First Church began in 1835, when frontier settlers gathered for religious fellowship in log cabin homes in the area that would eventually become the city of Van Wert.  In 1838 those believers were organized into a Methodist Society, and shortly afterward the first church was built.  The cornerstone of the current building was laid in 1877, and several additions and improvements have been made since then.

     Over the years First United Methodist Church and the Van Wert community have grown and prospered together. The ministry of the church has contributed to the well being of the community, and the members of the church have helped establish the spirit of Van Wert.