The mission of our church is to make disciples for Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. We are a unique and vibrant community of faith with a rich history in Madisonville that goes all the way back to the 1820’s. We exist as a congregation to worship God, serve the world in mission, and grow in our discipleship through fellowship, prayer, and study. We believe that the life of the church is fundamentally about our relationship with God, one another, our community, and other UMC churches in our connection. All people are welcome into our church, and we hope that you will find ways to participate by your prayers, your presence, your gifts, your service, and your witness. This website offers a brief snapshot of our life together, and we hope you will become a part of it!
Lots of Hope!
Chris
Sundays:
This is a small group gathering for prayer, fellowship, and a brief lesson in our church Library prior to worship. All are welcome!
This is an informal gathering just before worship for anyone who wants some good conversation, coffee, and something sweet to eat.
Our worship services here at 1st UMC are warm and informal, but also liturgically rich. We invite you to come as you are! Our Pastor’s weekly messages are deeply rooted in scripture but also allow plenty of room for reason, tradition, and experience.
This is an informal small group gathering after worship. This group shares a meal, has a lesson, and engages in occasional missional activities.
Wednesdays:
Mid-week communion is a brief (15-20 minute), casual, and contemplative service that consists of prayer, scripture readings, confession, and a time of communion. All are welcome to participate even if you’re on your lunch break.
This is a fun group that loves to laugh and make music together for each week’s worship and for other special events.
An authentic group of youth who value fellowship & fun as much as growing as disciples of Christ in an ever changing world.
Our Ignite Children's Ministry meets every Wednesday evening from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. during the school year. This group of K-5th graders has a shared meal, games, music, and a Bible lesson.
Seasonal Things to look for:
Rev. Chris Black has monthly and seasonal classes that meet often. Classes are usually scheduled on Wednesdays in the morning or in the evenings. Be on the lookout for what new class is happening or about to happen!
Each month our church gathers to share a meal together in our fellowship hall. These are great moments to connect or reconnect with one another.
Each season of the church year brings a slew of activities with it, no matter if we are in October, July, or December. Please check out our monthly newsletter for the latest events that are happening around the church.
Drop by during the week:
Our main office is open Monday-Thursday from 9 a.m.- 3 p.m. but call the church even after office hours and you may find Chris, Nikki, Sue, or Erin.
The Methodist people have had a presence in our area since the time of the founding of Monroe County in 1819. In 1826 the commissioners of Tellico (later named Madisonville) sold a plot of land to be used for a Methodist meeting house and burial ground.
Our current church building still sits on this original plot of land. A log meetinghouse was constructed in the early 1800’s but was destroyed by a tornado in 1849. This first structure was replaced by a frame building that burned in 1863 during the Civil War. The third church was also a frame structure, but as the town grew so did the church and the facility became too limited. So, it was sold and moved down Main Street where it now stands as Victory Baptist Church. A larger frame building was erected in 1909 and faced west. It was said to have had beautiful stained glass windows, but it burned due to a flue fire on a Sunday morning in 1915. In 1917 a fifth church building was constructed out of brick, with an education wing being added in the 1950’s.
In 1990 a wing containing a fellowship hall, kitchen, and classrooms was added. On December 10th 2007 another fire occurred destroying all except the latest wing. The new church took 3 years to plan and build. On June 19th 2011 the first worship service was held in the current sanctuary space.
As she reflected on 1st UMC’s story, local historian Gussie Ghormly wrote: “Through the years, the buildings have changed, the pastors and leaders have changed, the programs and emphasis have changed. Only one thing remains unchanged; that is the Cornerstone, Jesus Christ the Lord. He constantly will remain.”
May this be our banner as we continue to move forward.
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