1857

 Methodist Trustees purchase from the County Commission the North half of Block 4 Range 8 for $5.00
 

1859-71

A small meeting house was built in 1859, but it was taken over by Federal troops and badly damaged during the Civil War, making it unfit for use. So, the Methodists met at various locations including the Courthouse, the School, and the Presbyterian Church. In 1871, the old church building was torn down and the lumber sold for $30.00.
 

1874

A second wooden building was erected by the Gainesville Methodists at the corner of N.E. First Street and N.E 4th Avenue. After 1887, it was used temporarily by the youth and the W.C.T.U. Eventually it was sold and moved to the corner of N.E. 2nd Street and N.E. 3rd Avenue, and converted into a home.
 

1883

East Florida Seminary built a red brick administration building just to the North of the church, which was used until 1905. It was then used by the University of Florida until the campus moved to the West of downtown. Our trustees purchased the property in 1911 and renamed it Epworth Hall. The building was remodeled in 1942 and again in 1973.
 

1886-1887

Methodists erected a red brick building and named it Kavanaugh Memorial Church in honor of their bishop. It had a bell tower, stained glass memorial windows and a pipe organ. This building was converted into Fellowship Hall and the Christian Worker's Chapel in 1942.
 

1942

The current Gothic style sanctuary was built between Epworth Hall and Fellowship Hall, the buildings being connected by cloisters into one large unit.
 

1948

A Scout Cabin was built on the South side of the property; renamed Burt Ames Cabin in 1955.
 

1949-55

Two wooden houses North of Epworth Hall were used for Sunday School classes. The Susannah Hall building was given to Centenary Methodist Church and the Burkhim House was dismantled in 1955.
 

1956

Joseph F. Bell Hall was consecrated. This building contains 17 classrooms, our preschool, library and the church offices.
 

1960

North Hall was purchased by the church for additional office and meeting space. The former apartment building is believed to have been built around 1912.
 

2003

North Hall was renovated and it was renamed Selle Hall.  Our Gainesville District Superintendent's office is in this building.
 

2007

Sanctuary renovated.  Organ rebuilt and a new facade of pipes added.

• 150^th Anniversary in 2007, Established in 1857
• Three Full-time ministers on staff
• Music director on staff
• Adult, Youth, and Children's choirs
• Handbell choir
• 600 church members
• Two Sunday worship services
• Growing youth programs
• Six Adult Sunday School classes
• Five Children/Youth Sunday School classes
• Young Adult SS and Small Group Bible Study
• Wednesday night programs with supper
• Campus of  6 buildings
• Preschool program
• Cub, Brownie, Boy and Girl Scouts
• IHN local mission program
• Helping Hands local mission program
• Homeless local mission program
• Cuba sister-church mission program
• Sunday mission boxes
• United Methodist Women
• United Methodist Men

Methodist Church Built in 1874
Located approximately at what is now 405 NE First Street
The FUMC Fellowship Hall built in 1886 is on the left of the church
This picture is circa 1890

Same Site Today Contains
 the FUMC Sign

The FUMC Fellowship Hall built in 1886 is on the left of the sign and the Scout Hut is on the right