Our History

The Wesleyan-Methodist revival made a “whistle stop” in Conway in 1871 that transformed into a major settlement. Who knew that Conway’s first Methodists holding worship services in a boxcar along the Railroad would emerge into a major spiritual force in this town.

From the initial worship gatherings at the Cadron Settlement around 1808 to Faulkner County’s introduction to circuit riders during the remainder of the 1800s to the laying of the first tracks (of what was later part of the Missouri-Pacific Railroad) through the newly established town of Conway in 1870, the congregation of First United Methodist Church has outgrown three previous church buildings.

The beautiful, red-domed structure is the fourth; it was opened on November 14, 1915. The combination of Byzantine and Renaissance architectural styles created a landmark church facility anchoring four succeeding building projects:

• 1955-Educational Building and chapel on Clifton Street (this building was razed in 2008).
• 1970-McHenry Fellowship Center on Prince Street.
• 1992-Hospitality Center (connecting the Sanctuary and the Fellowship Center).
• 2008-Trinity Building, which includes the Great Hall for worship services; youth facilities; pre-school wing; and chapel.

For 100 Days in 2015, the congregation celebrated the 100th anniversary of this beautiful building. For the 100 days following Aug. 2, 2015, activities included:

• Phil Hathcock, our longest-serving pastor, brought the message in the Sept. 13 Sanctuary services as we celebrated past and present pastors.
• Architecture tours of the Sanctuary were held.
• A Sanctuary art display was held in conjunction with Conway ArtsFest, where the church’s youngest artists were invited to submit images of the Sanctuary.
• A new Hall of History was created by History Committee chairman Emily Walter. This area includes photos, original bulletins and blueprints, and other interesting items gathered together from our History Room.
• On Nov. 8, a birthday celebration was held to note the 100th anniversary of the completion of the Sanctuary. Senior pastor Dr. Michael Roberts brought the message of how Conway FUMC’s history has shaped its present and its future. About 600 people attended the festivities.
• A Commemorative 3D replica ornament of the Sanctuary Building was created and sold for $20 each. Extras are available!
• Photographs of church members in and around the Sanctuary were collected and used to create a lovely Mosaic that now hangs in the Hall of History.

The church’s pastors, staff and members invite you to join us on a Christian journey in response to the Bible’s call to be faithful with our “prayers, presence, gifts, service and witness” in following the teachings of Jesus Christ. If you are looking for a community of faith to which you can belong and with whom you can be involved in Christian faith and ministry, you are invited to be in the Body of Christ here.