Dec 23, 2025
While the original First United Methodist Church was built in 1872 or ’73, the current building has stood in its place since 1907. (Sophie Vogelmann | Daily Press)
(Note: This is part of a regular series of profiles on historical buildings and sites in the region. The first round is focusing on churches.)
ESCANABA – At the heart of Escanaba’s historic downtown stands First United Methodist Church, an English Gothic-style landmark with roots that date back more than 150 years.
First United Methodist’s congregation has built three different churches on the corner of South Sixth Street and Second Avenue South in Escanaba, the first constructed on the same lot where the church stands today.
Interest in having a Methodist church in the newly founded Escanaba began in 1869 when prayer meetings were held in the homes of local residents.
In 1870, the presiding elder, now known as a district superintendent, of Marquette traveled to preach in Escanaba at Royce Hall. He and nine local community members organized the town’s first Methodist “class.” The group later had services at the town schoolhouse and eventually in another town hall that officially became the First Methodist Episcopal Church.
The congregation of First United Methodist Church in Escanaba now has about 40 people, making for a tight-knit group. (Sophie Vogelmann | Daily Press)
Funds were raised sometime in 1872 or 1873 to purchase a $500 lot and construct a church. Valued at $5,500 at the time, it was the third church to be constructed in Escanaba, with the First Presbyterian Church and St. Joseph Catholic Church coming before it.
“The first one burned (in 1878), and then the second one was moved to the parking lot so they had a place to worship while they built this one,” said Barbara Snyder, a longtime member and the church historian.
Construction on the second church began in 1881, and it is recorded that the congregation consisted of 20 members at this time. One year later, four families from the congregation came together to purchase a house for a parsonage, which was moved onto the church’s lot.
First United Methodist saw various improvements during the late 1800s, including cement walks, furnaces, new carpet, stained glass windows and more.
In 1906, the Rev. Frederick Spence came from England and made the decision to construct an entirely new church. The third church, which stands today, was designed by Detroit architect W. Hunter. Rather than being built with wood, it was wisely built with stone. The cornerstone was laid in early summer of 1907, and the new building was estimated to cost $15,000.
The large stained glass window at First United Methodist Church in Escanaba was installed when the current building was constructed in 1907. (Sophie Vogelmann | Daily Press)
Pews from the old church were used in the new church balcony, and they remain in the church today.
One could argue that the focal point of the building is the large, round stained glass window on the east side of the church. “On a sunny day — it faces east – so it gets lots of sun through there. It’s beautiful,” Snyder said.
A closer look at he stained glass windows in the sanctuary on the north and south sides of First United Methodist shows names are written in glass. The windows are dedicated to — or in memory of — Spence and various members of the congregation from the early 1900s. It was recorded in 1909 that the congregation consisted of 174 members, including multiple active leagues and groups.
Ten years later, in 1919, a home at 300 S. Seventh St. was purchased to serve as a parsonage. It would later be sold in 1990. The previous parsonage moved to 230 N. 18th St. While city records don’t necessarily specify, the house that stands there today could very well be the old parsonage.
A major development amongst the Methodist community occurred in May 1939 when the Methodist Episcopal Church (South), the Methodist Episcopal Church and the Methodist Protestant Church united: hence, “Episcopal” was dropped from the church’s name, making it “First Methodist Church.” Many years later, in 1968, the Methodist Church merged with the Evangelical United Brethren Church, so the congregation became First United Methodist Church.
In 1942, the Swedish Methodist Conference merged with the Detroit Conference. Bark River Methodist Church combined with First Methodist Church because of this merger, and a pastor presided over both churches in 1943. Bark River and First Methodist would share pastors over various periods in the future.
By 1946, the church had 315 members, with 220 considered active. Nearly 20 years later, in 1963, the congregation of First Methodist Church would vote against merging with Central United Methodist Church in Escanaba, which had been discussed over the previous decade.
An educational wing was constructed onto the First United Methodist building that was completed in March 1966. Today, the metal seam can be seen at the top of the stairs inside the wing where both the church and wing were conjoined. Other renovations included upgrades to the church’s organ, remodeling the kitchen, a back parking lot and more, at a total estimated cost of more than $125,000.
In the late 1990s, the church saw some conflict related to leadership, resulting in a decline in church membership from 304 members in early 1996 to 185 members in 2001.
The church was rededicated in a service and luncheon on Dec. 9, 2007 — 100 years and one day from the original dedication in 1907.
At the beginning of 2016, the church decided to make their pastoral appointment half-time due to the decline in members, leading to a financial decline. Membership then was at 110 people.
As of 2025, about 40 members regularly attend the church Sundays. Yet while the congregation may have changed, past members still get together to enjoy activities such as dartball in the church basement.
“The church had a dartball team. Back in the day, dartball was big. They would throw the darts at what was like a baseball diamond. Some people would throw too high, and so we have holes in the ceiling. And then there are holes in the floor,” Snyder said. “We laugh. People say, ‘What happened up there?’ Bad throws.”
First United Methodist Church still has a tight-knit congregation that supports causes worldwide. Members at First United collect funds for a children’s hospital in Haiti, this past Sunday reaching $70,000 sent over the past four decades.
The Rev. Erin Totten began serving at First United in July. Totten is also appointed for Central United Methodist Church in Escanaba and Bark River United Methodist Church in Bark River.
“They are a warm and welcoming congregation,” Totten said. “(This is) a family-oriented church that seeks to love Jesus and serve in mission.”
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