Our History

The founding of a society of Methodists in Salisbury took place in 1783. In 1831, a parcel of land on what is now the corner of Fisher and Church Streets was purchased from Isaac Burns for the sum of $100. By the following year, a log chapel had been built. 
The Salisbury Church continued to grow in membership and in 1857 the log chapel was torn down and replaced by a larger brick building. The impressive structure was dominated by a circular stained glass window with doors at the extreme right and left. During the pastorate of Dr. W. H. Keith (1890-93), the brick church was remodeled and enlarged. Between 1894-97, a tower and Sunday School room were added when Dr. T. F. Marr was pastor.

Dr. Marr must have been a church builder because shortly after he was returned to the church in 1915 for a second pastorate, plans were made to build a new house of worship. The new structure was to rise on the same site as the old red brick church which had served since 1857.
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The new church, designed on the Akron plan, was a squarish building with wide front steps leading to an entrance flanked by four large white columns. It was occupied on the second Sunday in March 1919. The building and equipment of the church had cost around $100,000 and within eight years of the beginning of construction all debts were paid.

As early as 1950 with more growth and development, plans were underway for a new and expanded era of Christian activity. Lengthy study went into the long range plans, and in February 1950 the official Board voted to approve the general outline of the development program.
The first step was the construction of a chapel, an Educational Building and a Fellowship Hall. In 1953 these facilities were completed and a Weekday Kindergarten was established and was housed in the Education Building. That program continues as the FUMC Preschool.

Plans for a new sanctuary were drawn up. It was to be a soaring brick edifice, designed to harmonize and connect with the still new Education Building and to occupy the entire east side of the block on South Church Street between Fisher and Bank Street. Fund campaigns were held and in 1962 construction began. On May 5, 1963 the new sanctuary was formerly opened, and on December 4, 1966, there was a service of dedication.

In 1970, the Child Development Center opened, and in January 1991 the church started an after school program for children ages 5-12. Many children from the community have benefited from these church sponsored programs.

Many of our members are active in the Meals on Wheels program which started on August 31, 1976. When the shelter Ministry started in Salisbury in 1983, First United Methodist Church became very active. Members have continued to give their time and talent, and resources in this program which has expanded into Rowan Helping Ministries. The church also is active with Habitat for Humanity.
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In 2012 a new wing was added adjacent to the Sanctuary. It provides an enhanced experience for weddings, new offices for the staff freeing up other space in the Sunday School area, an acoustically-superior music suite and additional facilities for hospitality.