05/24/2026
"Now arriving on track 3, Methodism in Ogden." While that wasn't the call heard in the Union Pacific and Southern Pacific passenger terminal on June 28, 1870, that was what was arriving as the Reverend G.M. Pierce conducted the first Methodist church service in the terminal. The ministry of what is now First United Methodist Church was launched on an express run that saw the congregation literally on the move for the first few months of its existence, meeting for short periods in various locations around Ogden.
Looking for a more permanent home, in June of 1871, the church purchased property at 2364 Washington for $1700. In 1889, the Washington Boulevard church and school site was sold and new property secured at 454 24th Street. The first services were held in the new building in May 1890. The new church had been built at a cost of $65,000.
This served as the church’s headquarters until 1925 when two new building on the corner of 26th and Jefferson Ave was purchased from the James Pingree estate.
The three-story residence, and adjacent gymnasium, with swimming pool, shower baths, and club rooms, was extensively repaired and adapted to serve as a temporary church, parsonage, and Sunday School classrooms. From that time to the present this residence has been known as "The Community House." Rev. Fagen was the building's principal designer and architect. The cornerstone was laid in September was completed that year and dedicated in April 1929.
According to the Church’s website of their history it says; “After much prayer, persuasion, and planning, the FUMC congregation voted to move away from the downtown location. FUMC purchased land on 400 N. in Marriott-Slaterville and built a brand-new church. With the help of Bertoldi Architects, Kier Construction, Wells Fargo, and Bank of Utah, the many years of the generosity of the faithful and saving, saving, saving, we moved to our present location in April/May 2008..."
