History

Our History

Beaverton First United Methodist Church is a historic church located in the city of Beaverton, Oregon. It is a vibrant community of believers who have been serving the community for more than 180 years.

Early History

The church was established in 1843 as part of a Methodist camp meeting on the Tualatin plains, and services were originally held in the log cabin of Reverend Tom Cornell on Cornell Road. In 1885 the Church moved to its present location at 4th & Watson.

In the early years, the church was served by a series of pastors who were committed to spreading the Gospel and building up the church. These early pastors included Rev. Calvin Bryant, who became the first resident pastor of Beaverton in 1886.

Expansion and Growth

Over the years, the church continued to grow and expand. In the early 1910s, the church was remodeled, and extensive improvements were made to accommodate the growing congregation.

During the Great Depression, the church continued to serve the community by providing assistance to those in need. The church also supported various social programs and community organizations.

In the post-World War II era, the church experienced another period of growth and expansion. In 1953, the church constructed a new education building that provided additional classroom space for Sunday school and other educational programs. The current sanctuary was built in 1959, and construction of Wesley Hall was completed in 1966.

The church thrived through the 1950s and 1960s under the leadership of pastors such as Rev. Horace Mounts and Rev. James McCobb. These pastors were committed to building a strong, inclusive, and welcoming church community that served the needs of all people. On April 22, 1960, we had the pleasure of welcoming presidential candidate John F. Kennedy to speak at our church.

Modern Era

In the 1970s and 1980s, the church faced new challenges as the community around it continued to grow and change. In response, the church launched new programs and initiatives to reach out to the changing community.

In recent decades, the church has continued to evolve and adapt to the changing needs of the community. This includes the launch of new programs and initiatives focused on youths, seniors, and the disadvantaged.

Today, Beaverton First United Methodist Church is a thriving community of believers that is committed to serving the needs of the community. The church is led by a dedicated team of pastors and lay leaders who are committed to building a strong, inclusive, and welcoming community of faith.

Conclusion

The history of Beaverton First United Methodist Church is a testament to the power of faith, perseverance, and community. Over the past 180 years, the church has faced many challenges and undergone many changes. However, through it all, the church has remained committed to its mission of spreading the Gospel and serving the needs of the community. Today, Beaverton First United Methodist Church is a vibrant and growing community of believers that continues to make a positive impact in the lives of people in the Beaverton area and beyond.