FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

False fronts, board sidewalks, coal and clay miners; this was the street scene when the Reverend Rial Benjamin, a Methodist Circuit Rider, came to Renton for a tent meeting in August 1902.

In the Fall of 1903, a lot at 209 Williams Street was purchased for $300. A sanctuary was immediately constructed, mostly with volunteer help, at a cost of $1,800. Within a few years, the need for more space became evident. In the Fall of 1911, a lot at the corner of Second and Mill was purchased. Excavation was begun in November. With volunteer help, the church building was moved to the new site and placed on top of a daylight basement. A wing was added on the east with large roll-up doors between it and the sanctuary. A choir room was added at the back, steps and a bell tower at the front and in 1929, a covered porch was built.

The church grew with Renton. By 1952 even the side walls began to bulge. Reverend Harry Monroe organized a Building Committee which viewed many sites and considered the population growth. The required congregational notices were given. On a Sunday morning, with 75 members present, the Board of Trustees were given a unanimous vote to buy the present property. The Building Committee met monthly until the church was built and furnished. In the Spring of 1953, the first "Three Year Fund Raising Campaign" was a huge success.

The current building was begun in 1957 with the first service held in September, 1958. The school wing was added late in 1963 and dedicated in May 1964. The mortgage was burned in 1972. That same year a Building Fund was started in order to make needed improvements, including carpeting for the sanctuary and Memorial Room and completion of the parking lot and driveways.

A permanent Building Fund was begun in 1989 to maintain this beautiful building for the future. As the Renton area has grown, community outreach provided by this congregation has also expanded. The church runs a preschool program, Pied Piper Preschool. The church also provides meeting space for many community support groups. The RFUMC family and our building have become a vital part of the Renton community.

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