As early Methodism grew out of small group meetings, so did the Methodist church of Fulton.  After the Civil War in 1865, Fultonians began gathering together at Clark's Chapel located several miles south of Fulton, Kentucky in Tennessee.  The roads, which were sometimes impassable, encouraged the local Methodists to find a more convenient location.  An old seminary building at the east end of Lake Street (so named for frequent flooding during heavy rain) served the village for all social, civic and educational functions.  This place was chosen as a new meeting site for the Methodist group.  Under the supervision of Rev. J.T.C. Collins, Memphis Conference Sunday School Agent, and Dr. S.G. Patterson, "Father of Fulton Methodism", the group continued for over two years until a church was organized.

In 1870 the Fulton Methodist Episcopal Church South was formally organized with eighteen charter members.  This was the first church in Fulton.  Rev. T.L. Beard, while serving a circuit of several churches, acted as organizing minister.  Between 1871 and 1873, the Methodists constructed a one room first church building on ground donated by Dr. Patterson located on the state line.  In the year the building was completed, Rev. Collins was appointed the first pastor by the Memphis Conference.  From that time on, the church was no longer part of the circuit and had become a "stationed" church with a full time pastor.

Within eighteen years, a rapidly expanding membership of more than 200 people forced a need for a larger building.  Accordingly, three adjacent lots on the state line were acquired; two donated by J.T. and Mary Collins, and the third purchased.  In 1889 the church moved to a newly constructed larger building, the older building sold to a local Presbyterian congregation.  During the thirty-eight years this building was used, membership increased from 200 to 644.  The Memphis Annual Conference was held in this building in 1898 and again in 1903.

Once again, the congregation outgrew the building.  An old saloon across the street was acquired to house the children's department.  Plans for a new church building began with purchase of a lot on the corner of Carr and Second Streets where an old tobacco barn stood.  In 1927 during the pastorate of Rev. J.V. Freeman, building and finance committees were organized to produce a new church building, and it remains our current church facility.  Building plans were drafted by Spencer & Phillips of Memphis, Tennessee; and the building contractor was Walker Bros. of Birmingham, Alabama.  

Groundbreaking ceremonies were held on March 1, 1927.  On Sunday, February 5, 1928, the first worship service was held in the new building.  Rev. Herbert E. Vaught was the pastor and Bishop H.M. DuBose of Nashville, Tennessee preached at both morning and evening services.  The Bible used in these services was the personal Bible of Rev. Collins, as presented to the church by his widow.  The Bible (over 158 years old) still serves as the pulpit Bible today.  The Memphis Annual Conference was held in this building in 1936.

In years 1980-1982 and 1997 major renovations to the building and sanctuary were completed.  New lighting and sound systems were installed, walls repaired, all woodwork was refinished, and new carpeting was installed.  In 1999 a new handicap entrance and atrium was constructed on the north side of the building.  The Willingham Center, a Christian activities building, was opened  in 1999.  This facility, made possible by the generosity of Mr. and Mrs. Gid Willingham, housed a half-size Olympic pool, gym and meeting room.  The Wade House was also obtained during this time, which has since been replaced by the Community Garden, a ministry of the United Methodist Men.

During the summer of 2020, in the midst of the COVID-19 Pandemic, the Willingham Center pool was covered by flooring to provide space for recreational and fellowship activities. In addition, a technical upgrade was done in the sanctuary to enable live streaming of worship services to the congregation and to replace outdated sound equipment.

On All Saints’ Day, November 1, 2020, we remembered the saints who have gone before us and celebrated 150 years of ministry to the Twin Cities of Fulton, KY and South Fulton, TN. We welcomed Rev. Ben Boone, District Superintendent of the Purchase District UMC to our socially distanced worship. Rev. Boone led worship with Rev. Nancy Johnston Varden, Fulton First UMC Pastor. Bishop Bill McAlilly inspired the congregation with a homily via video. The congregation praised God in song led by the choir, organist/pianist, and praise band. The following video was shown in worship celebrating the fellowship of church family throughout the years. 150th Anniversary Video

On June 20, 2021, Rev. Nancy Johnston Varden led her last worship service at Fulton First UMC before leaving to become District Superintendent of the Purchase District UMC.

On July 11, 2021, we welcomed Pastor Susan Engle as new pastor of Fulton First UMC.

On February 11, 2023, Pastor Susan Engle and James Carrigan were wed in the church sanctuary, followed by a reception at Willingham Center. It was a great celebration!

On June 20, 2023, Kimberly Brann was licensed as a Local Pastor by the Tennessee-Western Kentucky Conference UMC during Annual Conference at the Renasant Convention Center in Memphis. Kimberly was officially appointed as Fulton First UMC’s first Associate Pastor on June 21, 2023.