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Our Community Values
Our values remind us who we are and what we’re about. They guide how we love God, one another, and our neighbors. Values help us grow into the kind of community God calls us to be.
Our Church History
Belton First United Methodist Church began in the late 1850s, and by the 1860s the first Methodist church building was completed on the lot at what is now Pearl and First Avenue in Belton. That early congregation quickly became the head of the circuit, reporting 249 members — a remarkable testimony to the faith and growth of the community in those formative years. In the 1870s, our church bell was presented in honor of Dr. John Embree, a beloved local doctor and merchant. Today, that same bell hangs in our modern bell tower and is rung before services, its sound echoing both gratitude and continuity across generations.
As the town expanded, so did the congregation. In the 1880s, new property was purchased, and the present-day church building was erected and completed in 1886 in the Gothic architectural style. Its arches and stained glass have framed more than a century of baptisms, weddings, funerals, and weekly worship. Music has long been central to our lives together. In 1908, our historic pipe organ was installed, and the first hymn played on it was “How Firm a Foundation”This is a fitting anthem for a congregation rooted in faith and trust.
Our commitment to forming young people also stretches back generations. A partnership with scouting began in the 1920s and continues today, as we joyfully host multiple Scout troops within our facilities. These relationships reflect our enduring belief that the church is called to nurture leadership, service, and character in the wider community.
In more recent decades, continued growth led to the construction of our Family Life Center (FLC), expanding our capacity for fellowship, recreation, outreach events, and large gatherings. The FLC has become a hub of hospitality. It is a place where meals are shared, children play, and the community gathers. One particularly meaningful chapter in our modern story is the history of College Lunch. What began as a simple meal offered to local college students grew into a cherished weekly ministry of welcome and nourishment. For 21 years, College Lunch has been more than food- it has been a place of belonging, encouragement, and connection during pivotal years of life and faith.
Today, as a congregation of the United Methodist Church, we continue to build on the legacy entrusted to us. From a small gathering in the 1850s to a vibrant, multi-generational church family, Belton First United Methodist Church remains committed to worshiping faithfully, serving generously, and loving our neighbors well. We trust that the same God who has guided us thus far is still at work among us.
The UNited mEthodist Church
The mission of the UMC is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the Transformation of the world.
