How it all started... over 175 years ago. As the oldest church in Sallisaw!
As we reflect on our rich history, tracing our roots back to the 1830s and officially beginning our journey in 1848, we acknowledge the incredible legacy that has shaped First United Methodist Church (FUMC) in Sequoyah County. From the early days of the "Salusaw" circuit within the Cherokee District, through the transitions to the Muskogee District and the renaming of our community to Sallisaw, our church has continually grown and adapted to meet the needs of our members and the wider community.
The resilience and faith of our congregation are evident in our history. Our first church building, erected in 1902, stood as a beacon of hope until it was lost to fire. The early 1930s saw the construction of the former Methodist church, a place many fondly remember as the “church of old.”
As time passed, it became clear that our facilities needed to evolve to accommodate our growing community and expanding ministries.
In response to this need, our dedicated members began planning for a new church. The first phase of our current building was completed in 2005, with the addition of our beautiful new sanctuary finished in 2018. These developments mark not only physical growth but also our commitment to nurturing a vibrant, active church family.
The resilience and faith of our congregation are evident in our history. Our first church building, erected in 1902, stood as a beacon of hope until it was lost to fire. The early 1930s saw the construction of the former Methodist church, a place many fondly remember as the “church of old.”
As time passed, it became clear that our facilities needed to evolve to accommodate our growing community and expanding ministries.
In response to this need, our dedicated members began planning for a new church. The first phase of our current building was completed in 2005, with the addition of our beautiful new sanctuary finished in 2018. These developments mark not only physical growth but also our commitment to nurturing a vibrant, active church family.
1930s Building 3rd official Church
1901 Building 2nd official Church
New Sanctuary
New Sanctuary construction
Expanding the vision...
We are a church that is open to all people, and that is committed to seeking God, seeking connection with all of God’s people. We hold to many historic Christian beliefs, but we also are full of people who have struggles and doubts and wrestle with their faith. We believe that you don’t have to have it all figured out in order to be a part of the church. If you are willing to seek God and try to follow Jesus (or even if you’re just trying to figure out if you want that stuff), there is a place for you with us.
Where we are headed...
Looking to the future, we envision FUMC as a dynamic hub for spiritual growth, community engagement, and service. We are committed to continuing our legacy of resilience and adaptation, ensuring that our facilities and ministries evolve to meet the needs of our members and the broader community. Our journey is far from over, and we are excited about the path ahead, where we will continue to live out our mission with purpose and passion.
