As the covered wagons trekked westward in 1846, three families, the Mullans, the Hannas, and the Virdens, decided their future would be on the west bank of the Cedar River. They named the site Prairie Rapids.
Before the floor was in the Mullan log cabin, a Methodist circuit rider appeared and held a preaching service, the first in the community which is now called Waterloo.
During the fall of 1846, the first society was formed. This record was found in the Hanna Bible: "The first Methodist Society formed by Brother J. Johnson in 1846. Five members: G.W. Hanna, leader; Mary Hanna, Rebecca Virden, William Virden, America Mullan."
For some ten years, the Methodists held their worship services in various log cabins and were ministered to by a succession of circuit riders in what was known as the Big Woods Mission.
As the settlements grew, the Methodists outgrew the log cabins, so they held services in the Waterloo Seminary at Ninth and Bluff Streets. By 1859, the membership had grown to 122, with 145 in Sunday School.
The need for a church edifice was imperative. Even though the Civil Was was at hand, the Church started the building in 1862 at the corner of Jefferson and Fourth. Services were held in the enclosed basement, and in 1866, the church was completed.
During the next two decades, the Church continued to grow in membership and service, keeping pace with the growing city. The need for a new building soon emerged, especially when the pastor, Reverend W.F. Barclay, added 200 new members in a single revival. Thus the second building venture produced a fine edifice on the corner of Fifth and Jefferson.
Twenty years later, a growing Church in a growing city again called for enlarged quarters and improved facilities if the Church was to meet the challenges of the future. Under the leadership of Rev. Frank Cole, the present church at Fourth and Randolph was built. It was impressive from the first in its outward appearance and commodities, and was inspiring in its sanctuary. During the night before the dedication, fire wrought havoc with the building. Faith and vision prevailed; the dedication was held March 5, 1911, and the building was repaired.
In 1915, Frank W. Court became the pastor and he envisioned further expansion to meet the needs of the crowded Sunday School. A vacant lot adjoining the Church was purchased, and a trust of $10,000 was set aside by George B. Miller for further expansion. Then World War I interfered with the progress.
In 1938, Rev. Henry L. Weiss led a study for the possibility of expanding. In 1940, a successful finance campaign was held. A courageous response grew from faith and devotion, and the determination of a small band of workers led to victory. The dream of an Education and Parish Service Building was realized.
The Church continued to face the exciting growth of the 50s, the student protests and the cultural conflicts of the 60s. The 70s brought the recognition of Church in transition along with the urbanization of a changing community. The 80s brought a change in local economic conditions, and families left Waterloo to find work elsewhere. The 90s saw a rebound, with a stabilization of our community in the beginning of the twenty-first century.
New challenges bring new opportunities. Charged to bring more people to experience the grace of our God, we are led by Christ's example, in the presence of the Holy Spirit. Today, First United Methodist Church is poised to enter an exciting phase of even richer service to our community, to each other, and to our Lord.
