About Us

About First United Methodist Church Lebanon, Missouri

When Jesus established His church, there seemed to be no need for the church to own property. It was believed that Jesus would return at any moment and property was not important. As His followers realized that Jesus' return would not be as expected, it became necessary for the church of Jesus Christ to provide places for praise and worship. As the centuries passed, sanctuaries, Sunday School rooms and even larger areas for fellowship and recreation replaced one-room meeting places. Our church is no different!

The Methodist Episcopal Church South was organized in Lebanon in 1855 and erected a building in 1884 on Bland Avenue. A few years later it was moved to the corner of Adams and Commercial Streets. The Methodist Episcopal Church of Lebanon was permanently organized in the spring of 1870 with thirteen charter members, and a building was erected at Third and Madison later that year. After the national unification of Methodism in 1939, these two congregations began the process that was to lead to their merger in 1941. At this time, the "First United Methodist Church of Lebanon" was formed through their union and the combined congregations worshipped in the Madison Street building.

The present educational building was erected in 1947 when more Sunday School classrooms were needed . In 1961, ground was broken for our present sanctuary and all the stained glass windows from the sanctuary were installed in the new building. Our continuing growth demanded more space for Sunday School and fellowship and so, in 1990, the Robert G. Mayfield Family Life Center was built. The Family Life Center is named in honor of one of our most beloved brothers in Christ. Bob Mayfield was a long-time citizen of Lebanon with a distinguished career of service to his church, his nation, and his community.

Bob's kind and gracious manner were a trademark of his long and distinguished life. He sought always to magnify his Lord and Savior. His ability to help our church re-focus on Christ in times of unease was a testimony to his faithfulness and spirituality. Bob's love and influence will long be felt by this church and the many lives he touched.

After more than 125 years, the Methodist Church continues to thrive in Lebanon, offering a friendly place of worship and a wellspring of opportunities through which to serve God and our community.

Follow the Faith, Please E-mail us at unitedfamily@1umclebanon.com