, 6 additions, creativity (1974-2004)
- Recognized need to provide for the next century (2004-)
Historic Decisions
- Decision to move made in 2004 after several years of study
- Decision to purchase North Campus made in 2006
- Property purchased 2007
- Initiated 2006, currently payable through 2009
- $3,506,000 committed by 458 persons or units
- 692 individual persons or units have given to date
- Paid on faith alone– without pictures or plans!
Trustees Statement
Franklin First UMC Trustees Statement
October 4, 2009
Recently Franklin First United Methodist Church has received an unsolicited written offer to purchase approximately 50% of our North Campus for possible development by private entrepreneurs. The Board of Trustees and the Building Committee have carefully and prayerfully considered both the specific offer that has been communicated and the prospect of receiving other unsolicited offers for the purchase of any portion of the North Campus. After due consideration, the Board of Trustees has determined that, for the foreseeable future, all offers or inquiries about sale of any portion of the North Campus will be declined. There are four primary reasons for this decision:
(1) In 2006, the congregation at Franklin First UMC authorized the purchase of the entire 107 acres, rather than a lesser portion, because it envisioned needing and using the entire parcel over the next 150 years.
(2) Approximately 60% of the North Campus is in the flood plain and is thereby encumbered with substantial zoning and land use restrictions, which makes the actual area useable for church construction much smaller.
(3) Based on current growth projections, the sale of any portion of the North Campus will limit Franklin First UMC’s future growth.
(4) There is no current need requiring the sale of any portion of the North Campus in order to continue its orderly development.
Construction plans are continuing to be developed. The entire North Campus will continue to be used for the present and future ministries of Franklin First UMC.