First Church’s story began in the early 1870s, when a small congregation gathered in Winchester with a shared spirit of faith and community. In 1873, the first United Brethren Church building was constructed on the same site where the church still stands today. As the congregation grew, a new sanctuary was built in 1922 - an early reflection of a church continually responding to the needs of its people.

Through denominational mergers in 1946 and 1968, First Church became part of what is now the United Methodist Church. Along the way, the congregation expanded its ministries and facilities, including the addition of an educational building in 1961 to support learning, fellowship, and spiritual growth.

Over the decades, First Church has remained rooted in service—supporting community outreach through organizations like CCAP, launching Discovery Preschool in 1988, and continually creating spaces for worship, music, and connection.

In the 1990s, the congregation began preparing for the future, prayerfully considering how to grow its ministry. This vision led to the purchase of nearly 16 acres of land in Frederick County in 1996 - planting seeds for what was to come.

In the years that followed, First Church took steady and intentional steps toward that vision. In 1996–1997, a History Committee preserved the church’s story while leadership began formal discussions about relocation. By the early 2000s, planning efforts and congregational conversations helped clarify ministry needs and long-term goals. Through the 2010s, continued discernment, leadership guidance, and community engagement shaped a clearer vision for a future campus—one designed to expand outreach, strengthen fellowship, and serve a growing community.

Today, that vision is coming to life through the “Planting Love, Growing Community” capital campaign. Building on seeds first planted in 1996 and nurtured through decades of prayer, planning, and faithful stewardship, First Church is now stepping into a new chapter. As we move forward in this present season, we are preparing to build a new facility that will expand our ability to welcome, connect, and care for others—ensuring that the legacy of faith begun over 150 years ago continues to grow for generations to come.