OUR HISTORY

BETHEL CHURCH 

First United Methodist Church of Frisco has a heritage dating back to 1848, before the city of Frisco was even established.  In 1848, Rev. Joab Biggs came to Texas as a pioneer Methodist preacher, as the Methodist Church expanded into the new state of Texas.  Rev. Biggs, William and Francis Rogers, Peter and Sarah Teel, and Elizabeth Rogers organized Bethel Church in the home of William Rogers, where they would meet for the first few years.

William Rogers donated 2 acres of land on which the first church building was built in 1852, near the current location of Bethel Cemetery (just north of Eldorado and Rogers Road).  The first building measured 16' x 24', with a dirt floor and log benches.   A second building followed in 1859, but was destroyed by a storm before construction was complete.   The 30' x 40' building was finally finished after the Civil War, and remained in use until 1882.  

In 1873, Joseph B. Rogers donated 3 acres of land for the first parsonage.  Another parsonage was later built near the church on land that is now known as the A.P. Rogers farm.

In 1874, Joseph B. Rogers donated 10 acres of land adjoining the church property for the purpose of camp meetings and annual revival meetings.  Lasting up to two weeks, these meetings brought people from all around the area.  There were often 1000 people at the service and the influence was felt for many miles around.  For several years, the meetings took place under a huge brush arbor, built by members.  A commodious shed, 40'x60' was built in 1888 and was used for meetings until 1901.

An educational building was constructed in the 1870's and later became the site of worship for the growing congregation of Bethel Methodist Church.  

THE MOVE INTO TOWN

In 1902, a parcel of land was purchased in the land sale for the new town of Frisco, Texas, and a new church was constructed at the corner of 6th and Oak, one block off Main Street.  The old buildings at Bethel were demolished and materials were brought to town to construct the new building, and the church name was changed to First Methodist Church .  A new brick sanctuary was constructed in 1915 but was later partially destroyed by fire.   While the walls were left intact, the interior and roof of the church were reconstruction.  In 1968, the United Methodist church was established, and First Methodist became First United Methodist Church of Frisco.  

THE MOVE TO PRESTON ROAD

In the late 1970's, it became apparent that the church on Oak Street was not large enough to support the growing congregation.  Under the leadership of Rev. Don Underwood, the church purchased 7.17 acres of empty pasture land on Preston Road.  The building at 6th and Oak was sold to another church and plans were made for a new building on the land.  During construction of the new church, the congregation gathered each week in the chapel of the local funeral home, anxiously awaiting the move to their new permanent home. In August of 1982, the first phase of building was complete and FUMC Frisco moved into the new building, which included a new sanctuary, offices, a kitchen, and several classrooms.  In the 1990's, the Family Life Center was added to the church (one half at a time) with a new gymnasium, kitchen, and additional classrooms.  

In 2005, the church purchased 3.4 acres of land, adjacent to the current property, in order to expand the campus and facilities.  Plans were made for a new sanctuary, tripling worship capacity and providing a large gathering area, kitchen, choir rehearsal space, and a expansive meeting space for the Youth.  Construction was completed in December 2008.  In 2014, the church purchased an additional 6 acres of land on the north side of the church property, making the footprint of the church just under 17 acres.

THE CHURCH IN EXILE

In 2022, within the context of upheaval within the larger United Methodist Church, our church leadership began exploring the potential to disaffiliate from the United Methodist Church.  Unfortunately, much of the discussion and planning was not shared with the congregation.  In September, a period of “discernment” was announced, and small-group meetings were held for the congregation.  The meetings provided limited information to those who took part, and anyone who did not attend a meeting was left virtually uninformed about what was taking place.  In November, a called Church Conference was held and a congregational vote was taken to decide whether to disaffiliate and whether to then affiliate with the Global Methodist Church (a new denomination).  Per the requirements of the United Methodist Book of Discipline Paragraph 2553, a vote to disaffiliate requires a 2/3 majority to pass.  When the votes were counted, the disaffiliation effort failed to meet the 2/3 majority required to pass and the resolution failed.  Regardless of that failed vote, however, some of the church leaders announced the intention to  continue on the path to disaffiliate.  

On January 1, 2023, church leaders announced that the church had disaffiliated from the UMC and joined the Global Methodist Church, officially becoming First Frisco (Global) Methodist Church.  Since that time, we believe First Frisco Global Methodist Church improperly occupies the property at 7659 Preston Road in Frisco.  There have been other congregations in North Texas who have chosen to disaffiliate from the United Methodist Church and have done so in compliance with the United Methodist Book of Discipline, in cooperation with district and conference leadership, and with transparency to their congregations.  We believe none of that took place at First United Methodist Church of Frisco.

There were, however, many members who wished to remain United Methodist.  We were suddenly without a physical church home, but decided immediately that we would remain in communion as First UMC Frisco, moving forward together while awaiting the return of our church property.   Many have deep roots in this church, some with roots reaching back to its founding.  It is clear to us that the disaffiliation vote failed and we should not have been the ones to leave our church property behind.

We began meeting together in unity (and grief) to chart our path forward, and we joyfully proclaim that First United Methodist Church of Frisco is alive and well!

In early 2023, we began meeting weekly at Christ United Methodist Church in Plano (January to June of 2023), under the leadership of Pastor Don Underwood.  We have enjoyed time together as a congregation every week, maintaining our identity as First UMC Frisco, and have strengthened our church community.  Don has walked alongside us through this season, helping us maintain solidarity, determination, and a relentless spirit, and helping us navigate the path God has called us to.  In February 2023, we elected a new Simplified Accountable Leadership Board and have worked diligently in continuing all aspects and functions of the church, through an invaluable partnership with Christ UMC and the assistance of the North Texas Conference of the UMC.  

First United Methodist Church of Frisco remains vital and relevant, albeit in "exile",  and we walk together with the goal of growing the church and regaining our rightful place on Preston Road. 

BACK TO FRISCO!

Beginning June 25, 2023, First United Methodist Church of Frisco has moved back to Frisco!   We have been graciously given the opportunity to share space with the congregation of Faithbridge Presbyterian Church, at 10930 College Pkwy (see the map on our home page).  Worship is held each Sunday morning at 9 a.m., with Sunday School at 10.  We continue to develop our programming and ministries for the entire congregation.

In this season, we hold strongly to the belief that God is using this time for His purposes and that we will emerge better and stronger, and equipped with everything we need to continue as the loving, giving, vibrant church that we have always been.   Above all, we remain whole-heartedly dedicated to making disciples of Christ through serving, loving, and growing -- together.  Our doors are open and all are invited to come and see the "new beginning" happening in our church.

We hope you will join us as we continue our journey.  

It's the dawn of a new day for First United Methodist Church of Frisco!