Celebrate 155 years of faith and community with First United Methodist Church of Lebanon!
The story began in 1870 on two lots donated by Josiah Ivey. The church cost $3,000 to build, the pastor earned $600 a year, and Pastor Darnell even built the pews himself. Membership grew fast, 30 full members and 8 probationary in two years, then reached 206 members (plus 52 probationary) by 1905.
In 1909–1910 the church was remodeled for $4,800, adding sloped floors, an altar, a choir loft, and stunning stained-glass windows. Mr. Scott discovered the windows in St. Louis; despite the $500 price tag, he pledged an extra $25 to help. The church purchased 3 large and 12 small windows for $525 including freight. Imported from Italy and sold by Jacobi Art Glass Co., they’ve drawn praise ever since, “I have never heard one kick!” said C. A. Wiedner.
Under Dr. Arnold Prater in 1957, the church bought the lot next door, moved the parsonage, and built a new sanctuary. The first service in that space was June 17, 1962. In 1968, after a national merger, the congregation became First United Methodist Church of Lebanon, Missouri.
Lebanon First United Methodist Church is located at 300 N Madison Ave.
Sunday School starts at 9am. Worship Service to follow at 10am.
Tuesday Morning Bible Study, every Tuesday Morning 10am - Noon Rm. 111
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