History

What is now First United Methodist Church was founded by some wayward easterners seeking a healthy climate, and who wanted to establish a church that would nurture their spiritual roots. The year was 1893, nineteen years before Arizona statehood, and the country was very much still a part of the untamed west. The Wilburs and those they gathered around them did not want to travel all the way to Tempe for church, so First Church was born!

Amazingly First Church was Mesa's only Methodist church until the early 1960s. However, we were not the only Methodists in the East Valley as we helped establish and support a group of Methodist in Apache Junction to start a new congregation, which is now the Desert Chapel United Methodist Church.

Velda Rose and Grace United Methodist Churches of Mesa began in 1964, with contingents of our membership being founding members of both congregations. St. Andrews, founded in 1967, St. Matthew, 1974, and Red Mountain, 1983, were later additions to the Mesa, now United Methodist scene. All are blessed with former members of our congregation and all have had financial as well as other support from our church.

The Tongan United Methodist Church, which was organized May 17, 1987, used our building for several years before moving into their own building. We still have close ties with the Tongan church, and they still use some of our facilities for special events.

Throughout these many years, the people of First Church of Mesa have made the radical decision to stay and do ministry in downtown Mesa. Many churches have chosen to relocate and build new facilities in more residential areas. We believe that God has called us to be in ministry here and to be the heart of Mesa!

Read our mission, vision and core values and come join us if even a bit of it resonates with you (or come join us even if none of it does!).

Also be sure to read Pastor Jim's words of welcome and meet our staff.