FIRST METHODIST 

                               CHURCH HISTORY       

     Methodism’s roots in Florida date back at least to the early 1800’s although the Florida Conference was not officially organized until 1844. Rev. William C. Jordan had served what was known as the Hillsborough District since 1858 and in 1867 became the first Methodist minister appointed in Bartow. Rev. Jordan is acknowledged as the “Father of Methodism in Bartow”.

     In 1867 Jacob Summerlin donated 20 acres of property to the Methodist-Episcopal Church south. The land was subdivided into lots and sold. Proceeds were used for the new church building. By October 28, 1882 the foundations had been laid and by November 11, 1882 the frames of both the church and parsonage were constructed. Bartow’s Methodist’s first sanctuary erected by local Methodist was located at the northwest corner of west Church Street and North Floral Avenue 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 P.R. McCreary and Rev. S. B. Carson.

     The cornerstone for the present sanctuary at 310 South Broadway Avenue was laid in January 1906.The new building was erected at a cost of $16,000. In 1907 the first service for the congregation of the First Methodist Church was held in this 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 South Floral Avenue at Lemon Street.  

     Miss Lillian Carpenter prepared a history of Methodism in Florida and of First Methodist Church from 1884-1944. 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 United Methodist Church Library.  

     Jack Johnson along with Louise and Loyal Frisbee published a history of First United Methodist Church from 1944-1983 in honor of the 100^th anniversary of the church. Copies are available in the church office and Library.

     Planning for an addition to the sanctuary began in 1946 while Paul Redfearn was pastor. This  was known as Fellowship Hall. This building contained classrooms, restrooms, assembly rooms dining hall, pastor’s study and a kitchen. 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’s Christian Youth on Friday and Saturday nights. Currently the upstairs portion of the Annex is being used for Youth activities.

     A new Education Building is now located across Broadway Avenue a block south of the Sanctuary. The cornerstone for this building was laid September 28, 1969 when William Sims was pastor. The building now houses the First Methodist School (Pre-school-8^th grade founded 1972) the church office, Library, Pastor’s Study, Fellowship Hall & Kitchen and serves as center of activity for Wednesday evening suppers, Prayer Groups, Bible Study, United Methodist Woman’s Circles and many other activities at various times.

     Roy Lowe our present pastor came to the First U. M. C., Bartow in June 1997. In honor the of  the Sanctuary’s 100^th anniversary in 2007,  a major renovation and restoration project was undertaken, which included stabilizing and under girding the foundation, refurbishing of the organ, restoration and reinforcement of the Stained Glass Windows, refinishing of the pews,  minor alterations to the chancel area,  installation of new carpet and repainting the interior and exterior of the building. 

     Current plans are to renovate, restore and redesign the Sanctuary Annex to construct an elevator providing  access to all 3 floors of the Annex and   ramps to provide handicap accessibility to both the Sanctuary and Annex,  relocate and enlarge Men’s & Women’s Restrooms and construct a new handicap accessible Restroom, and an additional Emergency Exit.  When completed the newly reconfigured Annex will have Youth Ministry activities located in the Basement, Nursery, Pre-school Classrooms , Choir Room , Bride’s Room and Restrooms on the First Floor, and Elementary –Age Classrooms on the 2^nd Floor.

      First Church continues to build on its heritage as it seeks to continue building bridges with  Christ and be a bridge to Christ for all ages in  each  generation.