Our history
LINDA SCOTT
Church Historian
If you have documents to share, contact Linda at
270-227-2355 or lscott187@gmail.com
Methodists began meeting in this area as long ago as 1832 when a small group of people gathered in the home of the Rev. Isaiah P’Pool. Rev. Boswell served as our pastor.
A Murray Methodist Church was organized in 1839 with thirteen members who met in homes. The early membership included: J.M. P’Pool, Josie Banks, Sarah Farley, Susan Waters, Mary A. Widows, Nannie Conyers, Mary E. Bynum, John R. Schroder, S. Carter Whitnell, Mary W. Stephenson, Sam Bynum, Mary Bynum and Mollie Waters. The church was part of the Wadesboro Circuit of 24 preaching units. The Murray Circuit was organized in 1845.
The first Church building was constructed on South Fourth Street in 1879. The Rev. B. B. Risenhoover was pastor. The membership grew little during the war years. The Membership Role listed the following members: Mrs. Carrie McCarthy, Mrs. Josie Banks, Mrs. Mattie Watters Ligon, John J. Waters, Mrs. Susan C. Waters, Mrs. Dyar Schroader, John Schroader, John Whitnell, Mrs. Martha Whitnell, Mrs. Josie Holt, Rev. Mac Pool, Mrs. Lenora Pool, and Wilson Wheathers.
The congregation grew quickly and a new building was erected on the corner of Fifth and Maple Streets in 1903. In 1915, an annex of two stories and a basement was added – the basement is still in use today. Construction of the Methodist Student Center was completed 1948 and is now named the Wesley Foundation at Murray State University. Our pastor was the Rev. T.H. Mullins, Jr.
A building committee began work on a new Master Plan in 1950 during the ministry of the Rev. George W. Bell. In the summer of 1954, the Educational Building was completed while Rev. Paul T. Lyles was pastor. The Committee was composed of: H. T. Waldrop, Chairman; Mrs. Gladys Scott; A. W. Simmons, Sr.; Mrs. Faith Doran and Nat Ryan Hughes.
The new sanctuary was completed in 1961. A farewell service was held in the 1903 sanctuary on Sunday morning, February 12, 1961. Bishop Marvin A. Franklin presided at the formal opening on Sunday, March 5, 1961. The Rev. Paul T. Lyles was Paris District Superintendent at that time and the Rev. Walter E. Mischke was pastor. The final piece of the 1950 Master Plan was the Christian Life Center. It was to be built on the land where the Sanctuary at Fifth and Maple stood. The CLC was completed and dedicated in 1997 while Rev. Larry Daniel was pastor. The building contains a gymnasium, executive offices, meeting space, Sunday school classroom space and a full commercial kitchen.
In 1999, our Church along with the Wesley Housing Corporation began planning a retirement facility in the Murray area. Our Pastor, Rev. Larry Daniel, was instrumental in getting this project underway. The two-story Wesley at Murray Complex was completed in 2003 and opened with 26 units. In 2013, construction began on an additional 20 units with a separate community building. The Wesley Murray Meadows was completed in 2014.
The Music Ministry at First Methodist is worship-centered. The Praise Team leads worship at the Early Light Service. Traditional music and worship are led by Dr. Todd E. Hill, who directs the 30-voice Chancel Choir. Prior Choir Directors include Mrs. G.T. Hicks, R.W. “Doc” Farrell, Robert K Barr, Paul Shahan, Bruce Chamberlain, Kim Black, and Pam Wurgler. Joan Bowker serves as organist and also directs the 16-member Handbell Ensemble. Our first pipe organ came from a church in Memphis and was presented to our church in 1935. Lillian Waters was our first organist followed by Jane Atkins, Elenore Hire, Curtis Hughes, Charlotte Durkee, Beatrice Farrell, and today, Joan Love Bowker. Traditional worship is blessed with a 1961 Wicks Pipe Organ. A generous gift in 2020 given by Joan Bowker and her husband, the late John Bowker has made possible an expansion of that instrument including 7 new ranks, bringing the total to 33 ranks - more than 2,400 pipes.
From our beginnings, our Church Family has faithfully supported home and foreign missions as well as mentoring our youth in missions. That emphasis continues today. Our Church also serves the community through current technology to reach out to members and others unable to attend services. The Mission of the First United Methodist Church of Murray, KY is to “Love God, Love People”.