As early as April 8, 1890, a little over a month after the first sale of lots
in the new town, Reverend W. S. Commings, Pastor in Venetia, was sent to look
after the interest of the small group of Methodists. The group began to look for
a site suitable for a church. It was decided that several lots on the corner of
Lincoln Avenue and 6th street were most suitable, because of their
central location. Arrangements to purchase the lots were completed on September
5, 1890; the first services were held there under a apple tree, with Reverend
Cummings leading the service.
In October of 1890 the Annual Conference met at Greensburgh and Reverend R.
D. Mansell was appointed to the charge known as Venetia; it included Venetia,
Newkirk, Edwards Chapel, and Charleroi. The congregation was officially
organized under the leadership of Reverend R. D. Mansell.
The final purchase of the property (92 x 110 foot lot) was made on March 23,
1891 for $1,300.00 The church, a frame structure, was built at a cost of
$2,000.00 and was dedicated on July 26, 1891. At a conference on October 5, 1891
the reverend A. J. Giles was appointed as the first regular pastor of the
church. In 1892 the building was enlarged by adding a wing and a parsonage.
In the ensuring years spiritual and numerical growth steadily continued.
Under the leadership of Reverend A. E. Husted, the old church structure was torn
down, and a new church built of brick and stone trim at the cost $25,000.00. The
new facility was dedicated on June 30, 1907 by Bishop Charles W. Smith.
During the leadership of Reverend Joseph A. Morrison, a chapel, a parlor, and
Sunday School rooms were added to original brick structure. The addition was
dedicated on January 30, 1927. The new structure included space for learning and
discipleship to take place such as: children classes for Beginners, Primary, and
Junior Sunday School, a Teachers Training Department, an office, two parlors, a
kitchenette, a chapel, a heating system, new carpets, and complete renovation.
Also, a large stained glass window (The Garden of Gethsemane) was installed.
During the leadership of Reverend Robert Laing, the church was completely renovated; a new sanctuary built, the basement was enlarged. The choir loft and alter were completely renovated. A new parsonage was erected at 320 Crest Avenue and Reverend Laing and his family moved in on January 31, 1949. In 1957 the sanctuary was changed to face Lincoln Avenue.
In 1968, the properties adjacent to the church were purchased and a three
level parking plaza was constructed as well the current educational wing and
offices.
Today the church continues to maintain a vital ministry. Some of the ongoing ministries include: United Methodist Men, United Methodist Women, Sunday School for people of all ages, two Sunday Morning worship services, Bible Studies, Vacation Bible School, The Lincoln Avenue Nursery School. In April 1999 the church renewed it's statement of purpose which is "To Share The Good News of Jesus Christ With People of All Ages And Help Them Become Fully Devoted Followers of Jesus Christ" In the fall of 1999 the church put a new roof on at a cost of 44,000.00.
Since the early formation of First Church in the late 1880's to the present the church has witnessed and panorama of the miracles of God's grace and blessing. Of course, there have been heartaches, heartbreaks, disappointments, tragedies, and some have turned away. But multitudes have followed Christ and many at First Church continue to serve Christ and give witness to His glorious works.