Decatur First History

For you, the history of Decatur First United Methodist Church began with your first memory of it, whether you were born into the congregation or are coming in as an adult. However, there are one hundred seventy-one and one-half years of growing, serving, and witnessing that make it the church it is today.

In 1823, after DeKalb County was formed, a settlement on a ridge was selected as the county seat and named Decatur. There was a group of twelve believers, "Methodists, Baptists, Presbyterians, and two Episcopalians," who gathered to worship in homes or out-of-doors, weather permitting, when the circuit rider, a Methodist preacher who traveled the backwoods on horse- back, arrived. The State Legislature offered each denomination land on which to erect a building solely for worship purposes. The Methodists were the first to accept this offer and soon a log church house took its place among the other log buildings of the community.

The date of construction of the white frame, one room structure is unknown. Pictures show doors on the left for men, who sat on the left side of the church and on the right side for women.

The approaching twentieth century brought unprecedented growth to Decatur and the Methodists prepared for it in 1899 with the granite edifice now the chapel. Seventeen years later, the transepts were added and the altar and choirs were moved to their present location. In 1922, a three story educational building arose back of the sanctuary. In rapid succession, residences adjoining the church on Sycamore Street were used for classrooms until the Children's Building (now the Sycamore Building) was erected. Residences on Ponce de Leon to the north served as classrooms before the present Educational and Activities Buildings were built. Lastly, the Sanctuary arose. Since that time the chapel has been completely restored as well as major additions added to the Educational and Activities Buildings. Be assured this is not to be the last!

In the first half of the twentieth century additions were made to take care of growing membership. In the last half of the century, the concept of the church ministering to the whole person -- not only the membership but the community and the world -- has required different kinds of space. This was Jesus' idea all along! New space and enlarged staffs and countless volunteers are required "to know Christ and make Him known." As you take your place in the fellowship of believers you will become a continuing part of the history of this congregation.

For more information, read Mary Fox's The Sesquicentennial Celebration 1823-7973, found in the Frank Manning Library. This is an interesting account of Decatur First United Methodist Church.