1.407.849.6080
142 E Jackson Street, Orlando, FL 32801
Our history
First United Methodist Church of Orlando has been a spiritual presence in the heart of The City Beautiful for more than 140 years. As the city has grown, so has the church in its commitment to put our faith in action by making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.
Our beginnings are traced to the Methodist Circuit Riders, who ministered in the 1840s throughout Central Florida. In 1874, Methodists joined with two other denominations to hold regular church services in the old red-brick country courthouse in the center of town.
In 1882, Methodists built their own small church on the west corner of Magnolia Avenue and Jackson Street.
Our Sanctuary
Our current sanctuary was completed in 1963. With its unique architecture and meaning-filled stained glass, the building is listed on the “Tours of Orlando.”
In 2007, the City of Orlando approached First Church to purchase our Wesley Building to make way for their construction of the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. An agreement was reached, and First Church began to build our new Ministries and Education Building on the same block as our Sanctuary. It opened in 2012 and houses a contemporary worship sanctuary, chapel, fellowship and learning spaces and a variety of church ministries, as well as being open to the downtown community.
For more than a century, ministries of our congregation have reached out to our community. Our church was involved in the start of the Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida, the Christian Service Center, the Russell Home for Atypical Children, and IDignity. First Church has served as the “mother church” for Broadway, Holden Heights (now closed), Pine Hills (now closed), College Park, and St. Luke’s United Methodist churches.
First United Methodist Church of Orlando continues to offer an innovative program of ministries that impact the needs of downtown Orlando, serving from the very young to the young-at-heart, and welcoming all who attend.
Meeting rooms & Event spaces
First Church Orlando offers several options for your conference, event, and meeting needs. An elevator to all public spaces accommodates those with special mobility requirements. We also have wi-fi throughout campus. Whether you’re looking for space for one-time use or on a more ongoing basis, please contact us to discuss the possibilities our downtown campus presents.
To schedule a tour or for more information contact Kim Curtis, Director of Event, Community Partnerships, and Facilities.
If you’re ready to request space for your meeting or event, visit our Facilities Request form.
