The First United Methodist Church of Summerville is the result of those first Methodists who came to Summerville in 1838 when the county was created from Cherokee Indian Territory.  In 1844, under the pastorate of the Reverend W.A. Kirby, the first records were kept.  About 1842 or 1843, a building 40 x 60 feet was built and used by three congregation, presumably the Baptist, Methodist, and Presbyterian.  The building had neither glass windows, nor ceiling and a trumpet was used to call the congregation to worship.  Later this building was converted into a residence and the present Presbyterian Manse is a part of the original church building.  At this time, Summerville was not an incorporated town, but a community with a few stores and a wooden courthouse.

During the pastorate of the Reverend J.H. Ewing, the first Methodist Church was built.  At that time, the Summerville Methodist Church was associated with the following churches:  Bethel, Mount Zion, Pleasant Hill, Cane Creek, Bird's Chapel, Owens Chapel, Macedonia, Broom Town, Anri Kelley's, Brandon's, Hicks and Ewings Chapel - a total of fourteen churches.

Five justices of the inferior court gave, rather than sold, the property on which Sumerville Methodism took root.  The gift, according to old records, was made "in consideration of the love and affection they (the justices) have for the Worship of the Almighty God."

The trustees received the deed to this property on March 5, 1849, and that same year saw the completion of the church.  The second and present church was erected in 1907-1908.  The old building was then given to the city, moved and used as a grammar school for black children.  The building is still in use as a dwelling located at 115 Hill Avenue.