The First United Methodist Church of Warsaw will be celebrating their 175th Anniversary on March 30.
From mission trips to food drives, disaster relief to youth ministries, FUMC has always believed in putting faith into action.
First UMC recorded history began with a land purchase in Warsaw on January 8, 1850. Christians affiliated with the Methodist Episcopal Church South organized the congregation on the new river village of Warsaw. They then bought a lot on Washington Street near the present Christian Church and built a small building. Services were held then intermittently due to the Civil War. Services were also held occasionally in union with the Presbyterian and Disciples of Christ churches until May 28, 1885, when an undivided half interest in the building was sold to the STL conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The two Methodist groups joined with a Presbyterian congregation and used the building jointly until 1895, when the Presbyterians constructed a church of their own on Warsaw’s town square. The Presbyterian building was later purchased by the Methodists.
Warsaw was founded in 1837 but not fully incorporated until 1843, making the church body one of the first and longest standing church organizations in the community.
On October 1914, the church’s original site was sold and the Presbyterian structure on the square was purchased. Three congregations worshipped together, preaching services held monthly and Sunday School on a weekly basis.
All three congregations merged to form one Methodist Episcopal body.
In 1915, a basement was constructed beneath the church building. In 1918, a church station was established and preaching services were held each Sunday. Rev. W.W. Garrett was the first full time minister. In 1938, a small room was constructed at the back and the right of the chancel as a study for the minister and the room beneath was the first modern rest rooms.
In 1950, funds willed to the church by Mrs, Maude Bagby Robbins were used for another addition on the left side of the chancel. This was used for kindergarten class and on the basement level a more modern kitchen.
On a Sunday morning in December, 1950, disaster struck when fire broke out and caused great damage to the church sanctuary. Heroic efforts account for the saving of a substantial part of the structure. Church services were held in the theatre until the sanctuary was rebuilt.
The rebuilt and newly decorated church was dedicated on May 12, 1951.
“350 people heard Bishop Ivan Lee Holt at the dedication service on Sunday evening. Bishop Holt assisted by district superintendent E. W. Hartley and Pastor Wesley Hampton conducted the formal dedication. The building was presented by John Reser, chairman fo the building committee. In acceptance Bishop Holt said ‘Construction of a new building is not the end, it is only the beginning.’ Special music was under direction of Mrs. Maurine Hart.” (Benton County Enterprise May 25, 1951.
In 1959, a growing membership indicated a need for more space and in April of that year with a bequest from the estate of Jim Rayn, an educational building fund was started. It was not until 1962 that the educational addition was completed on the west side of the building which provided eight classrooms, a pastor’s study and expanded kitchen facilities.
In 1963, the first floor of the education building was airconditioned, a new communion rail was installed in memory of Mrs. Ella Keefer and the sanctuary was air conditioned.
In 1970, the old church was torn down and a new church was built with ground breaking on September 3, 1972.
Pastors who served the First United Methodist Church in Warsaw from 1850-2025 included: William Walton Jones, 1851; James J. Hill, 1898-1899; Smith Gambrel Welborn, 1900-1901; James Alexander Jared, 1902-1903; John W. Patison, 1904-1905; Thomas M. Cobb, 1905; Herbert J. Rand, 1905-1908; Benjamin Vancamp Alton, 1909-1910; Robert J. Kyle, 1910-1911; Charles F. Pryor, 1911-1912; James Russell Brown, 1913-1914; Rev. Green, 1915-1916; Henry Harrison Slaten, 1916-1918; William Wilbur Garrett, 1918-1919; William Henry Comer, 1919-1920; George Earl Hargis, 1920-1921; John Gilliam Haynes, 1922; John S. Henley, 1922-1926; Herman Daniel Huffine, 1926-1929; Clifford B. McCormick, 1926-1933; Alvin C. Stormont, 1933-1936; Earl Francis Dillon, 1936-1938; Joseph A. Wagner, 1938-1943; Charles S. Roe, 1943-1945; Perry Albright Rowland, 1945-1947; William Rex Dalton, 1947-1948; H. Wesley Hampton, 1948-1951; Walter E. Sparks, 1951-1952; T. W. Hinchee, 1955-1956; W. H. Hall, 1956-1958; Rihard L. Burgess, 1958-1959; Lloyd Edward McKemey, 1959-1965; George L. Ryder, 1966-1967; J. D. Little, 1966-1977; William W. Moore, 1978-1984; Asher William McDaniel, 1985-1991; Roger Dale Metscher, 1992-1998; Diana Louise Loomis, 1995-2005; Harvey Grayum, 2006-2007; D. Eric Derks, 2007-2016; Dr. Loren Preston Whetsell, 2016-2025.
Methodism has a long history prioritizing the teachings of John Wesley who set the example for the church in his teaching that prioritize service and emphasize doing good through social justice, giving, grace and loving God and neighbor.
FUMC Pastor Loren Whetsell serves as the president of the Benton County Youth coalition and oversees the annual Easter Egg Hunt as well as Fifth Quarter events during football season.
The Warsaw FUMC has supported both youth and adult mission trips beyond the local area. Most recently the IGNTE youth group completed a mission project at Show-Mne Christian Youth Home in LaMonte, MO.
“Growing up in the Methodist Church I learned how important it is to have faith in God. I made so many friends along the way that I will treasure for life,” said FUMC member Tracy Martin Spry.
For many years, FUMC has prioritized creating a safe and welcoming space for kids to grow in their faith. This included the preschool, after-school program IGNITE youth group, Vacation Bible School and community events like Truck or Treat and 5th Quarter and Out. Church members are also actively involved in the BCYC (Benton County Youth Coalition) program.
Jonna Arnett, who serves as the Warsaw R-IX Social Services Coordinator, commented on how the Warsaw FUMC aided in the school district. “Pastor Wetsell, United Methodist Church and BCYC have been incredibly generous to the students of Benton County and have made so many projects to benefit our students to meet the needs of students, or an opportunity to volunteer, the parishioners of United Methodist Church have jumped right in to help. I am forever grateful for their support and their amazing presence in our community,” said Arnett.
The Warsaw FUMC has also sent groups to help with disaster relief efforts such as a group that traveled to Joplin to help with cleanup efforts after the devasting tornado. The church also participated in sending groups to Colorado in the wake of forest fires and Houston in the wake of a hurricane.
“First United Methodist Church raised me in the faith,” said former Warsaw resident Leanne Thixton Donaldson. “They empowered me to use my gifts at a young age. Their investment in me led me to attend seminary and serve teens in the local church. I am who I am today because of the people of First Methodist. I recall First Methodist as a congregation who invested deeply in youth for the long haul. I have fond memories of adults who led Sunday School and youth choir, helped organize activities, and who simply paid attention to and took a consistent interest in young people. That investment in the next generation is simple but powerful for a community.”
Founded by First United Methodist Church members, the Soup and More Community Kitchen provides free meals to anyone in need every Thursday. All are welcome
The Boy Scouts of America and the All Arounders 4-H Club both meet in the fellowship hall of the church each month.
“We appreciate having a safe place for our club to meet and provide our members with the opportunity to learn and grow,” said 4-H project leader Gary Roberts.
Every summer, FUMC serves as a host site for the Salvation Army’s free meal program.
Church members read to elementary school students once a month and provide each child with a free copy of the book.
FUMC serves as a host site for the Parents as Teachers program which is a part of the Warsaw R-IX School district.
“I guess the best part of growing up Methodist in Warsaw was the group of kids I became good friends with. I always enjoyed Mrs. Sander's 5th/6th class,” said Dawn Elmore “Marty Tippin, Jason Sanders, Michael Kauffman, and sometimes Nicole Brunner attended. I have pictures from when we went to the beach. I also enjoyed Leslie Hill's high school class. Keith & Kelly Whitaker, Nicole Brunner, Richard Kreisel. I also participated in UMYF on Sun afternoons. We played a lot of volleyball. Becky Cobb was a constant at church. My mom taught the kids' choir. We walked from North School, once school was out, down the big hill, passed in front of the jail (which could be scary since the inmates tried to talk to us) and into the church. I sang solos and duets (with Michael) in front of the congregation. One year, UMYF took a trip to Colorado. That was memorable!! I have a picture of the group of us. My first memory of attending WUMC was of me cutting shapes out of the front of my dress in Mrs. Schroder's pre-K class. I believe that was my very first visit, and I would've been four. Mrs. Still was my Sunday School teacher, then Wallace, then Sanders, and finally, Hill. I remember VBS and playing Red Rover on the courthouse lawn. I had a lot of fun with all the Methodist youth, and to this day, I'm still friends with them. I think my interactions with the majority of the congregation helped to form the person I am today. I also loved the potluck. They spoiled me for the churches I attended in other areas as I moved around. Warsaw UMC also has the beautiful stained-glass window. No other church can compare.”
The FUMC regularly hosts blood drives to support those in need.
The Church also operates a Blessings Box outside the church door so those in need can “take what you need, give what you can” basis. A dedicated team helps keep it stacked for anyone in need including those who are unhoused or struggling to make ends meet.
The church also takes a monthly food donation for local organizations as well as giving community assistance for gas vouchers, food assistance and limited help with utility bills. Anyone needing assistance or wanting to donate can contact the church office or give online.
Dr. Loren Whetsell has been the minister of the First United Methodist Church of Warsaw since 2016.
“The congregation welcomed me and my family, since my appointment in the summer of 2016. Over the years the congregation has provided me with opportunities to become much more involved in the community. They have encouraged me in my efforts to reach out beyond the church walls to the youth in the community through the Benton County Youth Coalition and through our early reading program with the Warsaw schools. They afforded me the time to serve as a substitute teacher during the COVID year, and were instrumental in my decision to serve on the Warsaw R-IX Board of Education.
“The congregation encouraged and supported me as I pursued my Doctorate in Ministry in Cambridge, England. This strengthened my call to ministry and opened up the possibility of fulfilling a long-time dream of serving the Lord in the UK.
“By serving First Church, I have learned much over the years about caring for older congregation and helping families during the difficult times of mourning the loss of loved ones. Perhaps this has been my greatest mission in Warsaw. It has allowed me many opportunities to offer hope to hurting families and offer the message that through Christ death does not have the last word,” said Whetsell.
A special celebration will be held March 30 at 10:30 AM in the FUMC sanctuary to celebrate 175 years in Warsaw. Following the church service there will be a meal and celebration in the Fellowship Hall. Missouri Bishop Robert Farr will be preaching at the celebration. Everyone is invited.
