Our History
First United Methodist Church at its present location was founded in 1871.
Rev. J. T. Harris served as the first minister of the church when it was part of the nine-church Cary Circuit -- all served by one minister. In 1922 the original building was enlarged to include an annex, and in 1957 a growing membership made it necessary to enlarge and renovate the sanctuary. The ceiling and floor are part of the original structure.
The log cabin, used as a classroom and as meeting facilities, was built in 1933 and has been moved three times to make room for additional buildings. The Merritt Building was constructed in 1952, the "old" fellowship hall in 1957, the Children's Building in 1967, and the Fellowship Building in 1985. The Sanctuary was enlarged and a new Education Building was added in 1996.
The name of the church was Methodist Episcopal, South until 1939 when it was changed to Cary First Methodist. At the time of unification with the Evangelical United Brethren Church in 1968 the name was changed to First United Methodist Church.
Forty-seven ministers have served this church since 1871. It was grown to included more than 4,000 members who give life to the activities and make First United Methodist "the church in the heart of Cary."
