Our History

Methodism in Camden began before the town was incorporated, before the first store was built or the first newspaper printed.

From 1826, when the settlement was still called Ecore Fabre, meetings were held in the home of John Nunn, the first permanent settler. A 20' x 30' church was erected at the corner of Van Buren and Harrison in 1839. The growing congregation moved to a 40' x 40' log church across Harrison from the present church in 1845. In 1849 a cornerstone was laid at the present site, and a church of rough, unplaned lumber covered with clapboards was constructed. The congregation worshiped there until the first brick church was completed in 1895. The membership at that time was 282. By 1927 when the church was remodeled the membership had grown to 1128. Then disaster struck on December 13, 1931 when a tornado destroyed the structure. In 1932 the present church was built. The years since have brought building programs that added the Education building, restructured and redecorated the sanctuary, acquired the Wesley Memorial Center, and other nearby property.

From early circuit riders to today's pastors, the church has been served by outstanding leaders from the Methodist Church in Arkansas. Today the staff includes a senior minister, an administrative assistant, a program coordinator and a youth director. Music directors and instrumentalists are also on the permanent staff. The aim of the church is to serve the community as a congregation of Christians gathered for the worship of God and ministry in the name of Jesus Christ.

From the very beginning a Sunday School was organized. It grew from children's meetings in private homes to classes for intermediates, young people, and adults. Now classes are provided for every age. Some of the present classes have long records of service. The Men's Bible class was organized in 1914, followed by the Sunshine Class in 1926, the Couples' Class in 1933 and the Rose Class in 1947.

From children's choirs, which met after school on weekdays, the midweek, Wednesdays at Church (WAC), program developed. The children have snacks, fellowship time, vocal and instrumental music, art, and Bible stories.

Since the church installed an organ on August 16, 1901, the music program has expanded. In 1957, the Men's Choir was organized. Other additions include a junior high choir, youth bell ringers, and adult handbells. From that first organ the church has continually updated its musical instruments. Today the sanctuary is served by a thirtytwo rank pipe organ and a grand piano.

The United Methodist Youth Fellowship meets on Sunday evenings. For the junior and senior high students it offers programs for their growth in faith and gives them opportunities to work together in various mission and service programs.

It was not until 1878 that the General Conference allowed women to have a separate organization. Soon thereafter a Foreign Missionary Society was started in the Camden Church. From this beginning, the United Methodist Women of today developed. This group now provides a General Meeting at the Wesley Memorial Center and subgroup meetings, usually in private homes, monthly. Support for the Board of Missions and local and foreign mission projects comes from this group

The United Methodist Men began a Wednesday morning breakfast fellowship in 1964. It is now an ecumenical group with men from other denominations joining in the devotionals and prayers.

The church ministers through programs for older adults (the 39ers), a Singles Fellowship, athletic teams in the church league volleyball and softball programs, and a preschool program for children, pre-2-4 years, during the nine month school year. Many volunteers work in the Sunday School program, the nursery, the church office, the Wednesday Fellowship dinner, the food pantry, or wherever a need arises. Various Bible study groups are organized to meet during each year.

In the Wesley Memorial Center many activities take place. Boy Scout and Cub Scout troops, sponsored by the church, meet there. The building has hosted anniversary receptions, potlucks, Sunday School parties, district church meetings and public forums.

The influence of the First United Methodist Church reaches beyond its buildings and group activities. As its members participate in the life of the community, the faith they express and their commitment to Christian ministry touch people in all parts of the Camden area.