The history of First United Methodist Church mirrors in many ways the history of the city. Methodists were among the earliest settlers of Lexington and national Methodist leaders sent ministers to Lexington to organize believers into what was called the Society of Methodists, by 1789.

We met first in a small cabin on the east end of town. We were the first Methodist church west of the Allegheny Mountains and one of the first one hundred Methodist churches in America.

After a rapid period of growth in the early 1800s, during which time the congregation built and outgrew additional church buildings and locations, the church moved in 1840 to a lot on High Street and built a new church.

That original lot lies under half of the current sanctuary. Further growth led to an enlargement of the 1840 church twice. By 1900, the congregation had again outgrown its sanctuary. With the generous bequest of a member, the old building was removed, and the current sanctuary erected in 1907.

Through the years, First Methodist’s work has included providing worship and discipleship experiences beyond the High Street location, including helping begin other Lexington UM churches and supporting God’s work around the world.

In 2012, we chose to become a multi-site church committed to multiple expressions, and we now have 3 worship communities: Downtown at 200 W. High St, Andover at 3801 Polo Club Blvd, and Offerings at 200 W. High St. Each community offers in-person and online worship as we continue to reach across streets and around the world.

We are a church that makes disciples and also that develops church leaders. Five ministers who served the First Church pulpit became bishops (including the first woman elected bishop from Kentucky), and one of our members was elected to the United Methodist Judicial Council. Many lay members have served in leadership positions across the United Methodist Church. From 2016-2024, the First Church Fellowship provided a multi-year progam offering work experience and mentoring to students at Asbury Theological Seminary. For our laity, we have designed Discipleship by the Numbers, a biblical and theological model for discipleship.

Now well into its third century, First United Methodist Church continues its mission to invite, equip and deploy faithful followers of Jesus Christ across the street and around the world.