Our church has a long and rich history.  The early part of First United Methodist Church, Jonesboro’s story comes from a book of our church’s history, written and published by former pastor Rev. William M. Wilder in 1986. Rev. Wilder tells us that in 1861, Rev. W.R. Foster delivered the first sermon in what was then called the town of Jonesborough. This sermon was delivered on the north side of the public square, in the partly finished livery stable of Fergus Snoddy.  This fostered the first group of Methodists in the town, who met wherever they could find a space. 

 Later, a group of Baptists erected their house of worship and allowed the Methodists to meet there for 13 years. In the fall of 1883, the Methodists began making plans for their own facility.

On April 27, 1889, the Jonesboro Times reported, “The Methodist people held their first church service in the new church last Sunday morning.  As the church is not yet lighted no services were held that night.”

This white-painted frame church was used until 1899, when a brick church was built on the corner of Main and Matthews. Then came the present iconic, columned structure built of Batesville marble.

 On Dec. 26, 1926, the first service in this new structure was held in the basement, with only a sawdust floor. The invocation for that service was, “The Lord is in His Holy Temple; let all the earth keep silence before Him.”

In the late 1920s and early 1930s, Sen. Thaddeus H. Caraway was a church member. After his death, his wife Hattie W. Caraway filled his position to become the first woman to serve in the U.S. Senate. Another notable church member was John W. Snyder, who served as Secretary of the Treasury during the Truman administration.

Over the years like many congregations, the First United Methodist Church of Jonesboro has weathered tumultuous times. 
During these times of upheaval, God was still at work, fostering deeper faith, grateful hearts, and a yearning for knowledge, connection, and opportunities to serve both locally and within the United Methodist community.  This is today’s First United Methodist Church.

FUMCJ has a rich tradition of offering a wealth of outreach programs and ministries for the Jonesboro community and beyond including:

• Sunday School classes
• Youth programs
• United Women in Faith
• Choir and other music ministries
• Vacation Bible School
• Mission projects such as Ozark Mission Project
• United Methodist Men

Along the way, we’ve celebrated deep fellowship through numerous events such as good old-fashioned Methodist potlucks, poundings and cookies and conversation!  We are a loving and active church who embodies our purpose:  We are United in Christ. We welcome all, nurture hope, and transform lives, reflecting God’s grace in our shared journey of faith. Please join us!