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First Methodist Service held in Staunton by Reverend William Parham Randle
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About 1817-1819 early settlers interested in Methodism began establishing homes in the vicinity of what is now the City of Staunton.
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Prior to the year 1853, the Church was served by ministers provided by the Staunton-Greencastle Circuit.
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The first minister who preached in the Township of Staunton was Rev. Parham Randle from the Methodist denomination. He preached at the residence of Richard Chapman in the autumn of 1820. The "History of Macoupin County, Illinois" records that..."this was the first sermon ever delivered in the county...Services were held at Mr. Chapman's at stated times for several years."
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In 1832, Rev. Otwell established a preaching point a the home of Hosea Snell, and later in the schoolhouse (1911-History of Macoupin, Page 205).
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On the deed the names of John Snell, John Forrester, John Bonner, George Caldwell and Jesse D. Carmack appear as Trustees.
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The names of John Snell, Mr. & Mrs. Henry Whalen (Mrs. Whalen was a daughter of the Snells), Mrs. Elizabeth Courtney, Grandma Ellen Moses, Mrs. Mary B. Camp, John Ahren Family, and George Howells family appear as early members of First Church. Their descendants are still members today.
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The first record left by a minister is that of Reverend J. W. Nall, who recorded the year of his appointment as 1868 and his year of leaving the charge at 1870.
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First known records left by a minister.
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The Staunton-Greencastle Circuit was dissolved and Staunton became a charge. Previous Circuits were Walshville and Carlinville.
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Old parsonage built in fall of said year.
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Original two rooms of our present sanctuary were dedicated. Rev. W. B. Bradley was the minister.
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In 1909, the church was a neat frame building along with the parsonage. The land was worth $5,000. The church had an enrollment of 140 members and Sunday School had 200 enrolled.
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Additional rooms were added to the edifice or sanctuary. Rev. F.O. Wilson was the minister. With increased attendance at Sunday School, three additional rooms were built on the North end of the church.
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A pipe organ was presented to the church by the Woman's Society of Christian Service. (Since then a Hammon organ was installed.) Mrs. T. J. Williamson is Organist and Mrs. J. H. Diel is Choir Director. The large stained glass windows were installed. Rev. W. D. Simmons was the minister.
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The present basement was dedicated. Rev. F. M. Latham was the minister during the remodeling and was killed in an automobile accident. He was replaced by Rev. Carl E. Hearn. 40th Anniversary for building
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The present sanctuary was remodeled, with the men of the congregation doing the work. Rev. Lee Mabry was the minister. Extensive remodeling took place.
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A contract was signed to remodel the front entrance and brick veneer the south side of the church and erect a new steeple. (Add'l details about leadership at this time can be found in the 1966 pictorial directory.)
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Front entryway to church edifice was enlarged and remodeled; new steeple was erected and all exterior walls were brick veneered.
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New parsonage built in 1969-1970. Dedicated in 1971.
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Second remodeling and redecorating of the sanctuary
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Dedication of the nursery in memory of Tom Williamson.
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New front doors at front of church installed. Two chair lifts installed - one to sanctuary and one to social rooms.
