On September 28, 1834, Jason Lee preached the first protestant sermon on the west coast at Fort Vancouver.

In 1849, Rev. William Roberts, Superintendent on the Oregon Missions, established the first religious class at Fort Vancouver.

In 1854, Rev. C.O. Hosford became the first United Methodist resident pastor.

The first Methodist Church was erected in 1858 at 8th and Washington streets on a lot sold by Esther Short for the sum of $60.

The second Methodist Church was built in 1883 at 9th and Columbia streets on lots donated by C.C. Gridley and L.A. Banks.

The first church directory was published in about 1912 listing a membership of 345.

The site of the present First United Methodist Church, which includes 10 lots, was purchased from Oregon-Washington Pythian Home on January 21, 1946.  The parsonage on "F" Street was purchased on February 27, 1946, and sold on October 15, 1993.

Groundbreaking ceremonies for the present church building were held on January 8, 1948, with the cornerstone laid on May 22, 1948.  The first service in the new church was a Thursday night prayer service.  The first Sunday service was held on August 20, 1950.  The educational wing was consecrated on November 6, 1960.

The remodeling of the sanctuary was completed in October 1995.  The remodeling of the offices was completed in September 1998.

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