In 1867 Jacob Summerlin donated 20 acres of property to the M.E. Church South. The land was subdivided into lots. These lots were sold. Proceeds were used for the new church building. By October 28, 1882 the foundation had been laid. By November 11, 1982 the frames of both the church and parsonage were constructed. Bartow's Methodist's first sanctuary erected by local Methodists was located at the northwest corner of West Church St. & North Floral Ave as the First Methodist Episcopal Church South of Bartow and was dedicated March 11th, 1883. This was Bartow's first house of worship. Rev. Jordan was assisted at the dedication by Rev. P.R. McCreary and Rev. S. B. Carson.
The cornerstone for the present sanctuary at 310 South Broadway was laid January 1906. This new building was erected at a cost of $16,000. In 1907 the first service for the congregation of First Methodist Church was held in this new Sanctuary. The Rev. J.B. Mitchell was the pastor at this time. The old sanctuary was sold and the lumber was used to build two homes which still stand on S. Floral Ave. at Lemon Street.
Planning for an addition to the sanctuary began in 1946 while Paul Redfearn was pastor. The cornerstone was set in 1948. This was known as Fellowship Hall. This building contained classrooms, restrooms, assembly rooms, a kitchen, dining hall and pastor's study. A landscaped courtyard separated the Fellowship Hall from the sanctuary. The "Annex" as it is known today is still used for Sunday School classes, Nursery, Children's Worship, Choir Room, and Brides' Room as well as youth activities and by several organizations. At one time the basement was fully equipped with teenage games etc. and was very popular with Bartow Christian Youth on Friday and Saturday nights. Currently the upstairs portion of the Annex is being refurbished for Youth activities.
A new Education Building is now located across Broadway Ave., a block south of the Sanctuary. The cornerstone for this building was laid September 28, 1969 when William Sims was pastor. This building now houses the First Methodist School (Pre-school - 5th grade, founded 1972) the Church Office, Library, Pastor's Study, Fellowship Hall & Kitchen, and serves as center of activity for Wednesday evening suppers, Bible Study, U.M. Women's Circles, and many other activities at various times.
Roy Lowe, our present pastor, came to First U.M.C. in June 1997.
The church continues to build on it's heritage as it seeks to be a bridge into the new millennium for Christ to each succeeding generation.
Miss Lillian Carpenter prepared a history of Methodism in Florida and of First Church from 1844-1944. Louise Frisbie had four copies of Miss Carpenter's manuscript printed, bound and a copy presented to Florida Southern College's Roux Library, the Polk County Historical Library, Bartow Public Library and the First UMC Library.
Jack Johnson along with Louise and Loyal Frisbie published a history of First UMC from 1944-1983 in honor of the 100th anniversary of the church. Copies are available in the church office and library.